Furniture Artists Collective Member:

Jennifer McCullagh: Upainted Northern Ireland 

Transforming the past, creating the future: In Northern Ireland, discover the art of upcycling with a passionate furniture artist.

 As a professional furniture refinisher based in Northern Ireland, I specialise in mid-century restoration and retro-line designs. With over 28 years of experience in furniture painting, I bring a wealth of expertise to my craft. I am driven by a deep love for breathing new life into worn and neglected pieces.

 Every item that crosses my path undergoes a meticulous transformation process. From restoring wood to reviving mid-century furniture and precision stencilling, each inch is cleaned and refreshed, even down to the smallest screw. I honour the history of these pieces while infusing them with modern appeal, creating furniture that seamlessly blends into contemporary homes.

 But it's not just about aesthetics. Sustainability and ethical practices are at the core of my approach. I believe in a circular economy, where furniture is passed on to others rather than sent to landfill. By upcycling and refinishing furniture, I showcase its versatility and beauty and contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. I also strive to promote a greener future by using low-VOC water-based paints and reducing waste.

Inspired by nature, architecture, and retro surface designs, my signature style is defined by line designs, geometric patterns, and precision stencilling. Whether it's colourful loops and lines or intricate stencils, my designs capture the essence of modernity while staying true to the original design of each piece.

 Client satisfaction is my ultimate goal. I have worked closely with clients through custom and commissioned projects to bring their visions to life. The joy and transformation experienced when incorporating my refinished pieces into their homes are reflected in their testimonials.

 Recognition within the industry is a testament to my dedication and creativity. As a finalist in prestigious awards such as the Flip Runway Awards in 2020 and the Irish Made Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, I've pushed boundaries and collaborated with other artists, designers, and well-known brands. These experiences have allowed me to expand my creative horizons and continue making a meaningful impact within the industry.

 Looking ahead, I am determined to explore new techniques, expand my client base, and create lasting impressions with each piece I craft. My focus is to reimagine vintage furniture and spark people's imagination to choose second-hand treasures over buying new.

To contact Jennnifer or to see more of her work visit her website at UPAINTED.CO.UK