Summer ‘Reinvented’

June!

With summer officially arriving this month over at The UCHCO HQ we are all about 'Summer Reinvented!'

Every year I like to treat myself to a wardrobe 'staple'. It's good to have a refresh/update and it only takes an accessory or two to lift your whole outfit. I look for something that will stand the test of time, fit around my existing clothing and accessories and of course MUST be sustainable.

With this in mind this years purchase has to be one of our fabulous fair trade handwoven baskets. Ethically sourced from the Bolga region in the upper east of Ghana each one is unique, ensuring fair trade wages for the artisanal weavers and the perfect addition to any outfit and versatile enough to be used as storage when not out and about.

We have a stunning selection in store ...I've just got to choose which one is coming home with me!

The perfect match to our wonderful baskets are our 100% Indian Cotton dresses, easy to wear with jeans, leggings or on their own for that essential summer look. If your looking for that classic wardrobe staple then check out our ever popular 100% Italian Linen range for that effortless chic style, perfect for the beach or add accessories to glam up for that special occasion.

We are also super excited to launch our Summer range of Earth Squared products, including practical and stylish Crossbody pouches ..just perfect for your phone, and minimal essentials and to add even more style we have a range of matching super soft and floaty scarves.

Available in store or from our online shop at www.theupcycledhomeco.co.uk

Summer Reinvention can also include our living spaces and with the good weather we've been having recently I have been Upcycling in the garden. I love to use things others would discard and give them a purpose. One of my favourite reinventions is my rusty bed springs which have been proudly supporting my clematis and roses for years now. I also love our recycled water tanks that now house palm trees!

It just takes a little imagination and time and you can have something truly unique to treasure for years to come.

I have recently 'reinvented' our kitchen too using our in store range of Earthborn paints. As it's a north facing room it needed brightening and freshening, however I wanted a subtle backdrop that would enhance the oak worktops, beams and vintage kitchenalia. The room doubles as a dining space too so it also needed to have a cosy, intimate feeling for kitchen suppers.

I opted for White Clay for the ceiling, a natural soft, clean white, in claypaint as it gives an ultra Matt finish, Maybe Maggie, a warm neutral for the walls in the Lifestyle durable interior emulsion which has a low sheen and is wipable and Crocky Road, a cool contemporary beige with green undertones for the wood work in Eggshell No17 giving a silk sheen and again a durable, wipeable heardwearing finish.

The overall design is now clean, contemporary and fresh. I added a vintage mirror to reflect the natural light from the window opposite it which has a shelf perfect for herbs from the garden and to hand above the hob for cooking. Complete with with several candles in vintage pots which when lit add that feeling of 'Hygge' we now have a timeless light airy space which reflects the garden beyond.

I hope you enjoy a little 'summer reinvention' whatever form that might take....pop in store where one of our lovely team will be delighted to help and advise you on anything from paint to baskets!

Helen x