Best Centers Study Furniture Restoration Kingston-upon-Thames Near Me

rusty beck: I have become quite a course collector at The Goodlife Centre! Theres something quite magical about this space and the people who both work and learn there. I have so far done the dovetail box, kumiko and turning courses - and so excited for the chair course! Each tutor for these courses have been so generous with their knowledge, shared their passion, warmth, and approached teaching in a patient and understanding way.

Marianne: , which I wasn't expecting but boy did we need them! This is the perfect course for total DIY beginners who want to learn a new skill, feel less clueless when dealing with tradies and be empowered to take on small electrical jobs in the home. Would give more stars if I could.

Anouska Longley: Wonderful day of drills, acquiring new skills, a varied group and a wonderful teacher.

Paul: We thouroughly enjoyed our visit. It was nice to have a small intimate group. The tutor spent a lot of time with anyone who needed it. We all felt included and no one was left without support. We have already booked another day at with you. The only thing that was difficult was the noise from the drilling class next door. It made it a little hard to hear. Otherwise the best day out ever.

Mark Paterson: One day "Carve a Wodden Bird" course in February 2024. Great introduction to wood carving with excellent teacher.

Kerri Fairweather: Absolutely fantastic class, worth every pennyYou learn you have fun and you create som really beautiful pieces

Trish: What a brilliant day - very well organised, plenty of materials and a lovely relaxed atmosphere! Tutor, John, was very helpful, who was very patient! Highly recommend trying this willow basket weaving. The centre has so many different things to try - my husband did wood turning and thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend it

Hugo Scheckter: Had never done any sort of class like this before but signed up for a Drilling class on a whim. Moira, our teacher, was brilliant fun and we learnt a lot - nice group, good atmosphere and the content was practical and easy to grasp too.

Nat Ev: I did the “DIY in a day: drills” course here a month ago - it was fantastic! I learned so much from Moira, a wonderful teacher. I have put up several shelves and hung some pictures since then, referring to my notes and very useful handout. We were able to practice with different makes of drill, in a variety of materials - wood, brick, plasterboard, tile. I highly recommend doing a course here!

Maurice Sardison: Very easy to find location. Good course to do and very good trainer too.

Susanna Worth: I had the most fabulous time learning how to make a shelf and how to use all the tools involved. The teacher Martin was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the coffee and biscuit selections during the breaks was a lovely touch. Would definitely recommend taking a course here and will hopefully be back again soon!

Maria Fernanda Mascotte: Highly recommend! I attended the ‘gardening in small spaces’ course with Jane and it was brilliant. I’m a complete amateur in the subject but her passion and knowledge kept me very entertained for the whole time and I feel a lot more confident now.

Grace Dempsey: If you're considering doing a course here just do it, you won't regret it! Learnt so much in one day and have a level of confidence in DIY I have been searching for but haven't found for a long time.

Kshitij Sinha: Did couple of courses- plumbing and electrician course. Highly recommend it for novice DIY’ers. It was very helpful for me and I have now managed to do new things around the house. The instructor is extremely helpful as well.

Amelia Lewis: I purchased the Basic Practical Electrics Online course so that I could go through the material in my own time after buying my first home.I was pretty apprehensive of electrics prior to the course with my only memory of any practical electrics being wiring a plug at school.After the course I have so much more confidence and understanding of the electrics in my house and would be comfortable changing switches and sockets.Moira was a fantastic teacher and explained everything from a basic level - I especially appreciated that she always showed variations of units so if you come across a slightly different version of the socket or plug, you still have the confidence to tackle the job.Well worth the money, would recommend!

Gemma Glanville: Learnt so much today and feel much more confident

Stephen James: Great place 👌🤠

jenny P: Great furniture at good prices 😜👍👍👍

peter Pickett: reviews may be more on what is recieved or sold, but from the donate side i have to say the service i got was second to none.we were moving out and had surplus furniture we had no time to sell and unable to dispose due the virus restrictions at the council refuse depot,although the items were far too good to just dump.Tracey on the admin side suffered my many e mails and phone calls to alter dates as our exit date changed over and over.Timely reponses , much patience and understanding and we got there in the end.the two guys who collected were also very timely and professional.weird to pay to clear something you could sell, but if needs be the service works extremely well, and as important, at the end gets used for a good cause. job well done with a feelgood factor.

Claudia Toma: I recently attended the Core Skills: Understanding Wood with a group of colleagues. We had a fantastic few days with Helen, who was great fun and really informative. The course itself was a nice balance of theory, practical and visits to specialist suppliers/makers. We all work with timber to varying degrees, so had some knowledge of the material and working with it, but wanted to start filling in the gaps in our knowledge - this course did just that! We're all more confident in our ability to identify timbers, and left with a good understanding of the structure and properties. We hope to come back and complete one of the other core skills courses next year. Thank you Helen!

t i m c: I attended the CORE SKILLS: Joinery Level 1It was part for the love of wood and a desire to learn how to make something physical in this digital world and part therapy.The physical world is much harder than using a keyboard. I've never been so tired.Helen was our teacher this week. She was welcoming and friendly. She knew her subject and was passionate about it. She was able to keep us all in check and explained what to, how to do and what we did wrong - always prepared to help and provide guidance when required. She could hear mistakes being made from 50m away and wasn't afraid to tell you - a good thing as you learnt from those mistakes.I met a friendly group of people whilst on the course and everyone helped everyone else.I am motivated to do more and have already signed up for the dove tail course later in the year. The courses here cover all aspects of carpentry.The facilities were good and all equipment was provided and was of a good standard.Thank you.

Stuart Marsh: I've now done 2 course with LSFM - Core Skills 1 and Dovetail Weekender. Both have been really well run and the equipment and knowledge of both Helen and Sam is amazing. Good sound practical advice and lots of great little tips and tricks. Thanks guys.

Rebecca Harrington: Had a brilliant time on the introduction taster course with Sam today. Absolutely lovely guy and super knowledgeable! Thanks for a fantastic time. Made for an excellent belated Christmas present!

Jack Dumfries: Exceptional, magical, educational and most importantly.....FUN!

Alex Coady: I recently took the 4 day joinery course with Helen and had such a great week learning how to create various joints and use a bunch of woodworking tools.I'm usually very quiet and awkward in groups of new people but Helen was so welcoming and friendly that I didn't think about anything other than having fun and getting stuck in for the whole time I was there.I'd fully recommend the school and will be coming back for a future course myself very soon!

Harald Haugan: Did the core skills, fitted furniture course, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sam was a brilliant instructor, and the venue was great too. Will definitely be back for more courses in the future!

The Raging Bajan: Did the 4 day joinery class. Sam is a great and patient instructor, and a great environment is provided to learn necessary skills. Definitely recommend

Scott Rowland: great experience. took the introduction to woodworking with Helen and learned a lot, whilst having fun! Definitely interested in another course.

Sean O' Flynn: Great teacher!

Tom Shooter: So many great courses, so many things to try your hand at, and Helen is a brilliant teacher- there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the ins and outs of furniture making. Really well equipped workshop, friendly atmosphere and you will learn so much. Very highly recommend!

Geraldine McCarthy: Really enjoyed the course, practical, fun, great tutor. As a total beginner the course hit the right balance for me.

Joy Me: Wonderful 1st lesson, I am looking forward to the next.

Penny Bickerstaff: I enjoyed a marvellous week at Barnett's Upholstery learning the beginning of a new skill and leaving with an immaculate, much admired chair.The workshop provides all the tools and all but the top materials, there is plenty of room to work, the tuition is exceptional - Bob always explains why you are doing what you are doing, his demonstrations are exemplary and make it look east - then you get to try.....What makes this place really special however is the atmosphere of quiet, supportive, collegiate and purposive endeavour. There's good humour and shared convivial lunches too.Bob and Sara have managed something unique - but don't take my word for it try it for yourself. Penny

Douglas Poggioli: I had never done anything like this in my life and was just trying it out, but once I started working with Bob I was completely bitten by the upholstery bug. It was an amazing experience. I finished 5 projects over the course of the year, each one more challenging than the last. Bob guided me through my work encouraging me to read up on the techniques on my own as well. He is an exacting and precise teacher; he never let me get away with substandard work, and for that I'm very grateful. All of my projects turned out beautiful. Moreover I left with a lot of confidence and the desire to keep learning more. I have since moved out of London and am looking for more projects to work on. Wish Bob was here to keep guiding me but he's given me good skills to start with. An all round fantastic experience!

Rebecca McLellan: I was bitten by the upholstery bug after creating a footstool at a taster class run by Barnett Upholsteries over 4 years ago. As an absolute beginner I've since attended evening classes and more recently a succession of 5-day intensive courses to work on more challenging projects.Bob's standards are extremely high and his training helps you achieve impressive work. The end results are always fantastic and along the way you just keep learning and improving your skills as an upholsterer.The satisfaction of bringing a chair, literally back to life is very addictive!

claire lound: Great place to learn.

M R: I completed the one week intensive course early on this year. Being from Canada, I had no way to bring any projects with me, and Bob was able to help me out and had a couple of projects ready for me when I got there. He is a great teacher and he will make sure you actually learn what you are doing in his class. I had a great time, Thanks Bob and Sara!

Annie Sargent: Just finished my three year diploma course at Barnett; Bob is an excellent teacher, he has so much knowledge and the ability to teach whilst making you think for yourself. I have learnt so much and now have the skills and confidence to go and start my own upholstery business. I loved my time there, I can't recommend it enough

Simon Musgrave: Having done a few casual upholstery courses at various places I eventually discovered Barnett Upholsteries and the exceptional courses run by Bob and Sara. I started off on a casual basis but with Bob's excellent teaching and encouragement I eventually completed the AMUSF course which has given me the confidence boost I needed to set up and work on projects at home. Thank you both so much. Narissa

Piera Lizzeri: . I still pop back into the workshop to say hello and always feel welcome and supported. Finishing the course left a void in my week, but luckily I'm now able to fill it with lots of beautiful pieces of furniture.

Zoe Sibree: I did a week-long intensive course and can safely say I loved every second! I had already done a few basic projects at home, relying on common sense and You Tube, but being in a professional environment with equipment, supplies and expertise on tap was fantastic. Bob is an excellent teacher who encourages you to figure things out for yourself but is always there when needed. I genuinely believe this is the best way to learn a skill like upholstery - no two projects will ever be the same, so far better to adopt this approach. I cannot recommend Barnett Upholsteries more highly.

George Squire: These guys are fantastic. My partner and I did the one week course together here at Barnett Upholsteries. We bought two chairs at Kempton markets and took them along. It was clear we had a big project ahead. Bob Barnett was an excellent teacher. He lets you know what you should be doing whilst all the time making you think about it and try and work things out for yourself. This is exactly what you want from a teacher. The other great thing about this place is you can book day classes. It was clear we were not going to get our projects finished in a week, so we just tacked a couple of days on the following week to finish off. I have had so many friends and family members complimenting us on the chairs we did, that I now have three other projects to do. After only a week and Bob and Sara's guidance I feel confident enough starting these projects. However I will be back to see them to help with some of the finer details. It is reassuring to know I can book and day if I need one. I cannot recommend this place highly enough for anyone wishing to fully learn upholstery or just give it a go with grandads old chair!

Holly D'Amico: I loved this class!!! I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for the week intensive. I brought my dining chair in and within 5 minutes I was already pulling it apart! It's hands on from start to finish and I learned so many new skills during the week!!! I have a new appreciation for every chair I sit on!!Bob is an extremely talented man. I'm convinced he invented furniture. He shows you how to properly execute the techniques without holding your hand. You have to be ready to dive in, but the outcome is something to really be proud of. Sara was nice and helpful and showed me a few tricks as well! I hope I get the opportunity to join them again one day. If you're thinking about trying this out just do it! Thanks to Bob and Sara for everything!!!

Victoria Ceraudo: I finished the 5 day intensive course a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great way to be thrown into the world of upholstery, learn some basic techniques and leave with a great finished project.

BBDesign Decoration: An excellent 1 week crash course. Bob is a superb teacher, he makes you think about what / why you are doing something so that you really do learn a lot even in a short space of time. Highly recommended.

Hannah Thompson: , as i overran and had to pay for an extra day. This was because much of my first day was spent taking the original upholstery off, and re-gluing dowel joints in the frame that had become weak from attack by furniture beetle/woodworm. whilst frame repair is a good skill to learn it is something i could have avoided doing it in the class by choosing a frame in better condition, or repairing the frame myself beforehand.Barnett Upholsteries is a great environment for beginners to learn in. With only about 10 people in each class, Bob always has enough time to help everyone. Although I was only there for a week leisure course, i felt equally valued as the other students taking the AMUSF qualification. it is great inspiration to see the students working on a wide variety of projects, and to chat about them over lunch. the 9-3 schedule

Verna Nizzola: . I was advised on what chair would be suitable for the time I had, what fabrics would be suitable and ideas where to source my chair. I only had time to do the one week intensive course at this stage, but what I learnt in that week was incredible. I was a complete beginner and didn't even know how to use a sewing machine. Bob has a way of teaching that encoarages you to try and work on your own but he gives you great instruction and confidence and is always there if you get stuck. Its a great environment to learn in too, I would highly recommend these courses. I will certainly be going back to do their accredited courses in the future.Thanks Bob, love my chair!!

Marisa Hartley-Brown: The teaching is fantastic and Bob is always on call to help. The AMUSF accredited courses are fully comprehensive and it's amazing what students achieve on the intensives courses.This is the best place to learn about the craft of upholstery and have fun along the way!

Marga Doek: within 42, 5 hour sessions. Bob has a great passion for upholstery and years of experience and he is successfully passing it on. He's encouraging the students to do their research and to come prepared for each session. During these sessions Bob will observe you, and your work and will instruct you during all stages of each project. He will make sure that you understand these steps and why these steps are taken. Bob is a great teacher, but students also learn from each other as everyone is at a different stages and working on different chairs. When the time comes to think about the top fabric than Sara is the person to ask. Her passion for fabrics is amazing and she is always ready to assist you in whatever issue a student might have.

polly fenech: I have just completed my first year of the AMUSF diploma and have signed up for the next year. Teachers have so much knowledge and the workshop always has exciting stuff coming in and out. Super inspiring to see for a student. Have loved being a part of this community of upholsterers. Real family vibes here.

Matt H: Can do attitude. Truly bespoke. Wonderful humans. Cannot recommend Shoreditch Design Rooms enough. Scatter cushions. Seat cushions. Thankfully, no job is too big - nor too small. 5 STARS, whoop!

Emily Linard: I have just done my AMUSF stage one in upholstery and I love it. The team have been great and I’ve been made to feel like part of the SDR family

Simon Bulpin: A friendly welcoming school with a well organised scholastic team

Ewan A: Just set my newly upholstered dining chairs around the table - beautiful, comfortable, exquisitely handled - thanks for the advice and care

Lucy Rodger: I studied at Shoreditch Design Rooms for three years completing the AMUSF accredited course. The teachers are incredibly knowledgable and passionate about what they do and I felt constantly supported and encouraged throughout. It really feels like being part of a family studying here. Having spent time looking at a number of sites offering the course, I'm definitely glad I chose SDR.

Pamela Simpson: I have been studying upholstery with SDR over a few years now and in addition to the excellent training, I have received really fantastic support and encouragement which has helped me to overcome some personal challenges and enabled me to keep studying and finish all stages of the AMUSF course successfully. The added value of the supportive family atmosphere at SDR, where everyone wants us to succeed, is really special and I feel very fortunate to have been able to start my upholstery career there.

Carla Learoyd: I don't usually write reviews but I felt that I wanted to highlight the positive experience I have had over the last three years whilst studying at Shoreditch Design Rooms. Having conducted a lot of research as to where I wanted to study, I was initially drawn to the friendly, family feel that I felt when I went to have a look around, which wasn't always as apparent in some of the larger colleges I visited. As I was quite nervous about getting back into study the personal vibe I felt was a big factor in making my choice.The course I embarked on was the three year accredited AMUSF qualification. I have actually just graduated after finishing all three years and it has been one of the best times and I'm so glad I chose to study at SDR. The team of tutors and staff are all knowledgeable and guide you through the course making sure you understand each stage before moving onto the next one. Putting together a portfolio of your study is part of the course but I really would advise taking lots of detailed notes and photos throughout which really helped me and they are great to look back on if you ever want to do your own pieces away from the course. There is also an upholstery workshop within the school that takes on private and commercial commissions. This was definitely a bonus for us students as we could see first hand how things worked in the actual world of upholstery and we were often taken downstairs to look at some the pieces being worked on. Personally my training at SDR has given me the confidence to take on my own upholstery work and I currently work for myself. It's not easy to find upholstery work but if you have good training and the ongoing support that SDR gives you're halfway there!

Hannah Whitehead: I've been doing the Stage 1 Craft certificate in upholstery and soft furnishings at Shoreditch Design Rooms since February and I can not recommend them any higher! The classes are small enough for the teacher to attend to everyone and assist in particular issues with the piece you are working on as everyone has something slightly different, everyone that works there is incredibly friendly, approachable and happy to help you wherever they can!In addition to this we get to see the upholstery work that the studio carry's out for clients and the level and skill applied to these projects is second to none! I can only hope that through the skills I have learnt on the course I will be able to be as good as the upholsterers that work at SDR one day!Also... Linda the dog! She's just lovely!Highly recommend SDR whether you want to take a class in upholstery or if you need something brought back to life by their upholsterers!

Paul Graville: Thanks for bringing my old chair back to life. Now it looks like a bought it from Heal's for £3,000! A really great service from fabric choice to a quality finish.

Pauline Hilton: .

Mahbub Ahsan: This is very fantastic place for study. As a student of Kingston ISC, I have gotten a lot of good experiences, such as there atmosphere, teachers behaviour, room decoration, temperature etc. There have one common room which is the front corner of the building in ground floor that why student can enjoy river riding.Unfortunately, my last term I cannot attend many classes due to my illness, but now I really miss my campus. There have available washroom, enough charging plugs, big screen TV for studying, free WiFi etc.This is use for Study Group and Kingston University Art student. As, there have art studio and students, you will get an warmly feeling.I really miss my Campus 💚

toni armeni: Nice surroundings

Syed Osama Hashmi: One of the top 15 universities of the world.

Andy Macleod: Very helpfull libary.