Materials are welded, sawn and cast for a true workshop feel. More and more design newcomers are picking up a soldering iron, orbital sander or hammer. If they can’t find the lamp or table they are looking for, they set to work to create the object of their dreams. Some of the resulting products could easily go into serial production – and some of them do.

One example is the design by Lichtfasscompany. Creative directors Katrin and Andy Wyeth spent years looking for the right lamp for their dining room and finally decided to develop their own look - a high-end industrial aesthetic that can compete with big names such as Joost van Bleiswijk, Simon Hasan or Oscar Narud, offering a more affordable option. The body of the lamps is made from discarded 60 and 200-litre steel barrels, each of which has its own unique coloring. Minor signs of wear, such as tiny dents and scratches, simply add to the appeal of these one-offs. Every customer can configure a personal light and choose whether to have it stripped of color or painted, as well as the color of the textile cord. Everything is handmade.

Lichtfasscompany

And, of course, there are numerous blogs offering an unlimited source of inspiration for unconventional upcycling ideas. Like recycling, upcycling is a form of preventing waste. Used and discarded materials create a high quality, new design object. Unlike recycling, upcycling consumes hardly any energy. Some of the best-known examples are furniture designs made of used wooden pallets that inspire handy internet users. Another upcycled furniture- example includes the Easy Rider cantilevers that not only look cool but can’t be found anywhere else – guaranteed.

Easy Rider-Freischwinger