Blog - Page 3 of 74 - FunCycled - Interior Design, Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Furniture Repurposing in Upstate NY

Posted on July 30, 2024July 31, 2024 by Meg Booth

New Design Trend: Introducing Biophilic Design

Hi friends!

I hope you had a great weekend! The longer days of summer sometimes fool me into thinking that time stands still, but as I write this, I realize that the month of July is nearing conclusion. I love summer, from start to finish! And, technically speaking, we still have over 7 weeks of summer still to go! : ) Well, what on earth are we going to do with all that time? For me, I will do what I love to do most…keep designing spaces!

Part of my process as an interior designer is to keep learning new ideas and finding ways to inspire and encourage us as we create and design spaces we can call our own. Today, I am excited to share a new design style with you! This style is called the Biophilic Design Aesthetic. First, I love the word biophilic–it is soft yet intriguing. When I first heard it, I was drawn in and wanted to know more, and I am so excited to share all of this with you!

What is biophilic design?

In my digging, I learned that biophilic design is actually not a new idea or emerging concept. As a matter of fact, architects have been employing this design and approach as a means of creating building plans focused on connecting people to the natural world.

What are some examples?

Here are a couple of examples of Biophilic Architectural Designs. These photos are care of Render4Tomorrow Studio and are credited and linked below.

Jewel Changi Airport
Photo: Matteo Morando

Another great example of this is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the house designed for the famous Kauffman family of Pittsburgh in 1935. His design was considered “organic architecture,” but it falls within the vein of biophilic design.

What does all of this have to do with designing your home?

The examples I have given above likely feel outside the scope of a typical project that you and I would be able to incorporate into our homes. But just because we may not see how to replicate something on that scale, doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to introduce some elements of biophilic design into our own spaces. And the best part is that right now, we are seeing design trends that embrace a biophilic approach and aesthetic into everyday home design, and the outcome is beautiful! Here are some inspirational pics, reflective of this trend, from Better Homes & Gardens. Photo credits linked below.

Photo: GABRIELA HERMAN c/o Better Homes & Gardens

How can you incorporate this into your home?

I would like to share some ideas and tangible ways for you to add a biophilic touch (or even a few) to your home. But before I do that, here are some key elements of biophilic design that you should prioritize if you want to get this look: maximize light, feature plants, consider more organic shapes, and use natural materials. Check out the tips below along with product links to create this look for your home, too. Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

MAXIMIZE LIGHT

Be sure to allow as much light as possible. This might be totally forgoing anything on your windows, or maybe it’s really minimizing your window treatments. Rather than having full drapes, just use sheer linen panels like those shown below.

If you live in an apartment and would like to maximize the lighting in your environment but have limited natural light, select a glass lamp with a rattan shade, like this simple design below. Oh, and don’t forget to select a light bulb that is labeled “daylight.”

MAKE PLANTS A FOCAL POINT

There are plenty of ways to add plants (or even the idea) of plants into your home. Here are some ideas to help you figure out the best way to add this element into a biophilic inspired design in your space.

Using live plants is the most ideal way of employing a biophilic approach, and an easy way of adding live plants indoors is to create a propagation station on a wall. Look at these fun examples below!

Propagation Tubes withhttps://amzn.to/46mRylf Wooden Casing – Amazon

If growing plants is just not quite your thing, or if you live in a place that makes growing live plants a challenge, why not “add” plants in another way. Add botanical wallpaper or enlist an oversized faux plant. Both can add that touch of nature even if it is not quite the real deal!

INCLUDE ORGANIC SHAPES

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut with the kind of shapes we have in our homes. We may be tempted to think squared off edges or perfect spherical finishes are the only options we have, but when embracing a biophlic design, you are freed up to let that go! If we are seeking to add some touches of nature into the home, the shapes we select should include soft and organic lines. I love these examples below.

EMBRACE NATURAL MATERIALS

Think wood, stone, linen, leather, etc….In keeping with a biophilic approach, being mindful of the materials we choose is essential not only to the look and feel of this type of design but it is also a way of actively choosing items that are more sustainable – an important consideration for us at FunCycled!

I hope you have found some new inspiration and have become more curious about biophilic design in reading this blog. I have really only scratched the surface here, so if you do a little digging yourself, I would love to hear from you, too. What other things did you learn? What ideas did you come up with?

Take the time to really consider some of these suggestions. I think you will find a good jumping point! Of course, if you aren’t sure where to begin, I would love to help you! You can check out more details about our Interior Design Services.

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.

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 July 23, 2024July 22, 2024 by Meg Booth

Designing My OWN Backyard Retreat: an Update on the Repurposed Ideas House!

Hi friends!

Last Spring, after completing all of the inside projects at our farmhouse (lovingly referred to as our Repurposed Ideas House), we embarked on the outside portion of the house. I love this old farmhouse which was built in 1802, and I love that our home is situated on 2+ acres of land. In January of 2019, we bought this house with a 5 year plan in mind. We were going to renovate everything top to bottom (essentially flipping it) and then sell it. Well, last spring we finished renovating everything, including a small portion of the outdoor area, but there was one problem…We fell in love with our little homestead!

Since we decided to stay put for now, we made the choice to add onto the outdoor patio and do some extra work on the exterior that we probably wouldn’t have if we were just flipping it. The land is beautiful, but we weren’t enjoying it because there was no real space to do so. It was time to create a space where our family could enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and take full advantage of the serenity that comes with our property. Well the project is NOW complete, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Here it is!

To see more about our Repurposed Ideas House and the projects we have completed over the last five years, visit here.

So we added a stamped concrete patio, gazebo, outdoor dining, and my husband, John, built an outdoor fireplace and kitchen area. He did such a fabulous job! I’m so impressed by what he can do without ever having done it before. Was it worth it?! Yes

We have already enjoyed teen worship nights, a party in the rain with over 75 guests, intimate convos with groups of friends, and Saturday morning breakfasts or mid week dinners with just our little family of 4. There’s something magical that happens around the fire! Take a look at the detail of the counters.

Oh, and our oldest chicken, Rosemary, kept getting in the pictures, so I decided to give her a little solo shot there, too! She’s a diva, and we all love her!

I don’t have a full before photo (one that was taken before we put the patio and gazebo up last Spring), but I do have a picture of phase one-last year’s outdoor patio and gazebo. Check it out below. Oh, there is our sweet June, making an appearance!!

Because we have done this project in phases and some of the items were purchased as sort of “one of a kind” items, bought at Homegoods, or have since been discontinued, I don’t have exact product links to share with you, but I have pulled together some similar items and shared them below. Note, some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

I’m so happy with how this turned out, and I hope it inspires you to get outside and enjoy the outdoor space at your home!

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.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Posted on July 16, 2024July 15, 2024 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

White Dove Hutch Makeover for Loudonville Home – Tuesday’s Treasure

Hi friends!

I hope you had a great weekend! Maybe you have been doing some traveling, or maybe you are currently on a little getaway! Every year, my family and I go away during 4th of July week to a local campground where we can just relax and get off the grid for a bit! I love the simplicity of it and being a little more intentional and quiet with our time!

At FunCycled, we love working with clients to help restore and breathe new life into old pieces of furniture. Whether it is a chair, a side table, or bedroom furniture, taking something that is tired and refreshing it truly brings life to me and my team!

For one of my clients, Darcy, she and her husband were in the midst of selling one house and making the move to a new location in the Capital Region. As part of their plans, Darcy and her husband wanted to find a way to incorporate a special piece of furniture into the design of their new kitchen. When we met with Darcy to talk through her ideas, Darcy shared some photos of the total the kitchen renovation taking place in her new home and talked about how she was hoping to make her oversized secretary hutch to work with the design. Take a look at some before photos below. The photo in the middle is from our studio as we began prepping to paint!

What I love the most about this type of project is seeing the true craftsmanship of furniture! For Darcy’s piece, there is something extra about it though. I love the scale of it and the fact that it has shelves above enclosed behind detailed glass and ample closed in storage below–all surrounding the desk & accompanying compartments which live at the very center of the piece! To me, it could boast a million uses, but I guess its intent is to remain for exactly its purpose in Darcy’s new home! If you want to know more about the history and origin of secretary desks (sometimes I just have to scratch that curiosity itch!), I found this really cool article: What Exactly is a Secretary Desk and What is it Used for?

For this project, we used Benjamin Moore’s White Dove on the whole piece. I love the warmth of this beautiful white!

And here are some after photos, including some close ups of the detail work on this hutch. See what I mean about the craftsmanship? It is so stunning! You will see that Darcy decided to keep the original hardware for this

And some additional close ups of the beautiful detials!

Bonus: How FunCycled Does Hutches Secretary Desks

I have pulled together some of our hutch and secretary desk upcycled projects over the years! Take a look and be inspired!

Below I have pulled together 3 inspiration photos to share with you in case you are looking to have a beautifully painted hutch or secretary for your home and you would like to see some other offerings that maybe we have not shown above! I would love to take on any of these inspirations for you!

A huge thanks to Darcy or hiring us to do take on this furniture project. We loved breathing new life into this special piece for your new home!

If you have a hutch or secretary desk (or plan to get one soon!) and would like us to restore life back into it, contact me today by visiting our Contact Us page! You can also learn more about our process on our Custom Furniture Painting Page.

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 ; )

Posted on July 9, 2024July 8, 2024 by Meg Booth

Design Trend 2024: Adding Color into Your Home

Hi friends!

I hope you had a great Fourth of July!

In today’s Tuesday’s Treasure, I want to help guide you through one of the biggest design trends we are seeing right now: Adding Color to your Home! Certainly, incorporating color into our homes is not a new idea, but embracing this idea can be overwhelming. First, let’s get one thing straight…I am not really an advocate for embracing a trend just because it is a trend! Trends should never define nor dictate who we are as people! But also please don’t mistake me, I am also not suggesting that trends are bad and you should avoid them. I see a lot of positives when we take time to evaluate trends. Trends can help shape new parts of ourselves and give us a push to think outside of our comfort zones. In a sense, trends can be viewed as opportunities to grow!

Okay, well now that I have waxed philosophic (I think that’s how the expression goes!), let’s get back down to it. Today, we’ll tackle incorporating color into your home! You may have seen on my social media channels (and perhaps others) that adding color to your home is currently on trend. Beyond shades of blue which delightfully have had staying power since the beginning of 2024, we are seeing this color trend is not limited to just one hue. From deep and moody earth tones to bright and bold greens and corals to calming and rich blues, the gambit is full! I also think that we will continue to see this trend stick around for a while, so go ahead- get bold and try out something new!

Here are some colors I would like to suggest:

You might not know, but my go to paint is Benjamin Moore. I love the quality of the paint but I also love the color options that have been added to their repertoire over the years-such longevity! Here are three options that hit three trends happening now:

Benjamin Moore Regent Green for deep, monochromatic designs
Benjamin Moore Blue Nova (actually the color of the year) in keeping with the blue palette popping up everywhere
Benjamin Moore Dark Salmon to add bright coral tones for a 2024 beachy vibe

Here are some ways to incorporate this:

Painting Walls

Featured here is Benjamin Moore’s Regent Green. I think what works really well with this a deep, moody color is to go ahead and paint your trim the exact same color as the walls. Notice the richness and depth that is created with this!

Painting Furniture

Furniture that is tired and already searching for a new lease on life is just asking to be painted! Why not consider selecting a bold color to add bright and maybe even surprising moments sure to bring a smile to your face every time you look at it! These are some of our past furniture flip projects and can be a source of inspiration to you!

Adding Pattern

One great way of adding color is by adding a colorful area rug to your room. Similar to adding or changing throw pillows, selecting a rug with a multicolor pattern keeps your design changeable. I have selected a couple for inspiration for you. Large geometric shapes in complementary colors will serve as a statement piece, so when making this type of choice for your room, make sure you the other patterns and colors you choose serve to complement the rug, not take away from it.

A second rug option for inspiration is this braided rug. What works well when adding color is that the background of the rug is actually just a neutral tone but it has bold colors woven throughout. Even though this rug has several colors represented here, the pattern is subtle and it will allow for other colors and patterns to take the focus if you decide you want to add even more color into your room!

Here is how I have incorporated color into my designs:

Mixing bold patterns that share a color palette.

In one of our Airbnb designs, we chose this gorgeous wallpaper as our feature and then selected subtle patterns to support and reinforce the statement of the room! If you want to see the whole story of this Airbnb transformation in downtown Schenectady, click here.

Adding rich tile for a kitchen backsplash.

In another Airbnb design, we selected turquoise blue as a theme color throughout the space. This photo features the geometric tile in a rich palette of turquoise and aquas to add depth and character to the kitchen area. I love how the pattern and color create the illusion of waves, making something so bold feel really organic! For the full transformation of this Schenectady, NY Airbnb, click here.

Swapping the white backdrop for my art gallery for a deep and moody wall painted black.

Ahh…I love this wall! It holds some of my most treasured vintage art which serves as the backdrop for our living room! Oh, and a bonus, here, I have my turquoise sectional–love it! But for now, I want to focus on the moody black wall. Although the white certainly works, making the change to black elevates the look and feel of this room! When given the chance to add a dark moody color into your home, I say go for it!

I hope that you have found some inspiration in how to add color into your home! If you take the time to really consider some of these suggestions, I think you will find a good jumping point! Of course, if you aren’t sure where to begin, I would love to help you!

If you would like me to help out with your next design project, check out more details about our Interior Design Services.

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 ;)

Posted on July 2, 2024June 26, 2024 by Meg Booth

Kitchen Design That’s Made in the USA

Hi friends!

I love this time of year! And even though most weekends are filled with family events and picnics, especially during Fourth of July, the pace of life is a little more casual, some might even say forgiving!

With Independence Day just in front of us, I wanted to share some ways to add some festive and practical items into your home, all with products made in the USA! To help keep our focus, I have pulled together ideas and products that can be incorporated into your kitchen!

If you are having trouble viewing the images, click here.

First, let’s talk inspiration! Here is the mood board I put together with the products I want to share with you!

There are plenty of times when I share a full kitchen design with you, and I love featuring our kitchen makeovers! But today, I want to spend time looking at kitchen elements that help surround your design and help support it. You might think of it as your kitchen getting the starring role but it is these elements that are the support cast and really serve to complete the design. With that in mind, let’s dive into the products I have featured on my mood board! And the best part is that I have everything linked up for you, so if you see something you like, go ahead, click and shop! Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

#1 ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS FOR ANY KITCHEN: Utensils, Skillets, and Linens

These cooking utensils come as a pack and are made of beautiful teak. The towels come in a set of six and have a really handy loop for hanging. And I am actually featuring this cast iron skillet handle cover made of leather – I just love the graining on it!

#2 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO ADD: Storage Solutions and a Small Rug or Runner

Okay, so here’s the deal, I would say these things would actually be considered more essential to a kitchen design, but I understand that not everyone may share my perspective. However, I think it is worth pointing out that having practical (oh, and cute, coordinating) storage solutions for your kitchen drawers or for dry goods is not only helpful, it sets a sort of clean vibe even when tucked behind pantry doors. Take these clear acrylic drawer organizers (which are stackable and could actually be used on a shelf or these glass canisters cute enough to live on your counter or lined up in a pantry, both keep things tidy while helping unify an overall design. That can often be a challenge in a kitchen!

Next, I always suggest a rug for kitchens. Whether you have a small kitchen or one that opens into another area in your home, adding a rug grounds the space and is a great way to introduce visual interest and color to your kitchen! Plus, having this extra cushion beneath your feet while cooking or washing dishes can sometimes feel lifesaving to your back!

#3 ELEMENTS THAT PERSONALIZE YOUR KITCHEN: Make it Inviting and Make it Your Own!

For this section, you may find my choices interesting or even confusing, but I have put them here as a means of inspiring us! First, I suggest a clock (and I do mean analog) in your kitchen. This is because too many times, at least in my experience, something gets bumped and the time on kitchen appliances is interrupted! Plus, I just like the nostalgia of a kitchen clock, eliciting images of family gathered together without the constant glance at smart watches and phones ever at our fingertips! I like this one here. Its retro vibe is so fun and even though I have featured the red color, this company offers other colors that will create that same blast from the past feeling!

Secondly, I am featuring this beautiful tote bag. You might be wondering what this has to do with kitchen design, but I want to suggest a few uses and ideas for you: 1) it could be used to store snips and garden tools for your herb garden (I know you have considered this before) or 2) if you are short on drawer storage and need another place for hand towels, roll and store them in this beautifully crafted satchel and then hang it on a decorative hook on a blank section of wall.

\Amazon Rhttps://amzn.to/4ceepBGetro Clock

Next, I suggest having a supply of candles on hand. The right kind of scent will not only help with lingering odors (imagine the smell after cutting an onion!) but it is also a way of adding a welcoming touch for guests to your home!

And finally, I have added this product that I think will resignate with a lot of us: reusable food storage made from beeswax. Don’t be fooled by its cute pattern, what you see is not wallpaper! This roll is designed to wrap over food just as you would plastic wrap, but in this case you can use it over and over again! I love supporting companies and ideas that are sustainable and earth conscious!

Well there you have it! Made in the USA kitchen essentials list. I hope you have found this blog helpful and inspiring. It was really fun to put together, and I challenge you (and myself) to think a little more carefully and thoughtfully about the items we add to support the overall design in our homes!

If you are not sure where to get started, I would love to help! You may want to consider our design services or would like a quote for painting your kitchen. You can use our Contact Us form to set up an appointment or to get a quote. Please check out other kitchen projects on our Kitchen Cabinet Painting page. We’ll need to see a picture of your kitchen, a list of how many doors and drawers there are, and where you are located to email you an estimate. This change ups the value of your home and gives you a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of new kitchen cabinets!

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 ; )

Posted on June 25, 2024June 17, 2024 by Meg Booth

Galley Style Kitchen Makeover in Latham, NY

Hi Friends!

Do you have a kitchen that is ready for an update? This week’s post is a perfect example of how our kitchen cabinet painting, tiling, and new counters can totally transform a kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen! I can’t wait to share the story of Tom and Mary Ann and how we transformed their kitchen!

If you are having trouble viewing images, click here.

A couple months ago when I first met with Tom and Mary Ann, I remember being greeted with excitement and joy! For over 20 years they had been waiting to update their kitchen and now the time had finally come!

Here’s a taste of what the kitchen looked like before we did our magic!

Tom and Mary Ann’s kitchen had many of the same features I see in older homes – oak cabinets finished in a medium warm wood tone and encased under a soffit that meets the ceiling, scalloped features around windows or above ranges, counters made from laminate or formica, and hardware and finishes that are basic.

After talking with Tom and Mary Ann, it soon became clear that we needed to look beyond just kitchen cabinet painting. They were ready to make bigger changes to this space and create a kitchen that would reflect their personality!

As you can see, we made a lot of changes in this kitchen. An important thing to remember when you are designing a space, and this is especially true when you are changing or altering a space that is already “done,” you do not need to start over! The small details added together make a huge impact on the design of a space! For this kitchen, we changed the drawer pulls and door handles to a matte black finish. And notice they do NOT need to match, they need to coordinate!

We added this beautiful green subway tile (Mary Ann’s favorite!) and made sure the grout worked with the paint color of the cabinets. We added the Shaker trim around the end of her upper cabinets and added crown molding to the top of the soffit to extend the eye up!

Crown Molding

Here’s a closer look at the before and after when we add crown molding to the top of the cabinets! As you can see before adding the molding and having a contrast between the cabinets and the soffit, everything is broken up, which actually makes the kitchen look choppy and smaller. In the after photo, by adding the detail of the crown molding where the soffit meets the ceiling and then painting it the same color (Benjamin Moore Simply White) as the cabinets, your eye goes all the way to the top, adding height to the cabinets and making the kitchen area seem larger!

New Counters

And look at that new beautiful quartz countertop! What a major difference just that alone makes!

Shaker Style Trim

Take a look at the before and after photos when adding Shaker trim on both the outside edge of the cabinets as well as the inside where the cabinets are next to the window. This really elevated the kitchen and adds such value!

New Sink and Faucet

The sink used to be this old worn out top mounted stainless steel sink. The faucet and handle were worn out and plagued with hard water stains that would not come clean. Our solution, change the sink to an under mounted one (still stainless and divided in two) and change the faucet to match the hardware.

Peninsula Upgrade

I especially love this upgrade for Tom and Mary Ann! We could have just painted the wood paneling that was on the back side of their peninsula, but I knew that adding the Shaker detail and changing the molding at the bottom then painting it would take this to the next level and would tie in the ends of the cabinets (already decked out in Shaker trim)!

And to tie in that green color that Mary Ann loves so much, we decided to paint the back side of this peninsula in Benjamin Moore Cushing Green but we kept the front of the peninsula the same as the rest of the cabinets, Benjamin Moore’s Simply White! Here is the front of the peninsula.

And here are the paint selections:

Making it Your Own

Another important thing to consider is making sure you know how to incorporate some of your treasured items into your newly refreshed and updated space! For Mary Ann, she wanted to find a place for her cow canister as well as be able to reuse the stools she and Tom had only purchased not too long ago. And we did it! Tucked in the corner of her kitchen, dwelling amongst the other canisters, resides the cow, and nestled under a the smooth, bright countertop sit the stools where Mary Ann and Tom’s grandchildren can enjoy snacks and time with their grandparents! Mission accomplished!

Thank you, Tom and Mary Ann, for choosing us to be part of this special project and for hiring FunCycled to do the kitchen cabinet painting, the tile/carpentry work, and the countertop replacement! We loved working with you!

What an beautiful transformation!!

If you’d like to see how we paint Kitchen Cabinets, click here to check out our video on YouTube.

Could your kitchen use an update? We’d love to help!! We can help pick out colors, finishes, product and do the cabinet painting, tiling, add new hardware. You can use our Contact Us form to request our design services or a quote for painting your kitchen. Please check out other kitchen projects on our For Sale page. We’ll need to see a picture of your kitchen, a list of how many doors and drawers there are, and where you are located to email you an estimate. This change ups the value of your home and gives you a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of new kitchen cabinets!

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.

In addition to kitchen cabinet painting, we offer interior design, 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 ; )

Posted on June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 by Meg Booth

Mid Century Basement Remodel

Hi Friends!

I hope the start of summer is filling you with happiness and joy! The longer and warmer days always make my heart happy!

If you are having trouble viewing the images, click here.

If you have been following me for a long time (or even a short time!), it will come as no surprise that I love opportunities to collaborate with other business owners in the Capital Region! I am a firm believer in joining forces and teaming together with other people, both personally and professionally. Last week, one of our designs had the pleasure of coming to life with the assistance and project oversight of an area remodeling company based in Delmar, NY. Thanks to Quality Design and Remodel, what FunCycled saw as vision became reality for Alicia and her family!

When I first met Alicia, over a year ago, she explained her hopes for capturing additional living space in her basement in a way that would be functional and beautiful for her family. Something I can most definitely get behind as an interior designer!

Here are some of the before photos of her basement that were taken when I met with Alicia.

And here are some other before photos, courtesy of Quality Design and Remodel.

After talking with Alicia, we identified the issues that needed to be addressed and discussed some potential ideas for what would need to change. The basic layout of the basement would remain, but it needed to work better for the family. Her basement already accounted for an eating area as well as an area for lounging, but the other space was not used well and did not maximize storage nor account for the overall needs and wishes the accommodate adults and kids. To really capture the whole plan, I created 3 different design boards to account for 3 distinct design areas or zones in the basement.

DESIGN BOARD #1

Below is the first design board which was created to address the outdated stone wall feature and to create an atmosphere where adults could lounge and enjoy conversation within the ambiance of a fireplace and moody and sophisticated vibes!

DESIGN BOARD #2

One thing Alicia mentioned when we met was her desire to incorporate a bar area in their basement. We suggested using the space beneath the stairs for a bar feature (I love making use of untapped or otherwise hidden spaces in homes!) Even though Alicia and her family ultimately chose not to place the bar under the stairs, I wanted to share this design with you. I think it is a great idea!

DESIGN BOARD #3

This area that had been used by Alicia’s children was no longer working for them. The ping pong table was taking up too much room, leaving the rest of the area unusable and without purpose. The idea behind the design was to designate this area still for the kids but to create a space that would aesthetically marry with the other sitting area while maintaining a level of comfortability and practicality for the kids to watch TV, play video games, or just hang out with friends.

HERE ARE THE AFTER PHOTOS

HOW YOU CAN GET THIS DESIGN FOR YOU

Below I have linked up many of the products I suggested for the three zones of this design. I hope you find some inspiration and will try some out for your own space!

Please note that the final products used and selected for the implementation of the design for this basement may be different than what was created originally on the client’s design board. Sometimes that happens, and it is part of the process of creating a design and bringing it all the way to finished outcome!

PRODUCT LINKS FROM DESIGN BOARDS

Fireplace Seating Area

Table with Chairs and Additional Seating Area

MUCH APPRECIATION

I want to send a special thanks to Alicia for working with FunCycled and asking us to be part of the design process for this project! We loved working with you and hope you and your family are thoroughly enjoying your reclaimed basement! Additionally, I want to give a big shout out to Quality Design and Remodel for their work in implementing the design for Alicia and her family! It looks amazing!

I encourage you to check out the blog that QDR posted a couple of weeks ago, entitled A Midcentury Modern Basement Remodel! There you will see additional photos and get additional insight into the world of design!

OUR DESIGN SERVICES

If you are interested in learning more about our design services, check out our Interior Design Page to read about our 1 Hour Quick Help, our Design Board creation, 2D or 3D layout designs, or our Full Service design services. We would love to help make your space exactly what you want and need it to be!

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 ;)

Posted on June 11, 2024June 7, 2024 by Meg Booth

Small Bathroom. Big Design.

Black Bathroom Vanity with Wood floor tile

Hi friends!

I hope you had a great weekend! My husband, John, and I just celebrated our 21st anniversary and got to spend a really special weekend together! So thankful for him! Here’s a few pics of us over the past year!

If you are having trouble viewing the photos, click here.

At one point in time, I think we can all relate to having one of those rooms in our homes that just falls flat! Maybe there isn’t anything really “wrong” with it and maybe it is even what some would say is outdated, but for some reason, it just feels blah! For one of my clients, that was the case for his bathroom. Although take a close look at the way things have been finished, and I would say that some of the choices are simply not good design.

Let’s walk through some of the things that needed to change and then take a look at how to build a bathroom like this for yourself!

Bathroom Before

The bathroom was pretty neutral, so okay, that works, but what about what my client wanted? And was this really reflecting his personality and character? And the tub/shower combo, did it still function? Sure. But was it the most convenient? And was the tub really being used? After all, it really is exactly the type of soaking experience one would want in order to relax. And that vanity, it was okay, but the oversized sink took all of the counter top and the piece of trim at that bottom, just not a good look! That meant it was time to go to the drawing board and make some changes!

After we worked out a design concept, this is the final outcome! What a difference! One of the things I love most about this design is taking the wood tiling used for the floor and running it all the way up the wall! Not only does it add so much texture and visual interest, it makes this bathroom look so much bigger because the pattern and color keeps your eye moving forward and up!

To help guide you to creating this look for your bathroom, I have pulled together some products that are similar to those we selected for this bathroom design. Please note the products are NOT those you see in this design; they are just similar. But, they will give you the same look! You will find them linked below.

Tiles for Floor and Walls

Bathroom Vanity & Wall Mounted Toilet

Shower Wall

Shower Head and Faucet

Mirror & Wall Art

I hope this post has inspired you to try something new and different, like using floor tiles all the way up the wall or maybe even just to consider the idea of removing your tub because your bathroom would function better as just a walk in shower! Be encouraged to give it a try!

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 ;)

Posted on June 4, 2024June 4, 2024 by Meg Booth

Beautiful Buffet Makeover: Restoring a Piece of Family History

Hi friends!

I just love this time of year! The longer days and refreshing spring breeze make my heart smile!

In today’s Tuesday’s Treasure, I want to share the story of how one gift between sisters helped preserve a piece of history for their family!

If you are having trouble viewing the images, click here.

I first met Patti by phone and we exchanged some quick information about the buffet she was hoping to have painted in the hopes of refurbishing it and making it work better in her new home in the Capital District. After seeing a picture of the buffet, I had a few ideas, but I was eager to meet with Patti and see what her vision might be!

When Patti came to the FunCycled studio to meet and make selections, two other ladies accompanied her. With bright smiles, the three ladies introduced themselves. I now learned Patti had brought her sister and daughter to help make selections for this special piece. (I love when clients bring trusted advisors with them!) In just a short amount of time, I came to learn the the buffet had belonged to Patti’s parents, and her sister wanted to ensure the buffet joined Patti as she had recently moved into a new home and was establishing her new home in the Capital Region. What a special thing! The only challenge, the buffet had experienced some wear and tear over the years and was stained much too dark for the new space Patti was now living!

Take a look at this before photo. This buffet looks a little forlorn!

It might be hard to see but there are some scratches along the bottom and some fading and scratching on the top. All things Patti was hoping to remedy. As we began to talk about this piece of furniture, how it would be used, what other colors were in the room, as well as the overall vision Patti desired, it became clear that if we were able to, we should plan to refinish the top of the buffet and paint the bottom. It would be the perfect way to refresh and update the buffet while honoring its history and preserving to remain a piece that could be part of Patti’s new home!

Here are the after photos

Here are the colors we used for this beautiful buffet. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Varathane Early American.

A huge thanks to Patti (and family!) for working with us and letting us be part of this special project!

If you want to see how we paint furniture, check out our How to Paint Furniture post.

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 ; )

Posted on May 28, 2024May 24, 2024 by Meg Booth

Keeping it Classic with this Beautiful Kitchen Makeover!

Hi friends,

I hope you had a good Monday! I always mention our weekends, but really by the time you read this, you and I both have already had a Monday! Anyway, I hope the week is off to a good start!

Last week, I spent some time with my mom at the Troy Hidden Garden Tour. We had a wonderful time! It was such a beautiful day, and the garden was amazing! You should definitely check it out next spring! Take a look at these photos from our outing!

If you are having trouble viewing the images, click here.

In today’s Tuesday Treasure, I am sharing one of our latest kitchen makeovers for new homeowners Brittany and Marco. When I first connected with them, this house didn’t even belong to them. Brittany and her husband were under contract and moving toward closing, but technically, they didn’t own the home yet. So you might be asking how this could possibly work to design a kitchen space without the client living in the home. Well, the answer is, carefully, with patience, and flexibility!

For many of our clients, we are able to meet with them during a one hour design consultation (this can either be at the client’s home for a $300 design fee or at our office free of charge) and complete the design selections at that time. However, in some instances making final selections may require additional meeting and planning time beyond one hour. For Brittany, this was the best choice for her and her husband. It not only worked practically, since they did not live in the home, but is also helped them solidify the best plan for their home! When in doubt, it is worth taking the additional time to make sure everything is settled for your design! We and you want to make sure your kitchen is the best it can be!

Here are the photos Brittany shared with us when they were under contract. The kitchen is certainly a good size and has a lot of good storage, but it was far from the style that Brittany and Marco were looking for. That’s when we stepped in!

We started by selecting the right paint colors and talked through the potential of selecting a different color for the island, which I am so glad they decided to do! When you have such an open kitchen and the island sits in the middle of it all, making the choice to paint the island a different color always makes a statement!

From there, we made selections for the hardware and then moved on to other upgrades and improvements to the overall look and function to the kitchen. For example, they were hoping to update the counters and backsplash (since it was stuck in the 90’s!) and also needed to deal with little quirks like the breadbox that crowded the corner and hindered the full use of the counters.

Here are the after photos!

We painted the cabinets in Benjamin Moore Simply White and the island in Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray.

To bring the backsplash and counter up to date, we selected classic white subway tile and white quartz counters. Isn’t it just beautiful!

During our second consultation with Brittany, we discussed some additional upgrades: replacing the existing sink for a farmhouse sink and removing the built-in breadbox to maximize the counter space in the corner of the their kitchen–it is good and usable space, right?! Check out how what a difference these changes make!

A huge thanks to Brittany and Marco for letting us work with you! We loved this project, and we are so glad you chose FunCycled to to do the kitchen cabinet painting and accompanying work for you!

It is a beautiful transformation!!

Could your kitchen use an update? We’d love to help!! We can help pick out colors, finishes, product and do the cabinet painting, tiling, add new hardware. You can use our Contact Us form to request our design services or a quote for painting your kitchen. Please check out other kitchen projects on our Kitchen Cabinet Painting page. We’ll need to see a picture of your kitchen, a list of how many doors and drawers there are, and where you are located to email you an estimate. This change ups the value of your home and gives you a whole new look at a fraction of the cost of new kitchen cabinets!

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 ; )

What is biophilic design?

What are some examples?

What does all of this have to do with designing your home?

How can you incorporate this into your home?

Here are some colors I would like to suggest:

Here are some ways to incorporate this:

Here is how I have incorporated color into my designs:

Sarah Trop