I've always known that furniture carries stories. Sometimes it's obvious - a date carved into a drawer, an old repair, a maker's mark hidden beneath the upholstery. Other times, it's a feeling... Something about a particular piece, or a particular moment, that makes you pause and wonder whether there's a little more going on than we realise. Over the past five years, I've had a handful of moments like that - moments that could absolutely be explained away as coincidence. And yet... I just...

Every year, World Earth Day (22 nd April) reminds us to reflect on the impact our choices have on the planet. In 2026, as conversations around sustainability grow louder and more urgent, there are many overlooked practices quietly making a difference. One of those is furniture refinishing. At first glance, restoring an old table or cabinet might seem too small to have any impact, or even feel like a purely aesthetic choice. But when you look a little closer, you’ll find that refinishing...

If you met me at a community event stall or invited me into your home to look at a wobbly chair or tired dining table, you might have wondered how I ended up doing this for a living. Furniture refurbishment isn’t... the most obvious career path. It’s dirty, physical, and occasionally frustrating, but I absolutely love it. It’s also traditionally a male-dominated trade, which means I've had a few unexpected moments. And, as you’re about to find out, most of them are funny in hindsight, and...