Many storage-type items around the house lend themselves to renovation and will go on giving good services, so why not trade new looks for old?
When you’re considering the possibilities, don’t make the mistake of thinking the only way to improve the situation is to start again.
Firstly, it is not always the most practical solution;
Secondly, the constraints of your decorating budget usually won’t allow such luxury;
And thirdly, in the interests of the planet, recycling should always be priority.
Many items have exciting potential. Take that battered tin trunk in the garage, or that storage chest that has seen better days. In this guide, you will see how they can be transformed in ways that not only add an attractive focus to your home, but also increase storage space.
In fact, once you start looking at old pieces of furniture, you will agree that they simply don’t make them like that anymore! The high cost of materials and labour has led to shortcuts and, despite the greater variety available today, it has also led to the demise (in all but the most fine crafted) of the cupboard that closes perfectly and the drawer that glides shut.
Talking Timber
Timber is a rapidly diminishing resource. We should all aim to protect the world’s diminishing forests by retaining and restoring old wooden pieces,
There are two ways to tackle the task of renovating timber storage pieces:
Restoration - whereby the style of the piece is retained and the original finished restored.
Revamping - whereby the original form of the item is retained but its finish and character is completely altered.
Restoration
There is a great revival of interest in old-style. antique or rustic furniture and reasonably priced pieces are becoming hard to find. All more reason to ‘rescue’ one you come across, tucked away in a second-hand store (or your garage!)
Generally, the first step to restoration is the stripping of the existing surface. If you want to get right back to raw timber, you may need to use a professional stripping service. If it is quite a small piece, you can strip it using one of the many commercial products available. Always test a small, hidden area first.
The other method of cleaning up the surface is by sanding, beginning with a coarse grade of sandpaper and gradually using finer and finer grades. It is hard work but very rewarding.
Revamping
A smooth timber surface provides you with a clean canvas for a whole range of finishes which can totally transform the piece. Painted finishes are ideal for lower quality timbers and timber veneers. Don’t forget that you don’t need to give an all-over finish for it to be effective - explore the possibilities of stencilling and outlining as well.