Exclusive Interview With Boutique Owner Amy Morris- Why Furniture?

So, Amy, what got you interested in refinishing and painting furniture?

Amy: You can’t beat the quality of old furniture, however with today’s styles it doesn’t always fit modern day taste. I want something in my home that is made well, and is stylish. So I turned to painting.

How long have you been painting furniture for?

Amy: I started painting furniture 5 years ago, when my husband and I remodeled our home. We had some great pieces but really wanted to make them work with the new colors and layout that we selected, so I did a lot of reading and a lot of research and taught myself how to paint.

What do you feel is the benefit of refinishing old furniture VS buying new?

Amy: Definitely quality.  Not to say that all new furniture is bad, however most new furniture is not made as well as older pieces.

What kinds of paints or stains do you prefer to use?

Amy: I like all kinds, Chalk paint (not to be mistaken with chalk board paint, two different paints), stains, waxes, latex, I use it all. For painting and distressing pieces I prefer chalk paint, it is easily manipulated. I pair it with a wax and finish it with a top layer of stain as a final touch.

What are some common mistakes you see when painting furniture?

Amy: It is really hard to mess up when you refinish or paint furniture, especially if you are looking for a distressed look. In my professional opinion tinting is the most difficult to get on point.  It is way too easy to cross the fine line between too light and too dark. If you get it too dark your piece is ruined.

Do you have any tips on applying paint (for a first timer)?

Amy: Spend the money on quality paint. If you buy the cheap stuff your piece will not turn out as well as you like and your paint job won’t last as long.

Where do you go to find new pieces?

Amy: Everywhere. I go to flea markets, estate sales, garage sales, antique stores. The best part is that most of the places I go I can negotiate price.

What do you look for in a piece of furniture?

Amy: The most important thing I look for hands down is the quality of the piece, then the character of course. (see previous blog post for tips on determining quality)

Is this something that you offer as a service to your shoppers?

Amy: Yes, when my shoppers come in I want to know that I helped make their house feel more like a home. I provide a free consultation and estimate for any piece they want to bring back to life.