Sustainable living is NOT beyond your reach! For all of us at FunCycled, Earth Day is more that just a date on the calendar. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design. Whether it’s repurposing vintage furniture, choosing eco-friendly finishes, or giving kitchen cabinets new life with a fresh coat of paint, we believe great design can (and should) be kind to the planet.
In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re also highlighting a few local businesses in Upstate New York that share our passion for sustainability. These resources are perfect for homeowners looking to make greener choices in their own spaces—because building a more beautiful home shouldn’t come at the earth’s expense. 🌿
How FunCycled Incorporates a Sustainable Approach
You might be wondering just exactly how we, an interior design company, use a green approach and keep sustainability at the forefront. First, much of our work comes through repurposing, giving homeowners another option beyond just buying new. Second, we seek to incorporate repurposed items and eco-conscious products into our designs. And, finally, we desire to promote and support other local businesses who share in the same passion – upholding sustainability and being conscious of their impact.
Repurposing through Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services
To learn more about our Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services, I encourage you to visit our page and to browse our website to see lots of great makeovers – all done by repurposing kitchen cabinets rather than throwing out and buying new!
To learn more about refreshing your kitchen by painting your cabinets, click the link below
Furniture Repurposing
This practice is often incorporated into our Interior Design Services. When we design a space, we often find that people have a special item of furniture that they would love to keep in the space. so we gladly work that item into the design of the room.
This dresser that was outdated and not being used, but it held sentimental value for our client. So we were excited to give it new life and refresh it with a coat of paint. Rather than using it as a dresser, we decided to repurpose it for use as a TV console for our client’s living room design. Not only did we give this dresser new life, we were able to save money for our clients and now have given them a piece of furniture that will last for years! I love that!
Below, you can see the dresser in its new home, all refreshed in the living room. To read the whole living room transformation, click the link below.
FunCycled’s Picks for Sourcing Products for Repurposing
Up-stitch is a local, non-profit organization and store. Their mission focuses on reducing waste by reusing fabric, yarn, and other sewing & needlework materials, through donations, and selling them to the community at reduced rate. This is a great option if you want to make or embellish pillow covers or window treatments for your next design. You can also see this wreath, made from upcycled thread spools, perfect for the holiday season!
We also love that Up-stitch also has a give back program, so many of the items that are made can then be donated to various charitable causes. This blanket was crocheted by a volunteer from donated materials and then gifted to St. Peter’s Hospital. What a beautiful way to pay all of this forward!
Here’s a little piece of advice from the founders of Upstitch as you endeavor to be eco-conscious in your decisions:
Upcycling is important for the sustainability of our planet, but it’s also super fun and creative! Challenge yourself to use upcycled materials in your next project, it will elevate the final product AND reduce waste!
– Founders of upstitch
Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District
Although founded in 1988; Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District operated its local ReStore in 2005, and has been in operation since. The ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell building materials, appliances, new and gently used furniture, and home accessories at a fraction of the retail price. Our program prevents tons of home improvement items from ending up in the landfill and gives them another life! Proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat’s mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in the Capital District.
We love the mission of HFHCD and their care for our earth by giving new purpose to items. Plus we love that they help provide housing for those
Below is an upcycled lamp that my son made from a lamp we purchased at the ReStore and added our own creative twist with some Legos. Allowing yourself the opportunity to reimagine is such a beautiful thing!
Home Decor & Lifestyle Needs
Specializing in unique finds for the home & gifts. They carry everything from handmade and fair-trade jewelry to body care, unique vintage pieces, handmade greetings cards and so much more. We love that Bluebird offers older items the opportunity to be given new life and hits the creative mark with their custom designed and artistic selections. Definitely give them a visit!
A great market and gift shop that is home to a number of local artisans who focus on repurposing and using sustainable or reclaimed materials. The makers who call Sand Lake Merchant home are a curated collection of goods for home decor, gifts, lifestyle, and health. I would definitely check them out!
We also have curated some products that you can find online through my Amazon Storefront. Click the link below to shop eco-friendly furniture & products for your home!
Homeowner’s Resource: Local Businesses with Sustainability in Mind
As you would conclude, Nature’s Way offers pest control services in the Capital Region. In addition to some traditional methods, their services include botanically based and more natural solutions for pest control. We value their commitment to using natural products and some non-toxic alternatives.
Finding alternate energy solutions is such an important initiative in stewarding our planet. One great solution is adding solar panels to your home. Kasselman Solar serves the Capital Region with solar panel and clean energy options. We love this part of their mission: “There is no Planet B, and we see doing our part to preserve Earth as a duty.”
Eco Sealcoating provides alternative solutions for asphalt and paving needs. Their eco-conscious efforts are dedicated to maintaining safety for their clients and the planet. We appreciate this commitment to research and upholding practices for a positive environmental impact.
Sustainable Living – Incorporate Plants
Adding plants to ANY and ALL designs is a great way to incorporate eco-conscious practices into your daily life. Plants are good for absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Plus, this practice also helps reinforce biodiversity. Here are some local nurseries to consider:
Hewitt’s Garden Centers – we love ours here in East Greenbush!
Final Thoughts
I hope you have found these tips and resources helpful as you consider incorporating a sustainable approach to your home and daily living. If you are struggling to know where to begin, please reach out to us! Our 1 Hour Design Consultation is a great way to assess the needs for your kitchen or any other project you may have. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.
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We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do.
Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)
Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.
