The unidentifiable beauty and sustainable appeal of re-using the old.

Sometimes you need to think a while about comments that are made on statements one shares on well-known social media platforms. Whether it is sharing a photo of an achievement you are happy with, or expressing a thought on a certain subject. Often the first reaction that comes to mind, might be a true reflection of your feelings, but will in most cases lack the necessary nuances. After classifying one's thoughts, and taking a deeper look into the reasoning for the fundamentally different view than the comment you received on such a post, it might become clear that a short reply won't get the extended reasons behind a statement across. In some cases, it takes an essay on the subject to illustrate one's well-considered principles. The whole process of trying to put one's view into words can turn out into a time-consuming undertaking, which in this case it did. It's been a long time since I wrote a piece (on this blog or elsewhere), but the latest experience with moving our belongings to a new house, renewed my insight on the personal intake on sustainability. 

The unidentifiable beauty and sustainable appeal of re-using the old.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and the pursuit of modernity, while writing this, I'm sitting on one of the dining chairs that was bought by my great-grandmother in 1910. Most of the curtains changed address multiple times, some are even more than a century old, as are some of the cabinets and tables that used to stand in our parents' or grandparents' houses. They are timeless and sustainable alternative that not only brings elegance to our homes but also promotes environmental consciousness. Decorating a new home with family-owned (antique) furniture, art, curtains, and appliances can yield numerous advantages, both in terms of aesthetics and sustainability. I do have the advantage of being able to repair/restore furniture and paintings, as that is one of the professional skills I learned in my younger years.

Older furniture (it doesn't necessarily have to be officially antique) possesses a unique charm that transcends time and trends. Crafted with precision and artistry, these pieces carry a rich history and cultural significance. The use of high-quality materials and intricate craftsmanship in older furniture ensures durability, making them timeless additions to any home. The warm hues, authentic patina, and intricate detailing of antique pieces create an atmosphere of nostalgia and sophistication, giving a home a distinctive character.

One of the most compelling reasons to choose antique furniture is its sustainability. Unlike mass-produced modern furniture that often utilizes materials with high environmental costs, older pieces have already withstood the test of time. By incorporating older and secondhand furniture into a new home, individuals contribute to the reduction of demand for new raw materials and the energy-intensive manufacturing processes associated with contemporary furniture production. This Eco-friendly approach aligns with the principles of sustainability, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of decorating your home.

The production of new furniture often involves the extraction of raw materials, transportation, and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. In contrast, choosing antique, or secondhand furniture reduces the demand for such processes, helping to lower the overall carbon footprint associated with making a house your home. By re-purposing existing pieces, you can actively participate in the circular economy and minimize the environmental impact. The whole thought process on the subject was instigated by a comment from a friend on our way of moving items and tools around from room to room while painting walls and ceilings and adjusting bookcases to the dimensions of the new house. And yes, starting all over, leaving everything behind except the really personal belongings looks like an easy option (his rate of items moving to a new place was 5 percent, while in contrast, we moved 95 percent of our belongings to the new property, although we are downsizing), but, to me, seems rather foolish in both an economical as an environmental way. Why should you buy new furniture and appliances if you already own them? 

For example; There is a rather old-fashioned kitchen in the property we moved into, with curtains on front of the lower cabinets, while the upper cabinets have solid oak doors. It wasn't hard to find some matching cabinet doors so I replaced the curtains for these secondhand solid oak doors and even used hinges that I had in stock. (I did take many IKEA kitchen parts from the skip, and collected dozens of hinges and drawer slides over the years) The (IKEA) laminated particle board is something I do not want in our house, for obvious reasons, so that was left at the skip. Of course, our kitchen doesn't have the sleek look of the ones in the brochures, but it doesn't need to be. Functionality always comes first, and styling is quite possible with some trim and paint. 

Particle board is widely used in the furniture and construction industries due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. Wood has become rather expensive over the last few years, that's why recycling is the best option. Next to that, particleboard production involves processes that have negative effects on the environment, primarily related to the use of adhesives and energy consumption. The most common concern with particleboard is the use of adhesives, particularly urea-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde resins. These resins release formaldehyde gas, a known volatile organic compound (VOC) that can contribute to indoor air pollution. Formaldehyde exposure is associated with respiratory issues and has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The manufacturing process involves the use of various chemicals, some of which are toxic. The release of these chemicals into the environment during production or as part of the finished product has adverse effects on ecosystems and human health, while the production of particle board, especially the pressing stage, requires a significant amount of energy. Once particle board reaches the end of its life cycle, it is often challenging to recycle. The adhesives and resins used in its production can make it difficult to separate and reuse the wood fibers effectively. This difficulty in recycling contributes to the amount you'll find on the skip. In the regions where they produce particle board cheaply, lax environmental regulations or inadequate enforcement leads to improper disposal of waste from particle board production facilities. This results in soil and water contamination, negatively impacting local ecosystems and communities, as you can see in some documentaries made in China. Next to the fact that laminated particleboard is not repairable the moment it gets in contact with moister after the lamination is damaged, I guess this explains my problems with the material. It's just no good and one should be aware of that before buying this “universal furniture” that occupies so many homes.

I'd rather rely on the craftsmanship that has gone into older furniture, it not only brings aesthetic appeal but also preserves cultural heritage. Each piece tells a story, reflecting design sensibilities of a particular era. To maximize the positive impact on the environment, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach to home decor. Beyond furniture, incorporating art, curtains, and appliances enhances the overall sustainability of the home. Vintage artwork and curtains add character and uniqueness, while older (repaired/working) appliances contribute to the reduction of electronic waste. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive and environmentally conscious design that reflects at least our individual tastes and values. The extended amount of cubic meters involved while moving from one place to the other, we'll take for granted. The moment you place that furniture against a new wall, the curtains are in front of a window, rugs are on the floor, and paintings are hung up, this new strange property becomes instantly a home. 

In conclusion, the advantages of decorating a new home with the furniture you already own, extend far beyond aesthetics, encompassing sustainability and environmental consciousness. Choosing to use your own furniture, art, curtains, and appliances in a new place, not only enhances the individuality of a home but also contributes to a more sustainable and Eco-friendly lifestyle. By embracing the elegance of the past, you can create a harmonious living environment that resonates with your own background, style, and sustainability.