Trust the Mess: Why Your Furniture Makeover Process Looks Worse Before It Gets Better

Lel
Jul 5
2 min read

Rustic wooden hutch with shelves and cabinets in a stone-walled room. Tools and a container sit on top, ambient lighting above. — Where we started - Our blank base.

If you've ever stood in front of a half-stripped chair, paint-splattered jeans, and a growing sense of self-doubt whispering “What on earth have I done?” — you’re not alone.

One of the biggest truths in the furniture makeover process — and creativity in general — is this: it always looks worse before it gets better. That streaky base coat, that awful first colour, the awkward decoupage transition, the patchy early layers… they’re all part of the magic. But when you're mid-makeover, it’s really easy to panic and second guess everything.

The Dogs Dinner Phase: Embracing the Furniture Makeover Process

A bare wooden dresser with fresh white filler applied—marking the beginning of its creative transformation. — The dresser with the white filler

I call it “the dogs dinner phase.” It’s that moment when everything feels like it’s falling apart — but actually, it’s coming together in disguise. This is where trusting the furniture makeover process becomes absolutely vital. Every stunning, polished piece you’ve admired once looked messy, uncertain, and half-baked. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong — it means you’re doing it right.

Building Beauty One Base Coat at a Time

A streaky base coat on a dresser, part of the imperfect but essential furniture makeover process.

If you’ve ever watched someone effortlessly transform a tired bit of furniture into a show-stopping piece, know this: behind the magic are layers of learning, experimenting, and yes — mistakes. It’s all part of the furniture makeover process.

That’s exactly why I created my private painting channel — a cosy little creative corner where we can get into the real nitty-gritty together.

Want to Dive Deeper Into the Process?

Midway through the painting process—texture and tone begin to emerge through layered technique. — The paint finish beginning to take form

For just £8.99 a month, you’ll get:

A live in-depth tutorial each week — paint along in real time, or catch up whenever suits you.
The chance to ask questions, share laughs, and feel supported.
A growing community of like-minded creatives who get it — and who love a good giggle along the way.

It’s like having a painty group chat, just with a lot more inspiration and way fewer judgmental looks from your cat.

From Chaos to Character

Final reveal of the dresser—restored with layered paintwork, charm, and personality.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just itching to go deeper into the art of furniture painting — not just the big “wow” moments, but the real, messy in-between — this is your sign to join us.

You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You’ll get paint in your hair. Or Marty might stand in the paint (again). And most importantly, you’ll learn to trust your own furniture makeover process.

Love, Lel ❤️