Meet Caroline Sima: furniture artist extraordinaire

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Sima and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind the success of my business is that the furniture that I sell are all one of a kind, unique pieces of functional art. When I started painting furniture, I found there were a lot of other people that also painted furniture. Most painted a single color or painted pieces all white. Because in our industry, white sells! I felt that if I wanted my pieces to compete against the mass white and single painted furniture, then I needed to make mine stand out. Thus creating my truly unique and one of a kind style.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from other furniture artists, is simply my unique style. Not only do I paint furniture, but I enjoy incorporating decoupage, image transfers, rub on transfers, stencils, moulds, embellishments, stamps and anything that will add interest to my pieces to turn them into one of kind creations. I have literally watched hundreds of hours of videos, read many books and asked tons of questions to figure out how to perfect different techniques. There are many trails and errors and lessons on what not to do to figure out “how to do it the right way”. Luckily, it is only paint and if you don’t like the way a piece looks, then just paint over it. I want people to know that I truly appreciate everyone that has a passion to turn old, outdated, and headed to the landfill furniture into something that others will love and enjoy in their home. I have learned everything that I know from other people willing to share their experiences and I am an open book. And I too, am willing to share knowledge that might be useful to others.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Here in Phoenix, we have the coolest places to visit. The best hamburgers in my opinion are found at The Satisfyed Frog up in Cave Creek. While in that part of town you’ll want to check out all the cute shops in Frontier Town. Also in the north part of Phoenix is the Pioneer Living History Museum, which is a must visit for the whole family. Lots of cool historic buildings and information. For a super cool, out of this world gift shop then head downtown to Whozitz and Whatzitz Unique Gifts. There you can buy butter flavored lollipops, dried crickets and scorpion suckers. Great for the out of town visitors. My favorite breakfast food would be donuts at Beyond Donuts near Arrowhead. Da bomb!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must give a huge shoutout to all the other furniture painters out there. It is from these amazing people that I draw my inspiration from. I scour Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram furniture painting groups for most of my inspiration. Lotus Theory Designs, CeCe Restyled, Tracey’s Fancy, Funky Furniture Facelifts by Brittany, Grace on Broadway, Brushed by Brandy, The Turquoise Iris, Ransomed Relics, Junkin Jones Gang, KT Lyons Design, Hue and Moxie, Ruth Bowden, Bella Renovere by Crys’ Dawna, The Glory Collection Painted Furniture and many more. There are so many new and upcoming people that simply amaze me.