Making a House a Home: A Story of Repeat Commissions and a Valued Customer

There's something truly special about being trusted to transform furniture that is destined to become an integral part of somebody's home — not just once, but again and again. 

In October 2025, I was contacted by a customer, N, who had previously bought a mirror from me. N had recently moved into a new house, and she wanted me to transform a mahogany monks bench she was planning to buy. N had an idea of what she wanted, something bespoke and unlike anything you'd find on the high street. That's where I came in. 

The first commission was a statement piece for N's living room, when she purchased it the vendor was horrified to hear that she intended to have it upcycled. However, N stuck to her guns and worked closely with me to feed in her design ideas and requirements. When her bench was delivered back to her N was delighted and already had her next piece waiting to be taken away.  

This second piece was more of a challenge and required more work, but the result was worth it. This thin set of drawers was originally intended to stand behind the lounge door, but N was so pleased with it, she placed it in a more prominent area of the room with a beautiful vase of flowers on it. The room was looking stunning, and the two items I had transformed so far fitted in beautifully. 

Item number three was a solid oak drop leaf table that N had bought from Marketplace, I collected it and headed straight for my workshop with it. N wanted the scalloped edge to be highlighted so I suggested gold leaf, (for my sins! It is a nightmare and very messy). Once again N was delighted with the result. As I drove home, following delivery, N messaged me to discuss chairs. We agreed on some beautiful vintage dining chairs which I managed to source from an auction and out came the gold leaf again, along with my upholstery tools. 

Each commission for N has been different — different styles, different briefs, different corners of her home — but the thread running through all of them is the same: the desire for N to surround herself with beautiful items that have a history, that have been transformed, and that have a new life ahead of them. 

For me, this is what the work is really about. Not just the transforming, but the relationship that builds over time. Getting to know how someone lives, what they love, what they want to see in their lovingly created home. Each new challenge N brings me is a privilege, and honestly, one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. 

If you're in the middle of making changes in your home — or if you've been sitting on an idea for a piece that's uniquely yours — I'd love to hear from you. Sometimes the best commissions start with nothing more than a feeling and a conversation. 

Get in touch to talk about your next piece.