Refinishing furniture is at the heart of Thyme + Stain. I started my business focused on bringing new life to vintage and antique furnishings. As you can see from the expanded collections, this quickly sparked my interest of bringing well crafted, unique items to the homes in Annapolis and surrounding areas. Recently, I have shared a quite a bit about these collections, so I’d like to pivot (anyone a Friends fan here?) to take a moment and share my passion for refinishing furniture.
My style is not about historic preservation, it is about taking well constructed furniture and extending its life by making it work in modern homes. This means each piece has a unique approach to it. Some need a complete overhaul, others not so much. Some are family heirlooms that hold cherished memories but don’t work within a family’s aesthetic. Every situation is different and each piece has already lived its own life. I’m here to bring it a new one.
So here’s a tidbit I have learned from working on various pieces. Vintage mahogany veneer is highly underrated! Personally, I do not like the deep red tones and high gloss finish often seen on these pieces. But strip away those finishes and you’ll find warm, luxurious wood grain worthy of showing off.
Now veneer may have you shying away, but it shouldn’t. These veneers were placed over solid wood construction (unlike today’s pressed and manufactured materials) making these pieces sturdy. You just need to know how to work with the construction of the piece. Don’t be aggressive with sanding and burn through the veneer. Take your time. Tone down the red undertone found in mahogany. Finish with a satin versus high gloss for a more modern feel.
Next time you see a mahogany piece think twice before passing it over! More often than not, there’s beauty waiting to be discovered.
Until next thyme,
Alison
