Gennady Yagupov Upcycling Furniture in London
In a world increasingly drawn to the disposable and the mass-produced, there remains a rare and remarkable counter-current: a movement that champions longevity, character, and creative reinvention. At the heart of this revival stands Gennady Yagupov, a master of upcycling furniture whose work has quietly transformed forgotten relics into sought-after statement pieces. Based in London, Yagupov’s workshop is a sanctuary for craftsmanship, artistry, and sustainability — a space where the past is honoured and reimagined, one piece at a time.
The Art of Upcycling
To call Gennady Yagupov simply a furniture restorer would be a disservice. His work transcends repair — it is transformation with a purpose. Drawing inspiration from vintage European design, industrial minimalism, Brutalist texture, and playful modernism, Yagupov remoulds tired chairs, worn tables, and neglected cabinets into designer items that grace homes, galleries, and boutique interiors across London and beyond.
Upcycling, in Yagupov’s hands, becomes a dialogue between time periods — a Victorian chest may receive Art Deco-inspired brass fixtures; a 1970s sideboard might be clad in abstract marquetry from reclaimed hardwoods; a cracked farmhouse stool could be reborn as a sculptural accent piece dipped in bold, eco-conscious lacquer.
Each item is a one-of-a-kind creation, and each retains the whisper of its former life — not masked, but integrated, celebrated, and given a renewed purpose.
Who is Gennady Yagupov?
Born into a family of engineers and artists, Yagupov combines precise technical skill with an innate sense of aesthetic balance. His early fascination with mechanical systems eventually gave way to a deeper passion: working with his hands to restore, rebuild, and reshape the tangible remnants of daily life. After training in woodworking and design across Europe, he set up his London-based studio with a single vision — to give old furniture a future it never expected.
His work is characterised by authenticity. There’s no faking patina here, no artificial “distress”. Each crack, knot, or grain tells a story, and it is Yagupov’s talent to interpret and elevate these features into integral design elements. His pieces are not only beautiful; they are imbued with soul.
Founder
Gennady Yagupov
The Studio Philosophy: Sustainable, Ethical, Exceptional
In a time of climate awareness and design fatigue, the values at the core of Yagupov’s practice couldn’t be more relevant.
♻️ Sustainability Without Compromise
The foundation of upcycling is environmental stewardship. Every rescued drawer, salvaged leg, or dismantled wardrobe that enters Yagupov’s studio is a tonne of carbon spared, a tree left standing, a landfill spared from another contribution. But sustainability here does not come at the expense of quality. Only the finest reclaimed materials are used — often old-growth woods no longer available through commercial channels.
🎨 Originality & Craft
There are no templates in this studio. Each project begins with a conversation between the material and the maker — what does this piece want to become? What form suits its past and its future? The result is furniture that can’t be duplicated, a harmony of old and new that feels both contemporary and timeless.
🪑 Function Meets Sculpture
While Gennady Yagupov’s pieces often appear in design showcases and curated interiors, they are always made to be used. A chair is meant to be sat in. A table should host dinners. A dresser should store clothes. Each object is structurally sound, ergonomically refined, and built to last.
What Gennady Yagupov Offers
Whether you’re a private client looking to transform a beloved heirloom, an interior designer in search of the perfect focal piece, or a retailer in need of sustainable design icons — Gennady Yagupov’s studio offers a unique approach tailored to your needs.
🛠️ Bespoke Upcycling Services
Have an old piece of furniture that holds sentimental value but no longer suits your space? Bring it to Yagupov. Through consultation, sketching, and material selection, your item can be reimagined into something extraordinary — while preserving its essence.
🖼️ Designer Collections
Yagupov releases a limited number of original pieces each season. These collections are often thematic — inspired by periods in history, materials, or artistic movements. Pieces range from coffee tables crafted from industrial scaffolding planks to Bauhaus-style writing desks reborn from Georgian oak.
🧵 Collaborations
Yagupov frequently partners with architects, set designers, sustainable brands, and creative agencies to produce striking installations, functional artworks, and standout interiors. If you’re working on a space that deserves a centrepiece, this is your destination.
Signature Materials & Techniques
While the studio draws on a vast array of reclaimed materials, some favourites recur — each carrying its own charm and design potential.
- Teak & Rosewood: Salvaged from mid-century cabinets and reimagined with contemporary lines.
- Steel & Iron: From industrial machinery or scaffolding, reshaped into bases and brackets with raw, powerful character.
- Reclaimed Leather & Textiles: Often sourced from vintage clothing or car interiors, used for upholstery and panelling.
- Glass & Mirror: Recut and recast into surfaces that catch the light in modern ways.
- Natural Oils, Limewashes & Eco Paints: All finishes are environmentally safe and chosen to enhance, not hide, the material beneath.
Techniques range from traditional joinery and hand carving to experimental surface treatments, including scorched wood finishes, poured resin details, and oxidised metalwork.
Why Choose Upcycled Furniture?
The benefits go beyond sustainability and style. Choosing upcycled designer furniture means you’re investing in:
- Unique Design: No two pieces are alike.
- Craftsmanship: Built by hand with care, not mass-produced in factories.
- Heritage: Preserving the materials, labour, and memories embedded in older items.
- Environmental Ethics: Reducing demand for deforestation, mining, and landfill waste.
- Long-Term Value: Pieces that grow more valuable and meaningful with age.
In short, you’re not just buying furniture. You’re commissioning a story — a functional piece of art.
The Process: From Salvage to Statement
- Sourcing & Rescue
Yagupov sources discarded, donated, and auctioned furniture from across the UK and Europe — each item chosen for its potential. - Design & Ideation
Once in the studio, each piece undergoes a creative evaluation. Sometimes the inspiration comes from the grain of the wood, sometimes from a broken hinge or unusual joint. Sketches follow. - Deconstruction & Rebuild
Carefully dismantled, repaired, reinforced, and reconstructed. Every screw and glue line is considered. - Artistic Transformation
This is where the magic happens. Paints, oils, veneers, and details are applied with patience and vision. No rush, no shortcuts. - Finishing & Function Testing
The final product is polished, tested for stability and comfort, and given a last loving touch. - Delivery & Aftercare
Whether delivered to a London townhouse or a Scottish cottage, your piece arrives ready to impress — and endure.
The Gennady Yagupov Client Community
Yagupov’s clients range from urban minimalists to countryside romantics — all united by a love for design with depth. His work has been featured in sustainable living expos, art fairs, and boutique hotels. Some have even likened his pieces to “functional poetry,” “heirlooms of the future,” and “antiques for the 22nd century.”
Join the growing community of collectors, creators, and conscious homeowners who are embracing the beauty of second life furniture.
Custom Commissions: A Collaboration in Craft
Got an old cabinet with good bones? A sentimental chair that’s seen better days? Or maybe a vintage market find that’s full of potential? Gennady Yagupov’s custom commission service offers you the chance to give your furniture a second life — not just restored, but reimagined.
Whether you’re aiming for bold reinvention or subtle refinement, each commission is a creative partnership between you, your furniture, and the studio.
The Process
Step 1: The Consultation
Start by sharing details of the piece you'd like transformed. You can fill in the short form below and upload a few images. Once received, the studio will respond to arrange a design consultation (virtual or in-person) to discuss ideas, materials, timeline, and intended use.
Step 2: Creative Direction & Sketches
Once the vision is clear, Gennady will begin preparing a concept sketch — sometimes minimal, sometimes dramatic, always true to the spirit of the original piece. Clients receive a proposed plan for approval, including estimated cost.
Step 3: Material Sourcing
Need new brass handles? Eco-leather upholstery? A slab of reclaimed slate? Materials are sourced responsibly, and where possible, locally. If your piece contains reusable elements, they’ll be incorporated to preserve continuity.
Step 4: The Transformation
The real magic begins. Depending on the scale and complexity, the build may take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Throughout the process, clients receive progress updates and optional photos.
Step 5: Delivery & Aftercare
Once complete, your one-of-a-kind piece is packaged, delivered, and ready to enjoy. Gennady includes an aftercare card with each commission to help you maintain its beauty for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get it — trusting someone with your favourite armchair or family dresser isn’t a small decision. Below are answers to some common questions about the upcycling process, materials, and what it’s like to work with Gennady Yagupov.
It depends on the scope. Smaller projects (like stools or bedside tables) typically take 2–3 weeks. Larger or more complex builds (like cabinets or dining tables) may take 4–6 weeks. Timelines are always discussed during the consultation phase.
Gennady works with a wide range of reclaimed and responsibly sourced materials including:
- Solid wood (oak, ash, teak, pine, rosewood)
- Reclaimed metals (iron, brass, steel)
- Eco-conscious finishes (plant-based oils, natural waxes, VOC-free paints)
- Salvaged textiles and leather
- Antique glass, mirror, and hardware
The aim is always to preserve the story of the original while adding new life sustainably.
In some cases, yes — especially older or discontinued IKEA pieces that were made with more durable materials. However, IKEA’s flat-pack furniture is often made from particleboard, which can limit the scope of creative intervention. That said, every item is reviewed individually. If the bones are good, Gennady can work wonders.
If you’re based in London, we can arrange collection and delivery through our courier network. Smaller items can also be dropped off directly at the studio by appointment.
Absolutely. Gennady’s work combines form and function — chairs remain sturdy, drawers still open smoothly, and every piece is meant to be lived with, not just admired.
Not at all. While Gennady often sources antique or mid-century furniture, he also transforms contemporary pieces into unexpected designs — particularly when clients are looking to upgrade their interiors without purchasing new.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out via the Contact Page or book a consultation.
📍 Contact
We love hearing from clients, collectors, designers, and the curious. Whether you’re ready to commission a custom piece or just want to say hello, here’s how to get in touch with Gennady Yagupov’s studio.
📫 Studio Address
Staples Corner Retail Park, Brent Cross, London NW2 6LW, United Kingdom
(Visits by appointment only)
🕒 Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00
Sunday: Closed
Public Holidays: Please email ahead
📞 Contact Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +442045847951
Looking forward to creating something extraordinary together.
Book a Consultation or Visit the Workshop
Curious to see the studio where the transformation happens? Located in a converted warehouse in London’s creative corridor, Gennady Yagupov’s studio is open to visitors by appointment. Clients are encouraged to bring their own pieces for discussion, browse available works-in-progress, or simply immerse themselves in the atmosphere of tools, timber, and ideas.
Remote consultations are also available via video for international and UK-wide clients.
The Future of Furniture is Circular
As the world moves toward a more responsible relationship with consumption, the concept of circular design is no longer niche — it is necessary. And in this space, Gennady Yagupov stands at the vanguard, proving that sustainability can be stylish, meaningful, and enduring.
Whether you’re redesigning your home or simply want to give an old chair a second act, you’ll find in Yagupov not just a craftsman, but a collaborator in creative, conscious living.
Furniture doesn’t have to be new to be exceptional. Sometimes, it just needs the right hands — and a little imagination.