I’m HAZEL LIGHTBODY
I’m the hands, mind and occasionally muscle behind Expert Touch Ltd, my very own Furniture Refinishing and Interiors Consultancy based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I have a passion for COLOUR, an eye for detail, a longing for balance and a love of symmetry, and I want to help bring your home to life! Whether it's breathing new life into that tired old sideboard, or finding the perfect piece to make your home complete, you can trust that I'll take the time to understand exactly what you need and deliver a scroll-stopping centrepiece designed exclusively for YOU.
How it all started
I launched Expert Touch Ltd in March 2020, right as the world shut down and “home” suddenly took on a new meaning. Having my own studio to escape to was a blessing, and it became my mission to inject warmth, heart and personality into my clients’ homes, so that they felt they had a true sanctuary too.
I've always been drawn to antique and vintage furniture - it's so well constructed and built to last, unlike today's flat pack fascination.
Refinishing allows my clients to reuse rather than replace, reducing their environmental impact while retaining all the style and substance: a win-win in my book! My eco-focus is also reflected in the products and materials I choose to use in my studio.
The best part for me is the number of family heirlooms which have been entrusted to my care. It's a fine balancing act to retain the "soul" of a piece while completely reimagining its appearance, and a wonderful compliment that so many people have put their faith in me to do so.
Along the way I have definitely developed a signature style - not one particular aesthetic but rather a focus on precision which shines through in all of my work.
I have a very analogue approach to design, crafting most of my patterns using just paper, pencil, ruler and compass to fit the exact dimensions and proportions of each piece.
Nothing I do is "painting by numbers", as every piece and every home is as different as the people who live there. I always focus on creating balance in each design, and retaining as much original character as possible. My meticulous nature has finally found its purpose in devising bespoke, one-of-a-kind works of art for my clients' homes, and I've never been happier!
My SERVICES
Bespoke FURNITURE REFINISHING
Whether something you already own or choose from my collection
FURNITURE Sourcing
Let me find the perfect piece to make your house a home
Corporate
CUSTOM DESIGN
Breathe life and personality into your corporate spaces
KIND WORDS from my CLIENTS