The Furniture Years at Oz: A Sideboard’s Second Chance

When this sideboard arrived at the studio, it was painted black from top to bottom. Its owner knew the piece had potential but wanted something lighter, softer, and more in keeping with the character of her home.

Beneath the dark finish was a beautiful piece of furniture waiting to be rediscovered.

Projects like this have always been among my favorites. There is something rewarding about helping a client look beyond what a piece is today and imagine what it might become. Every layer removed reveals a little more of the story hidden underneath.

As the black paint gave way to wood grain, the direction became clear. Rather than covering everything with another solid color, I wanted to preserve the warmth and character emerging from beneath the surface. Soft driftwood tones allowed the natural grain to remain visible while creating a lighter, more timeless look.

The transformation was dramatic. What began as a dark, visually heavy piece became something entirely different—warm, elegant, and full of texture.

Seeing the finished sideboard in its new home against the dark wall was one of those satisfying moments every furniture artist hopes for. The contrast highlighted everything that had been hidden beneath the black paint and proved that sometimes the most beautiful part of a piece is what was there all along.

For years before The Studio at Oz became focused primarily on painting, I spent countless hours helping clients breathe new life into furniture they loved. Looking back, those projects taught me many of the same lessons that guide my artwork today: look carefully, trust the process, and never underestimate what might be hidden beneath the surface.