Caxton magazines staffLove to entertain? Stefan Norval of Afresh Event and Design reveals the secrets to upcycling old pieces to create a setting that’ll wow your friends
TEXTURAL ALLURE
To add texture and interest to this table setting, Stefan covered the base plates with string. He also painted the knife and fork handles white to give them added appeal. “I love the wooden dice and old table legs used as decor props – they add a fun touch,” he says.
AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE
“I painted two old shutters in different shades of grey to create depth and perspective. Adding the flowers creates a vertical garden effect, which would be particularly great in an entrance,” he says. The artwork was part of a box of 21 litho prints from South America that Stefan found at a junk shop and decided to frame. Added to the mix are a glass vase, which was given a completely new look with electric blue paint, and an old boat light.
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Creating different levels immediately adds interest to a table setting and gives each item a ‘stage’ on which to shine. For a fuss-free floral centrepiece with a contemporary twist, simply wrap pot plants in newspaper. Another great idea is to paint an old wooden bucket and use it as a vase.
COLOUR INJECTION
As Stefan’s a fan of colour blocking, he opted to paint the chairs in vivid hues. “In this case I refurbished the seat and only painted the backrest as I wanted the integrity of the aged wood to shine through,” he says. The lamp base was painted in a similar shade to the foliage in the steel bucket for continuity. Keep in mind that little gems from junk shops don’t need to be obviously useful or beautiful; Stefan successfully turned the little blue houses (old KLM Royal Dutch Airlines alcohol bottles that are given as souvenirs) into bud vases for tulips.
SETTING THE SCENE
An assortment of chairs in different styles and an old bench found in a Parys junk shop add to the eclectic charm of this setting. By painting them, albeit in various colours, Stefan’s managed to create a unified feel. “A central theme can link diverse pieces together,” he explains. He’s paired them with a table from Amatuli, which is made from old planks. Birdcages were then placed around the chandeliers for extra impact and to give the room a quirky focal point.
