Our Berkeley workshop
Refinishing + restoration
We strip, sand and refinish every vintage piece to repair any existing structural and cosmetic issues, bringing it back to its original factory condition. Here is what that looks like.
50+ years of wear
After 50+ years, most pieces we encounter need a full restoration to remove years of scratches, loose joints and finish loss.
This Ib Kofod-Larsen “Elizabeth” chair is shown in its original condition. The leather is ripped, the foam is failing, and the rosewood frame has faded from years of sun.
Back to original
We remove the seat bucket from the frame, reglue any loose joints, then strip, sand and refinish the frame to its originally intended finish. That takes away the cosmetic wear and brings the wood back to its original state.
The seat bucket then goes to upholstery for new straps, foam and leather, cut to the designer’s original pattern. It protects the chair’s long-term integrity and value, so it can be enjoyed for generations.
The right materials
We use the highest-quality parts and materials to restore each piece to the condition intended for the era it was made in.
Here is the restoration of a rare Bravo lounge chair, reupholstered in color-matched wool made by Kvadrat.
Paradiset sofa
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist’s Paradiset sofa, designed in 1958 for Nordiska Kompaniet. It arrived with tired, marked upholstery and worn legs. We refinished the legs and reupholstered it in green with new foam, keeping the original button tufting.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterDanish sofa with teak arms
The original striped upholstery was faded and worn. We stripped and refinished the teak armrests and legs, then reupholstered the sofa with new foam in a soft green-grey fabric.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
AfterREFINISHING + RESTORATION
BEFORE
After 50+ years, most pieces we encounter require a full restoration to remove years of scratches, loose joints, and finish loss.
This Ib Kofod Larsen "Elizabeth" chair to the right is shown in its original condition. The leather is ripped, the foam failing, and the rosewood frame faded from years of sun exposure.
AFTER
The restoration process involves removing the seat bucket from the frame, regluing any loose joints, and then stripping, sanding and refinishing the frame to its originally intended finish. This removes all cosmetic wear and bring the wood back to its original state.
The seat bucket is then sent to upholstery to receive new straps, foam and leather cut to the original pattern the designer intended.
This both preserves the long term integrity and value of the chair so it can be enjoyed for generations.
PERIOD CORRECT
We are dedicated to using the highest quality parts and materials to properly restore each piece to its originally intended condition for the era it was produced.
Here is the process of restoring a rare Bravo lounge chair using color matched wool produced by Kvadrat.