Going Underground

Last night, I watched George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4 (UK), the first episode in a new series exploring the way people live in, and transform, small spaces. The highlight for me was this converted underground public toilet in London, cleverly transformed into a beautiful one bedroom home. It's quite incredible how much light floods through the wells from the pavement above. They even have outdoor space...although I'd be quite concerned about the odd drunk using it, and the entrance stairwell, as the space was intended!
Although the final result is certainly amazing, it would have taken some industrial rubber gloves and a ridiculous amount of bleach! What do you think? Would you take on such a mammoth task?
UPDATE: After tweeting Laura Jane Clark, the owner and designer of this underground home, she has clarified that in fact the original tiles in the kitchen were not those of the urinals. They were in fact behind the basins. Much less gross!

images and more info from the Telegraph

Tactile Twigs

These fuzzy twigs have been found, then transformed, then illuminated by London based designer, Nic Parnell as part of his 'Outside In' range. The branches and timber are either found or sourced, with the help of tree surgeons, and upcycled using different techniques including electro-static flocking with nylon, as seen on these awesome lamps. Check out his new collection, Cleavage.

all images from here

Project Upcycle...

I have a couple of little furniture refurb projects awaiting my attention, cluttering up the flat. I know what I want to do with them but finding the space and the time with the baby around is proving a little challenging. Whenever I need a little motivation boost I take a look at Trash; Edinburgh based designer Caroline Key's site packed full of brilliantly renovated furniture projects. Her pieces are a little bit different, from the run of the mill before and after projects you see. Caroline works with bold colours and geometric patterns, often letting the original wood finish shine through, producing a pretty spectacular result...

I might just give in and send my furniture her way....

Wary Mears Wares

I've blogged about this creative couple before. Wary Mears are an upcycling phenomenon! Their projects are pretty awesome...
If you happen to find an old canoe or an Eames chair in a skip, why not give it a wee spruce up with a pattern, hand painted on, inspired by British textile designer, Celia Birtwell?
'Naturally', I hear you say...

...whatever you do to them you probably wouldn't expect them to look as cool as this...and you'd probably never think to hang them from the ceiling in you Portland apartment...well, I wouldn't anyway.
Found on Wary Mears' blog

DollyLeo

The beginning of this year saw the end of an awesome shop on my little high street. I have posted about DollyLeo before. It was opened by Sadie Jean Sloss, a very talented make up artist, who, after a busy and succesful few years, building the brand and online shop, has taken a massive leap and upped sticks to New York City.  As the online shop was so successful, Sadie made the difficult decision to continue with that but cut some ties and, sadly, close the shop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
The interior was was an ecclectic mix of upcycled furniture, funky lights, dark grey walls, a purple painted floor and some bold wallpaper. It all came together to create a great little space which was unlike any other in the area and perhaps, Edinburgh. The products she sourced were mostly exclusive to DollyLeo and included, the all organic Dr. Alkaitis skincare and the amazing Ellis Faas make up range, among many others.

DollyLeo Apothecary and Sadie are missed around these parts, but at least you can still get all the goodies here.

Teatime Upcycle

UK illustrator, Esther Coombs, upcylcles charity shop tableware finds with her pretty architectural ink drawings. The cake stands are piled high with pretty vintage glassware and a teacup on top.

Elevenses anyone...?