Hello
If there’s one thing I adore about creating spaces that feel lived in and loved, it’s the quiet magic that comes from pieces with a past. Just like the bespoke soft furnishings we craft at em billie co, furniture that’s been gently loved before carries a story and that story is exactly what makes your home feel warm, personal and timeless.
The joy of buying second hand
Buying second hand isn’t just about savings. It’s about quality, character and sustainability. Well made furniture from years past often outlasts mass produced alternatives, crafted with care and materials that age beautifully. And because these pieces have lived before, they bring a depth to your space that feels individual and alternate.
Across Australia and beyond, more people are embracing the second hand market, hunting for those one off finds that speak to them, restoring them and giving them new life. It’s a beautiful, mindful way to curate a home that feels unique and meaningful.
Upcycling and breathing new life into treasured finds
Upcycling is a joyful blend of preservation and creativity. Whether it’s reupholstering a vintage armchair with a luxurious tactile fabric or refinishing a frame in a soft earthy tone, each transformation adds soul and personality to your home.
Right now, upcycled furniture is enjoying a renaissance as homeowners and makers rethink old pieces, celebrating craftsmanship and reducing waste. These pieces become beautiful extensions of your personal style, much like how we think about curated cushions and textiles that elevate comfort while telling a story of thoughtful design.
The Laura Ashley revival
Floral patterns and classic prints aren’t just relics of the past. They’re having a heartfelt comeback. Think gentle blooms, soft pastels and that classic English country charm that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
This look pairs beautifully with second hand treasures. Imagine a reclaimed timber sideboard alongside a floral upholstered armchair, layered with soft cushions in velvet or woven textures. It’s a conversation between past and present and one that feels welcoming, familiar and lived in.
Style that feels like home
Whether you’re browsing a local vintage market, restoring a family heirloom or welcoming a floral statement piece into your living space, the rise of second hand and upcycled furniture is about celebrating sustainability, sentiment and style.
Homes don’t need to feel perfect. They need to feel like yours.
And if you’d ever like help bringing these pieces together with handcrafted soft furnishings designed for real life, I’d love to help.
With love,
Em x
Image - design by Em Bloom floral cushion & Wedgwood velvet pouf.