When we first moved into our new home, we didn't own much and we didn't have the funds to buy brand new top quality pieces. But as it turned out, we didn't have to go far to find a bargain on some used top quality pieces. Our first, and one my favourite purchases (an adjustable vintage arc lamp - $24) came from a local shop called Uniquely Green Home Decor.
Uniquely Green isn't just a home decor shop, it's a consignment shop with an emphasis on local artists, recycled materials and quality furnishings. I spoke with owner Victoria Biggs and she shared some of her thoughts on buying trends, and the importance of making environmentally responsible purchases.
ALI: What was your motivation behind opening a home decor consignment shop?
VICTORIA: I opened our store 9 years ago and called it "Uniquely Yours Furniture on Consignment." It was challenging to find good used furniture at that time. The internet wasn't as accessible and Craigs List didn't exsist. I often wished there were stores that carried high end furniture that busy people with families and jobs could easily access. I've always loved used furniture, antiques, quality well built wood products, and shopping for treasures. There just weren't any furniture or household decor stores around that you could spend hours browsing in. It was a good fit for me.
ALI: Since you first opened, what changes have you seen in buying trends?
VICTORIA: Craigs List has become a household name, buying on the internet has increased ten-fold and recycling has become a way of life. The interest has really increased on items made from recycled goods, to the point where you can't tell the difference between a manufactured item and an item made from recycled materials. There is a lot more awareness and support around products made locally and made from sustainable (our soy candles) or biodegradeable products (the plastic bags we carry) or even reusable (our bum genius diapers).
ALI: Do you think that this latest movement in buying green is just a trend or do you feel that people really understand the changes we need to make?
VICTORIA: One only has to look at all the damage and pollution we as a society have created in the past 100 years comparitively to the last 1500 years - to know that recycling, reusing and buying "green" must become a way of life for everyone everywhere. It is a universal challenge that requires a universal solution. It's an exciting time for new products, new inventions and creativity.
ALI: Does Uniquely Green carry a specific style of furniture & home decor?
VICTORIA: Our store standards require that our used furniture & furnishings be in mint condition & that we have a market for them. We prefer our new green lines to be locally made and purchased. We have unique items all the time from jewelry to antiques and high end dining room suites. I love some of the vintage Sherman jewellry we have, as well as the Vintage Remix Jewelry from Dotted Loop - a designer in Vancouver who remixes vintage jewelry and has been showcased in "Elle" and "Fashion Magazine."
ALI: How much of your own home have you decorated with furniture from consignment?
VICTORIA: My entire house has been furnished with furniture, decor, rugs and pictures from our store. My son-in-law laughs at me because sometimes I leave the prices underneath certain pieces of furniture, that way I know what I paid when I switch them up and re-consign them for a new piece, or a new look! Hundreds of our customers brag that they've purchased their favourite piece from our store and love the looks they have achieved re-decorating on a budget. In fact, our customers coined the phrase "Uniquely Chic" to describe their decorating style from Uniquely Green. The best benefit of consigning is you can bring in items you already own and are tired of, and buy new items from us by using the money in your Uniquely Green account - never having to pay a cent. It's a beautiful thing and a win/win for the environment, for your home, for your style and for the community at large. How great is that!
Uniquely Green Home Decor is located at: 20241 Fraser Hwy. Langley B.C Telephone: 604-530-6765 / Website: www.uniquelygreen.ca


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