While finishing new items is a large part of the business, Monique says that word of their success in revitalising kitchen cabinetry has spread. While so many Christchurch homes are looking gorgeous after their earthquake repairs and redecorations are complete, existing kitchens can look a little drab in comparison, and that’s where ‘Turnbulls’ comes in. Kitchen cabinets in melamine, paint, lacquer and timber can be refinished to create a new and modern look. “We have a great product to go over melamine which is so hardwearing. And a bonus is that it contains Teflon – it makes the surface really easy to clean,” Monique says.

The process is simple; Manager Steve Baker goes out to clients’ homes to discuss what they would like to achieve and provides a free quote. Turnbulls then arranges for the removal and reinstallation of all the parts that will be resurfaced in the workshop. “Clients find it’s an ideal time to turn out their kitchen cupboards because they can see everything once the doors are off. It’s a real refreshment of the kitchen inside and out!”

Monique says. The team of 22, which now operates across three Christchurch sites, also rejuvenates bedroom and dining furniture, doors, wardrobe doors, anything in your house that might be spray painted. They can also do French polishing of antiques and the modern equivalent – staining and clear polyurethane. “I really like the idea that it’s an environmentally friendly way to refresh your house. Our approach means reuse of the kitchen or piece of furniture, rather than throwing it out and buying new,” Monique says.

“The challenge can be getting out of people’s heads the vision that they have. Not everyone wants plain finishes; French provincial or distressed is often called for, but everyone’s idea of that is different. By talking through the end goal using samples and options to clarify, the team is very good at turning visions into reality,” Murray says. The team takes pleasure in clients’ joy when they have had something old and it has received its reincarnation at Turnbulls. “I’ve seen some amazing things happen to furniture over the years,” Monique says.

“We removed camouflage paint from a tallboy, to discover the timber was beautiful underneath. The owner arranged for her father, who had originally made the piece, to collect it. He didn’t realise what it was until he saw his name and the date he made it on the back. His face was a picture!”