Carmen’s Atelier: Where Antique Furniture Transforms into Exquisite Masterpieces in the Canary Islands

Carmen Jiménez was born in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, but it was her professional journey that led to a more popular name. “After participating in craft and antique fairs for a few years, I discovered that people recognized me by saying ‘you are the restorer of La Laguna’,” and that’s how the workshop got its name: La Restauradora,” Carmen recounts.

“My great passion is antique furniture, its restoration and preservation,” confesses this Fine Arts graduate from the University of La Laguna. After spending some years in teaching, she decided to go to Madrid “to study the restoration of antique furniture and wood at the Furniture Restoration Centre,” recalls Carmen Jiménez, who opened her workshop almost 25 years ago.

Respect for the Essence of the Furniture

“I carry out restoration work on antique and second-hand furniture, especially for the private sector, where I can have direct and personalized dealings with the client. My work is done with seriousness and professionalism, applying artisanal knowledge and techniques to each piece of furniture,” affirms Carmen. At La Restauradora, they carry out “mindful recycling”, respecting the characteristics of the objects and materials, and applying conservation and restoration techniques.

Showroom with Unique Products

“In our showroom, clients can find antique and vintage pieces, restored and recovered in our workshop,” says Carmen Jiménez about a project that includes restoration and furniture recycling classes.

“They arose as a way of meeting the demand of people interested in learning the artisanal techniques we use, and showcasing the value of our craft,” explains Carmen, while reaffirming the workshop’s environmental philosophy, “which can be summed up as recovery, reuse, and recycling,” she concludes.