Restyling a home using a client’s existing furniture is a unique challenge. Unlike starting fresh, working with pre-loved items often means balancing a home’s aesthetic with a client’s attachment to certain pieces. This process is about weaving together the client’s cherished belongings, their vision and my expertise.
Sentimental pieces and “challenging” colour palettes
One of the biggest obstacles when restyling with existing furniture is working around sentimental pieces. Clients may have an old armchair from a grandparent or a bold red sofa they’ve had for years. These items, often beloved for their history, aren’t always the most attractive, versatile or even the right size for the space. But they’re part of the story, so we have to honour their meaning and somehow make them work within the space.
There’s also the challenge of the original colours and finishes. Instead of starting with a blank slate, I’m blending colours and textures that might not naturally suit the property’s style or vibe.
Sourcing, shopping, and showing clients options
A lot of time goes into sourcing just the right elements to enhance existing furniture. This means endless hours online, visiting shops, bringing samples, and often showing clients different options in fabrics, carpets, and accessories. And, of course, the return trips when something doesn’t work out.
Clients are often more indecisive than they expect. Even with a clear style preference, they’ll see one item and love it, then see another and change their mind. It’s natural—designing a room is like putting together a puzzle where every piece has to fit the whole picture. But without a trained eye, many clients only see items in isolation, not imagining how they’ll interact in the space.
The true cost of furniture and accessories
Another eye-opener for clients is the cost of furniture and accessories. Items might seem reasonably priced on their own, but once you start adding cushions, side tables, lamps, and rugs, it can quickly add up.
Clients often want to “keep it simple,” but a room without those finishing touches will look bland and unfinished. Those extra accessories bring warmth, colour, and character, so skipping them often leaves clients feeling underwhelmed with the final look.
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The unexpected time commitment: why restyling isn’t as “simple” as it seems
Clients often assume that working with existing furniture means the process will be faster, easier, and therefore cheaper. In reality, the opposite can be true. It’s often more time-consuming than starting from scratch because
I’m not just choosing items to fit a blank space; I’m harmonising what’s already there, working around sentimental pieces and existing colours, and hunting for those specific items that will bring it all together.
Coordinating between past and present styles can be an intricate, detail-driven process that requires as much time (if not more) than decorating from the ground up.
Behind-the-scenes hours: admin, logistics, and troubleshooting
Behind every beautifully styled room is a mountain of admin work. Coordinating with suppliers, managing orders, keeping up with invoices, and tracking payments are essential parts of the job. Then there are the delivery schedules—being available for deliveries, double-checking items for quality, and dealing with any issues that arise. It’s also common to brief upholsterers, curtain makers, and cushion makers with exact requirements, ensuring the client’s vision and mine come together seamlessly.
In short, restyling with a client’s furniture might not be the easiest task, but it can transform a house into a home. By blending old favourites with fresh finds, we create a space that truly reflects who they are, while making it look inviting and cohesive.
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