BEHIND BLU AVERY
Hi, I'm Shelley, Owner of Blu Avery
Blu Avery has been an associate of The House of Upcycling, the UK and Ireland's leading independent authority on professional upcycling since 2015. I am also very proud to be one of nine BIID (the British Institute of Interior Design) Industry Partner Ambassadors on behalf of the House of Upcycling.
​
Blu Avery started off life as Rag Doll Designs...
I started Rag Doll in 2014 when my first miniature human came along. The desire inside me to create something that would allow me to not miss a beat of my sons life made me search long and hard for a business I could run from home...
Having painted pieces for my own home and enjoying the process I thought perhaps folk might buy the pieces I produced?
Jump forward and here I am still doing what I love, with not only one but two small people in tow.
Along the way I have grown and adapted my creative vision to become a specialist in my industry.
Blu Avery was born due to the evolution of my style and today’s marketplace, it’s more representative of who I am now.
My love of pattern, design and texture has always played a huge part in the end product and I take pride in every individual piece that I restore and restyle.
My desire is to create truly bespoke items that will steal the show in any room. That “something special” that makes you smile when you close a drawer or open a door.
I have developed my skills and techniques over the years and endeavour to use only the finest products available, so I can provide you with a beautiful statement piece that will wow for many years to come.
As much as I love creating pieces to sell, a process that really sparks the fire inside me is working on custom pieces. Helping a customer work through the design process so they end up with something completely unique to them is a great feeling.
As well running Blu Avery I am also the co-founder of PaintStock UK..
Myself and Shona Murphy started PaintStock in 2019 to bring like minded people together in order to cement existing relationships while building connections and friendships within the Upcycling community.
​
It has long been established that community over competition is the key to success in many businesses.
We feel that by bringing the industry together, supporting one another and forming new bonds is the ultimate way to elevate the Upcycling community and grow the community mindset.
Eco - Friendly
A key focus for me is to become a more sustainable business. I'm constantly looking at ways I can improve my process to become more environmentally friendly.
As Seen In
REVIEWS
"What a very talented lady; I’m so pleased to have come across Blu Avery (Shelley.) Her work is incredible, every piece of furniture is so unique and personal to the owner.
I hope to have my home full of this furniture!”
​
Debbie
Hartlepool
“Shelley comes highly recommended for that statement piece of high quality furniture. She will work with your ideas and help you out with her knowledge and expertise along the way. The experience was so exciting and I am absolutely in love with it. I can’t wait to start my next project with Shelley now!!”
Emma
Plymouth
“What a fantastic company to work with... I saw some of Shelley's work online and reached... After working back and forth with Shelley to find just the right pieces in terms of style and scale, Shelley patiently listened to all of my wants and needs, before giving me some really great options to choose from. As an interior architect myself, I knew what I wanted the finished products to look like in terms of design, but benefited from Shelley’s depth of knowledge and experience to make those designs a reality. Her pricing is very competitive; yes it’s more than buying pre-made furniture, but these are truly bespoke pieces and the quality and finish, as well as the personal service and advice from Shelley makes them worth every penny. I have purchased 3 very different pieces to date and absolutely LOVE each and every one of them. I would highly recommend BluAvery and will be 100% using Shelley again on my next project."
Colette
“Shelley at Blu Avery has been remarkable! I own my own architecture company and have worked in high end residential design for over 10 years. When I got the chance to renovate my own conservation project I struggled to find the right furniture pieces for my individually designed rooms. Everything was too modern and didn’t have the right quality. Luckily I came across Shelley and her knowledge skill and vision was so refreshing. She has created some stunning pieces which have become show stoppers in each room. The design, finish and quality of the furniture is excellent. I can’t recommend Shelley enough!"
Heather
Elizabeth George Architecture
“Having greatly admired the work Shelley has produced for my daughter in law I lusted after a piece for my renovated apartment.
The drinks cupboard reimagined from a chamber pot cupboard exceeded my expectations. Shelley’s talent in reawakening dull furniture is astounding. She has talent, vision and passion.”
Cath
Bolton
"I'm delighted with the beautiful furniture Shelley made for me, they exceeded my expectations!
​
She is very professional with all aspects, keeping me informed during the whole process and the results were absolutely amazing."
Wendy
Henley On Thames
“I’d like to say a big thank you for persevering with us to find the right piece of furniture!
We are so pleased with the finished look."
Sue
Liverpool
​
"Blu Avery did an outstanding paint refurb of my sideboard. Collection and delivery from my home was very smooth.
​
Lots of time taken beforehand to make sure I was happy with the colour and design of the new piece.
​
Communication prompt and lots of ideas for making the most of the piece of furniture.
Would thoroughly recommend."
Fiona
Falkirk, Scotland
“Blu Avery Sourced a bureau style cabinet for me and up cycled it in to a drinks cabinet.
I was kept involved at every stage of the project, chosing the initial cabinet, the wallpaper for the decoupage and the paint colours.
I was actively consulted on all the design decisions as Shelley used her superb talents to transform the item. It has been a fantastic experience, right from the outset.
Shelley was really communicative and I felt completely able to trust her when I needed to discuss a design option. The end result is an absolutely stunning piece of furniture. I absolutely love it and can't stop staring at it. I would unreservedly recommend Blu Avery for any project of this nature."
Chris
London
​