Meet Lauren Svacina!

Owner & Artist behind

Portland Row Studio

Lauren has developed the art of refinishing and reselling from the workshop to her studio boutique. She specializes in modern farmhouse and cottage décor.

The Art of Refinishing

YOU MUST COMMENT BELOW TO BE ENTERED!

For an additional entry, note in the comments that you shared on social media and/or you listened to the podcast! All those that comment will be entered into the random drawing to win one of two sets. Contest closes Thursday, March 19th, 2019 at noon EST. The winners will be announced below once they have responded to the email notification we send out to winners so make sure you check your emails March 20th & 21st.

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!

Congratulations to:

Sonya H., AZ

Kelly L., WI

Perfect for broader strokes

Palm Pro Paintbrush

$10.95

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Q & A with Lauren

Just about 5 years.

We bought our house just 3 days after our son was born. I bought a lot of second hand furniture and started painted much of it during the baby's nap time.

I have a small studio and I sell my furniture there.

I love Empire style furniture. It's generally so solid and well made and there is nothing like gliding a brush over those curvy legs!

I honestly don't think I can pick! I use so many different paints and all for different reasons. I'd have to say the pieces I end up liking most I usually milk painted pieces because I love the authetically old finish it can create.

I have so many favorites, but I would have to pick my first milk painted piece. It was a huge challenge for me, but somehow ended up chipping in all the right places. What makes it really special for me. McKenna from Neat & Navy Blue (who was my furniture painting idol) fell in love with it and ended up coming from Iowa to Wisconsin to buy it. Since then, she has become one of my very best friends and I can not see that piece without thinking of her.

Green...I love most shades of green!

I love thrifting and antiquing! There is nothing like the thrill of the hunt.

Do what you love! If everybody is doing MCM but you don't like it, don't do it. If everyone is using transfer and you don't like transfers, don't use them. Hate doing custom pieces? Don't do them! Pour yourself into pieces you love and the customers will follow.

I never met a Zibra brush I didn't like! My favorites are probably the Palm Pro and the Round. The Palm Pro is good for drawers and larger surfaces, but I also used it to paint my whole bathroom! The Round brush is perfect for furniture legs and spindles. I find myself using it all the time.