Who would have thought that old rubber tyres could be transformed into interior and garden accessories? And these are not just any home-ware and garden products. These are intricately patterned, super-stylish frames, trunks, chests, tables, benches, planters and log baskets that come in various sizes.
This ultra unique brand known as Tread (www.re-tread.com) was established by interior designer Karen Brierley and her business partner Anna Tutton in 2009. From recycling old tyres, this business creates amazing decorative products with a North African feel. They are busy taking part in shows and working on shop and bar interiors. I talked to founders of Tread to find out more:
What inspired you to set up Tread?
We were actually travelling and working to develop a Moroccan influenced interiors collection. It was while researching traditional crafts for this that we came upon the artisans working with the recycled tyres. It was inspiring at how creative the technique was and exiting to see such decorative pieces being created out of such a problematical waste material. We set out to design pieces that would use the tread pattern to create contemporary design home products that combined an eco conscience with stylish design.
Where do you source your materials?
The tread materials are sourced in Morocco. There are a huge amount of vehicles on the roads and like us they have mountains of old tyres that are of no use. It would be nice to think that in time to come we could use tyres from UK landfills but economically that is currently not an option.
Are you developing any new pieces at the moment?
We designed the first collection to gauge general interest and will be working to develop the popular items and bring to the collection new pieces that have been requested. We have designed a range of contemporary tables that will be available to order. We are also developing wall panels that we made for a recent bar refurbishment.
If so, what is your inspiration for these?
The inspiration for new products is endless as the material is so versatile. We try to use our design awareness to be creative and make contemporary items that give the consumer an eco chic option to choose a stylish while ethical home product.
Do you offer a bespoke service where items can be made to order?
We do offer this service, this is an area we are very exited about as coming from a design background it would be wonderful to work with designers on interior commissions or with an individual on a special feature piece for there home.
You were recently commissioned to refurbish the Brick-house supper club. How did this go?
Refurbishing the Brick House was a great opportunity for us to showcase the material as a design feature in a commercial environment. It went really well as all the pieces were designed and made prior to the re-fit and then installed very quickly. It was very satisfying to see such a dramatic impact achieved. The tread patterns added a really nice textural dimension to the monochrome interior.
Where do you like to exhibit your work? And how do you go about
doing this?
We have exhibited in a number of different and diverse places, from art galleries to traveling eco shows. RhsTatton 09 was our first show; the garden products were very well received. Also in 2009 we showed at two Eco design shows - one in Liverpool and one in London. We are about to take part in The Vintage at Goodwood festival Aug 13th-15th (www.vintageatgoodwood.com). Most often we are invited to participate in the shows. Our product is so new and unique it’s very important for us to show as much as we can to try and raise awareness and generate interest in Tread.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start his or her own business?
We would say to take things slowly, do lots of research and question each decision you make more than once before you act on it. Make a strict business plan that includes your aspirations for the business but also all the financial implications and don’t be tempted to deviate. Its very easy to get excited in the initial stages of setting up a new business but It really takes lots of hard work and patience to get established. After 18 months of staring Tread we are still working very hard to achieve that.
What do you think the future holds for ethical design?
For some time now building greener homes and driving greener cars has been a significant choice for most people. As more and more designers unite eco design with stylish design it allows conscientious consumers the option to also make the eco choice when buying their home interior products. Growing interest in the environmental impact of the things we buy (combined with the surge of eco chic products now available) means that ethical design has a very positive future.
What is the secret to success?
Determination and Patience
Written by Fashion and Lifestyle Editor
Julia Nelson
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