In an age when we can buy the same bookcase in Sweden, Singapore, and San Francisco, adding individuality to our surroundings is increasingly important. It creates a sense of place, a feel of home.

Upcycling sums up today’s approach to interiors. It means re-using or re-styling things in an innovative and contemporary way, transforming an older piece of furniture from junk to fabulous. The same idea can even be applied to mass-market modern furniture—through "hacking," you can give it a brand new use or an entirely different look. Both upcycling and hacking are about re-purposing, taking an inexpensive item and re-working it into something special and unique. It’s not just about making the most of your budget, although upcycling and hacks will save you money. It’s about having a home that reflects your style and individuality. Sometimes it’s just a question of looking at "that old thing" in a different way, such as hanging an empty picture frame on the wall, using a piece of outdoor furniture inside, adding different doors to chain-store fittings, or combining traditional and modern in quirky, individualistic ways.

Liz Bauwens is a freelance stylist who has worked for many publications, including 'House and Garden', 'Good Housekeeping', and 'Country Homes and Interiors'. Alexandra Campbell is a writer whose work has appeared in many national newspapers and magazines, including 'The Times', 'The Independent', and 'Financial Times'. Liz lives in London and Alexandra lives in Kent, UK.