Restoration Works Darrah Dunn

02/15/2022

At the 1917 bungalow. The gilded burlap ceilings are happening but we’ve scrapped the idea of real burlap. I’m working out a faux effect that looks pretty convincing to me.

01/12/2022

This interesting little rocker has been in my furniture spa, getting weak joints tightened back up and having a little broken arm repaired. It’s a traditional Boston rocker, and originally would have had a continuous seat of molded plywood. That seat had a long life, no doubt, but they usually give way. Some previous restorer replaced it with the well done and rather ingenious slats that you see.

12/15/2021

I’ve piled up an interesting array of projects that I’m focusing on today. A Heywood-Wakefield footboard; a remarkable mission oak armchair; a delicate little Boston rocker with an unusual slatted seat; and a good pair of smoke and chemical damaged office chairs that smell like the fire they survived.

11/24/2021

From my professional page

11/24/2021

At the bungalow. Refinishing screen doors and recycling an old painter’s trick. As always, I am obsessed with the beautiful geometry of this house, which has inspired a whole series of paintings. These pics might just inspire a new piece.

11/05/2021

Authentic Mission Oak furniture (Arts and Crafts/Craftsman, c. 1915) is infinitely forgiving. I think you’ll enjoy my progress on the wonderful rocker I posted about a while back. Little by little—-with precision and attention to detail—-I have re-invented it.

09/11/2021

It’s not rocking just yet, but this great oak rocker is coming back to life. As I’ve reassembled it I’ve muttered little thank-yous to whoever cut and fitted all its perfect little parts.

09/05/2021

From my professional page

PROCESS
A good mission oak rocker has several lives in it. For this one (nice and wide, sturdy, 1920?), I’ll need to order new rocker runners. The original drop-in cushion is being reupholstered. A little wood filler here and there and it’ll be ready for varnish.

09/05/2021

PROCESS
A good mission oak rocker has several lives in it. For this one (nice and wide, sturdy, 1920?), I’ll need to order new rocker runners. The original drop-in cushion is being reupholstered. A little wood filler here and there and it’ll be ready for varnish.

09/03/2021

I don’t do much furniture restoration anymore, but this mission rocker intrigued me. Not really that difficult, but it is a patient, labor intensive undertaking.

07/28/2021

The Bungalow breakfast room. Back to square one. I’ve almost worked my way around the whole house. Closing in on the kitchen. That’ll be the big dragon at the end of this game.

07/20/2021

At the Bungalow

The owner of this marvelous house is a well-tuned Craftsman and has the commendable finesse to force any door back into its proper place. The door on the table is one of the exterior doors. It will be rehung in the breakfast room. The last of the living room doors has also reappeared. Faux- finish man stands back in awe as this beautifully restored door once more graces the end of the hallway. Collaboration wins again.