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

Hi Friends! 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

A couple of weeks ago (as some of you know), I spent a few days down in Waco visiting one of my favorite spots – Magnolia and the Silos. During my trip, I ventured to the Magnolia Castle with my mom and girlfriends and discovered firsthand why this place is so special! The castle was my favorite part of our Waco trip!

If you can’t view the photos on this blog, click here.

Although the castle first began to be built in 1890, it didn’t reach any sort of completion until 1913. From this time to 1977, the property and castle structure thrived and in 1977, under the guidance of its owner, the castle received historical designation. Unfortunately, during the 1990’s until 2019, the castle wasn’t well maintained, causing damage and the need for great repair. That’s when the heroes of our story (hint, that’s Chip and Joanna) stepped in and purchased the castle. And, of course, their main mission: to restore the castle to its intended glory! To learn more about the castle and the story behind its renovation, click here.

Although I had seen enough pictures, watched plenty of videos, and dreamed plenty of dreams to feel like I had been there already, I realized quickly that there was no way everything I viewed or dreamed could capture the magnificence of the castle and the experience it gives you!

One thing that left a big impression is that the design throughout is careful to maintain the integrity of the original structure, even its earliest iterations from 1890. While I love the style we now so quickly associate with the dynamic Gaines duo (who doesn’t love all things Magnolia?!), I appreciate that this project displays the value of keeping the history of the castle in tact, even down to the design elements and choices. Here are a few of my favorite photos that I took during our trip.

It was not surprising to find special moments around every corner, but as soon as I walked into the dining room I was just amazed! The level of detail is outstanding, and I LOVE its moody vibe! From the wallpaper selection to the painted black ceiling, guests at this table must feel completed enraptured by the deep colors and the dark atmosphere, exhibiting the perfect touch of ambiance.

Because the style of the castle is so very different from the many projects completed by Magnolia, during the process, Joanna Gaines developed a full line of paint colors to complete every room. Though encompassing a range of colors, including a family of white tones, this line is rich and full of deep tones, giving a beautiful nod to the history and story of this enchanting structure. Check out the full line here.

Also, while we were there, we ate at a fabulous Italian restaurant nearby. Characterized by authentic Italian cuisine, Moroso more than delivered on service and taste! It is an ABSOLUTE MUST when visiting Waco! Below our some pics of the yummy dishes we ordered: Ravioli Di Zucca, a delicious butternut squash ravioli with sage, & classic wood fired pizza, Margherita style!

I want to give my girls a big shout out for being my traveling buddies and happy companions during our visit and tour of the castle! I would do it again in a heartbeat!

PLANNING A GIRLS’ TRIP TO WACO 2025

And in case you missed it, this is not my first trip to Waco, in fact it is my 7th trip : ) In a recent blog post, I shared all about our stay at the  Gathering Oaks Retreat Center and announced that I’m considering doing ladies Waco Trip for any FunCycled fan in early 2025 and renting out the whole retreat center!! To read the full blog, click here. AND If you’d be interested in learning more about this, and being on the email list for more detailed information, please fill out this form.

BOOK A VIRTUAL DESIGN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE FIXER UPPER LOOK IN YOUR HOME

Do you love the design style that Joanna Gaines gets right every time? Well, I would love to help you get that done for your home, too! And the best part is, you DO NOT have to live in upstate New York where I do. In addition to my in home design consultations, I also offer virtual design appointments for people all over the country! To learn more, you can visit the Interior Design Services Page. And if you would like to book a virtual design appointment, you can complete the form on our Contact Us Page and indicate you would like a virtual design appointment. It would be a pleasure to work with you!

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. 

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 ;)

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Hi Friends!

How are you? I hope you’ve been checking out our Instagram and Facebook feed over the last week because I’ve shared some of my Magnolia Market trip. If not, follow along today. I’ll be sharing more throughout the week. I’ve been to Texas many times to check out Joanna Gaines new designs, restaurants, and the other fun surrounding Waco. I believe this was my 7th trip, and I can tell you without a doubt, the best place I’ve stayed is at the Gathering Oaks Retreat Center. The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom farmhouse that we stayed in is located right next to Chip and Jo’s farmhouse so we could see their farm animals roaming around. We dreamed that Chip and Jo would come up to the fence and say hi (it didn’t happen though – dang it).

I’m considering doing ladies Waco Trip for any FunCycled fan in early 2025 and renting out the whole retreat center!! If you’d be interested in learning more about this, and being on the email list for more detailed information, please fill out this form. Here’s a pic of me and the gals from this trip!!

If you have trouble viewing the photos on this post, click here.

We adored our stay in a farmhouse chic, full house with a view of Chip and Jo’s farm!! Check out some of the beautiful rooms in our stay at Gathering Oaks!

It was quiet, clean, styled so beautifully, and oh so fun!!! It’s a 20 minute drive from Waco, but I think it’s WELL WORTH IT to be Chip and Jo’s neighbor for a couple of days.

We, of course, visited Magnolia Home, Press, the Silo Bakery, and Magnolia Market.

I’ve been really excited to check out Ferny’s at Magnolia for the first time! Even though it had fewer plants than I pictured it having since it’s a plant store, it still had a really cute design.

Since my last visit, Jimmy Don opened a JDH Iron Designs store right across the street from Magnolia Home! Jimmy was so kind! He remembered me and came right over for a big hug, met my friends, and signed every piece that we bought from him!

If you’d like to book a night at the Gathering Oaks Retreat, head here! If you love all things Magnolia, check out our other Magnolia Trips here.

There is a box at the top right of this page to enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Please sign up today! 

If you like what you see, please like FunCycled’s Facebook page or Instagram page to keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. Or book a Virtual Design Consult with me for help in your home. 

We create custom furniture and will deliver for customers in upstate NY and offer shipping throughout the US. Send us a note with what you would like using our contact page. Or buy something that we’ve already designed from our Shop Page.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)