Here at U-Fab, we have been extremely lucky to have had so many people help us become successful. This includes everyone reading this, to the DIYer, to the professional designer and locally owned businesses. Our customers have embraced us, trusted us and leaned on us for design services, custom sewing and our customer service. For that, we thank you.
We wanted to start a series called “Friends of U-Fab” and feature some of our loyal clients, interior decorators and local businesses that have, truly, been a partner with us. Whether its donating time, materials, ideas, or just support, these Friends of ours have become part of the U-Fab Family.

Our first post in this series is about our incredibly talented friends over at Thrill Of The Hunt (thrillofthehuntva.com) in Ashland, Virginia. Not only are they great at what they do, they share the same mission as us. They are focused on customer service and want to teach, inspire and partner with each individual customer to help them get the look or complete the project that they are working on. They are a family run business that ends up making the community apart of their family.
Thrill of the Hunt is exactly what you would expect it to be, with a name like that! They have everything from new to old, recycled to upcycled, reupholstery and the ever popular Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. You cannot turn a corner without seeing something upholstered in a U-Fab fabric.

Cathy Wood and her husband Dana opened Thrill Of The Hunt in 2011. I asked Cathy how long they have been in business together and she simply stated “for over 35 years.” Cathy has been an avid painter and lover of recycled and up goods for as long as she remembers. They started the business with their son-in-law 4 years ago as a home décor/specialty shop then it quickly morphed into one the top stockist for Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.

Cathy had been painting furniture for years but was trained by Annie Sloan and her team in New Jersey to become Central Virginia’s 1st Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan stockist. Not only has the paint taken over square footage in their beautiful store front on England Street but it has become the go-to place for Chalk Paint®.

Cathy and her family do all the work themselves. They “hunt” and travel searching for the right pieces to bring in upcycle and sell at a surprising low price. It addition to selling items directly off the floor, they will paint anything for you. They painted our beautiful side chairs for this year’s Charlottesville Design House.

Occasional chair painted by Thrill of the Hunt. 

Thrill Of The Hunt also offers reupholstery services, in-home consultations and organizational services by Christina Jolly. They are also fantastic about finding that piece of furniture that you have been looking for.

If you are not up for paying them to paint for you, you can do it yourself. They have classes. Cathy and her team offer one on one to group classes on the Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. The class will teach fundamentals to basic techniques and they even provide the drinks and snacks during the class. Remember how much fun art class was?!!
In addition to all these great services they will also build you custom, reclaimed barnwood dining tables. They don’t seem to sleep that often!

Cathy’s husband, Dana recently started an online auction at bidsmith.net. Their eye for great furniture is now available for bidding.

The ultimate goal of Thrill Of The Hunt is creating a one-of-a-kind family owned retail destination. Since opening, they have up-cycled hundreds of pieces of furniture​ and have had the pleasure of meeting new people everyday! Their re-loved furniture can be seen in local Richmond businesses, The Ashland Museum, and homes up and down the east coast, as far away as Florida. As a stockist of Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan, they are able to take your creative juices to the next level. They are always happy to offer ideas, teach you and inspire you on your next project!

Getting Personal

Will : What is your personal style?
Cathy : Modern Classical Coastal! Who doesn’t want a house overlooking the water?!

Will :  Why U-Fab? How long have you been shopping with us?
Cathy : Wow, how long have y’all been in business? My daughter and I have shopped at U-Fab since the beginning. Even before we opened Thrill Of The Hunt. We have always loved fabric and how easy it is to make a change.

Will :  How do you find your inspiration?
Cathy : I find my inspiration in the energy of the product and the people I work with. I may wake up tired, but there is not a day that goes by that I don’t love what I do. I love sharing and creating with people.

Will :  What is your favorite part of your job?
Cathy : Painting! Of Course!!! I love working with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. The ease of use with this product is fantastic. You can easily change and update anything without refinishing and sanding. It’s so fun.
Will :  Do you have any advice for people who are planning to redecorate?
Cathy : Start with the feeling of the room. What do you want the feeling of the room to be? Then branch out to colors. The feelings of a room can bring you the color you need.

Will :  What is your favorite possession in your home?
Cathy : My mother, Julie Fitzgerald, is a talented painter. I have these beautiful watercolors in my home that I will always love and that could never have a price tag.

Will : In your opinion, what is the one thing that can change a room?
Cathy : Color! Color is key! Texture! Color! No question, color!