Painted Woods By Lily

10/06/2026

10/04/2026

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10/04/2026

Three Different Pieces. One Beautiful Collection. 🤎

The chest, rocking chair, and mirror were not originally a matching set. I brought them together through a cohesive finish, highlighting what makes each piece so special — the natural texture of the wood, the carvings, the signs of age, and the kind of character you simply can’t recreate in new furniture.

The chest required by far the most work. It was covered in several layers of old paint and varnish, and in some areas the wood had also absorbed some kind of greasy substance over the years. I actually had to sandblast it twice — something that has happened only a handful of times in all my years of restoring furniture. Only then could the actual restoration begin and I could finally uncover the beautiful carvings and natural texture of the wood hidden beneath all those layers.

I finished all three pieces in a cohesive olive tone, warmed with antique brown wax. Subtle touches of gold highlight the carvings and details without taking away from the natural, aged character of the furniture. This combination of olive, antique brown, and just a hint of gold is what brought three completely different pieces together into one harmonious collection.

I’ve also included several styling examples in the photos to show just how versatile these pieces can be. The chest can be used as a coffee table, storage for blankets and linens, or as a beautiful piece in an entryway. The rocking chair can create a cozy reading corner in a bedroom, library, or living room, while the mirror beautifully completes the look. Together, they can work in a living room, bedroom, library, spacious entryway, or even a child’s room.

I wanted this collection to show that furniture doesn’t have to come from the same original set to look as though the pieces were made for each other.

10/03/2026

From “What on earth did I just buy?” to “Wow… is this really the same piece?” 🤎

Restoring antique furniture is definitely not as simple as bringing it home, cleaning it, painting it, and calling it done.

Every project begins long before the actual restoration. First, I have to find the piece, buy it, and see something in it that often isn’t visible at first glance. You need an idea. You need to be able to imagine what it could become.

Then the real work begins: transporting it, carrying it into the workshop, and taking it apart — often almost completely.

Next comes sandblasting. Wherever sandblasting isn’t possible, the piece has to be sanded. Then comes more detailed hand sanding, preparing the wood, creating the right colour and bringing back all those beautiful details that have disappeared under decades of wear, dirt and old finishes.

After that, the wood needs to be protected and sealed. The original cast-iron Singer base was also completely restored and refinished. Then everything has to be carefully put back together and all the final details finished.

Only then is the piece ready to leave my workshop and begin another chapter in a new home.

This little Singer surprised even me. It may be small, but it has so much character and could become a beautiful feature in so many different spaces — an entryway console, a small desk, a vanity, an accent table, or even a unique bathroom vanity with a vessel sink.

I look at the “before” photo and then at the finished piece, and even I’m amazed by how beautiful this little piece turned out.

And that is exactly why I love working with old furniture.

I don’t make new furniture.
I uncover the beauty and history that were already there. 🤎

Painted Woods by Lily