restorations and odd jobs
Our passion for preserving historical pieces has led to some rewarding restoration projects. Whether using existing materials, replicating details or adding a contemporary twist, we understand the significance of honouring the integrity of vintage design. We believe that restoring objects from the past is particularly important now, in this world of disposable items that are not meant to last.
Sometimes we are asked to take on odd little projects that are a bit of a departure from our usual work. We welcome these requests… that’s what keeps things interesting!
Restoring a vintage boat for a friend required research into repairing rivets and polishing aluminium. This small project led to an interest in Airstream trailers which we began collecting for our own use and to customize for resale.
This 1957 Airstream Overlander had been sitting unused for many years. An olfactory assault of wet ashtray, mould and mouse urine meant that it would have to be taken apart right down to the frame and restored from the ground up. New wheel axles, suspension, insulation, plumbing and electrical would provide updated efficiency. However, many of the lovely old details were in surprisingly good shape. The knobs and hinges, the sinks, magazine rack, shelves, and some light fixtures were cleaned up and reinstalled. Much of the cabinetry was cleaned, restored and refinished. We reconfigured the dining area and bathroom, building new cabinetry to match the old. This was to be our home while we built our house and workshop so we made sure it would be a comfortable respite at the end of a long, hard day of work.
We could see the potential in this little diamond in the rough!
Stripped down to the bare bones.
New wiring, plumbing and insulation were completed before the wall panels were reinstalled and painted in a similar style to the original “zolatone”.
A new belly pan was made and damaged areas reattached with rivets.
We built new seat benches in a style inspired by the original cabinet hinges. Rounded corners were also in keeping with the original, restored cabinetry.
A new refrigerator was needed but the original stove was just fine. We were able to find latticed tin in the same pattern as the old shelves and racks to replace the sliding doors in the upper cabinets.
Decorating with vintage fabrics and 1950’s housewares was the fun part after all the dirty work!
A project on a much smaller scale…
We found an old espresso machine that needed restoration to get back into working condition. After a lot of research, cleaning and reassembly, it needed new knobs and feet which we made out of jatoba wood for an updated, contemporary look.
A project on a sillier scale…
An old tricycle is repurposed to become a firewood carrier.
Handmade bentwood sled. The lighting bolt detail on the runners means it goes really fast!
Pepper grinders made of walnut, mahogany and wenge.
We had fun designing, building and painting “peep boards” for our neighbours at “Prince Edward County Lavender”.
