Piper and Julia are sisters-in-law who run a furniture upcycling and refinishing business called Fig and Ferniture. Viewers of their Instagram can watch many fun videos to learn refinishing tips and see the photos of their beautiful completed projects. We partnered with them on some cabinet hardware for an Eastlake-style piece. See how it all turned out in our latest blog!
Please give us some more details on Fig and Ferniture. How did you develop it, and what sets it apart?
We started Fig and Fern during the pandemic! We flipped a small dresser and gained more confidence and knowledge as we tested new techniques. We are different from other furniture flippers because we mix art and design into our pieces, making them unique and one-of-a-kind.
How did you choose the hardware featured in this project? What attracted you to Nostalgic Warehouse?
We had a piece from the late 1800s that was absolutely stunning, and we wanted the hardware to be just as much of a focal point as the piece itself. We were attracted to Nostalgic Warehouse because of its unique designs. The vintage and antique styles of the hardware mesh incredibly well with our pieces. And the quality is unmatched!
Will you use this hardware again in other projects? If so, why?
Yes! We loved working with the company and saw many other styles we are dying to use! The hardware is incredibly well-made and unlike anything we’ve used before.
How long does a typical project take to complete?
A complete re-vamp on a piece, including all the prep (usually the most time-consuming!) repairs, painting, new hardware, legs, liner, protecting the piece, and staging, can take 3-5 days.
Where do you find design and style inspiration?
We love looking through old home decor books and envisioning the furniture but with a modern or boho twist. Much of our inspiration comes from bouncing ideas off each other until we decide on a final design.
When starting a project, how do you organize and plan for it?
First, we brainstorm with each other on the vibe we want. Boho, Scandinavian, old world, modern, minimalist, etc. Once we have a vibe, we choose a paint color, hardware, legs, and a fun liner!
How do you choose pieces to refinish?
Our niche is definitely vintage, mid-century, or boho. We always buy sturdy pieces with natural wood and good bones. We also love finding pieces with unique details, such as wood engraving, attractive hardware/legs, etc.
What are some tips for readers who wish to try their hand at furniture refinishing?
Look for small pieces, such as nightstands or a small end table. It’s much less intimidating! Also, the prep work is critical- properly cleaning, sanding, and repairing will ensure a quality result. We also love working with high-quality mineral paint.
What is next?
We want to expand our storefront in Portland and offer classes on refinishing furniture!
Thanks to Piper and Julia - we can't wait to see what's next!
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