It's been such an exciting journey to finally see my book Better Than New come to life! After two years of hard work, this project has truly been a labour of love, so hearing that some of you have already received your copies has been incredibly rewarding. I really hope you’re enjoying the read, and if you are, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Better Than New: Tips for Upcycling and Refinishing Furniture
When I started writing Better Than New, my aim was to create a practical yet creative guide to refinishing, upcycling, furniture art, and restoration. It’s a comprehensive handbook that covers everything I’ve learned over the past 14 years in this industry. Inside, you’ll find detailed advice on preparation, repair, finishing wood, painting, and adding artistic flair to your pieces. I’ve even included tips on tackling issues like woodworm, fixing particle board, adding lighting to drinks cabinets, repairing veneer, and painting flowers. My goal is to take you through the entire process, from sourcing furniture to staging it when you're done – and so much more!
I was really honoured when Bloomsbury Books invited me to be part of their Meet the Maker series to talk more about my book. This experience gave me a chance to reflect on how my passion for upcycling evolved over time, and I thought I'd share a bit of that story here with you.
How I Became Interested in Upcycling
My love for creativity and art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I always knew I wanted to be an artist. But my specific interest in upcycling started as a teenager when I became hooked on interior design and upcycling shows. Every week, I’d sit in front of the TV, soaking up tips and techniques, until I finally felt brave enough to try it for myself. What began as a hobby turned into a creative experiment with anything I could find. The thrill of transforming everyday items with color and pattern was addictive, and I loved knowing the pieces I painted would have a second life – most of them ended up in my bedroom back then!
It wasn’t until I bought my first house that I began combining my Fine Art skills with upcycling. My first home was an old cottage, and restoring it while putting my DIY knowledge to the test gave me the perfect canvas to explore this new passion. I learned so much about stripping, sanding, and refinishing wood during that time. My mum also played a huge role in helping me source furniture – she was an antiques dealer, so I think I inherited her “eye” for finding hidden gems.
From that point, my passion for upcycling and refinishing grew into a business. It’s been such a rewarding journey turning something I love into a career.
My Journey as a Furniture Artist
After completing my degree in Fine Art at 22, I originally planned on becoming a canvas painter. But while renovating my first home, I saw how restoration and refinishing could be combined with art. I began experimenting with furniture, using it as a canvas for functional artwork. As my designs evolved, I started blending refinishing techniques with bold colours and bespoke art pieces, eventually selling them online.
In 2018, I joined the House of Upcycling, the UK’s leading authority on professional upcycling. In 2019, I was lucky enough to work as a designer on the BBC show Money for Nothing, which really helped elevate my work. Since then, I’ve continued sharing my projects on social media and building my brand. I became Painter in Residence for Annie Sloan in 2020, launched my first upcycling course with Domestika in 2021, and even collaborated with Daydream Apothecary on my own line of paint colours!
What I Love Working With
When it comes to choosing pieces, I’m open to just about anything! I love working with solid wood because of the character of the grain, but I’m also drawn to glass units, which often end up in landfills. Glass has so much potential, and you can modernize it in creative ways, like using colourful window coverings or reeded glass panels.
The Importance of Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what I do. There’s a real adrenaline rush in saving a piece of furniture from becoming unloved or ending up in a landfill. Upcycling and restoration are practical ways we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about. It’s a small, yet achievable step we can all take towards reversing the effects of a throwaway society.
My Design Process
Every piece I work on is different, so my design process varies depending on its history, condition, and character. I like to strip the furniture down to understand the piece fully before I start designing. Whether I’m restoring its original beauty or transforming it with bold artwork, I try to let the piece’s story guide my creative choices.
Writing Better Than New
When I was first asked to write Better Than New, I knew I wanted it to be both practical and inspirational. Many upcycling books I’d read seemed to oversimplify the process, so I wanted to include more detailed advice and a diverse range of techniques. I also wanted to add a creative edge, blending technical skills with artistry.
Honestly, writing the book was a challenging process – especially since I did all the photography myself! But now that it’s finished, I’m incredibly proud of it. I shot everything at home, with most of the projects completed in my workshop at the end of the garden and final photos taken in my kitchen. It was tough to balance family life and work, but seeing the finished product makes it all worthwhile.
My Favorite Projects from the Book
It’s hard to choose a favorite project because I poured my heart into all of them, but if I had to pick, I’d say the ‘Stained Glass,’ ‘Coral Ombré,’ and ‘Hand-Painted Floral’ projects. ‘Stained Glass’ is probably one of the biggest transformations, repurposing a dresser top into a colorful statement piece. ‘Hand-Painted Floral’ is the most personal to me because it ties in with my love of painting flowers, and ‘Coral Ombré’ is a standout because of the stunning chest of drawers I worked on.
What I’m Working on Now
Right now, I’m catching up on client commissions, including a green sideboard hand-painted with bright florals, which I’ve done many times before but always ends up unique! It’s extra special because it came from my Gran’s house, and I hope she’d be proud of its transformation. I’m also spending some creative time in my workshop, dreaming up new designs. Ultimately, I’d love to launch my own homewares brand someday – that’s the dream!
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you enjoy Better Than New as much as I enjoyed creating it! Let me know what you think in the comments or on social media!
Chloe x