A Subtler Sense of Home
by Nicholas Hill

A NEW SERVICE

For many years, I have been entrusted with the care and conservation of cliens cherished Fine Antique and Later pieces of furniture—quietly preserving their integrity, colour, and soul.

Now, with the same considered hand and eye, I am offering a new, gentle service: a carefully curated house tweaking—not an overhaul, but a sympathetic rebalancing.

Whether it’s a single room or an entire house that feels slightly out of tune, I work with what is already there—refining layouts, adjusting light, reintroducing texture and warmth—so that antiques sit more easily within lived spaces, and homes begin to sing again. This is not interior design in the conventional sense. It is about restoring atmosphere, reawakening feeling, and finding the rhythm that a room once knew.

It’s a quiet kind of magic—just enough to notice the difference, never so much that you wonder what changed.

For those who care deeply about what they live with, and how it’s placed, I would be delighted to help.

Alongside this new service, I continue to offer the following specialisms in fine furniture conservation

(SEE BELOW)

TRADITIONAL SERVICES

Surface and Structural Conservation
From gentle cleaning and wax revivals to the discreet repair of cracks, warps, and hidden damage, I aim always to conserve rather than restore—retaining the patina and presence that time alone can bestow.

Traditional Finishes
French polishing, beeswaxing, and oiling using historically appropriate methods and materials—enhancing the original depth and luminosity of each piece while protecting it for future generations.

Marquetry and Veneer Work
The meticulous repair of lifting, missing or damaged veneers and inlays.

Drawer, Door & Carcass Repairs
The subtle realignment and strengthening of joints, runners, and interiors, always respecting the working life and original construction of each piece.

Locks, Castors and Hardware
Conservation and gentle restoration of original fittings, or the commissioning of sensitive replacements when necessary—ensuring function without compromising authenticity.

Consultation & Collection Care
Advice on light, humidity, handling and storage—helping custodians of historic and beloved furniture protect it with knowledge and confidence.

Each service is carried out with discretion, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the object in hand and the history it holds.

  • “Nicholas Hill came and restored a badly damaged but modern wine table. He has done an excellent job (it looks like new), so much so, that I am going to have him back to restore some items of antique furniture.”

    — J Drayton, London, 16th June 2020

  • “Nicholas Hill has restored some of our beloved furniture to its former glory. We are delighted with the results. Thank you so much.”

    — C Fiennes, Dorset, 12th June 2020

  • “A severe overnight flood caused by a water leak inflicted substantial damage to several highly valued and loved pieces of family antique furniture. At very short notice Nicholas Hill came onsite and spent many hours of exceptionally skilled hard labour repairing and restoring all of the damaged furniture to the extent that they looked in better condition than before the flood. I recommend Nick’s work and sing his praises to the highest.”

    — Antony Johnson, Dorset, 17th December 2022

  • “I answered Nicholas Hill’s post, as I needed an antique table restoring and polishing. He could not have done a better job—in situ as well. He is quick, tidy, charming and efficient and I could not recommend his services more highly.”

    — Caroline Clegg, London, 1st June 2022

  • “Nicholas Hill came to our house yesterday and restored several items of our antique furniture to their former glory in situ. Nicholas was charming and easy to have around and I could not recommend him more highly.”

    — J Drayton, London, 16th June 2020