Giving Old Treasures New Life

In her charming and jam-packed atelier called Banaborose in St. Remy, local artist Lisa Guillot “reinvents” furniture of all types, salvaging its original beauty while giving it a fresh new (or completely vintage) look. She uses Annie Sloan chalk paints and has mastered a wide range of treatments, most of which require little or no sanding or stripping. For do-it-yourselfers, Lisa sells the paint and offers popular 3.5-hour workshops on Saturdays and Wednesdays, for a minimum of two people (60 € per person includes paint and all materials, by appointment only). She’ll also come to you, to lead a workshop in your home or do the painting herself. Don’t have a favorite piece that needs some TLC? Let Lisa find and finish one for you in whatever color makes your heart sing, from vibrant red Emperor’s Silk to creamy Versailles to soft green/gray Provence. Or, she’ll create the perfect blend. For pieces too big to transport yourself, Lisa offers pick up and delivery all over France. You’ll find her tucked away in the courtyard (officially known as Place Mireille Moatti), behind the shop Tectona, at 34 blvd. Mirabeau. banaborose.com, contact@banaborose.com, +33 (0)6 07 16 17 98. 

Photos: (1,2) Lisa...and her studio. (3, 4, 5) Finished pieces. (6, 7) An armoire, before and after. (8) Color chart. (9) Lisa's worktable.