Sunday, December 27, 2015

My Favorite Makeovers For 2015







Happy New Year! Now that 2015 is about to be "history", I thought I'd share my favorite furniture makeovers from the year.

To read all about the makeovers and products used, just click on the links. And so without further ado, let's start the countdown!






This vintage dresser was responsible for my new love affair with the French Provincial style. This style is a timeless, romantic look characterized by curved drawers, a curved skirt, cabriole feet and very distinctive French pulls. This piece came from the Drexel "Touraine" collection - a high-end, highly coveted line from Drexel. They really don't make furniture like this any more!

My clients wanted a gray and white design scheme which gave this dresser such an elegant, classic look. It's been one of my most requested color combinations for custom jobs.









Looking back on this project, I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I plunged head first into it! It was so much work, and I really should have charged more for this custom job.

But, I learned a valuable lesson about believing in myself and my work and charging accordingly.







This French chair makeover was for a very special client: my Mom! It was a funny story about how many chairs I brought home (three) until I found the perfect chair for her!

Even though I fully disclosed that all I did was paint the chair, and that I took it to a professional upholsterer, I still got compliments on my upholstery skills! Go figure!



And, my all-time favorite furniture transformation from 2015:









Wow, was this project a huge labor of love! It had to be carefully disassembled to paint, and then it bled like crazy! But in the end, the glossy white paint and contrasting pale blue made this desk a huge statement piece coupled with the matching vintage chair.






I shipped it to a designer in Northern California and haven't heard from it since. Sniff, it doesn't call, write, text.....




So that's 2015 in a nutshell! I had so much fun meeting new clients, trying new products and painting techniques. I'd have to say that purchasing a professional spray system and having a dedicated spray booth was a game changer for my little hobby/business! The quality of my finishes when I spray is gorgeous and I can't wait to refinish a few Mid Century Modern pieces I have in super glossy paint!

Thank you for all of your love and support. I can't express how much your kind words, advice and support over the last few years have meant to me. I'll continue to bring you interesting projects in 2016.

Much love!


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Monday, December 14, 2015

Why I Love My Job







Every once in a while a piece of furniture comes along that reminds me why I love my job refinishing vintage and antique furniture.

Maybe the furniture gods bestow me with a memorable piece just when I need it the most.  It's like they know I'm fed up with a chronic skin irritation on my hands that several dermatologists still can't determine the irritant. I'll spare you the picture. (You're welcome.)




Or, that I'm feeling dejected because an a$$hole picks apart my work on a desk, grinds the price down, and then puts it in his $50,000 BMV. (Really wish I could show you that picture.)

Heck, it was probably a combination of both of these things when this lovely vintage dresser came into my life. 







It definitely put things in perspective and reminded me why I love my job. A piece like this doesn't come around too often and deserves a proper and attentive restoration.

I mean, really, don't you just love those gorgeous serpentine drawers!






I painted it in one of my favorite color combinations of gray and white with the original hardware refinished in silver. I used General Finishes Seagull Gray and Snow White. And, with all of my pieces (especially dresser and buffet tops) they are clear coated with a polyacrylic clear sealer for sheen and durability.

It's available to go to a new home!



And coordinates with other pieces of my holiday collection....











So that's my little explanation as to why I love my job. It's such a joy to refinish quality furniture that was produced in the good 'ol USA. I love giving my furniture another life to be used for another generation.






As for me, I'm taking a little time off to enjoy with my kids and get ready for Christmas. Here's hoping you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!



Merry Christmas!


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Sunday, December 6, 2015

The Vanity That Was Almost Stolen!






This vintage vanity has an interesting story as to how it almost didn't come home with me. I sent my Dad to an estate sale that was in his neighborhood to see if there was anything interesting. Luckily enough, my Dad was quick to spot a vintage vanity, purchased it for me and told the estate sale company I'd be by to pick it up later with my SUV.






Interestingly enough, when I went a few hours later to pick it up, the estate sale lady (whom I know) told me someone pretended it was theirs and tried to take it out of the house! Can you believe the nerve?







Fortunately, for me (and probably the vanity as well) it came home with me. It was fun to refinish this set using my popular color combination of gray and white with silver hardware.







The best part of this vanity is the surprise in the drawers and center compartment! My favorite aqua color as an accent!







I smile every time I open the drawers!







The chair got a faux fur treatment on the seat!






Wouldn't this make the perfect gift for someone special? I'm tickled that this piece was selected by Chairish as part of my holiday collection. Not local to Southern California? No problem - we'll ship to you!





Have a wonderful week!


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