Micaela Sharp’s top tips for recycling vintage furniture

Upholsterer and sustainable interior designer, Micaela Sharp, is an expert in breathing new life into antique and pre-loved furniture. She is also co-founder of bespoke furniture and interiors collection, Studio Janettie, and stars in shows including BBC2’s Interior Design Masters, Channel 4’s Changing Rooms and Discovery Plus’s Kings of the Wood. 

We’re delighted that Micaela is going to be joining us for a weekend of all things vintage at this year’s Revival in our all-new Revive & Thrive Village.

Here, she shares her passion for sustainability and pre-owned interiors, and reveals how you too can start reupholstering your own pieces at the Revival and beyond…

Why is upholstering such a great practice to get into?

Upholstery has the ability to make the everyday memorable: your favourite spot on the sofa for movie night, your grandma's armchair, the window bench where you read. Upholstery is quite literally the fabric of our lives. Being able to reimagine a piece and transform it is a wonderful process, which not only saves furniture from landfill but allows you to be creative.

Can you reupholster any piece of furniture?

Even the most damaged seating can be reupholstered. It may involve some woodwork to fix the frame but everything is possible – I once took a wingback chair that had been abandoned in a barn, covered in bird muck and completely reupholstered it! It was stunning after a refresh.

What are some of the reasons you love reupholstering?

Saving furniture from landfill and being able to revamp family heirlooms are two reasons I will always opt to reupholster over buying something new. I am currently in the new season of Changing Rooms and season two of Kings of the Wood and both shows will definitely give you a little taste of my passion for interiors and upholstery! I find it really relaxing because not only are you making something totally unique, but every project is different so you’re always learning.

What are your expert tips for those looking to spruce up their interiors and home design?

The best way to approach your own home design is by first identifying your true needs. Do you need more seating, more storage or new lighting?

Then, be honest with yourself about how you would truly like to live. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trends that you might like online, but could you really live with tiger print wallpaper for the rest of your life?

Where can people learn how to reupholster their own furniture, beyond the Revival?

My online course with Create Academy is out in September and teaches modern upholstery for beginners. I cover three projects (a shaped headboard, sewing a box cushion and reupholstering a mid-century armchair). People can follow along at their own pace and make some beautiful bespoke furniture for their home. By the end of the workshop you’ll be able to tackle any household project with confidence.

What will you be doing at this year’s Revival?

As a sustainable interior designer and upholsterer, my focus is always on reusing and upcycling. The Revive & Thrive Village cabins at Revival will be full of like-minded creatives, so I'm excited to not only be sharing my reupholstery knowledge with some demonstrations, but also hosting talks with fellow makers and industry leaders. This will be my first time at Revival and I can’t wait – please do come and say hello!  

You can get up close and personal with Micaela’s style and reupholstery skills at this year’s Revival, where she’ll be one of many inspiring makers appearing in the Revival’s all new Revive & Thrive Village. In addition to watching her in action, reupholstering furniture at the event, Micaela will be sharing her knowledge by hosting talks with fellow creatives.

Book your tickets now to join the second-hand revolution.