We pay extra for furniture made to look old, then scrub the real age off the things we already own. In our Glasgow workshop, we recently did exactly that to a letterbox we loved. Here's why, and when we wouldn't.

Mid-Century gets used to describe a look — clean lines, teak, tapered legs. But the label was never really about style. It named a set of assumptions about how to live: smaller rooms, informal hosting, furniture built to move with you rather than sit in a corner for show. This piece traces where that instinct came from, tests it against real objects that have passed through our workshop, and asks the question most "what is Mid-Century" guides skip — why it still holds up toda

For our workshop's daily driver we passed over a modern electric van and chose a 1970 Safari Yellow Volvo 145 — one family's pride for over 54 years. It embodies everything we believe in as restorers: honest Scandinavian design in the spirit of Jacobsen and Mogensen, "nuts and bolts" reliability with no disposable electronics, and the truth that the greenest car is one already built. This is how a mustard-yellow classic became our daily driver and a restoration in its own rig

Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.

Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.

Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.

Børge Mogensen revolutionised Mid-Century Danish design by creating highly durable, functional, and affordable furniture intended for the everyday household rather than the exclusive elite. By championing honest, natural materials in iconic pieces like the J39 and Spanish Chair, his work established an everlasting character that actively defies today's disposable "fast furniture" culture.

Arne Jacobsen’s "Total Design" philosophy revolutionised Mid-Century Modernism, proving that an architect's rigorous eye could be applied to everything from towering buildings to domestic tableware. His iconic seating, such as the Egg and Swan chairs, provided an organic counterpoint to rigid architecture, while his lighting and Cylinda-line collections embraced absolute mathematical precision. Preserving these everlasting pieces today is an act of mindful stewardship, requir

On my recent trip to the Donegal area I found a wild coastline where most of the houses had been upgraded and that left me wondering where were the older properties? Every hillside was covered in properties that had recently been completed to a high spec and had panoramic views over the bays. As I explored more it appeared that these were holiday homes and that the locals struggle to afford homes in these remote areas as is often the case in the similar popular locations in S

This post provides useful and practical information for someone looking to furnish home by comparing new and restored furnishing items.

How carbon footprint creation can be obtained from choosing restored products.

I love working with local skilled artists and have done work in the past with Zoe of Tenetiles who produced amazing linocut prints of...

Imagine stepping back into the 1930s every time you enter your living room. The grandeur, the elegance, and the unmistakable style of Art Deco, all captured within your fireplace. In this article, we'll explore the distinct components that make up an Art Deco fireplace, delve into its meticulous restoration process, and present you with exquisite second-hand options that are currently available in our shop. Whether you're an Art Deco enthusiast or simply interested in making

Retail has to find new ways to attract customers to visit the store by making it more interactive and engaging. To date the concept has...

Discover how Standen House's design principles offer lessons in sustainability for today's restoration.

Oversupply today and a Plan B Interior of Standen House After a trip to Standen House which was designed both interior and externally at the end of 19th century by key architects and designers of the Arts & Crafts movement. William De Morgan , Morris & Co and Arthur Romney Green were three of the main contributors to this fascinating property. It’s an interesting period where the key people were driven to create items that were hand made locally in response to the over indust

Wondering if buying second-hand furniture for your space is a good choice? In this blog we explain why you should consider it from multiple perspectives.

Article describing the magic of Bush radios that, once restored, continue to bring joy and warm sound today.

During the Second World War (WWII), when resources were scarce and the existing ones were substantially diverted to war effort, the...

Stay tuned as we embark on a journey to witness the astonishing before-and-after transformations that will leave you in awe of the timeless allure of furniture restoration. Selection of furniture items for restoration Let us delve into the methods and principles that guide the second-hand furniture selection, first step of its magical transformation. The journey begins with an appreciation for potential furniture items to be restored, recognizing their potential to serve the