Certain times of the year naturally invite us to refresh our surroundings. Whether it's the change of seasons, a new year, or simply a desire to breathe new life into our spaces, these moments are perfect opportunities to rethink our interiors and tell our coastal stories more beautifully and sustainably. Embracing eco-friendly updates not only elevates our homes but also supports the planet, creating spaces that feel both inspiring and responsible.
Why choose eco-friendly updates?
Reduces waste (goodbye, landfills!)
Supports local artisans & businesses
Sparks creativity and innovation
Adds character and value to your home
We're going to share some easy and sustainable ways for you to upcycle, upgrade, uplevel and refresh your coastal home...or any home for that matter!
Table of Contents
Upcycle: Breathe New Life into What You Already Love
What is upcycling in home interiors?
Upcycling transforms items that may have served their original purpose into something fresh and functional. Instead of discarding old furniture, give it a new chapter with thoughtful updates that reduce waste and add unique charm to your home.
Take this mid-century chair pictured here for example - a favorite of my father-in-law's since the late 60's. After years of love and use, it was feeling tattered and worn. For his 90th birthday we gave it a fresh restoration and years of life to come.
How can I upcycle old furniture with fresh fabrics?
Laughing Gull Hill's Belgian linen fabric is perfect for reviving old chairs, ottomans, and benches. Reupholster a worn-out armchair with crisp linen, or add slipcovers to dining chairs for a refined coastal vibe. Even a simple wooden bench can become a cozy favorite with a Belgian linen cushion.
Where can I find unique old furniture pieces?
Treasure hunt at local flea markets, estate sales, auctions, or online platforms like Chairish and 1st Dibs. These sources are full of character-filled pieces waiting for a creative touch.
Next time you consider replacing a furniture piece, pause and assess whether it can be upcycled instead. Try reupholstering an old chair, painting a wooden table, or adding new hardware to an outdated dresser.
Must Have Products For Reupholstery
Upgrade: Refresh and Reimagine Your Space
How can I upgrade my furniture and space?
Upgrading means enhancing what you already have with thoughtful details. Use Laughing Gull Hill’s fabric by the yard for slipcovers, window treatments, or table runners that add a breezy coastal charm. Scatter Belgian linen pillows in your living room or bedroom for an instant, timeless refresh.
Why Belgian linen?
Belgian linen’s natural texture and durability make it ideal for everyday living. It’s breathable, beautiful, and long-lasting—perfect for spaces that see lots of love.
Other Ways to Upgrade:
Swap out outdated curtains for fresh Belgian linen drapes to enhance natural light.
Create a DIY headboard using Belgian linen fabric for a coastal-inspired bedroom transformation.
Use fabric remnants to craft custom placemats or napkins for a cohesive dining experience.
Pick one area of your home that feels tired and find a simple upgrade—new throw pillows, a linen table runner, or fresh slipcovers can make a huge difference.
Refresh your space with custom-made details or easy throw pillows.
"Belgian linen’s natural texture and durability make it ideal for everyday living. It’s breathable, beautiful, and long-lasting—perfect for spaces that see lots of love."
Uplevel: Elevate Your Coastal Home Design
Tips for an elevated coastal home:
Upleveling is about taking your space from functional to aesthetically interesting. Start with what you already have - such as coastal collections, artwork and vintage finds.
Blend textures: Combine linen with wood - as we've done with the vintage Morris style chair and our LGH painterly stripe fabric.
Play with color: Coastal Navy blue and flax grounds the look but adding a pop of color in the seaweed sunny ochre pillow adds the fun and keeps it coatal.
Add artisanal touches: A woven basket filled with the family's nautical buoy collection keeps the space feeling casual, coastal, and collected.
Embrace simplicity: One black framed and matted photo of a channel marker with a couple laughing gulls hanging out makes the biggest statement.
Laughing Gull Hill
Conclusion
Refreshing your coastal home with eco-friendly materials like Belgian linen not only enhances your space but also nurtures a sustainable future. With Laughing Gull Hill, you can upcycle, upgrade, and uplevel your interiors to create a home that’s uniquely yours while honoring our environment.
Ready to refresh your coastal retreat? Laughing Gull Hill is here to help you create a space that’s as beautiful as it is sustainable.
The Author: Beth Odence
Beth Odence is a passionate advocate for sustainable design and timeless interiors. With a keen eye for blending eco-friendly materials with coastal elegance, she helps homeowners create spaces that are both beautiful and responsible. Beth’s expertise in textiles and home styling shines through in her thoughtful approach to upcycling, upgrading, and upleveling interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Belgian linen a sustainable choice for home decor?
Belgian linen is made from flax, a plant that requires minimal water and pesticides. It’s biodegradable, durable, and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
How can I maintain Belgian linen upholstery and pillows?
Belgian linen is naturally durable and gets softer with use. To maintain it, vacuum regularly, spot clean with mild soap and water, and use removable slipcovers for dry cleaning.
How do I mix vintage and modern elements for a balanced coastal look?
Blend antique furniture with clean-lined contemporary pieces. Use Belgian linen textiles to tie everything together and maintain a cohesive, timeless aesthetic.
What are the best color palettes for a coastal home refresh?
Color is personal, so use what makes you happy! Our view is that color blending with your coastal vibe makes a room feel collected and curated - not copied.
Upcycle - use what you have vs buying something new
Upgrade - consider reupholstering those hand-me-downs with Belgian linen preserving for the next generation
Uplevel - this is an opportunity for enhancing a nook, a room or your entire home. Doing it in the most eco-friendly way makes it even more special.
