Innovative Strategies for Eco-Friendly Home Renovations—from Secondhand Kitchens to Old Outdoor Decking

The enthusiasm for enhancing one’s living space has not waned post-pandemic; here are green methods to consider for your upgrades. In recent years, the trend for home renovations in the UK has surged, spurred initially by the pandemic.

According to a study by PWC, consumer interest in sustainable options and local business support has risen sharply since the pandemic.

Whether undertaking a significant home makeover or minor updates, here are some greener alternatives for home improvements.

The movement towards repurposed kitchens is expanding, led by companies like The Used Kitchen Company, Used Kitchen Exchange, and Used Kitchen Hub.

Established in 2005 by Looeeze Grossman, The Used Kitchen Company offers previously owned and display models at a fraction of their original retail cost, sourced from nearly 1,200 showrooms. Grossman notes that the company has prevented about 30,000 tonnes of waste from reaching landfills.

Purchasing these kitchens includes pre-purchase viewing, with services covering dismantling, delivery, and fitting, adapting the kitchen to suit specific spatial needs with encouraged price negotiations.

If you’re considering disposing of an old kitchen, it can be listed on The Used Kitchen Company’s website or through their Kitchen Passport program, also managed by Grossman.

Sustainability might not be a top priority for sleep quality, but Victorian Dreams, established in 1990 by Shabs Kay in an old Hampshire school, revives antique metal and hardwood beds to meet contemporary standards. Kay, who specialises in widening narrow antique beds, also reupholsters and sells vintage-style linens.

For eco-conscious sleeping solutions, Tielle offers bedding made from recycled European down, while Snug’s bedding products are crafted from recyclable materials. There are also numerous eco-friendly mattresses available.

In the realm of seating, Sofas & Stuff pioneers in utilising recycled ocean plastics in all their products, contributing to the prevention of millions of plastic bottles from polluting the seas. Many of the large companies in London collaborate with waste management firms like Topwasters to repurpose or recycle old sofas through British Heart Foundation, of example.

Home Barn, launched by Sarah and Sally Wilkie in 2010, specialises in dining tables crafted from reclaimed wood, each piece uniquely retaining the original wood’s imperfections. They also offer a variety of home goods from their collection.

For water conservation, upgrading to a high-efficiency shower head like Amane’s, which uses fewer gallons per minute than standard models, can significantly cut water usage. Additionally, rimless toilets, such as those from Lusso, reduce water use by half per flush compared to traditional models.

Composite decking, blending hardwood timber with recycled plastics for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal, is another excellent choice for garden renovations. Composite Prime, established in 2014, uses extensive amounts of recycled materials in their products, promoting sustainability.

Exploring second-hand furniture stores or online marketplaces like Haule can also be an eco-friendly and exciting shopping experience. Haule curates pieces from independent vintage sellers, ensuring a tasteful selection of items.

Lastly, personalising your home with energy-efficient lighting like LEDs, which consume less power and last longer, can lead to substantial savings on energy bills.

For those looking to refresh home textiles, machine-safe dyes from brands like DYLON can rejuvenate fabrics without the mess, and visible mending techniques or decorative patches can transform worn items into stylish pieces. For furniture, eco-friendly paints provide a fresh, sustainable update.

In summary, integrating these eco-friendly practices into home renovations not only benefits the environment but also enhances the uniqueness and comfort of your living space.