The Restoration Room
You saw potential in that piece. Now it's time to learn how.
Sound Familiar?
😬 You've found a piece you love — but you're not sure if it's worth buying.
🤷♀️ You don't know whether to oil it, wax it, sand it — or leave it alone.
💸 You don't want to waste money on tools you don't actually need.
📺 You've watched YouTube… but still feel unsure what to do next.
🫣 You're worried about making it worse instead of better.
You're not missing skill. You're missing someone to look at your actual piece and tell you what it needs.
That's what The Restoration Room is for.
What’s inside The Restoration Room
IN PERSON — Auckland For locals who want hands-on guidance.
The Beginners Vintage Furniture Restoration Course is a warm, practical 4-week programme in Whangaparaoa.
Small groups. Your own piece. Real results.
✔ 4 weekly sessions, limited to 5 people per intake
✔ Work on your own piece with guided help each week.
✔ Learn to assess, stabilise, clean, revive and protect.
✔ $50 store credit included — perfect for finding your next piece.
✔ Join The Restoration Room online community as part of your course.
$249 NZD — June/July & August intake now open.
ONLINE — Free, anywhere
For anyone, anywhere in the world
The free online community is where you share your piece, ask questions before you make mistakes, and learn alongside people doing the same thing.
💬 Submit your piece and get real guidance on what it needs.
🔎 Ask "worth it or walk away?" before you commit.
❓ Get unstuck before you make an expensive mistake.
✨ Share your progress and celebrate the wins.
💬 Learn alongside people doing exactly the same thing.
No experience needed. No commitment. Just join.
Built from real experience.
Grant Difford has restored and sold over 2,500 vintage pieces, trained as a graphic designer, spent years as a leadership coach, and run hands-on restoration classes for people across Auckland.
He noticed the same thing every time: people who were completely capable — who just needed someone to back them.
🪑 2,500+ vintage pieces curated, restored and sold.
👥 2,000+ customers served through Plots & Pickles.