AS much as it is a chore, Chinese New Year would not be complete without spring cleaning, the annual ritual of throwing out what does not work or is no longer needed. But what is considered junk to one person may be a piece of treasure to another. A number of designers are giving what is no longer shiny and new a new lease of life.

Unlike recycling, "upcycling" converts wastebound materials into lifestyle products of better quality or for better environmental value. The mantra, new year, new beginnings could well apply to upcycled items too.

District Eight Design