For Chloe Kempster, up-cycling is a true labour of love – a passion she’s managed to turn into a successful and very fulfilling profession.
On social media, thousands flock to see her stunning furniture transformations, which have even lead to a spotlight on the BBC. Chloe is a regular designer on the show ‘Money for Nothing’ and she has recently released a book, sharing her passion and offering a wealth of up-cycling tips, insight and inspiration…
After speaking with Chloe, we are even tempted to give up-cycling a go ourselves this new year. After all there’s no better time to try something new!
“I love seeing the potential in something and giving it a brand new lease of life,” says the artist of her craft. “You can
see a piece change from something that’s perhaps a little bit unloved and forgotten, to something that’s completely different and amazing…
“You feel like you’re in control of making something magical… ”
When it comes to up-cycling, Chloe is a master of her craft. Her mum was an antiques dealer, so she knows a thing or two about which pieces to look out for. She also has a Fine Art degree, which she puts to good use, creating stunning blooms on sideboards, shelves, cupboards and more…
In 2018, she joined The House of Upcycling, the UK’s leading authority on professional upcycling for interiors, and in 2020 she became Painter in Residence for Annie Sloan. In 2022 she launched her own line of paint colours with American brand Daydream Apothecary, which has led her to hold workshops and demonstrations across America.
Her pieces are bespoke – no two are the same and each is created with a lot of skill and a lot of love… They are all things Chloe would be proud to have in her own home – a stunning 200-year- old cottage in the Leicestershire countryside.
“It’s lucky that I don’t live in a mansion because if I did I’d probably fill it!” she laughs.
“With vintage pieces it’s really hard to let them go because you know you’re probably not going to see them again. They’re all one offs and they’re all bespoke. It’s like letting one of your babies go! But it’s good that they are living on and can find new homes with people that appreciate them.
“I think that’s what makes my job so fulfilling, the story of that piece is going to continue. You’re giving attention to something to make it fresh and relevant again, so that it can go on providing more memories…
“Saving a piece of furniture and rescuing it from becoming unloved has a big part to play in the feel-good factor of it all and therefore is one of the reasons I do what I do,” she adds.
As well as being aesthetically pleasing, buying up-cycled furniture is great for the environment. It’s also great for your mental health Chloe points out.
“In your home, it’s nice to have things that promote a feeling. You don’t get that so much if you buy furniture that’s flat packed.
“If it’s a piece that somebody’s handcrafted for you, or it belonged to someone special, you’re more likely to look after it and hand it down the generations,” she says.
“I think it’s nice to have things that look pretty and are personal to you. I think it makes home a happier place to be.”
As for up-cycling, she encourages everyone to give it a go in 2025.
“The transformation process is such a thrill and definitely creates those happy vibes!”
“I’d start with something small and go from there,” she says.
“Perhaps start with something that isn’t going to be controversial – don’t pick an antique chest of drawers for example. Just pick something that’s really battered and get to work.
“At the end of the day, it’s only paint. Anything that you do can be undone. Initially it’s all about experimentation and playing around. You just learn as you go along. Keep an open mind and most importantly, have fun!”
A wealth of up cycling tips can be found in Chloe’s book ‘Better Than New’.
To find out more, visit: www.chloekempster.com
By Louise Steel
