My feet up on the sofa, I glance to the empty corner of the room over my glass of shiraz, as the episode of Orange is the new Black finishes. I miss Beatrice, she was so useful to keep my wine glasses and bottles inside. Shame I sold her.
Of course I’m referring to the gaudy, battered retro wine cabinet I picked up at the Dubai Auction last year, not my mother-in-law! I lovingly painted her a charcoal grey-black and a bright turquoise on the inside. She was gorgeous. Stunning even. I’ll probably never get my hands on one like her again.
Then there was Holly, the Union Jack table. I painted her freehand in whites and greys. I should have kept her too. She was adopted by a really lovely lady though, so that made it easier to let her go.
Ok I admit it, I’ve kept loads of bits of furniture that I don’t need but simply couldn’t part with on completion, much to the consternation of my patient, loving husband (he also loves the paint marks I leave on the floorboards - NOT!)
Let’s just say I find it jolly hard to let go. Something happens when you spend a long time giving a new lease of life to a well made piece. You kind of get attached to it. They seem to evolve in to a new character before your eyes and that’s why Jo and I always name our furniture!
For example, the one I’m working on at the moment is definitely female. She’s an elegant French-looking hall/console table with one petite drawer and curvy edges. I was leaning towards calling her Genevieve but we’ve already had a Genevieve...maybe Bridgette! Yes, that suits her.
We love elegant French style pieces and always look out for those. But we can be fickle! While I was watching the last season of Downton Abbey, suddenly there were a lot of pieces with names like Edith and Sybil. We even had a Lady Mary!
I shouldn’t say I have favourites but one in particular comes to mind. Jean Claude. He was strong and bold, with a handsome creamy coloured suit and a rugged look. I almost cried when Jo sold him. A lucky lady in Jumeriah-One now displays him proudly in her living room. Pah!
Stay up to date with all the characters Jo and I are working on in my regular blog..... And if you can name this piece, please give us your ideas in the comments box below.
Name this piece! Add your suggestion in the comments below.