REVIEW: Upcycling Our Shabby Chic Welsh Dresser with Uptown Junk

We moved house this time last year and are now ready to start adding some of our own touches to make it more homely.

We purchased a beautiful old Welsh Dresser for our Cotswold Cottage many years ago and although the Shabby Chic look worked amongst the bare brick walls, it looked very out of place in our less characterful property in Dorset.

If you're local, you may well have heard of Sonja, owner of Uptown Junk as word spread very quickly after the set up of her business in 2020 of her incredible creativity - turning basic furniture in to functional pieces of art. So I knew exactly who to contact to give our tired old dresser a bit of a revamp. 

But little did I know just how far Sonja would take it!...

Initial Consultation

Sonja's passion for her craft was apparent from the offset. She was so excited to see my dresser in person and asked to visit for an in person consultation. I could see her eyes light up from the minute she spotted it and not only did she look at the dresser and our kitchen where it's situated as a centre piece, she had a tour of the whole of the downstairs to understand and get a taste for how to make a new style work.

Sonja took the time to understand my vision for the dresser, offering creative suggestions and expert advice on how to achieve the vibrant look we wanted and then discussed her initial vision - which quickly developed from orange to bring out the theme of surfing artwork on the wall next to the dresser, to become a balyage style sunset theme. I didn't even realise that was possible!

Even after Sonjya had left I could tell she was buzzing with excitement and ideas and ran everything past me via WhatsApp.

The Process

We booked delivery of the dresser in for mid-July (Sonja is in demand and everything is done by hand, personally, so be mindful that there will be a little wait depending on what she already has booked in).

It was lovely to drop off the dresser (with a lot of heavy lifting from both Sonja and I) and it was fantastic to see her gorgeous workshop in Bournemouth, it's a great space and must be a great source of inspiration. It's also ideal that you are able to pull up off road so no worries about traffic or parking fines!

The process was collaborative and engaging the whole time. We were informed at every stage, sending updates and photos of the progress. They carefully stripped back the old paint, ensuring that the dresser’s original charm was preserved while prepping it for its new look.

There was a little addition of sea shell stencils that Sonja added which we weren't keen on and she was absolutely fine to remove and it was done in a way that didn't negate all of her hard work and before the all important waxing too. I love that she was so inspired throughout the project to try different things here and there but to communicate with us throughout.

The Transformation

The final transformation was breathtaking. The dresser now boasts a warm gradient of colours, starting with soft yellows at the top and transitioning through pinks and oranges. I love the attention to detail with even a splash of blue at the top and inside the drawers to show the colour of the sky. There's also some really arty splashes here and there. The finish is smooth and professional, with every detail carefully considered. The sunset effect is both bold and subtle, striking the perfect balance that complements the room without overwhelming it.

Craftsmanship and Quality

The craftsmanship is top-notch, reflecting the passion and expertise of Sonja. The dresser not only looks stunning but also still feels sturdy and well-made, a testament to the care taken in its upcycling. The paintwork is flawless, with no streaks or imperfections, and the colours are rich and vibrant.

Customer Service

The customer service was exceptional. Passionate, friendly, approachable, and clearly dedicated to ensuring that we were delighted with the final product. Sonja also provided advice on how to care for the dresser to ensure the finish remains beautiful for years to come.

Value for Money

Considering the quality of the work and the transformation achieved, the service provided by Uptown Junk offers excellent value for money. Sonja took a piece of furniture that was once tired and outdated and turned it into a unique and eye-catching feature that we now treasure.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to breathe new life into your furniture, I highly recommend Uptown Junk in Poole, Dorset. The ability to take an idea and turn it into a beautifully crafted reality is truly impressive. My Welsh dresser is now a conversation starter in our home, and I can't thank Sonja enough for her incredible work.

Whether you're after a subtle update or a bold transformation, Uptown Junk's combination of skill, creativity, and customer care makes them a standout choice for upcycling projects.

Contact Sonja from Uptown Junk today HERE!