The Restoration Barn

03/09/2026

Always enjoyable and informative

03/09/2026

Sharing a house my son Jono is working on. Its Queensland heritage listed with Queensland Building Heritage in Spring Hill Brisbane.
Its a stone semi detached house built by 2 Scottish business partners in 1860
The fronts are slightly different. Jono replaced the little verandah roof of the right side, there were signs where it once was. They replicated it as best they could while keeping modern building codes in mind. They are also replicating the fence on top of stone like next door. Look forward to seeing it complete

01/09/2026

I dont usually do this but a client is looking for a nice duchess . Silky oak would be great but just looking for a lovely 1900 to 1920s hopefully with little trinket boxes.
Thought someone may be downsizing.
message me and I pass on their details.

27/08/2026

BBC seeks Aussies with hidden treasures for Antiques Roadshow Australia: A Bondi romance brooch valued in the thousands is the kind of story-rich find producers want for future episodes. Read more: https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/bbc-seeks-aussies-with-hidden-treasures-for-antiques-roadshow-australia/

27/08/2026

21/08/2026

Another customer with an eye for pieces. I did this simple pine plant stand and she picked it up today, was a dark stain. The client is having fun deciding where to put it. She said she likes Plant stands and has a few. I can feel more plant stands on the way. Check out the treadle machine ( a family piece) that i restored or should say rescued from old shed.
I like it with the blue cane chair ( not sure if I restored that one). Where do you think it works best.

20/08/2026

WOW WOW WOW
This client brings in the most amazing pieces...
and dabbles in doing some job herself....( check out fridge and before last picture)

This one being a veneer Im glad she bought it in to the Barn for restoration. It was found in an antique shop at Charters Towers.
Its very " Genoa like" wide arms, plush cushions etc. Genoas are from 1930s to 1950s. I feel this has a very Art Deco feel and would be late 1920s. It has all the hall marks when manufactured and designed of a Genoa but the raw light veneer arms have a very Art Deco feel and timber was very dark in 1930s/40s. No maker marks or history.
You may remember this before picture from a while ago but coming from the country, I had to wait until owner saw it first.
Its a stunner and worth waithing to show you at its home. The veneer is eye maple and very striking once we stripped and polished it. It now looks once again Im sure, how the designer intended.
The fabric works beautifully, neither timber or fabric are competing with each other but rather compliment each other.
PS
some may recognise the drinks cabinet in background. ( see 3rd last picture of before) The owner bought it off market place in Sarina ( I actually advised her not to touch it, i though veneer was damaged and missing but it was just the thick red stain peeling off.
What a treat to share these pictures with you all

18/08/2026

See below for more info about this beauty.

18/08/2026

Every job is someones special memory, someone pride and job, someone treasured Hairloom.
THIS JOB WAS NO EXCEPTION
# It is a little Wooden Writing Box from 1867 ( stamped)
# It has been passed down to each oldest male in the family.
# a family treasure
It accidently was leaning on a wet wall and white ants attacked it. see first pictures.
I endeavoured to remove only mahonogy veneer where damage. I had to carefully cut out the brass corner on veneer, colour match and attach.
I then hand polished any remaining veneer.
NEXT
was inside.
The vinyl was water damaged as well. I discovered the old stamped and gold guild leather under.
I sent picture to london leather desk supplier.
He was able to match gold pattern and stamp on edges.
I hope you appreciate the end box as much as the owner and I have.
Im very proud if this job.