What we do and how

Folk art is regional history on wood—every region has its own language. We are an executive restoration company: We restore original Bernese folk art in a way that preserves its substance, secure loose paint layers, and reconstruct missing parts only where it makes sense. We execute wood graining, marbling, and stencil painting using traditional techniques, and we restore or recast stucco.

Conservation preliminary examinations or scientific findings are not part of our services—for these, we are happy to refer specialized partners.

Our Services

  • Antike Bauernmalerei an historischem Schrank – Restaurierung, Holzmaserierungen und Marmorierungen durch Carmine Home in Bern

    Bernese Baroque & Alpine Folk Painting

    Restoration of historical folk art from Bern, the Bernese Oberland and the alpine region — chests, farmhouse cupboards, bedposts, ceiling and wall paneling. We carefully preserve, clean, and reconstruct, always based on the original's technique and materials.

  • Wood grain

    Imitation of noble woods on simpler surfaces — oak, walnut, mahogany. Traditional technique with glazes, pigments, and flogging brushes. We restore existing graining and reconstruct missing areas by hand – subtle and true to the material.

  • Marbling

    Imitation of various marbles on wood, plaster, or render. For furniture panels, columns, plinths, or wall sections. Depending on the era, using glue-bound, lime-bound, or oil-bound paints — we select the structure to match the existing elements.

  • Writing & Dating

    Initials, dates, sayings, and scrollwork are often the first elements to be lost on a painted piece of furniture. We supplement or reconstruct Bernese script and Fraktur script according to templates — in ink, pigment, or gold lettering, matched to the painting tradition of the piece.

  • Stucco & Plasterwork

    Gypsum applications and stucco are often artfully modeled and correspondingly delicate. We repair damaged sections, reshape missing elements based on the original, and replace them with identical material. Often found on picture frames, mirrors, and Baroque furniture.

  • Gilding & Bronzing

    Gilded surfaces lose their effect due to abrasion, moisture, or cleaning. We refresh existing gilding,补 gaps with Dutch metal or bronzing techniques—precisely and economically. For frames, fittings, stucco applications, or decorative furniture parts.

This is how we work

  • 1. Initial Consultation and Findings

    You show us the piece — in the workshop, on site, or via photo. We determine the technique, age, and condition of the painting.

  • 2. Quote and Concept

    Written assessment including cost estimate and procedure. Preliminary conservation investigations by our partners.

  • 3. Collection

    City of Bern and agglomeration free of charge. For permanent wall paintings or large objects, we work on site.

  • 4. Edition

    Restoration in our workshop or on-site. We document findings and interventions – together we decide what remains original.

  • 5. Handover and care instructions

    Upon return, we provide specific care instructions. If required, we also take care of later maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate cost of a Bauernmalerei restoration?

Simple consolidation and retouching from CHF 800. Restoration of a painted chest CHF 2,500–6,000. Full reconstruction of a Bernese cupboard with historic painting CHF 8,000–25,000, depending on condition and complexity. Wood graining per furniture panel from CHF 500. Written quotes are free of charge.

Do you also conduct conservation assessments or preliminary investigations?

No, we are an executing restoration company specializing in traditional painting techniques. Stratigraphic examinations, pigment analyses, or written condition reports are part of the professional field of conservator-restorers with a university degree. For such assignments, we work with specialized partners or are happy to make referrals. If you want a restoration carried out — substance-preserving, professionally, and in the Bernese style — you've come to the right place.

Restore or reconstruct—what makes sense?

We prefer preserving the substance: original painting is secured and only supplemented where it is impossible to proceed without reconstruction. Full reconstructions make sense for heavily damaged objects when historical models are available. We decide together and document what is original and what has been supplemented.

How long does the restoration of folk art painting take?

Consolidation and retouching of smaller areas 3–4 weeks. Restoration of a chest or cabinet 4-6 weeks. Full reconstructions of historic stair railings or doors 2–3 months. Drying and curing phases take time — good painting technique cannot be rushed.

Do you also work with historic preservation?

Yes, regularly. We are familiar with the processes of the Bern City Heritage Conservation and the Cantonal Heritage Conservation Bern. For protected objects or buildings listed in the building inventory, we coordinate interventions with the responsible authority before commencing work and assist owners with subsidy applications.

Do you also do fresco painting or painting restoration?

No. Fresco painting on fresh plaster and the restoration of panel paintings or oil paintings are not among our services—that is the specialty of conservator-restorers with appropriate training. We are happy to refer you to suitable colleagues. Simple varnish reductions and reversible retouches can be individually discussed with us.

Are you picking up the furniture?

Yes. Free of charge for the city of Bern. For the rest of Switzerland, we calculate transport individually. For delicately painted pieces, we take care of packaging and securing ourselves.

Do you have a piece of painted furniture or a piece of folk art for restoration?

Write to us or call us directly. We will get back to you within two business days with an initial assessment.

Send inquiry

Or call us: 031 312 61 61