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Furniture Facelifts

  • At December 13, 2011
  • By catherineschager
  • In Design Trends, Tips and Advice
  • 12

Have you ever had a piece of furniture that serves you well, but just doesn’t have enough….personality anymore?  Then it’s time to think about a face-lift.  Really, for your furniture!  Melly Schwartz of Turn the Tables in Northbrook can give new life, some pizzazz and charm to an old piece, or you can even consign and sell your old pieces.

Melly’s adventures as cosmetic surgeon for furniture actually started about 10 years ago when she found a table lying at the side of the road that was perfect for a project she was working on.  She picked it up, painted it up and gave it new life as someone’s treasure!

Her degree in Art gives her the ability to see ugly-duckling furniture as a swan in the making.  Here are some of her latest beauties:

Cabinet before Melly's transformation

And after!

Here’s another before and after.  This one even got taller and prettier legs.

Same cabinet with a whole new look

Be sure to visit Melly at Turn the Tables in downtown Northbrook!  You’ll find her at 1955 Cherry Ln, in the shopping plaza across the street from Sunset Foods (near the old Blockbuster’s).  Phone (847) 272-9966  www.turnthetablesstudio.com

What pieces in your home could use some of Melly’s love???

Someone You Should Know- Part 2

  • At May 03, 2011
  • By catherineschager
  • In Tips and Advice
  • 0

Last week I talked with Alan Karzen of Alan Karzen Restoration (www.karzenrestoration.com) about reupholstering.  This week we talked about refinishing your fine wood furniture.

Alan Karzen

Alan Karzen of Alan Karzen Restoration

Q.  Alan, what about refinishing wood furniture?  What can a client expect?

A.  With refinishing, as with reupholstery, having a good quality piece to start with makes a great deal of difference.  I can do anything from changing the color of the stain (within certain parameters) to adding character with glazes and paints.  I recently took a couple of nightstands from a client and refinished them with a two color process which resulted in a completely updated look.  One of the other ways that we can help clients is by giving their kitchens an entirely new look by refinishing their wood cabinets.  I can change the look of their kitchen and freshen it up for a fraction (about 25%) of the cost of replacing cabinets.  Considering that you’re not throwing away perfectly good cabinets and creating landfill, it’s also a very “green” alternative!

Secretary desk before Alan's magic touch

 

Secretary desk, completely restored!

 

Q.  That’s great, Alan!  What should someone look for when they’re considering a refinishing and reupholstery professional?

A. One of the most important things is to find out how long they’ve been in business.  I’ve been in this business all my life, as my father was in it and I learned from a master, at his knee.  I have decades of experience and can handle the most complicated residential or commercial projects. 

Alan, thanks for a most informative interview and I wish you many more years of success!

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