On your bike! Three easy up-cycling skills

The re-invention of old furniture to funky new life is everywhere.

Putty-coloured, over-painted pine, and retro-minded material set over 70s seating is so widespread, you might wonder will all this environmentally-friendly fun stay the course? I think there are so many ways to go with recycling good, robust furniture that it will survive as a lifestyle choice and go where fashions do, but we may be freeing some better vintage pieces from some heavy-handed decorative vandalism in 20-30 years? Doubtless. Trending in up-cycled furniture colours has already drifted from foggy heritage shades (my preference, it has to be said) to flirty, retro colours. Orange, purple, shocking pink, and I was recently introduced to a dandy Florence Green by the crew at The Restore in Fermoy. Put on blousy old vintage pieces, these brights read as outrageous baroque. If you want to have a go, start with a simple over-paint and optional handle change. Here’s a short three-theme guide to get you started on a recreation of bold re-creation.

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