About Done up North

I set up Done up North in 2016 on my return to the North from London.  Over the the last 8 years the name has become well known within the industry for creating distinctively upcycled vintage furniture with unique designs, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes experience and upcycling know-how. 

Designs that are all about completely re-imagining and repurpose pieces from old, tired and ready to be tipped to exciting, dynamic and treasured. 

My aesthetic is to carefully balance the historical with the contemporary so that the designs suit the pieces perfectly but yet they are timeless enough to endure to become future heirlooms, handed down, rather than go out of style and discarded once again.   

That's also why I have worked hard - and continue to - in order to make sure to use products and techniques that will make sure they stay looking good long term. 

Geometric Design

Although producing upcycled furniture in a variety of styles over the years, I particularly specialise in (and love!) geometric surface patterns inspired by Modernist design, both Mid Century and Art Deco. 

All my designs are created by applying and painting intricate tape patterns by hand and can take many hours to produce.   

I love to pair striking geometric design with gorgeously restored vintage wood and super smooth finishes and cool upcycled and new fittings. 

I've been sourcing and renovating vintage furniture for a long time so have amassed a vast background of knowledge about all things vintage as well as upcycled, but I'm always striving to innovate with techniques and design and try do things a little differently! 

Done up North designs

Done up North appearances

I've demonstrated my personal design techniques at Grand Designs Live London and Birmingham and exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week and Design London 2022 under the auspices of The House of Upcycling - the UK's leading membership for Professional Upcyclers. 

I've also appeared at Living North Live and Leeds International Festival of Ideas sharing inspiration for upcycling interiors through talks and demonstrations.

In the last few years I've become an artisan on BBC1s flagship upcycling programme, Money for Nothing bringing my design skills to projects salvaged from the tip by JJ Chalmers and Jacqui Joseph. 

(See links below for episodes that have already gone out).

The next generation of Upcyclers

As well as designing and creating for clients, I've also dedicated a significant portion of time over the past 5 years to sharing my experience and teaching the next generation of furniture refinishing artists through my face-to-face workshops and online courses and masterclasses.

I'm now taking my workshops and talks around the country and will be sharing more of my personal upcycling projects - including my vintage Motorhome - through my You Tube channel. 

Upcycling design advice

Done up North also provides upcycling consultancy and advice to help  individuals, organisations and businesses review and plan ways make the most of the things they already have, discover the best ways to upcycle so they stay looking good, and ensure everything works cohesively together. 

Essentially I'm here to help you with stylish ways to salvage, repurpose and upcycle and help you make your home – and life! – more of an expression of you and give you the pleasure of creating something planet & pocket friendly and personality filled. 

Done up North services 

If you would like me to come and talk to your organisation or group about the benefits of upcycling, host a workshop in your venue or have an upcycled design consultation, please do get in touch.

Drop me an email if you'd like to set up a time to chat -  nicky@doneupnorth.com

Nicky x

You can read more about me and my own story here

Follow me on Instagram if you would like to see what I'm up to

Money For Nothing Series 14 Ep 4
Money For Nothing Series 14 Ep 9