If I’m honest… the tear down part of upholstery is rarely my favourite.

The old staples.
The dust.
The surprises hiding underneath.
The “what on earth happened here?” moments 😅

But once that part is done… that’s when the fun begins.

The part I truly love is the inspiration process. Where an old chair starts to become something completely new.

Because reupholstery isn’t just about recovering furniture.

It’s about creating a piece that tells a story that inspires me, the why behind the piece.

Once I can picture that… everything else starts to come together.

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Then I Look at the Frame

The frame often tells you where to begin.

Is it:

• Plain and simple?
• Ornate and elegant?
• Chunky and rustic?
• Vintage with character?

Then I decide:

• Will it be stained or painted?

The frame sets the stage for the style.

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Then Comes the Materials

This is where the personality really starts to show.

Do I use:

• Smooth leather
• Cowhide
• Western fabric
• Printed leather or canvas
• Tibetan fluffy hide

Each material gives a different feel.

Smooth leather might feel classic and timeless.
Cowhide can feel bold and rustic.
Fabric might soften the look.
A printed image can make it one of a kind.

Sometimes a detail in an image sparks the material choice.

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Then I Build the Colour Palette

Colour is where everything either comes together… or falls apart.

I ask:

• What feels cohesive?
• What complements the frame?
• What creates contrast?
• What feels timeless vs trendy?

I often drape materials over the chair to test combinations.

Do these work together?
Does this overwhelm the frame?
Does it feel balanced?

Because what looks good on a table doesn’t always work on the piece.

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Then I Think About Real Life

A beautiful chair still has to function.

So I also consider:

• Is this for a high traffic area?
• Will it need durable materials?
• Is it decorative only?
• Is comfort important?

The best pieces don’t just look good - they suit the purpose.

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And Yes… Pinterest Gets Opened Too

Sometimes I’ll search for inspiration online.

Not to copy… but to explore ideas.

Colour combinations.
Styling moods.
Unexpected trims.
Different finishes.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

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Why This Matters

Being intentional through this whole process can completely change the final result.

Instead of just “recovering a chair”…

you create a focused piece with a story to share, personality, purpose, and sometimes even a customer in mind.

That’s when furniture becomes more than furniture.

It becomes something people connect with.

And honestly… that’s the part I love most.

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Question for You

When you create something — do you start with the vision first, or figure it out as you go?