About

From a Twitter hour to the UK and Ireland's leading authority on professional upcycling for interiors, the House of Upcycling story is certainly a unique one. Founded in 2014 by eco interiors educator, designer and facilitator Chris Billinghurst, the organisation has gone from strength to strength and today it continues to champion the benefits of buying and commissioning designer upcycling as well as offering people the opportunity to learn how to upcycle from the professionals. Every upcycle moves us toward more environmentally positive lifestyles as part of a less impactful existence, providing products with a unique and individual aesthetic.

With a wide ranging portfolio of industry partners including UK and European universities, institutes and design schools, sustainability leaders and interior designers, the House of Upcycling also takes part in many national and local events, spreading the word about the environmental, ethical, economical and aesthetic values of the craft as well as campaigning for the elevation of the standards and status of professional upcycling. But at its heart, The House of Upcycling has always been about supporting and promoting the work of its member artisans - featured below are eight founder members all of whom have created successful businesses producing beautiful and functional pieces which celebrate both style and sustainability.

2014

#UpcycledHour launches on Twitter

2018

#UpcycledHour takes part in national events including the Handmade Fair and Grand Designs Live ExCeL and NEC | Chris Billinghurst (founder) joins panel of judges at the London Upcycling Show

2020

The House of Upcycling joins Interior Design Declares and partners Design Havens for Heroes. Chris Billinghurst (founder) invited to contribute to the DeMontfort University Upcycling Symposium and writes a chapter for their publication 'State of the Art Upcycling'.

2022

January: Chris Billinghurst (founder) joins the DeMontfort University International Upcycling Research Network

January: The House of Upcycling becomes the main contributor of 'The Salvaged Home Show', as part of the first 'New Year's Restoration' event hosted by the Bristol Upholstery Collective
May: Grand Designs Live sees the House of Upcycling takeover the Upcycling Hub in its entirety and contribute to the Ask An Expert stand for the first time at ExCel.
May: The House of Upcycling showcases its members' creations and hosts upcycling demos at Clerkenwell Design Week
September: The House of Upcycling becomes the first professional upcycling for interiors exhibitor and presenter of talks as part of Design London's Discussions programme.
October: The House of Upcycling hosts a stand within the Interiors section of Grand Designs Live NEC together with demos on the Interiors Stage and contributes to the Ask An Expert facility. Members featured in LivingEtc, Country Living magazine and The Times.
November: The House of Upcycling opens its membership to professional upcyclers located in Europe, the USA and Canada.

2016 and 2017

#UpcycledHourLive Brighton - the first UK event to showcase and retail professional upcycling for interiors

2019

#UpcycledHour closes and rebrands to become the House of Upcycling | The House of Upcycling hosts stands at the House & Garden Festival and Grand Designs Live, becomes a contributing partner for KLC School of Design courses and joins the British Institute of Interior Design as an Industry Partner | Chris Billinghurst (founder) wins the Blue Patch Female Entrepreneur of the Year award.

2021

Members of the House of Upcycling appear regularly on television programmes including 'Money for Nothing', 'Saved & Remade' and 'Mend It For Money' | Chris Billinghurst (founder) takes part in BIID video discussing sustainability for interiors and Grand Designs Live video for their Self-Build & Renovation weekend | The House of Upcycling is mentioned in first BIID guide to sustainable working for interior designers and on-stage at Decorex.