Aloha kākou!
Many people do not realize that in addition to manufacturing new lighting, we also recycle and upcycle interesting things that come our way. Recycling and upcycling are great ways to reduce environmental impact – they keep stuff out of landfills, and reduce the need for new raw materials.
I belong to a number of pages and forums on the topic.
Something I have noticed lately is that with increasing frequency, when people post that they want to paint a vintage or antique piece, other members go ballistic! There are those who respectfully suggest keeping it all original to preserve the historic value, and then the spectrum continues through those who engage in shaming and belittling the owner for even thinking of such a thing.
So, I thought I would post my perspective on the topic here.
Personally, the first thing I look at is historic value. Then I look at the value to me and my family. Does the value of the piece to me and my family outweigh the historic value? Often, the answer is a resounding “YES!”
I have antiques in my home that have been with us for five generations and more. Their importance to our family is not in their value as pristine antiques, but in their value as records of our family’s lived experience.
Sure, it would be nice if my grandmother had not painted the dining room furniture white, then red, then black as she went though her various decorating phases. I love, love, love the look of wood. It was dark wood recalling her mother’s Victorian upbringing when my great grandmother stayed with her one summer. It was whitewashed into memories of Cape Cod beach homes when my uncle married. It was red during her lush Chinese decor phase when she had fabulous parties, the house and yard filled with paper lanterns, and I as a small child met fascinating people from around the world. In the later 60s, it was lacquer-black with red upholstery; it kept the Chinese opium den esthetic with a more sophisticated vibe. (Somewhere, I have photos of the phases. When I find them, I will add them here)
I still have a chair from that time, and now I am sanding it down to reveal the multiple layers of my Nana’s life. I’ll re-upholster the seat to add something of my own personality. When my daughter someday owns it, I hope she does not treat it as an antique, but enjoys it, uses it, makes it her own. And if that includes painting it, that is fine.
There is no quantifiable “right” or “wrong” way to live with our things. It is entirely subjective. What may be right for one person may be utterly wrong for someone else.
Someday, I will upcycle the sofa, too.