Within the past several years, there has been a big trend towards reworking antique furniture. Many praise the use of old, forgotten pieces and see it aligning with the popular “Green Movement” while others see it as defacing history. Where do you stand?

Barb Blair of Knack Studios in Greenville, SC and Kristen Fountain Davis of KFD Designs in Atlanta, GA have both built successful careers in mastering the furniture revamp trade. Blair got into repainting furniture when her family moved into a new home with cabinets she didn’t love. Unable to afford a renovation, she put on her paint clothes and creative thinking cap and transformed her kitchen. She quickly realized how much she loved revamping old, broken, or outdated pieces and opened Knack Studio in Greenville, SC. Blair’s work was an immediate success as she sold several pieces within the first week they were available. She has gained popularity over the years all while building a name for herself in the furniture world. In addition to her furniture, she writes a well-read blog and furniture tutorials for Design Sponge covering everything from how to achieve various paint finishes to reupholstery. Blair has an incredible attention to detail and the ability to highlight the intricate handiwork of various craftsmen from years past.  You can find everything from vibrant patterns to subtle neutrals in her work all while possessing a whimsical quality.

Davis got her creative start earning a BFA from Georgia State University. Upon completing her degree, she spent a few years working for a faux painting company but moved on in 2008 in hopes of pursuing an interior design career. In the beginning of this process, “a few people asked [her] to paint things for them, and it kind of snowballed from there”. Davis now works as a full time professional artist with a successful blog were she says she gets 90% of her business. She paints everything from furniture to interior walls. Davis has moved away from buying and “flipping” furniture and works primarily on commissions, however if she does buy a piece of furniture, “it really has to be something that’s unique and generally a great deal”. Davis has an incredible talent for applying incredible free handed designs and patterns to her work. Like Blair, Davis has made a name for herself in the design world; she has even painted pieces for Pantone’s MyColor brochures.

Enjoy their beautiful work!

You may also be interested in:

1. 
   Revival Furniture
2. 
   Artisan, the New High Design