Exploring a Modern Pastel Alternative to My Industrial Vintage Upcycle Project

Exploring the Opposite of My Upcycle Project Aesthetic

My original upcycling project follows an Industrial Vintage aesthetic, characterized by rugged, utilitarian designs that embrace aged materials, exposed textures, and a mix of metal and glass. This aesthetic highlights history and craftsmanship, often using distressed finishes, dark tones, and functional, no-frills construction. However, if I were to explore the opposite aesthetic, I would be working toward something soft, sleek, and modern, possibly leaning toward a Minimalist or Organic Modern approach.

If Industrial Vintage is about raw edges, repurposed factory-inspired materials, and aged character, then its opposite would be smooth, seamless surfaces, contemporary elegance, and a focus on natural or polished aesthetics. A modern or minimalist approach would use clean lines, subtle color palettes, and refined finishes. Instead of celebrating imperfections and industrial grit, this aesthetic would emphasize simplicity, uniformity, and light, airy designs.

Reimagining the Materials and Design

In contrast to my original idea of using the Hennessy, Grey Goose, and Kirkland vodka bottles to create rugged, repurposed drinking glasses and vases with an industrial feel, a modern take would involve a completely different design philosophy. The shapes of these bottles would still be used, but instead of rough textures and exposed edges, they would be transformed into sleek, high-gloss, sculptural pieces. Rather than relying on darker, metallic hues associated with Industrial Vintage, I would embrace light, neutral, or even pastel tones possibly using a bottle like Bombay Sapphire Gin. Frosted or etched glass might replace the raw transparency of the bottles, creating a more refined look. Instead of emphasizing the hand-cut, slightly imperfect edges, I would aim for precision cutting and ultra-smooth finishes, possibly by machine sanding or even resin coating to create a polished effect. The bottles could also be cut asymmetrically or sculpted into organic, fluid forms rather than the straight, functional cuts I originally intended.

Adjusting the Process and Finishing Techniques

I can still work with the materials I have—glass bottles and basic cutting tools—but I would need to adjust my finishing techniques and design approach. To achieve this aesthetic, I could polish the cut edges extensively to ensure an ultra-smooth feel. Instead of rough sanding, I could use a glass polishing compound or even a torch to slightly melt the edges for a soft, rounded finish. Experimenting with frosted glass or etching could add to the modern aesthetic by using etching cream or sandblasting techniques to create subtle, contemporary patterns. Instead of leaving the glass in its natural state, I could incorporate lighter colors and clean finishes by painting or dipping the lower portions of the bottles in neutral, matte coatings like white, beige, or soft grays to create a sleek, modern gradient effect.

The function of the pieces could also be altered to fit this new aesthetic. Rather than creating drinking glasses with a rugged, hand-cut appeal, I could turn the bottles into tall, elegant vases or minimalist candle holders that highlight smooth, continuous curves. The transformation would shift the focus from repurposed industrial design to sleek, decorative art pieces.

Final Thoughts

By shifting the aesthetic from Industrial Vintage to a more modern and minimalist design, I would be focusing on precision, simplicity, and refinement rather than rugged, exposed craftsmanship. While both styles embrace the idea of repurposing materials, the execution would be entirely different—one focusing on raw function and history, while the other prioritizes smooth, intentional design and modern appeal. While I originally set out to create a vintage-inspired industrial upcycle project, it’s interesting to consider how the same base materials can be reinterpreted in a completely different way. With a few adjustments to my cutting, finishing, and design choices, I could easily shift the project into something much more contemporary and refined.

Assymetrical Vase: https://toddmerrillstudio.com/shop/uncategorized/asymmetrical-vase/

Upcycled Candle Holder: https://craftsysoul.com/repurpose-a-glass-light-shade-into-a-candleholder/

Cover Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48484133478394355/