Why We Value Things More When We Repair Them
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

Why We Value Things More When We Repair Them

Why does a repaired chair often feel more valuable than a brand-new one? From psychology and craftsmanship to sustainability and community skills, restoring furniture changes the way we see the things we own. Here's why repairing something can make us value it more than replacing it.

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DIY Furniture Upcycling Ideas: Easy Ways to Give Old Furniture a New Life
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

DIY Furniture Upcycling Ideas: Easy Ways to Give Old Furniture a New Life

From tired side tables to worn-out dining chairs, furniture upcycling is one of the easiest ways to create a more personal, sustainable home. Here are some simple DIY furniture recycling ideas that can help give old furniture a second life, without needing a professional workshop or huge budget.

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Could Greater Manchester Become a Circular Economy Leader?
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

Could Greater Manchester Become a Circular Economy Leader?

Greater Manchester has the potential to become one of the UK’s leading circular economy regions. From furniture reuse and repair workshops to community-led sustainability projects, a growing movement is challenging waste culture and proving that local solutions can create lasting environmental and social impact.

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Chair Caning Is Cool Again (And Here’s Why)
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

Chair Caning Is Cool Again (And Here’s Why)

Chair caning is having an unexpected revival. From sustainable interiors to slow living and hands-on creativity, more people are rediscovering traditional furniture restoration skills as an antidote to fast furniture and endless screen time. Here’s why this centuries-old craft is suddenly cool again.

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The Emotional Side of Furniture: Why It’s So Hard to Let Go
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

The Emotional Side of Furniture: Why It’s So Hard to Let Go

Furniture isn’t just practical, it’s emotional. From sofas to dining tables, our homes are filled with pieces tied to memory and routine. Here’s why letting go can be difficult, and how reuse gives furniture a meaningful second life.

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Is Our Furniture Still Safe?
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

Is Our Furniture Still Safe?

The UK has some of the strictest furniture fire safety regulations in the world, but are they still fit for purpose?

For decades, upholsterers and manufacturers have relied on chemical flame retardants to meet open flame testing requirements. Now, growing evidence around their impact on human health and the environment is raising serious questions.

With proposed reforms set to shift toward smoulder testing and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, the future of upholstery could look very different.

Here’s what every upholsterer needs to know.

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If Furniture Had Dating Profiles
Mackenzie Clarke Mackenzie Clarke

If Furniture Had Dating Profiles

If furniture had dating profiles…

What if your sofa, bed or favourite charity shop find had a dating profile? We imagined exactly that, and whilst it’s a bit of fun, it also reveals something important about how we value, or overlook, the furniture we live with every day.

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