What’s that on the footpath? Is it the exact piece of furniture you need for your new place?

It’s not exactly in good nick, but furniture flipping has been all the rage on the internet lately … How hard can it be? To leave, or not to leave?

CW’s Anja de Rozario caught up with acclaimed paint guru and inventor of Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan, who shares her top tips for your first restoration project – straight from the mouth of the master.

For the furniture-flipping newbies, how can you tell if old furniture is worth restoring? Are there any red flags to look out for?

“Firstly, look for solid wood furniture. It’s generally more durable and easier to restore than furniture made from particle board or laminate. If you already have some at home, great!

“If you find it for free, check for damage. Minimal damage includes scratches, dents, or missing hardware. Avoid furniture with major structural damage, such as broken or wobbly legs.

“Next, consider the style: Look for classic or timeless furniture that can be updated with a new finish or hardware.

“The ultimate red flags to avoid, particularly with free furniture, are signs of pests – bed bugs and termites can be expensive to address as you may require professional help – and strong odours, such as cigarette smoke or mould.”

What are the first steps to restoring a second-hand piece? Where do you get your inspiration from?

“The first step is to decide where it’s going to live. Different spaces will benefit from different colours, and colours will look different depending on their surroundings and light. It’s best to decide where your new piece will live, and then paint it to fit that exact space.

“Choose a colour from a painting nearby, from a cushion in the same room, or in a shade that highlights your wall colour to get the most out of your new furniture. This bespoke attention to detail is what really adds the ‘wow factor’ to your home and makes your interiors look much more considered and luxurious.”

What is the easiest furniture restoration project that anyone can do? On the other hand, which projects are often attempted, but rarely executed properly?

“Always start small – a bedside table, chair, or lamp base is a great first project.

“If you try painting something more difficult such as, say, laminated kitchen cabinets on your first attempt, you’re making your life more difficult than it needs to be!”

When giving an old dresser or table a fresh lick of paint, how do you make it look “professionally done”?

“It depends on the look you’re going for – a smooth flat modern finish, a faux marble effect – anything is possible!

“I’d recommend doing your research before you start so you’re armed with all the basic information to achieve the specific look you want. Chalk Paint gives a very high-end, velvety finish worthy of professional decorators and furniture restorers – because that’s what I was doing when I invented it.

“It’s easy to use, quick to dry, and a doddle to correct. Even if you go horribly wrong, you can fix it within minutes. Overthinking is the enemy of any upcycling project – so just get stuck in!”

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