At our Design Studio, we believe that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Creativity flourishes when we look beyond the obvious and reimagine discarded and forgotten items. Join us on the blog as we explore how to repurpose and breathe new life into old materials, transforming them into something truly extraordinary.
In the Refuel Bar at The Soho Hotel, we’ve incorporated hints of the building’s history as a former car park. As part of this theme, we sourced vintage toy cars and placed them in Perspex cases to create a quirky and nostalgic coffee table. The result is a playful yet functional design that honours the building’s past while adding an unexpected touch to the space.
Large collections of objects always make for an intriguing display and we’ve done just that with a colourful collection of vintage oil cans and containers at the Refuel Bar. Arranged on shelves, these items bring character and a touch of industrial charm to the space, making them both visually appealing and conversation-worthy.
At the Croc Bowling Alley at Ham Yard Hotel, we embraced the art of upcycling once again. This time, we collected old, disused bowling shoes from eBay and displayed them in Perspex boxes on the wall. The effect is both playful and impactful, adding a quirky touch to the space while giving new life to forgotten items.
At Ham Yard Hotel, we’ve incorporated hanging lampshades woven from discarded plastic bottles, transforming waste into both a functional and visually striking design element. This upcycling process not only repurposes materials but also adds a unique and sustainable touch to the space, making it as environmentally conscious as it is aesthetically pleasing.
We love to incorporate items that carry a history, as they create spaces that are filled with character and intrigue. For example, antique British baskets hang in The Whitby Bar and Restaurant in New York, inviting guests to imagine the lives of the people who once used them. By displaying disused items, we create a room that feels interactive and personal, sparking curiosity and conversation.
The possibilities for upcycling are endless and it offers the perfect opportunity to think creatively and outside the box. We love when our guests discover these unique, subtle details that aren’t immediately obvious—like our upcycled lamps, which are crafted from everyday items. These hidden treasures add a special touch to our spaces, making them all the more memorable.
One of our favourite projects involved wrapping a chest of drawers in fabric, giving it a bespoke, fresh look that serves as a statement piece in the room. These transformations allow us to infuse spaces with a sense of uniqueness and style.
We hope we’ve inspired you to think outside the box and see the potential in repurposing what might otherwise be considered trash, turning it into treasure.