Repurposing, Refurbishing, Reusing, Recycling, Upcycling…

Are just some words that surface when reimaging a new design aesthetic that speaks to a desire for style that reflects a new consciousness around consumerism, conspicuous consumption, constant waste production and capitalist creative destruction.
Here is a remarkable Vancouver, BC kitchen made almost entirely out of upcycled materials that were destined for the landfill.

Talk about a super sustainable reno on a budget! 

Photo: Courtesy of Christina Symons, Vancouver Sun

Upcycling refers to the process of turning an object being thrown out, or headed for a landfill, into something with greater value by either changing its function or form.

It speaks to our desire for eco-friendly living and our yearning for individuality. What’s more, it’s a totally refreshing notion of improving or upgrading rather than ‘downcycling’ or downgrading materials, with little to no cost saving.

Photo: Courtesy of Christina Symons, Vancouver Sun

Photo: Courtesy of Christina Symons, Vancouver Sun

Photo: Courtesy of Christina Symons, Vancouver Sun

These granite counters were also salvaged. The sink, termed “Janitorial-chic” by Christina Symons (the co-creator and proprietor of the kitchen!) was also thrown out and found in a bush! And finally the stunning thick cedar wood table was saved from a sawmill burn pile.

This one of a kind kitchen is sure to inspire anyone with a creative, imaginative, or innovative inkling!

This is inspiring!

Design of kitchen and photos: Christina Symons; builder: Jeff Dexter

Researched and Written by: Julia Borowicz
Urban Studies and Human Geography
University of Toronto, Undergraduate Studies