Blog - FunCycled - Interior Design, Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Furniture Repurposing in Upstate NY

Posted on April 15, 2025April 14, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

Traveling to Vienna – Top Picks & Travel Tips for Families

Taking the time to travel with my family is a major priority for me! This winter, we got to journey through Central Europe, making stops in 3 major cities. Beyond making some wonderful memories, this trip was filled with vibrant history, beautiful sights, and amazing new foods! Come along as I share our journey through Vienna, Austria!

Travel Expectations

If you have ever considered taking a trip like this but are wondering how you could afford it, I want to encourage you to really consider doing it the way my family did. Thanks to the help of Great Value Vacations, our trip was easy to coordinate, filled with amazing sights, and amazingly affordable!

Traveling to Vienna Full Immersion

Exploring a city in real time & in authentic ways is such a gift! Our trip allowed us to really immerse ourselves into the richness of this city in so many ways.

Vienna is a bustling city, complete with a lot to do and a lot to see. Like any other major city, when traveling to Vienna, you should spend some time in advance narrowing your choices and selecting the top items to suit you best. I want to share our experience and give you some tips along the way.

IKONO Interactive Vienna

We had about a half day when we first arrived. This meant we had time to check off one place on our “to see” list and still leave time for an authentic Austrian dinner! Our travels included a trip to IKONO Interactive. We were not sure exactly what to expect at IKONO, but the description compelled us, and I am really glad we went. Everything at IKONO is completely immersive!

I loved the funky, bright designs used throughout. Plus their use of lighting and retro patterns and displays added to experience. Check out this fun video during our visit!

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A post shared by FunCycled by Sarah Trop (@funcycled)

Vienna’s Iconic Sights – Driving Tour of the City

This is a great way to see a whole lot of the city in a 2.5 hour window of time!

Rolling through the city in this vintage VW was so cool! Our guide was an architectural professor at the local university. He focused on history of the city, and architecture all throughout the tour. This combination was perfect for relaying the deep history of the country and...this was hands down, my favorite part of our Vienna trip! I would definitely recommend booking a driving tour of the city. We booked ours through Airbnb.

What impressed me most was not necessarily the major landmarks and buildings. True, all are amazing and beautiful. But it was seeing the city as a whole and getting a sense of It was the beauty of all of the streets, bustling with the thoroughfare of people and cars alike. Just look at the gorgeous architecture!

These iconic sights are filled with a richness that are no doubt best appreciated in person, but for sure you can understand their grandeur even from a car. HELPFUL TIP: See if your driver can pull over at some of the places for a quick photo opp! It doesn’t hurt to ask!

In this order below: Hofburg Imperial Palace, Schwendenpaltz Station, and Votivkirche (translated the Votive Church in English)

Vienna – 2 Palaces fit for a Queen

Well, who doesn’t love a good visit to a palace? Or say, two, at least for this empress. Technically, Empress Elizabeth ‘Sisi’ of Austria was also the Queen of Hungary, so I suppose two palaces seems fitting. But the truth, her reign was mixed with both political significance and tragedy. I enjoyed learning about her life and untimely death, the events and outcome still playing out in a legend among the people of Austria. You’ll have to do your own digging if you want to know more!

Sisi’s Castle, where her personal effects and legacy predominantly resides, is actually located in Hofburg Palace. But to really best understand and encapsulate the story and history of Empress ‘Sisi’ of Austria, you will find yourself on a expedition around the city, visiting both Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace.

Below are photos from the collection at Hofburg Imperial Palace. The gilded finishes next to the deep and luxurious red showcase elegance and grace befitting someone who carries the titles, ‘Queen’ and ‘Empress.’

And here are photos at Schonbrunn Palace. Our exploration of each room had me reeling. I could not get enough of the patterns! I especially love the detail of the wood floors. Look at the pattern on the inlay! Be sure to get the full palace tour or you’ll miss some of these room.

A Collection for the Ages

The empress had an extensive collection of carriages, many of which have been preserved or restored. Her collection is available to see at the Carriage Museum just adjoining the Palace at Schonbrunn. It started raining so we did this part spur of the moment to avoid the rain, and I’m so glad we did! It’s small but the carriages are jaw dropping!

Rich Culture of Vienna

Vienna, donned The City of Music, is rich in the Arts and has a deep and steadfast commitment to preserving history and tradition. These next three places made this endeavor come to life for me and my family.

#1 This is The Austrian National Library – one of Harmony’s favorite stops! It felt just like we walked into the library on the movie Beauty and the Beast! Stunning! Pictures don’t do it justice.

#2 St. Stephen’s Cathedral – this iconic church lives in the center of the city, standing as a landmark and reminder to uphold the traditions of Austria and remains a symbol of the country’s return to independence after the 2nd World War.

#3 The Vienna Opera House – make time for a show if you can! It’s a stunning venue!

Trop Travel Hints & Top Picks as a Family

Top Places to Go

Mine – Hands down, the driving tour!

Josh – St. Stephen’s Church

Harmony – IKONO Interactive & the Library

Best Restaurant Experience – De Capo by far! We loved the family atmosphere and food was delicious! We had gnocchi with truffles, and white truffle gnocchi pizza with burrata and local prosciutto. The best thing we ate this trip!

Travel Tips for Vienna

Definitely book a driving tour, and I think the one we used was perfect, linked here. It was very personalized because it was just our family in the car with our guide. Plus, he was so knowledgeable and knew how to navigate the city well!

Ready to See More Great Places?

Do you love to travel but aren’t sure how to get it done? I love sharing insights from our other trips. Consider checking out other journeys over the years, tagged on my travel blog and also linked below. You can also check out my blog post on our first stop in Central Europe: 12 Must-Visit Sights of Budapest.

It was also a great trip and super affordable!

Read the FunCycled Travel Blog

Thanks for Following Along

I hope hearing about our journey has inspired you to make some travel plans of your own, even if it’s just to a new town close to home! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations.

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.

Posted on April 8, 2025April 7, 2025 by Meg Booth — 4 Comments

Mixing Design Styles for a Bold Living Room Makeover

Capturing a bold living room design (or really for any room in your home) does not happen without intention and planning. In order to effectively achieve the desired outcome for one homeowner, we decided that mixing design styles in her living room was the perfect way to go. The result, a striking mix of dramatic flair and timeless elegance. Since the classic tale of a makeover never grows old, this living room before and after stirs the heart with equal magic and charm! Let’s jump in!

Living Room Before & After

Quite often, the living room is the first room one enters after coming through the main entrance of a home. This can sometimes result in a sort of “catch-all” kind of feel and become the default function of the space. For this client, their living room was trying to serve multiple purposes and over time, it became a little disjointed. You can see in the before photos below, there were a few key challenges we wanted to address with our design plan: lack of a focal point and cohesive look, inadequate lighting, and a lot of open surfaces (all too eager to serve as clutter catchers).

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

LIVING ROOM AFTER

After assessing what would need to be addressed, we came up with a plan to overcome the challenges and create a cohesive living room design with a blend of gorgeous styles and function that works for the homeowners. Below, you will see how we tackled everything, but first how about this reveal!

#1 Lacking Focal Point – Dressing the main wall in a bold pattern draws your eye immediately to one major focal point. And by adding the dark & matching pieces of furniture adds weight to that end of the room, creating

#2 Poor Lighting – We added central, overhead lighting to the middle of the room. When light is cast from above and supported by table and floor lamps around the room, the illumination factor is amplified and creates balance.

I love this light! The sprawling design creates a major statement while adding so much light around the room. I have linked it up for you below:

Ceiling Light

#3 Open Surfaces – We chose glass fronted cabinets that could accommodate

Design Mixing That’s Bold

I love that this project serves as a great example of mixing design styles without the need to overdue one style over another. Plus, it truly is representative of working with a client’s personal taste and style while keeping a design cohesive and well planned.

Design Board for this living room

Mixing Styles Makes Good Design

So just exactly why does mixing styles make good interior design?

First, it is important to understand that one of the hallmarks of interior design is the ability to create a harmonious look and feel to any space while ensuring good function and flow. Mixing styles helps introduce the practice of balance and also lends itself to a more curated look and approach – key marks of quality and intentional design.

Can you mix different design styles?

The simple answer here is, YES, you can mix different styles together. I would suggest that this is true for all forms of art and artistic design. The key to this, however, is to approach this with care, balance, and maybe just a touch of restraint. As in the famous adage of “take(ing) one piece of jewelry off”, coined by Coco Chanel, you should ensure that no one style overtakes another. In other words, just when you think your design is complete and final, go ahead and remove one piece of proverbial jewelry off, and it will be perfect!

How do I merge design styles?

Merging styles is in itself an art form, so the answer to this question is somewhat nuanced. To assist, here are some key points to serve as a guide.
-Mixing design styles will take practice.
-Merging design elements lives within a bendable framework, giving a lot of possible combinations room to emerge.
-When blending a variety of styles, don’t get hung up on hard and fast rules.
-Remember to keep things in balance and in the appropriate scale.

What are common styles to blend in a home?

Interior design has encompassed the mixing of a vast array of styles over the years. With the right design plan and focus, most styles can work together to create a gorgeous and curated home.

Design Styles Used for this Living Room

Selecting the right balance and mix takes time, practice, and consideration. For this homeowner, we focused on capturing some drama of Art Deco and marrying it with the timeless ease of Mid Century Modern.

Art Deco Details

The bold sunburst motif and repeated geometric pattern mixed with curved lines reflect the flair and drama of art deco styling.

Mid Century Staples

Using clean, simple lines and natural elements such as jute & leather are consistent with the features of MCM design. It keeps everything so timeless.

Mixing Styles – Final Thoughts

Creating a style that is unique to you is part of the interior design process. If you would like some additional inspiration and want to see examples and tips for using different design styles, check out these other blog posts, linked below.

Mid Century Modern Basement Design

Design Trends to try in 2025

Mid Century Living Room Update

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page.

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you 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.

Posted on April 1, 2025April 1, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas – Shed Style

Well, ‘outdoor kitchen ideas’ is certainly a broad topic, but definitely worth exploring! No matter the time of year, it seems likely that our minds are ever wishful for springtime. And it seems that even with the faintest glimpse of spring emerging, we begin to feel the outdoors beckoning us. But what if you don’t have the kind of space that allows you to really enjoy the outdoors? You may feel like you are missing out.

My suggestion is always to find ways to maximize what you have and use that place as a jumping point for something new! For example, if you have an existing shed (or are planning to get one), adding an outdoor kitchen or kitchenette to the design is a great way to capitalize on what you already have and enhances a simple space for relaxation and entertainment! Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!

The Basics: Outdoor Kitchen in a Shed

True, not all sheds are equal in size, but a common denominator among them (when given the right impetus) is that ALL have the potential to be transformed into additional living space right in your own yard! Using this additional space for a small (or even large, depending upon your shed) kitchen is a great option, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let me answer some basic questions to get things moving!

Can I put a kitchen in a shed?

The simple answer is YES, you can add a kitchen in a shed. Depending upon the type of appliances and how involved your design plan is, you may need to get permits. Always check with your local municipality or town to ensure you are in accordance.

Can I put a stove in my shed?

Having a stove in your shed is a possibility, but if you don’t plan to really use it that often, you may want to skip this. Provided you have included a power source for your kitchen area, you may want to opt for a small electric stove top or hot plate.

Do you need ventilation in a shed?

For any shed, there will be the option of keeping the door open, of course. But, I recommend purchasing or building a shed that will accommodate at least two openings across from each other to get a breeze. You will definitely need to consider further ventilation if you plan to outfit your shed with a kitchen that includes a stove or range of any kind.

Can you hook up electricity to a shed?

Yes, you can add electricity to your shed. You can consider having solar panels installed or even using a portable generator, but if you are considering adding a kitchen or making a lot of use of your shed with power tools, the best option is to run underground wiring from the shed to a breaker box. It will take a little more planning and time, but it is well worth it.

Rustic Charm Meets Functionality in Shed Kitchens

The concept I have created is exactly this – rustic and functional. You can see in my inspiration photo that this shed design is really outfitted with a kitchenette – sink, prep space, dishes, and simple storage for the main kitchen essentials. Depending upon your own wishes, budget, and space, you could easily add a small to medium refrigerator under the counter or on an opposite wall. Additionally, if you have the space and proper ventilation, you could easily add a cooktop or even a range.

This is the kitchenette inspo I created through AI.

While your idea may be sparked by an image you see, the next step is to begin fanning that spark and flaming the idea into a plan. Here is a quick guide to get you going:

Decide what you want – are you looking to have a space for cold beverages and quick snacks? What type of surface will you need – prepping food, cutting flowers? What items will need to be stored? Are there colors that you want to use?
Make a (preliminary) design plan – now that you have a focused idea of what you want, take a few minutes to get a basic design plan together. This should include a rough layout and maybe some color ideas.
Measure your space – after assessing what you want, it’s time to gather the measurements, so you can begin compiling your plan.
Start sourcing – begin to source the materials you will need and contact any professionals who might be needed to complete the project.

My Rustic Shed Kitchenette – Below I am sharing some of the products that are part of my outdoor shed kitchen inspiration.

brass knob for kitchen — Brass Knobs for Cabinets

botanical artwork — Brass Knobs for Cabinets

rustic round cutting board — Ceramic Rustic Pitcher

Next Level Shed Kitchen Design

#1 Incorporating Natural Elements into Your Shed Kitchen Design
I love incorporating natural elements into all of my designs! And even though your shed is already outdoors, here are a few ways to level up nature into this design!

Add linen or cotton cafe curtains to a window. This will add charm and echos the beauty of the natural setting!
Plant a container garden just outside the shed. Having fresh herbs, veggies, or fruits ready to go for quick snacking and prepping will save time, plus it adds a touch of color!
Using live edge shelving inside your shed mimics the organic lines of nature and doubles as storage. Love when form meets function!

linen cafe curtains — Farmhouse Cafe Curtains

green raised garden — Farmhouse Cafe Curtains

#2 Lighting and Ambiance: Setting the Mood in Your Outdoor Shed Kitchen
The right lighting is a key ingredient to all good design, and just because a shed (with kitchen or otherwise) is outside, does not mean this should be overlooked. Actually, having the right lighting is practical and can really elevate your shed design.

Add sconces on the exterior

String lights and solar powered garden lights will add a soft glow in the evening.

Concluding Thoughts for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Remember, some of the best realities start with a spark of inspiration. An outdoor kitchen may have seemed out of reach to you, but I hope today’s blog has shed some light (haha!) on taking a spark and fanning it into a robust flame, or in this case, a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen!

For additional ideas and inspiration for your outdoors, check out my blog on our own outdoor retreat, linked up below!

Need Some Help Putting Your Ideas Together? Schedule an Appointment with Us!

We are here to help. Reach out to our team at FunCycled by contacting us today, or go ahead and schedule your 1 Hour Interior Design Appointment today. It would be a pleasure making your house feel just like your home!

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consult

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.

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.

Posted on March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

Choosing the Right Color for Kitchen Cabinets

How to choose the color for kitchen cabinets

Some decisions are easier than others. And, depending upon your personality, choosing the right color for your kitchen cabinets might feel like a breeze or you may feel an impending weight at the very thought of it. No matter what camp you fall into, the bottom line is this: there is a right and wrong way to approach this decision. Here are some guiding principles to help you choose rightly!

1. Consider Your Kitchen’s Style

With a myriad of design styles to evaluate, this may seem like an overwhelming consideration. But whatever you do, please avoid the temptation to feel like requires a comprehensive dig or need to identify (for the rest of all time) what style best represents you! The fact is, for most of us, we adopt whatever style is present within a home when we move in. For this exercise, take a quick assessment of the elements of your kitchen to determine style. Here are some basics to guide you:

#1 Cabinets. Do they have simple or minimal details, like simple Shaker styles, or do they have more ornate details and molding that might be present with a raised panel.

#2 Counters. Account for the material of your counters. More traditional styles might include marble or granite or laminate made to look like either of these while more modern styles might include higher gloss quartz with a streamlined color and minimal pattern.

Common Kitchen Styles

Traditional – will include cabinets with detail and crown molding and will incorporate granite or marble with pattern and movement that coordinates with backsplash that has a shared pattern scheme.
Farmhouse – will include cabinets with simple details and simple backsplash (often clean subway tile with dark grout); it might have butcher block or beadboard used around the space.
Modern – cabinets will be sleek with minimal detail and ; stainless steel or high shine
Transitional – usually has a blend of traditional and modern elements; the lines are typically clean and simplified

Great Colors for Kitchens – Based on Style

Traditional

Farmhouse

Modern

Best Black for Cabinets — Black – Benjamin Moore

Transitional

Grey paint for kitchens — Hale Navy – Benjamin Moore

2. Account for Other Colors in the Room

Pay attention to the colors around the room. Quickly inventory what hues exist already. Here are some areas to assess:

Walls – what is the undertone of the wall color, more warm or cool? Remember, painting walls is also easily changed, so if you decide you just don’t like this color, you can always change this! Try. not to have your walls and cabinets be the same color unless you are going for a color drenching in the space (unless it’s white on white).
Backsplash – is there one color or is there a pattern?
Counters – are they dark or light?
Fixtures – even if you are planning to change out the hardware, you should still consider other fixtures in the room. This would be lighting, and finishes present on doors and windows to name a few.

Should my cabinets be lighter or darker than my counters?

Generally speaking, having a contrast between your cabinets and counters makes for good design, and in many cases, this is the best recommendation – keep a contrast. However, more important than whether counters are lighter or darker is what undertone is present. Your design will look the most cohesive when you ensure the undertone of both cabinet and counter are the same – if your counters have a warm undertone, your cabinet color should also have a warm undertone.
For this kitchen, we skipped the contrast of counters and cabinets but rather focused on keeping the same undertone and then added a high contrast with our fixtures. To read all of the details of this kitchen makeover, click HERE.

Pro-tip: Ensuring the same undertone matters just as much as what other colors are present in the room!

3. Lighting Matters

Lighting can make a big difference when selecting paint color. Determining the amount of natural light and evaluating the amount of cool and warm lighting can be helpful in making the right selection.

How do I know if my lighting is cool or warm?

Lighting with a higher Kelvin (over 4000) is cooler. Warmer lighting will have a Kelvin value below 3000. I recommend daylight/soft white to keep the color as close to what you see on the swatch as possible (3,000-4,000). I hope this chart will help guide you.

Pro Tip: Keep your space well balanced when it comes to lighting. The best way to do this, is to make sure you can account for both cool and warm lighting in your space so it will help create a soft balance for the whole room.

4. Room Size and Layout

When it comes to the size of a room and selecting paint colors, there are some general principles to draw from. However, when designing a room, I encourage clients to keep an open mind.

Room Size & Selecting Color

To illustrate the need to keep an open mind, let’s bust the go-to (and over simplified) idea that lighter makes things bigger and darker makes things look smaller. Here’s my assessment by way of an example:

Do dark colors make a room look smaller?

You may have heard that darker colors of paint will make a room look smaller. While this can be a truism, I am hesitant to make this a hard and fast rule. It may be true in some spaces, but the conversation doesn’t stop there. A darker color can work to elevate a space and can also create a focal point and statement. The right combination and use of dark colors in some situations can actually draw your eye out, making things look bigger.

When can you use dark colors on kitchen cabinets?

If you love darker colors or want to employ a statement moment in your kitchen, follow these helpful tips. 1) Paint the lower cabinets in a darker color while keeping the top lighter. 2) Paint an island or pantry section of your kitchen in a dark color and keep the other cabinets lighter. 3) Create a monochromatic look by painting the cabinets and walls the same color and keeping the accents brighter. Below is an example of a kitchen painted in Benjamin Moore Tarrytown Green with the wall painted the same color, and I think it’s a great example of this last tip – using a monochromatic technique. To read the whole blog post on this kitchen before and after, click HERE.

Cabinet Color & Kitchen Layout

The layout of your kitchen truthfully is not as directly related to your cabinet color, but it is worth mentioning a few key things to evaluate.

What are the most common kitchen layouts?

Although there are several layouts with specifics, here is a list of the most common layouts: L-shaped kitchens, galley kitchens, u-shaped or horseshoe, 1 wall, and island centered.

Does my kitchen layout affect the colors I should choose?

There are not hard and fast rules about selecting specific colors based on the room layout, but there are some things to consider. For example, galley kitchens often have a lot of cabinets floor to ceiling which can make your space feel cramped. To combat this, you may want to consider a lighter neutral color to open things up.

5. Determine Your Desired Goal or Outcome

As with much we do, it is important to know what your end goal is. From there, you can find out the best way to get there. For this, I would like to offer a few thoughts on knowing the mood you want and helping create that with color.

CALMING: To create calm, select soft whites and subtle greens and blues.

ENERGIZING: For more energizing feel, mid tone greens are a great option. I like this example of a project we completed, where we used Cedar Mountains, a mid-tone green by Benjamin Moore. To see the full makeover, click HERE.

TIMELESS: To keep things timeless, deep navy and rich greens will work well as will creamy whites and staple neutrals. Some of my favorite colors are below:

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found these tips to be helpful as you consider the selection of your kitchen cabinets. REMEMBER, don’t get bogged down with following all of the right rules. Allow your decision to be guided with them while keeping perspective of the whole project.

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.

Ready to start?

Book YOUR 1 Hour Design Consultation

Let’s work together

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.

Posted on March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

Traveling to Budapest – This Hidden Gem Awaits

Hi friends! Have you ever really considered this…traveling to Budapest that is? My guess is that a trip to central Europe may not be someone’s first thought, but let me assure you, it should be on your list! Central Europe is like the ultimate hidden gem of travel—packed with vibrant history, charming cities, and some of the most picturesque landscapes you’ll ever see.

Recently, my family and I packed our bags and headed off to explore the sights of 3 major cities in central Europe over a week’s time. Over the next few months, I will be sharing about each of our visits, providing special highlights and tips along the way!

Our first stop is Budapest, capital of Hungary and rich with history and stunning architecture. Thanks to the help of Great Value Vacations, our trip was easy to coordinate, filled with amazing sights, and amazingly affordable! We booked a walking tour of Budapest to cover as much ground as possible, and I am excited to share it with you. That in mind, join with me as we journey through the beautiful sites of Budapest!

Hungarian State Opera House

First known as the Hungarian Royal Opera House, this architectural beauty hosts some of the most well known operas and ballets to grace a stage. Featuring the magnificence of new-Renaissance style, both the inside and outside of this structure boasts exquisite detail and grandeur commensurate with some of the most iconic places to visit in all of Europe. The materials used to create this grand scale include oak, cedar, marble, bronze, steel, and other natural stone. Take a look at these gorgeous pictures which display the ornate arches present in the covered porticos and walkways on the the exterior as well as the halls and passways within.

City Park & Heroes’ Square

Covering an area of approximately 302 acres, I recommend visiting City Park, Hungary’s largest public park. Amidst the wide offering for relaxation, City Park is a center for botanical gardens, museums, art, and history. One popular place is Heroes’ Square and serves as a central meeting point for the history and culture of Budapest. You will see in the photos below the iconic statues that form the Millennium Monument, a commemoration for the founding of Hungary.

Strudels – Delightful Treats in Budapest

We took a little time to stroll and explore the sights, and we decided to stop and enjoy a little bite to eat. At The First Strudel House, we got filled up with delicious strudel while enjoying the cozy and warm atmosphere. It was the perfect thing for a mid day pick me up!

Exploring the History & Culture of Budapest

The next few places as part of our walking tour led us to 3 historical pillars of this rich city. Vajdahunyad Castle, Szechenyi Baths & Pool, and St. Stephen’s Basilica are all major landmarks of Budapest and showcase the beautiful and grand architecture of Hungary.

The yellow building you see is the ‘palace’ structure that encompasses indoor spas and surrounds the outdoor pool of the Szechenyi Baths & Pool, the largest spa in all of Europe! Next to that, you will see St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of Hungary’s most treasured and blessed churches.

After a short visit, our journey led us to a deeper dive into the history and government of Hungary. Szabadsag ter, a local park near the main government building is home to memorials and monuments that pay recognition to the liberation of Hungary from communist rule and domination under the Nazi occupation. Although I don’t have any pictures to share, this park serves to memorialize freedom for the people of Hungary, an endeavor that was not finalized until 1989 for this country.

Hungary is now a Parliamentary Republic. Budapest, as capital of Hungary, is home to the official government offices, and our tour allowed us to stop by and see the outside of the Hungarian Parliament Building. It is beautiful. I wish we had an opportunity to go inside as I feel like it would have been worth the extra time. Below are some pictures. Just look at the grandeur!

Next up we strolled by the Danube River and found our way to Szechenyi Lanchid. Spanning over 1,200 ft. this iconic bridge stretches over the Danube, bridging the Eastern and Western sides of Budapest. We did not get any photos, but it is quite a sight!

Buda Castle – Iconic District of Budapest

Next we found our way to Buda Castle. Although the name may seem like a single destination, Buda Castle is much more. This palatial complex includes (you guessed it!) a castle as well as museums, historic buildings and churches. Most impressive to me was seeing Matthias Church, featured below. Also known as the Church of Our Lady, this landmark is one of the oldest in the city, making it a true story telling stop and well worth the time.

Take note of the roof top at Matthias Church. From a distance you are not able to see it, but when you get a closer look, the roof is made of thousands of tiles – around 149,000 actually.

Details just as magnificent as those ceramic tiles are featured on every inch of the inside of this church. Take a look at the intricate patterns adorning the walls, windows, and arches within the interior walls.

Our final stop at the Buda Castle District was at Fisherman’s Bastion, a historical monument and architectural feature known of Budapest. Overlooking the whole of the Buda Castle District, views from the bastion are breathtaking! You can see for miles out into the whole city.

Saying Farewell

To conclude our travels, we finished with dinner at Koleves Kert. This restaurant also offers allergy friendly choices in addition to some traditional Hungarian dishes. Great place!

Trop Travel Highlights

#1 Getting our photos professionally done with the stunning views from Fisherman’s Bastion as our backdrop.

We booked our session through Airbnb. Our photographer was Tulip, and we couldn’t be happier! She did an outstanding job, and she perfectly captured my family while giving us cherished memories surrounded in the iconic beauty of Budapest. For all this, the price was fantastic – HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

#2 Checking out McDonald’s in Budapest.

Claimed as the most beautiful in the world, this McDonald’s simply WOWS! Making a visit to the golden arches (present or not) around the world is on Josh’s must do list, so I am so happy we made it!

#3 Trying local cuisine.

Branching out and exploring new foods always makes my travel itinerary. In Budapest, I would say you ABSOLUTELY MUST try the delicious chimney cakes! These delights are made from sweetened dough wrapped around a dowel and cooked over an open flame, then stuffed with an assortment of yummy fillings of your choosing.

Tips for Happy Journeys to Budapest

If you are considering a trip to Budapest (or even another destination), here are my top tips for making sure your experience is great!

Pack a charger for all country types. Select one like this from Amazon – it will accommodate all of your needs!
Get your tickets ahead of time, particularly for Parliament.
Be sure to have tip money (and I mean cash) ready to go. In Budapest, it is a cultural norm to tip the folks who are serving in a variety of stations and capacities.
Have Google translate on phone and ready to go. Some people speak English, but it is not as widely used as you might think. A quick translation will be so helpful for you.
Uber is easier than public transit. Although the public transportation options are available, we found that taking an uber to most places was the easiest.
Book guided walking tours. There is a lot to see and you won’t likely be able to get to all of it. Having a guided walking tour hits as many places as possible and keeps you moving!

Ready to start?

Ready to See More Great Places?

Read the FunCycled Travel Blog

Thanks for Following Along

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.

Posted on March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 by Sarah

Gray Painted Oak Cabinets and Kitchen Makeover

Here’s a popular question, Can I paint my oak kitchen cabinets? My answer is always, YES, you can! Several weeks ago, we finished up a kitchen project that features gray oak painted kitchen cabinets. I shared the before and after pictures on Facebook. And today, I am answering all your questions! Let’s dive in!

Here’s the kitchen before:

Anne Marie and Keith asked me to do a kitchen consult to help them pick colors, hardware and an over all style for their kitchen makeover. You’d have to see their whole house to really appreciate it, but as soon as I walked in I thought they should do gray cabinets. Their house has modern pops of design with transitional bones. It’s beautiful!

When painting oak cabinets, it’s important to remember that the cabinets have a deep wood grain so you can see some of that grain still after you paint them. For that reason, I always recommend a satin clear coat over the top to help diminish the glare and highlighting of the graining.

We decided to paint the kitchen cabinets in Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray. Chelsea Gray is my favorite medium gray paint color. It’s so important when painting cabinets to prep them right. We sand, prime, paint, and finish with the recommended protective clear coat. We also use a professional grade air sprayer which gives a fine finish! This is a project you can take on yourself, but it’s one I recommend having a professional do, so it’s done right and holds up well! Here are the section of cabinets painted Chelsea Gray:

(The picture above is the most accurate color)

We wanted to do something different on the island, so we painted it a lighter color – Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter. Then we lightly distressed the island and added rough cut wood to the back to give it even more visual interest.

We added all new hardware as well which helped modernize the kitchen! Anne Marie and Keith also added new backsplash to coordinate with the medium gray color of the cabinets.

Last but definitely not least, John installed a barn wood wall on the way into the kitchen. Check out this gorgeousness!

Considering painting your oak cabinets? Check out these helpful FAQ’s:

Does gray paint work with oak cabinets?

Yes, gray paint works well for oak cabinets. Actually there are many colors that can work on oak cabinets, everything from whites and neutrals to deep, moody colors. The important part is in the prep work, ensuring the paint will adhere well and there will be no trace of the oak coming through.

Does painting oak cabinets increase home value?

Simply put. YES, painting oak cabinets does increase your home’s value. Anytime, you update and upgrade your kitchen design, it adds to the overall value of your home. The cost of painting kitchen cabinets is considerably less than replacing cabinets altogether, therefore keeping your investment costs lower.

How do you modernize a kitchen with oak cabinets?

The most efficient way to update oak cabinets is to paint them and change out the hardware. Remember, oak cabinets will show the graining even when painted, but with the right prep work and proper finish, you can definitely achieve a modern look.

Ready to start?

Kitchen Cabinet Painting- Get your FREE QUOTE

Ready to get started? Use our Contact Us form to get a FREE quote for your kitchen! Just email us a picture of your kitchen, a count of how many doors and drawers, and let us know where you are located. It’s that easy, and it will up the value of your home at a fractions of the price of buying new cabinets!

Need a little more inspiration?

Check out some of our other kitchen makeovers and mood boards! There are so many choices and options, I know you will find something that looks like just what you might need!

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.

Posted on March 11, 2025March 27, 2025 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

Green Kitchen Cabinets: Color for a Timeless Design

Hi, friends! Among my favorite things to do, lives creating new designs. Today, I am sharing this fresh kitchen inspiration, featuring green painted cabinets, and I absolutely LOVE it! Am I trying to make things festive for St. Patrick’s Day (just a few days away)? Maybe, but the thing is, many shades of green on your kitchen cabinets provide a classic and timeless feel. To illustrate this, I have created this green kitchen mood board, and I am excited to explore it with you. Let’s jump in!

If you would like to explore other kitchen mood boards created by me, I encourage you to check out my Teal and Gold Kitchen Mood Board.

Elements of this Kitchen Mood Board

Focuses on One Dominant Color
Timeless Elements
Floor to Ceiling Design Approach

Timeless Selection: Cabinets Painted Green

With the help of some AI design tools, I created this kitchen which features a deeper shade of green – probably my go-to when selecting green for kitchen cabinets. Pairing the deep hue with classic white subway tile and brass fixtures elevates the look and presents a classic a timeless feel to the room.

Suggested Green Paint Colors

The color green stands as a symbol for renewal, balance, and harmony, making it one of the most universally used colors across places and environments that seek to promote hope and restoration. For your kitchen, eliciting these traits may not be the first thing we consider. Given a chance to step back and evaluate, I think most of us would agree that establishing this sense

Here are some colors I think might inspire you!

Deep & Elegant

Elegant Green Kitchen — Benjamin Moore Tarrytown Green

Benjamin Moore Green Paint — Benjamin Moore Dakota Shadow

Rich & Nourishing

Soft & Renewing

Curating a Classic Feel

To create a classic feel, here are some elements to consider:

brass
glass
stoneware or pottery
simple lines
monochromatic design or simplified color schemes

Sage Green dishes — Glass Chandelier – Amazon

White vase with greenery — White Herringbone Vase – Amazon

White apron sink — White Herringbone Vase – Amazon

Selecting the Right Hardware

So one of the things that is NOT completely refined in this AI created kitchen inspo photo is the use of too many cabinet hardware styles. While I absolutely LOVE the ideas and overall concept depicted in our inspo pic, upon closer inspection, you will see that there are 4 different styles of hardware used throughout the kitchen. Sometimes this choice can work well within a certain design, but typically, using too many styles can cause your design to feel disjointed or busy, especially when you are trying to achieve a look that will stand the test of time. So you might be asking…what is the best rule for this?

Can you mix hardware styles?

Yes, but you should consider the overall look of your design and what your goal is. If you are hoping to create a timeless look and cohesive plan, then use one style or a maximum of 2 styles that are specifically designed to be paired together. For a more eclectic feel and artistic approach, you can mix a variety of styles. To avoid a feeling of chaos, I would suggest no more than 3 styles (all in the same finish) for your kitchen.

Here are some suggested parings that will keep a look timeless:

brass hardware for kitchen — Brushed Gold Handles – Amazon

Final Thoughts

I hope you have gleaned some inspiration and learned a bit more about my process of inspiration and perhaps gleaned some key takeaways for your kitchen! To see more kitchen inspiration, check out all of our KITCHEN MAKEOVERS.

Are you considering getting your kitchen cabinets painted (OR MORE!), follow these three easy steps to getting your FREE QUOTE today!

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.

Posted on March 4, 2025March 3, 2025 by Meg Booth

Eco-friendly Home: Bedroom with Sustainability in Mind

Hi, friends! In today’s world, being eco-friendly isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement that’s reshaping how we live, design, and consume. When it comes to your home, creating an environment that is not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious is easier than ever and is a key focus for FunCycled! In this Tuesday Treasure, we will focus on creating a healthy bedroom outfitted with eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products. Whether you’re looking to refresh your current space or start a brand-new project, we’ve got you covered with tips and inspiration to create an eco-conscious sanctuary that feels as good as it looks.

1. Why Sustainability Matters in Bedroom Design

Your bedroom is a place meant for rest and rejuvenation and is the perfect place to start making more sustainable choices. This approach and the selections I have pulled together will help you create a calming, guilt-free retreat that supports both your well-being and the planet.

So let’s dive in and break down what you need, where you can get it, and how to put it together!

2. Eco Friendly Materials for Bedroom Furniture

You want to be sure to select furniture options that are FSC-certified, use recycled materials and renewable materials, and ensure eco-friendly and low or zero VOC paints are used on the furniture pieces. Here are some tips on making the right selections:

Consider finding furniture made of bamboo which is a natural and fast growing, renewable source.
Purchase items made from recycled materials , including metal, glass, wood, and even plastic.
Search for pieces re-fabricated from reclaimed wood.
Consider repurposing an older piece of furniture and updating it with a fresh and fun color of paint.

Below, I have linked up some great options that serve as the foundation to any bedroom design. Each are made from recycled materials, ethically sourced natural materials, and/or FSC certified.

BEDFRAMES

Ecofriendly Bed — Velvet Upholstered Bed – Amazon

Sustainably Sourced Bed — Velvet Upholstered Bed – Amazon

DRESSERS

Eco conscious furniture — Fluted Dresser – Amazon

NIGHT STANDS

White Eco conscious furniture — White Night Stand – Amazon

3. Eco-Friendly Bedding & Textiles

The next layer of your bedroom includes your textiles which would include your bedding, pillows, blankets, and drapery to name a few. This list of eco-conscious materials should help guide your selections:

Organic Cotton
Linen
Bamboo
Hemp

Let’s begin at the core and work our way out! These are some great core bedding items to get you started:

PILLOWS AND COMFORTERS

DUVET COVERS

Next, add a little color and texture to your bed with one of these duvet covers, sourced from natural and organic fibers.

Farmhouse comforter — 100% Linen Duvet – Amazon

terracotta duvet cover — 100% Linen Duvet – Amazon

4. Sustainable Lighting Solution

Lighting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are considering keeping your home eco-friendly, and it might take a little more searching, but these key points will help direct the choices for your home:

Search for Lighting that promotes energy efficiency, such as LED or solar-powered lamps.
Find lights made from natural materials such as wood, rattan, or recycled glass.
Make sure you use bulbs that are LED and energy efficient rather than incandescent

Below are some lighting options that promote one or more of the guiding points for sustainable lighting solutions.

5. Eco-Conscious Decorative Accents

Handcrafted Accessories
Recycled Art
Real Plants
Decor items sourced out of natural elements
Throw pillows and blankets made from natural fibers

Here are some suggested accents for your eco-friendly bedroom

6. Final Tips for An Eco-Friendly Bedroom

How can I make my room eco-friendly?

1. Search for furniture & products sourced from recycled materials, FSC-certified, and renewable sources.
2. Research brands that prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing
3. Opt for long-lasting products over disposable ones
4. Consider second-hand or vintage items when possible
5. Create a daily rhythm that encourages waste reduction and minimalist living
6. Enlist the use of Zero VOC paints & non-toxic cleaners.
7. Incorporate plants and natural oils add ambiance and promote healing & wellness.
8. Finally, start small and add one new element at a time, so you are more likely to stick to it!

I hope you have learned a bit more about my process of inspiration and perhaps gleaned some key takeaways for launching your own creative ideas!

Need Some Help Curating an Eco-friendly Design for Your Home? Schedule an Appointment with Us!

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consult

If you would like to just get a little more information, schedule a 15 minute call with me or a member of my team by clicking the link below. We would love to share more!

Schedule a 15 Minute Introduction Call

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.

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

Posted on February 25, 2025February 24, 2025 by Meg Booth

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Clash of Design Styles

Hi, friends! One could define interior design as the art of creating spaces that reflect our personalities, moods, and lifestyles. But when it comes to figuring all of that out, things can get tricky, especially when we face choices that seem to be opposed to one another. Enter in the clash of design styles: Minimalism vs. Maximalism.

In today’s blog post, we’ll discover how to make peace with these two design styles! To help illustrate the two styles, I want to give you an overview, share some examples of a living room, kitchen, and bedroom in each design style. Let’s dive in!

Minimalism: Less is More

Minimalist design is all about simplicity and functionality. This style emerged from the modernist movement, and its philosophy centers on removing unnecessary items and focusing on what truly matters. In a minimalist space, “less” is indeed “more,” and every item has a purpose.

Key Features of Minimalist Design

Neutral Color Palette: Whites, blacks, grays, and subtle earth tones dominate.
Clean Lines & Simple Shapes: Furniture and décor are often sleek with little to no embellishment.
Functional Furniture: Each piece of furniture is chosen for its utility and elegance, avoiding excessive or ornamental designs.
Decluttered Spaces: A hallmark of minimalism is the absence of clutter. Every object is intentional and contributes to the aesthetic or function of the room.

Neutral Living room design — Photo Werner Straube c/o BHG

White and wood modern kitchen — Photo Brie Williams c/o BHG

White and Beige Bedroom — Photo c/o Modern Minimalism

Maximalism: More is More

Maximalism is the exact opposite of minimalism. It’s bold, vibrant, and all about embracing the more is more philosophy. Where minimalism thrives in restraint, maximalism revels in excess, creating spaces that are rich in personality, color, texture, and history. It’s a style that invites creativity, freedom, and even a bit of controlled chaos.

Key Features of Maximalist Design

Bold Colors & Patterns: Maximalism thrives on vibrant hues, deep tones, and eye-catching patterns. Walls, furniture, and accessories are often adorned in striking, saturated colors like emerald green, royal blue, or even gold.
Layering: Maximalist spaces are all about layering—layering patterns, textures, and even furniture. The goal is to create a space that feels collected over time, full of personal character.
Eclectic Mix: Maximalism embraces diversity. You might find vintage pieces next to modern designs or bold floral wallpaper paired with animal print throw pillows. It’s a mix of everything you love.
Statement Pieces: Maximalist spaces are often filled with unique art, vintage finds, and attention-grabbing furniture.
Decorative Accessories: In maximalism, there’s no such thing as too many decorative items. Decorative vases, intricate rugs, and art collections are embraced rather than avoided.

maximalist living room — Photo c/o Woo Inspiration

pink and green kitchen — Photo c/o Digs Digs

maximalist bedroom idea — Photo c/o Trendy Home Hacks

Minimalism vs. Maximalism – Which Style Suits You Best?

Now that we’ve explored some of the key ingredients to minimal and maximal styles, now is a good time to assess which one might best suit you. Use this guiding benchmark to help you reflect:

Choose Minimalism if…
You crave peace and simplicity in your home. You value clean spaces, functionality, and order, and you find joy in simplicity rather than excess.
Choose Maximalism if…
You love bold statements, enjoy layering textures and colors, and want to create a home that reflects your personality, creativity, and eclectic taste. You might not mind a bit of visual chaos if it creates a cozy, personalized environment.

Drawing Conclusions: Clashing Styles or A Balanced Approach?

While minimalism and maximalism seem worlds apart, there is a way to blend the two. This might beg the question:

Can you be a minimalist and a maximalist?

And the answer is yes, you can. Many homeowners find success by combining elements of both styles to create their own unique interiors. Think neutral backdrops with bold accent furniture, or a minimalist framework with maximalist touches in art and accessories.

In the end, both styles can lead to beautiful, functional spaces—whether you prefer the calm serenity of minimalism or the vibrant richness of maximalism. The key is to choose what makes you feel most at home!

Not sure you can decide on your own? Let us help!

Schedule a design consultation today! Click the link below and select either a virtual or in-person appointment to get started on your next project! I can’t wait to pull it together!

1 Hour Interior Design Consultation with FunCycled

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.

Posted on February 18, 2025February 27, 2025 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

Creating Inspiration: Teal Kitchen Mood Board

Hi, friends! I love when I have time to be creative and put new ideas together. To me, designing never gets old! On today’s Tuesday Treasure, I am happy to share this kitchen mood board I recently created. Featuring one of my very favorite colors (hint…it’s teal!), this design is the perfect mix of warm and cool tones and is sure to inspire you!

What is a Mood Board?

By nature a mood board is similar to a design board, however, these actually function just a little differently from one another. Here’s an overview: a mood board conveys the overall tone and concept whereas a design board provides a more specific & concrete plan for a project. In essence, though, there is quite a bit of overlap and the two can work seamlessly together.

Elements of this Kitchen Mood Board

Complementary Colors – when colors work in conjunction to each other
Mixing Styles – Blending old and new creates a curated space
Soft Textures & Accents – blush and floral patterns

Capturing the Essence of a Mood Board

It started with one picture for me! This is often a jumping point for the creative energy that quickly morphes into an idea or framework for something bigger. For me, this picture of a vintage door with frosted glass just hit me. Something about it is so charming and puts a smile on my face! : ) I absolutely LOVE this color combination. The deep rust tones of the door sitting next to the lovely sun-washed teal blue create a harmony I wanted to capture and relate into a bigger design. In this case, a kitchen!

Honing the Colors for your Mood Board

Being able to identify one or more components of your jumping point is an important first step. To help refine this, I suggest honing the colors for your mood board. But just exactly how does one do this? Without overcomplicating things, I want to share some simple guidance when it comes to pairing colors. Applying some simple guidelines will help create a curated design in any room:

RULE #1 Select colors that have a complementary relationship – respectively, this is pairing colors that live opposite of each other on a color wheel or next to each other on the wheel and is a great way to find which hues work together well. For example, blue and orange are opposite each other (complementary) whereas blue and green are next to each other (analogous).
RULE #2 Limit your selection to only 3 colors – this keeps your design outcome focused and cohesive. Pro tip: Colors that are in the same tone family can count as one color!
RULE #3 Employ the 60%, 30%, 10% rule – For a well balanced design, dividing your colors into 3 categories to meet these percentages respectively (dominant, secondary, and accent) will generate a

Bringing Life to the Vision

Remember that vintage door? Well, I wanted to capture its essence in kitchen form. So with the help from some AI tools, I give you this stunning kitchen below – all inspired by that lovely, vintage door! This, friends, is to demonstrate how inspiration is the starting point. From there, so many possibilities are born!

How to use the color wheel for interior design

Enhancing the Mood

I LOVE this next phase! Adding those special details to further define what you want your overall space to be! Often it is these elements that are carried over into the ultimate plan and design. For this mood board, I found these special pieces that spoke to me, and I would add them to a design board for a client! Take a peak, and if you are interested, you can easily click and purchase them for your own!

I hope you have learned a bit more about my process of inspiration and perhaps gleaned some key takeaways for launching your own creative ideas!

Need Some Help Putting Your Ideas Together? Schedule an Appointment with Us!

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consult

If you would like to just get a little more information, schedule a 15 minute call with me or a member of my team by clicking the link below. We would love to share more!

Schedule a 15 Minute Introduction Call

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.

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.