Eight quick solutions to revitalize your home

7. Vintage frames

“From a sustainability standpoint, we already have too much stuff in the world,” says artist Booth, whose home in Cornwall in the 1970s was crammed with vintage collectibles, stone statues, eel spears, random pottery and repurposed objects. “I love the idea that everything you might need is already somewhere, you just have to find it.” Booth uses old tires for her work and interiors, and they can be found online or at car boot sales. “Old tires add a lot of character,” she adds. “I love the mix of vintage and modern. Most of the art in my home is a complete mix: beautiful hand-carved folk frames next to simple IKEA frames. The contrast is what makes it interesting.”

Retrovis/Simon Upton/Roddell

8. Imaginative recycling

Reusing is a creative exploration: finding something you love at a flea market or online and then incorporating it into your interiors takes you on your own design adventure. An old wooden ladder can serve as a clothes rack; antique bottles as vases or light bases; Wooden crates, boxes, or old boxes provide stylish storage. Speake uses unusual materials in her design projects – including old cheese boards, cigar molding, parquet and other flooring – to create cladding for doors, walls and cabinets, adding texture and warmth.

If we learn to embrace the history and imperfections of the materials used, their second, third or even fourth life proves that style and sustainability naturally coexist.

Retrouvius: Contemporary Rescue – Designing homes through the philosophy of reuse Written by Maria Speck and published by Rizzoli.

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