Almost every piece of furniture I own has come from a thrift store, a garage sale, an antique mall, or a curbside. It wasn't my plan, I've just been lucky enough to find a lot of secondhand stuff that I'm happy to live with. But it's rare that pieces end up in my home in the same state that I found them in; most need some sort of rehab from a simple paint job to upholstering. In the end, though, it's a lot cheaper than buying new and I like the eclectic look that my home has taken on. It feels like me.
But most of the time I've had to muddle through on my own, learning through trial and error. After many of these learning curves, I can tell you one thing - it's nice to have a helping hand. Which is why I think you'll love the book Furniture Makeovers by Barb Blair of Knack Studios, from Chronicle Books.
The book covers Barb's favorite tools and materials (most of which I use myself and can vouch for), then gets into prep with solid information on stripping, sanding, repairing, and priming furniture. Then the good (fun) stuff begins - painting, staining, waxing, applying metal leaf, using stencils and vinyl decals, designing with an overhead projector, color blocking, layering paint...26 different techniques in all!
The end result is a remarkable compilation of projects that range from classic to modern, with before and after photos and an explanation of the techniques used on each piece, which you can then turn around and replicate for yourself (yes, you!). Part inspiration, part guidebook, it's a must for anyone who wants to feel more confident in transforming tired furniture, needs fresh ideas, or simply doesn't know how to begin.
Carlton Riffel Photography
Interested? I HAVE A COPY OF THE BOOK FOR ONE LUCKY READER! All you need to do is comment below and tell me what you'd like to learn to do or what piece of your furniture could most use a makeover. The giveaway will close at midnight (CST) on Tuesday, July 23. I will select a comment at random and announce the winner on Wednesday, July 24. You can also follow along on the blog tour for more opportunities to win a copy from other bloggers.
UPDATE: GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED
Also, just to get you inspired, here's a sneak peek of two of the thirty projects included in the book -
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Photos by J. Aaron Greene, used with permission from Chronicle Books
Good post. The blue table seems to have come out wonderfully. Thanks for sharing the photos and your review of this book.
Posted by: England Furniture Company | 30 July 2013 at 10:02 AM
I totally agree with you, if I can find a piece of furniture to recycle and make it fit in my home I am a very happy crafter without spending a ton of money!
I need some new ideas for sprucing up some furniture that has been around for a while and needs an update, would love to win this book!
Posted by: Tagyn | 23 July 2013 at 08:00 PM
Sounds like a great book! I've been afraid to tackle anything major because I am afraid of ruining it! Sounds like this is the book I need!
Posted by: Katie | 23 July 2013 at 01:19 PM
We have a big hutch that could use an update - this book sounds like a great source for ideas! Thanks!
Posted by: Laura | 23 July 2013 at 07:08 AM
I have quite a few things that need a makeover...Lol but I'd start with an old vanity table in need of lovin Lol
Posted by: Niki | 22 July 2013 at 08:47 PM
My dresser is in needs of a serious overhaul! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Heather S | 22 July 2013 at 07:58 AM
I would love to redo this adorable little antique chair that i have!
Posted by: Krista Beiler | 22 July 2013 at 05:26 AM
I think an old grandfather’s desk needs some help in the makeover department...
What a great book...
:)
Posted by: Claudia | 22 July 2013 at 04:05 AM
I would love to refinish this great dining table that I recently purchased at a flea market - I could make it beautiful again!
Posted by: Carol S. | 20 July 2013 at 02:44 PM
i LOVE refinishing furniture on a very amateur level. Especially mid century. I have been trying to scout out a good entertainment cabinet/credenza, and no doubt this book would help me feel inspired as well as provide tips!
Posted by: Courtney | 20 July 2013 at 09:10 AM
I have four wooden cafe chairs that I am dying to paint. Would love to own a copy of this book!
Posted by: Melanie G. | 19 July 2013 at 08:08 PM
This is a really cool way to add more color to one's house. I love the desk!
Posted by: Anne | 19 July 2013 at 12:45 PM
Hi,
I would love to get my hands on this book. We have a home full of dark furniture that is making the rooms look darker .. I so need this :-)
A
Posted by: Aparna | 18 July 2013 at 10:47 PM
I have a cute little mid-century chair that could use a makeover - would love this book for inspiration & how-to's...
Posted by: Natalie | 18 July 2013 at 06:52 PM
Let me start by saying the 24th is my 55th birthday soooo.
That said, I have an old octagonal shaped table that my neighbor was going to toss that is a really dark colored wood. I'd like to spruce it up with some vibrant color(s). I'd like to earn how to paint it a bright color and antique over that and make it look older than it actually is but new to me! Thanks Suzonne for the opportunity to win. Hope you are staying cool and dry down the bayou. :-)
Posted by: Betty J Schaub | 18 July 2013 at 05:46 PM
Would love some advice on restoring a portion of a furniture piece from my great-grandmother's home.
Posted by: nalani | 18 July 2013 at 01:34 PM
OMG!! I own the sister to the blue buffet except mine has two doors the width of the piece at the bottom. I am in the process of painting my dining room furniture & looked at that piece last weekend thinking,...hmmmm...
Well you might be the shove I needed.
Thanks!
Posted by: Debe L | 18 July 2013 at 12:44 PM
My husband is very anti-redoing-furniture. I would love to be able to prove him wrong!
Posted by: Catherine | 18 July 2013 at 12:38 PM
Would love to makeover a large tray I bought for $1. Just not sure where to put it or how to do it!!
Posted by: Christa @ BrownSugarToast | 18 July 2013 at 12:35 PM
I'd love to learn how to paint an old dresser I have so that it looks intentional rather than just sloppy!
Posted by: Bet | 18 July 2013 at 11:49 AM
i would love some inspiration for how to update my grandparents' bedroom furniture...it has great lines, but needs some fixing and modernizing.
Posted by: amy v | 18 July 2013 at 09:57 AM
I have two chairs from Goodwill that I need to re-do!
Posted by: Nicole | 18 July 2013 at 08:23 AM
I'd love to learn how to distress furniture!
Posted by: Kendra | 18 July 2013 at 08:22 AM
I love the blue dresser. I have a tv tray sort of table with 4 trays under a table and I bought it at a senior garage sale for $25.00. This item has been waiting for me to lovingly paint it blue to it's brilliance. This book would be such a help on this project...thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful give away.
Posted by: Rosalyn | 18 July 2013 at 05:41 AM
This book sounds really cool!
I have a kitchen table that is the first thing my grandparents bought when they got married, and they gave it to my parents when they got married. We ate dinner at it every night for years. After I'd moved out of the house, my parents gave it to me, and I've had it ever since. It's kind of in desperate need of refinishing, though, so I'd love to give it a makeover.
Posted by: Rachel | 17 July 2013 at 11:22 PM