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DIY Furniture Restoration

DIY Furniture Restoration

(Photo by Megan Authement)

Frugal Decor & More: Tips for DIY Furniture Restoration

Imagine turning an old armoire into a beautiful bar, or applying a new coat of paint to a scratched table so it looks as good as new. The craft of furniture painting and restoration can lead to endless possibilities—from repurposing to refreshing. Sheila Pelle certainly agrees. In 2010, sisters-in-law Sheila and Dayna Pelle opened Frugal Decor & More, a furniture and home accessories consignment shop. Shortly after they began business, Sheila painted a bedroom suite in preparation for the birth of her grandson. She says she’d always dabbled in furniture restoration while helping her father and that this project soon led to many more. “I absolutely loved it,” explains Sheila. “A new passion was born. It has been a great addition to the consignment store.”

Along with browsing items in the shop, customers regularly ask Sheila for advice on DIY furniture restoration projects. One tip she often gives is for them to use quality products. “A good brush is worth its weight in gold. You may pay more up front, but you get better results and they last for multiple uses,” says Sheila. You don’t have to break the bank either. Sheila’s favorite tool for embossing paste through stencils (to get a raised design) is an old credit card or hotel key.

“People can come in and ask for help with the paint products,” says Sheila. “I sell General Finishes paints and stains, as well as brushes and wax.” Sheila offers contract services as time permits. When she can’t take on the job, she can make referrals.

If you’ve ever wanted to do a furniture restoration project and not known where to start, keep reading. Sheila leads hands-on classes at the store (at least two per month) that cover the basics of furniture painting, including distressing and finishing. “I have people take the class and immediately go home and redo a piece of furniture or paint cabinets,” she says. The introduction class lasts four to five hours and Sheila hopes to add advanced classes in the near future. The cost ($85) covers all supplies except an 8×10-inch frame, which attendees must bring with them.

Frugal Décor & More is located at 1100 W. Chapel Road in Asheville. For more information on classes, visit frugaldecorandmore.com, their Facebook page, or call 828.277.5700.

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