Why UK-made matters (more than you think)

“It’s just paint and paper.”
That’s what they’ll tell you. But every brushstroke, every torn edge—every project—starts with a choice. One that runs deeper than aesthetics.

Many furniture paints and découpage papers sold in the UK aren’t made here. They’re mass-produced in overseas factories—shipped from Australia, Northern America, even made in Taiwan, sent to the USA, then shipped again to the UK. It’s a long journey for something that ends up being called “handmade.”

And it matters.

Because it’s not just about carbon miles (though those are real).
It’s about creative power.
It’s about keeping craftsmanship.
It’s about refusing to let our industry be built on imports, shortcuts, and sameness.

So we made a decision:
We gave up importing.
Not because we had to—but because we wanted to.
For the freedom to design, print, and produce exactly what we believe in.

At Modern Vintage Living, we’re doing things differently.

Our art prints and découpage papers are printed in-house in our own studio and packed by hand—carefully, consciously, and never in bulk. Every order leaves with intention.

Our paints? They’re made in small batches by a historic UK manufacturer with over 120 years of experience. We work directly with their colour and pigment expert and lead chemist to refine every formula—tweaking sheen, adhesion, and durability until it’s exactly right.

Because when something’s made well, you can feel it.
When you shop with intention…

You’re saying no to cheap copies.
No to anonymous production lines.
And yes—to creative independence.
Yes—to investing in local expertise.
Yes—to finishes and papers that feel as good as they look.

This isn’t just a hobby.
It’s your expression. Your space. Your story.
And what you use to tell it… matters.