Creator Highlight: Meet Kate!

Meet Kate, the founder of Kate’s Reclaimed , a furniture restoration and painting business that creates stunning pieces for homes. In this interview, Kate shares her inspiration, must-have tools, favorite projects, and tips for someone starting their own business in furniture restoration. Be sure to check out her work for non-stop inspiration.

Q: What inspired you to reinvent furniture?

A: My interest in furniture restoration was sparked by my father & grandfather, who were both handy with household projects. I wanted to find a way to add beautiful furniture to my home without the big-box store cost and in an environmentally friendly way. I began restoring and painting furniture for myself in 2008 and officially started my furniture business in 2021.

Q: What is your favorite part about this job?

A: I love the furniture community and connections I’ve made through social media. I enjoy being creative and making something that will be a conversation piece in someone’s home. I also love the entire process of restoring and painting furniture, from getting the piece to staging it and seeing the transformation.

Q: What are some of your must-have tools?

A: The importance of prep work before painting a piece and investing in quality tools to ensure the best results are a must! My must-have tools include a Surf Prep sander for efficient sanding and a Country Chic Painting Sponge and 1.5”& 2” Oval brushes for applying paint evenly.

Q: What is your favorite project of all time?

A: I have done many projects that I love, but my all-time favorites are taking a vanity and turning it into nightstands and restoring an antique secretary hutch that was given to me by a friend. The hutch turned out beautifully, and a couple drove over six hours to pick it up.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: I find inspiration from other restorers on Instagram; my main source of connection and inspiration over the years. Usually when I pick up a new to me piece of furniture, I have a vision right away. I think since I’ve been doing this for awhile now I know my style, and I paint or restore furniture like I would if we were keeping the piece for our home.

Q: What are your favorite colors to work with?

A: I love all of the Country Chic Paint colors and furniture glazes, but my favorite colors are neutrals, including Liquorice, Hurricane, Hollow Hill, Sage Advice, Dark Roast, Rocky Mountain, Driftwood, Sunday Tea, and Peacoat. I tend to paint colors that would go well in my own home; mostly black, blues, greens, and grays.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone just starting out in their own business?

A: Trust yourself! Practice on a small piece! Learn from others but also find what works for you! Don’t be afraid to do some research, ask questions and make mistakes. There is so much that goes into a piece of furniture-literally time, love, blood, sweat and tears. Find what inspires you and have fun.

Vanilla Frosting

Vanilla Frosting is a light, creamy off-white, and arguably our most popular neutral. It’s warmer than Simplicity or Crinoline, but less yellow than Cheesecake This soft color pairs well with Elegance, Dune Grass and Ooh La La. It creates a cozy atmosphere and complements natural materials like wood and woven textures, as well as metallic accents like copper or bronze. Vanilla Frosting is a timeless color choice for creating a welcoming space.