Last weekend I paid a visit to a popup store I had to see. The store is called ‘Habitatelier‘ and is owned by Ard Regenboog. It was very nice to meet him and to hear him talk passionately about his place and all the products.
One thing that came up in that conversation was the difference between upcycling and upcycling. With this I mean that some people take apart beautiful items to make something else out of them. And others just love the way a vintage product looks and try to preserve that look by repairing it. And then there are ‘upcyclers’ who buy new products and change them into something else.
For me last mentioned has nothing to do with upcycling because they use new products. Upcycling should be all about using discarded materials and products. So if an item would otherwise be thrown away and someone uses it to create another or reused product. That’s when one creates added value to this world.
Re-using unique vintage products and materials
At Habitatelier you will only find original vintage stuff. Like this very, very impressive large tripod lamp! This lamp shows exactly what Habitatelier is all about. Letting vintage products shine as they are, in nice weathered condition, or by creating a combination that results in a stunning piece. And a great combination this lamp certainly is. The wooden stand has brass fittings and is probably used in World War II. With an original copper plate of the U.S. signal corps. Mounted on the tripod is an old weathered ARRI (Arnold & Richter) theater spot. The light is converted into standard E27 fitting. The original switch is reconnected.
Photos © Habitatelier
Ard Regenboog: “At Habitatelier we are attracted to solid raw materials and weathered products. We believe especially these rough materials and products express character. This preference translates to our assortment by the way hand painted canvases and wooden panels are combined with factory lamps, self-made and old furniture and other related products.”
The assortment of Habitatelier is created by and based on the paintings of Ard Regenboog. Besides making paintings he is structurally looking for and using products and materials which complement his work. The result is a unique assortment consisting of special and rare products.
Being at Habitatelier makes you rethink about using and throwing away old products and takes you back in time. A time we shouldn’t forget.
Products by Habitatelier
Since you’re here …
I have a small favor to ask. Thousands are visiting upcycleDZINE for upcycle design inspiration every month. Readers in more than 100 countries around the world are now able to support financially.
upcycleDZINE is a completely independent niche site, is very work-intensive, and offers tons of unique information for free.
To keep upcycleDZINE running, I’m asking you for your support.
Your contribution will allow me to:
– meet the hosting costs
– upgrade to keep track of traffic increases
– add new content, and keep improving the older content
– add new functionalities to this site
– improve how it works and how it looks
– and last but not least, my daily dose of coffee 🙂
Again, all contributions will be reinvested into the aforementioned associated costs of running this blog and will help ensure the ongoing quest for quality upcycle design.
Your kindness and generosity will be greatly appreciated and will give me the motivation to continue.
Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for the future of upcycleDZINE.
Support today from as little as $2 – it only takes a minute. Thank you.
