Meet Darlene M. Palanek

We recently connected with Darlene M. Palanek and have shared our conversation below.

Darlene M., so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive by constantly looking for inspiration in the world around me. In my furniture refinishing and restoration business, I draw ideas from current and past (like hundreds of years!) interior design styles, which means inspiration is everywhere whether I am scrolling social media, flipping through design magazines, or walking through a historic home/neighborhood. I also look to fashion trends, pulling paint colors from what people are wearing or finding hardware tones in jewelry. Movies and their set designs often spark ideas, and even something as simple as noticing what plants are blooming in my neighborhood influences how I stage finished pieces.

When I feel a creative block coming on, I give myself permission to pause and focus on current projects for a day or two before intentionally diving back into design research. That reset, paired with dedicated time to study what is happening in the design world, always reignites the spark, gets me excited, and keeps my creativity alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the founder and owner of AGleam Design Company, where I specialize in refinishing, restoring, and curating fine antique and vintage furniture. I left my career in healthcare in 2022 to pursue this passion and build a business that allows me to combine creativity with craftsmanship. My work is about giving old pieces a new glow while honoring their history and artistry. I approach each piece with a mix of creativity and respect for tradition, whether it is carefully restoring an 18th-century dresser with historically accurate finishes or updating a mid-century find to suit modern interiors.

What excites me most is blending the past and present. I want each piece to feel timeless yet relevant. I love that my work allows me to transform furniture into heirloom-quality treasures that bring both beauty and functionality into people’s homes.

Currently, I am expanding my reach by offering nationwide shipping, which means customers across the United States can shop my pieces. I am also developing resources and content to connect with other refinishers and design enthusiasts, sharing techniques, behind-the-scenes processes, and inspiration. My goal is not just to create beautiful furniture but to build a brand that inspires others to see the artistry and value in restoration.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most important skills in my refinishing journey have been attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to keep learning. Attention to detail is critical in refinishing and restoration because the smallest choices in prep work, color, or finish can make the difference between an average piece and one that truly shines. Your attention to perfecting the small details on your pieces will set you apart from other refinishers. Patience is equally important, since this work often requires slow, careful processes that cannot be rushed if you want lasting results. Many pieces come with unexpected challenges, and patience is crucial for executing great work despite setbacks. Willingness to keep learning has also been key, whether that means studying historic finishes, experimenting with new products, or adapting to changes in design trends.

For those just starting out, I recommend practicing attention to detail by slowing down and focusing on doing each step to the best of your ability rather than rushing to the final result. It can be easy to get caught up in wanting to execute that vision, but skipping one small step can cost countless hours. Build patience by treating every project as both practice and progress, knowing that mastery comes with time. And always stay curious by seeking out resources, connecting with other refinishers, and being open to trying new techniques. These three qualities will not only strengthen your work but also make the process far more rewarding.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

I’ve been lucky to have had amazing clients, some of which have even become friends. My ideal client can look a variety of ways, but what they all have in common is an appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. They value the history and character of a piece, and trust me to bring out its best through thoughtful refinishing or restoration. I also love when clients are interested in interior design, because it creates an opportunity to connect the work to their personal style and overall vision for their space, and they’re fun to chat with!

An ideal client is collaborative and communicative, but also gives me creative freedom to use my expertise in guiding finishes, techniques, and design decisions. They understand that this work is often slow and detail-oriented, and they value the time and skill it takes to deliver a piece that will last for generations. Most of all, they see furniture as I do. They see each piece as a lasting investment that brings beauty and story into their home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://agleamdesigncompany.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agleamdesignco?igsh=MXF6aW8yeTNuaGp2Mw==