Tell us about the store
Furnitura opened in 2018. From the very beginning, my dream was to create a place connected with my passion for furniture, colour and furniture makeovers. Over time, Furnitura has become much more than a shop; it is a workshop, a place to meet, learn and find inspiration for people who want to transform their own furniture. Visitors can see furniture that has been transformed and find a variety of decorative items. They will also find Annie Sloan products here; Chalk Paint, waxes, lacquers, wall paints, as well as products for decorating and furniture styling. I want people to be able to see the colours in person, talk to me about their project, get advice and leave with an idea for their own furniture makeover.
What inspired the name?
My daughter helped me choose the name Furnitura. I wanted it to be connected with furniture, while also having its own character and reflecting the atmosphere of the place I wanted to create. Today, Furnitura is, above all, a place where old furniture is given a new lease of life and where people discover the joy of creating.
How did you discover Annie Sloan paints?
I discovered Annie Sloan paints almost by accident and it was the beginning of my whole furniture-painting journey. My husband wanted to throw away some old furniture. Instead of getting rid of it, I decided to try painting it. I came across Annie Sloan paints and immediately fell in love with the colours and the possibilities they offered. I started painting more and more pieces of furniture – actually, almost everything I could get my hands on! That piece of furniture I saved from being thrown away back then is still in my home today.
How did introducing Annie Sloan products change or enhance your store?
Introducing Annie Sloan products completely changed the direction in which Furnitura developed.
More and more people started visiting me because they were interested in painting furniture, and over time I began running workshops. This meant that the shop also became a place for learning and meeting other creative people.
Today, I don’t just sell Annie Sloan products. Above all, I help customers choose the right colours and products and show them how to use them in practice.
What is the area around the store like? What other places would you recommend visiting while you are here?
Furnitura is located in Toruń, one of the most atmospheric cities in Poland. People who come to my workshops often stay in Toruń a little longer and tell me how much they love the atmosphere of the city. It is well worth visiting the Old Town, admiring the historic townhouses, taking a walk along the Vistula River and, of course, trying the famous Toruń gingerbread. A visit to Furnitura can be the perfect start to a creative day in Toruń.
What Chalk Paint workshops do you run?
My furniture-styling workshops take place at Furnitura almost every Saturday, and sometimes on Sundays too. Participants travel to me from all over Poland. During the workshops, they discover Annie Sloan products and learn different furniture-styling techniques. They then put what they have learned into practice by working on a small piece of furniture they have brought with them.
The workshops are for people who want to learn how to paint and style furniture, but also for those who simply need some creative time for themselves.
The most important thing for me is that every participant leaves with new skills, inspiration and the feeling: “I can do this myself!”
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in the store?
The moments that stay with me the most are during workshops, when a participant sees their finished piece of furniture for the first time.
Many people arrive worried that they won’t be able to style their furniture or that they will make a mistake. Then they look at what they have created and say in disbelief: “Did I really do this myself?” Seeing their excitement and pride is one of the most beautiful parts of my work.
I often hear customers say, “I’m so envious of your job.” And I really do feel lucky that I can make a living doing something I genuinely love.
