A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Furniture Commission with Upcycled by M
From first message to final brushstroke — how a bespoke furniture commission comes to life
(Photo: Upcycled pine bedroom furniture by Upcycled by M in a styled interior.)
Commissioning a piece of furniture can feel like a big step. You may love the idea of transforming something meaningful, but still wonder what actually happens once you get in touch. Will it be complicated? Will you know what to choose? How long will it take?
At Upcycled by M, every bespoke furniture commission is designed to be calm, collaborative, and personal. My role is to guide you — from those first uncertain ideas to a beautifully finished piece that feels truly at home in your space.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of a typical furniture upcycling commission, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step One: Getting in Touch
Every transformation begins with a simple message or phone call.
Some clients come to me with a clear vision. Others just know they have a piece they love but don’t quite love how it looks anymore. Both are perfect starting points.
When you first get in touch, I’ll usually ask for:
• A few photos of the piece
• Its dimensions and general condition
• Where it will live in your home
• Any colours, styles, or moods you’re drawn to
You don’t need to have all the answers— I’ll guide you through every step.
Below are some photos of typical pine furniture ready for transformation
Thinking about transforming a piece?
👉 Get in touch here → https://www.upcycledbym.co.uk/get-in-touch/
Step Two: Understanding Your Style & Your Home
No two commissions are ever the same — because no two homes, families, or stories are the same.
Once I’ve seen your piece, we’ll talk about how you live with it. Is it a dining table used every day? A sideboard passed down through generations? A dresser that just needs a little love? A bedroom wardrobe in need of a refresh?
I’ll ask about:
• Your home’s style (farmhouse, cottage, modern country, classic…) - is it modern or more period?
• Your colour preferences - do you already have a colour in mind or colours you are drawn to?
• Light and space in the room - do you want the room to feel lighter, more airy?
• How the piece will be used - is it being re-purposed or does it need to be super durable?
• Existing furniture - do you have any other wood tones (maybe flooring/other furniture/ wooden worktops) you are wanting to harmonise with?
This ensures your finished furniture doesn’t just look beautiful — it belongs in your space.
Step Three: Designing Your Bespoke Finish
This is where the creativity truly begins.
I’ll suggest colour options, finishes, and subtle details that complement your home and your personality. Whether you’re drawn to soft heritage tones, gentle neutrals, or something with a little more character, we’ll design a finish that feels timeless.
You may receive:
• Paint suggestions/ paint swatch sticks
• Finish samples
• Advice on durability and care
Many people worry about choosing the “wrong” colour — but I’ll guide you every step of the way so nothing feels overwhelming.
Some clients find it helpful to see colour paint swatch sticks in their own home, in their own lighting and surroundings, comparing them next to existing fabrics or wall colours etc, so I can provide these.
Other times, I have mocked up Moodboards to help clients visualise a design scheme and how the piece may look once transformed.
Learn more about how commissions work:
👉 https://www.upcycledbym.co.uk/design-commission-process/
Step Four: Preparation — The Foundation of a Beautiful Finish
This step is the secret behind every beautiful transformation.
Before any paint goes on, your piece is carefully prepped. This includes:
🔧 Cleaning and degreasing
🪵 Repairing and stabilising
🪶 Careful sanding to bare wood where possible to gain the best adhesion for the paint
🧪 Priming and treating old wood where necessary/ removal of wax
This meticulous preparation ensures your piece doesn’t just look good — it lasts.
Professional preparation is what seperates a quick refresh from a truly enduring transformation.
(Photos above of Upcycled by M: Sanding and preparing wooden furniture for upcycling- some in clients homes / some in our workshop in Chipping Sodbury).
Step Five: The Transformation Begins
Now comes the part most people imagine — the painting, layering, and finishing.
I apply each coat by hand, allowing proper drying time between layers. Depending on the look we’ve chosen, this may involve:
• Brushwork/ roller work
• Wood staining/ refinishing
• Any decorative work/accents/ special finishes (stencils/ metallics/ onlays/decoupage), changing of hardware/ knobs/ handles
• Sealing for protection
Nothing is rushed. Every piece is built slowly and intentionally, allowing its character to shine through.
Roy carefully re-assembling the
wardobe doors at a client’s home.
Step Six: The Final Reveal
Once your piece is complete, I’ll share photos with you before collection or delivery.
I also send progress photos at each stage so you can see the piece as it evolves and check you are happy at each stage.
If you would prefer a surprise reveal and no progress updates, that is also fine, just let me know.
The final reveal never gets old. Its what gives me the most joy and pleasure - seeing clients faces looking at their newly refinished furniture!
Seeing something once tired and overlooked become beautiful again is incredibly special — especially when it’s a piece with history and meaning.
I’ll also offer styling tips and care advice so your furniture stays lovely for years to come.
A Recent Commission Story
One recent client contacted me about having her pine bedroom furniture upcycled. It was structurally sound but too dark, had gone too orangey and no longer suited her newly decorated bedroom.
Together, we chose a soft neutral tone with gentle warmth — something that lightened the whole room, and made the furniture feel much more contemporary and in harmony with her new colour scheme.
After careful preparation; involving a full sand down, prime, paint and varnish, the furniture was transformed - see photo below. It was amazing how much more light and airy the room looked and felt.
She later told me ‘We are so pleased with the transformation to our pine furniture. We had wanted to upcycle the pieces and are thrilled with the quality finish.”
That’s the magic of upcycling.
(Photo of newly upcycled pine bedroom furniture below).
👉 View more in my Gallery → https://www.upcycledbym.co.uk/portfolio/
Why Commissioning a Piece Is So Special
When you commission a piece, you’re not just buying furniture — you’re preserving something meaningful.
A bespoke upcycled furniture piece means:
• Your piece is one of a kind
• It’s made specifically for your home
• It’s environmentally responsible
• It carries history forward
• It’s built to last
In a world of fast furniture, this is a thoughtful, eco-friendly choice that creates beauty without waste.
Thinking About Commissioning a Piece?
If you’ve been considering transforming a piece of furniture, I’d love to hear from you.
You don’t need a finished idea — just a photo, a story, or a feeling. I’ll help you shape the rest.