Repurpose with passion

OLD FURNITURE IS A new sensation new sensation

STORY: MORGAN DYER PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

Shepparton’s Lisa Kerr has a knack for revamping old furniture.

From chairs, dining and coffee tables to baby change tables and fences, Lisa is saving one haggard piece of furniture at a time.

And thanks to COVID-19 giving her more time to do what she loves, she has become an accidental expert.

“I wouldn’t recommend it, but I started with a full kitchen,” Lisa said with a laugh.

“I bought this kitchen that was being pulled out of a home that was being demoed.

“I painted it all white and it took for ever, it was super tedious and super time consuming.

“I was working on it in the shed in the middle of freezing cold nights in winter, but once I started, I saw the progress and it got easier from there.”

Lisa said she was always looking for people selling furniture.

“I often see people reselling furniture which has been half sanded

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back because life has got in the way or other projects have popped up,” Lisa said.

“I have been really lucky my dad is really handy, and I have some mates who have given me tips and tricks.

“I revamped a desk from the 1920s and it’s just amazing to see these historic pieces given a new life.”

Trawling through magazines and online websites inspired Lisa to transform the furniture with a provincial and Hamptons style look.

“I am quite organised, and I think you have to be,” Lisa said.

“I created an inspiration board and my ideas really stem from that.”

Not only is Lisa enjoying the personal satisfaction that comes with the projects, but also the financial rewards.

“The amount of money that can be saved if you know what you are doing and put the time and energy into it is crazy,” Lisa said.

“People should give it a go because I’m sure they will be surprised about what can be achieved.”

LISA’S TOP TIPS FOR REVAMPING FURNITURE

Source quality furniture “There’s a lot of stuff for sale but make sure it is durable or you have the skills to fix it, if for example it needs to be levelled or clamped,” Lisa said. Prepare From sanding to undercoats, Lisa said this step would determine the look of the final project.

“You need to sand it back properly, whether that’s by hand or with power tools, and buy quality products for your undercoats,” Lisa said.

Know the style you aim to create “Buy all your supplies at the start of the project, as this will help you with your final vision,” Lisa said.

“I’ve known people who have had to sand furniture back four or five times because they realised they didn’t like a particular colour or wanted to change their style.

“It will also save you a whole lot of money too.”

Set a budget “If you don’t set a budget for yourself you may spend more money than you would have buying a new piece of furniture,” Lisa said.

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