At FunCycled, we believe that the spaces we inhabit should reflect the beauty of the world we strive to protect. As we stand on the doorstep of Earth Month, we aren’t just looking at a calendar of “green” tips; we are looking at the very foundation of why this company exists. Design is more than aesthetics; it is an act of stewardship. By choosing to see the potential in the “already-owned,” we honor the resources of our planet and the stories embedded in our homes. And when we build this into our community, we are delighted!

Below, let’s take a look at the importance of Earth Month and also the value of partnering with a like-minded and mission-inspiring event with a local organization, Justice for Orphans, hosting an amazing fundraiser, just in time for Earth Month! To kick things off, I am sharing one of my personal favorites: a repurposed dresser with custom paint.

Good design isn’t about what you can buy; it’s about how well you can steward what has already been given to the earth and your home.

A Legacy of Stewardship: Our Earth Month History

Over the years, our commitment to the environment has grown from a personal passion into a community-wide movement. From hosting high-energy upcycling contests to shining a spotlight on local heroes like Habitat for Humanity, FunCycled has always aimed to be a champion for sustainable living. We’ve spent years demystifying the “eco-friendly” label, proving through our past blog posts and projects that choosing sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style. It actually means elevating it.

2026 Spotlight: The ReFurnishings x JFO Collaboration

This year, we are thrilled to announce our role as the Official Sustainability and Design Partner for a truly special collaboration with ReFurnishings Second Hand Store . We are joining forces for a furniture flipping contest that culminates in a high-impact auction to benefit Justice for Orphans (JFO). This partnership is a perfect circle of restoration: we are refreshing furniture to provide a future for children in need. 

Thrift & Flip Event for JFO: What it is and Why We Love It

Thrift & Flip is a high-energy fundraising event where local creatives transform donated furniture into one-of-a-kind pieces to support the vital work of Justice for Orphans (JFO). Founded in 2012 by adoptive and foster moms, JFO is a movement of advocacy and action dedicated to providing tangible support for children in the foster care system and the global orphan crisis.

We truly believe in this mission. Nothing inspires us more than seeing a community using its unique talents to support Justice for Orphans. We aren’t just the design partners for this event; we are participants who believe deeply in this mission. We’re already mid-transformation on a “flip” of our own, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

HOW to HELP: Your Contribution Matters

Great things happen when we work together. Share your project and help us grow our collective impact.

#1 FLIP SOMETHING & SHARE IT: We want to see your creativity in action! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time flipper, we invite you to share your project with us! When you post your a project, be sure to tag both @funcycled and @justicefororphans and use these helpful hashtags #FunCycledThriftFlip #JFOThriftFlip #JusticeForOrphans.

**for those of you who are participating in the challenge, please be sure to tag us, and we will share your project pics!

We’re in the trenches with you. Nothing inspires us more than seeing a community using its unique talents to support Justice for Orphans. We aren’t just the design partners for this event; we are participants who believe deeply in this mission. We’re already mid-transformation on a “flip” of our own, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

#2 ATTEND THE EVENT: Join us on Friday, April 24, from 6:00–8:30 PM at The Wire in Coxsackie, NY. It will be a fun evening of hors’ d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the exciting live auction of all the transformed pieces. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased HERE!

#3 SHARE ABOUT THE EVENT: Don’t forget to invite a friend to join you at the fundraiser! And whether you can make it or not, definitely share about it on your social media or sending this email to a friend! The more, the merrier!

#4 BID ON A FLIPPED PROJECT: At the event, ALL of the flipped projects will be up for auction, including an original from us at FunCycled.

Time to Make a Difference

This high-energy furniture auction supporting Justice for Orphans, a movement founded by adoptive and foster moms to provide tangible relief to vulnerable children.

Learn More & Get Your Tickets Here!

Sustainable Design for Your Home

While we love a good DIY flip, stewardship also happens on a professional scale. Our signature Kitchen Facelifts are the ultimate example of this; by refinishing your existing high-quality cabinetry instead of sending it to a landfill, we drastically reduce the environmental footprint of a remodel. Whether through a kitchen refresh or a full-room design consultation, we help you make choices that are built to last, not just for a season, but for a lifetime of conscious living.

We would love to provide you a FREE KITCHEN CABINET PAINTING QUOTE! Contact Us Today!

Final Thoughts: Choosing to Honor & Embracing Stewardship

Thank you all for following along! I hope you are encouraged to consider finding ways to honor Earth Day both in this month ahead but also all year long. Stewarding what we have and the planet reap so many benefits to us! Please consider joining up with the Thrift & Flip Event either as a flipper or to attend the auction and final fundraising event.

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. This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I genuinely love and trust.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Because home is where peace begins.

Every year offers its own kind of transformation, but this past one invited me into a deeper, more intentional season of growth: creatively, professionally, and personally. As a creative entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in output and momentum, but this year challenged me to really evaluate what’s in front of me, pay attention to the things that matter, and step out and trust in ways I didn’t expect.

From stepping into new professional communities to rediscovering parts of myself I had laid aside, this has been a year of rebuilding from the inside out. I found myself creating more boldly, caring for my health more consistently, and saying yes to opportunities that stretched my confidence and broadened my world.

This reflection isn’t just a recap of milestones; it’s a look at what those experiences taught me about creativity, resilience, and the kind of life and business I want to build going forward.

Professional Growth That Reshaped My Business

This was the first year I truly stepped into the wider design world. Not just as a participant, but as someone eager to learn, connect, and grow. Attending professional design conferences for the first time opened my eyes to new perspectives and pushed me to elevate my work in ways I didn’t anticipate. There’s something powerful about being in a room with people who understand the creative process, the challenges, the long nights, and the deep joy of making something beautiful. They have proven to be invaluable. In particular, I gleaned SO MUCH from the Design Camp conference earlier this year.

If you work in the creative world or even if you just own a small business, I encourage you to read the full blog post. I think it serves as a place to really help entrepreneurs and small business owners to consider professional development designated for your niche!

Professional Memberships

Joining the Capital Region Chamber and EO (Entrepreneur Organization) Albany added another layer to that growth. Suddenly I was surrounded by leaders and business owners who challenged me to think bigger, refine my operations, and see my work through a clearer strategic lens. These communities brought accountability, encouragement, collaboration.

Business growth is never meant to happen in isolation.

Sarah Trop

More than anything, this professional expansion helped me step more fully into my identity as both a creative and a CEO. And that shift has already begun to shape the future of my business in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Stepping Back Into My Creativity

Another defining part of this year was returning to the kind of creativity that feels like home. I picked up a paintbrush again after letting that part of myself sit quietly for far too long. It was so restorative to have a renewed sense of creativity in this area of my life. Painting reminded me that creativity isn’t just a skill; it’s a way of breathing, thinking, processing, and being.

From that renewed creative energy came something I never expected: the launch of my first collection of original paintings. I created pieces that reflected not just what I saw, but how I have been growing – the colors, movement, texture, and emotion. Putting that collection out into the world was equal parts vulnerable and exhilarating, and it taught me that creativity flourishes when we make space for it, not when we force it into the leftover corners of our schedules.

Of all my paintings, this one is absolutely at the top of my list. It was inspired from our trip to Ireland.

I am also happy to share that my collection of small 5 x 5 paintings available and ready to ship anywhere in the US! Here is one of my favorites here:

To view more of the whole art gallery and see what is still available, you can click the link below:

Beyond excited doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling I had when one of my favorite designers, Jean Stoffer from the TV show The Established Home, asked me if she could carry a line of my original art in her store in Grand Rapids Michigan. If you’re out that way, stop by Stoffer Home and check it out.

Here’s a simple but profound truth I learned this year.

When I nurture my creativity, every part of my business benefits.

Sarah trop

Personal Transformation That Fueled My Work

Perhaps the most profound part of this year happened beneath the surface. I made a commitment to my health that led to losing over 100 pounds. This experience has reshaped not only my body but has encouraged me to reevaluate my whole life and how I am approaching everything. My confidence, energy, and how I am showing up in both work and relationships have all served to benefit from such a profound change and commitment. For me, it wasn’t solely about a number, it was about reclaiming the kind of life I wanted to live.

Meaningful Experiences

Travel is always a part of my cadence and rhythm. This year, maybe more than ever, I saw how distinctly this part of my life shapes and impacts me and the work I do. Getting out of my everyday environment gave me space to breathe, dream, and notice what truly inspires me. Each trip shifted my perspective in small but meaningful ways, reminding me that creativity often grows best when we step away from the familiar.

Here are a few of my favorite photos that help capture the essence of traveling.

Prague

Vienna

Budapest

Puerto Rico

Here’s a list of the places I have traveled to over the last year. Each place is linked to a full blog post. Within, I share travel tips and offer advice on how to travel on a budget and where to spend your time!

Budapest: Tips for a Real Hidden Gem of a Trip

Traveling to Vienna: Top Picks and Travel Tips for Families

One Day in Prague: Best Places to Visit in 24 Hours

Puerto Rico Family Vacation: Relaxation & Rainforest Adventures in Rio Grande

You can also read about all of my travels on my travel blog page, linked up below.

Giving Words to My Creativity

For so long, I have held glimpses of what it would be to give voice to the heartbeat behind my business and why I am so passionate about being an interior designer. So this year, I decided to put pen to paper and began (and launched) my first book. Writing Created to Create stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated and grounded me in others. Exposing the passion of why I do what I do required me to disciplined and honest. Writing any book holds with it a sense of vulnerability, and I needed to surrender any fear or hesitation I held onto. I am so grateful that I completed the book and have released it to the world, giving voice to this sacred work and glory to the One who is the Designer of all!

My First book

Walk with me in this faith-filled journey as I explore the relationship between design, neuroscience, and soul restoration.

Available in digital or full color print.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

Thanks for Following Along

I hope you have been inspired to take a bit of time to reflect on your year. Consider what has worked well and what may need to change with the new year in front of us. And remember, be gracious with yourself as you ponder!

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 I may earn from any qualifying purchases.

Why I Chose to Write A Book All About Design

For me, home has always been more than just a place to live for me. Growing up, it was the backdrop of my earliest memories and the first canvas on which I learned to create. Faith and creativity have always been intertwined in my life, and over the years, I’ve discovered that the spaces we inhabit affect far more than just our surroundings. These spaces shape our emotions, our relationships, and even our wellbeing.

That’s why I wrote Created to Create. To share the truth that our homes can be spaces of peace, restoration, and potential. This book explores how repurposing, thoughtful design, and intentional choices can transform a home from ordinary to restorative, and how every space can reflect the beauty and creativity we were created to embrace.

Seeing Potential: The Sacred Work of Restoration

One of the greatest joys of my work with FunCycled is taking something worn, chipped, or overlooked and turning it into a piece that inspires joy and functionality. Repurposing a piece of furniture runs deeper than selecting a new paint color to try. Choosing to repurpose or refresh something is an opportunity to embrace truth.

The same way God sees potential in our hearts,
we can see in the spaces around us.

Sarah Trop

A chipped cabinet, a faded table, or a tired corner can all become points of beauty when we take the time to restore them. Through these small acts of repurposing, we not only breathe new life into our homes but also create a sense of peace and hope that permeates everyday life.

Creating Peace Through Intentional, Emotionally Aware Design

Design is never simply just about aesthetics. It includes so much more. The colors we choose, the lighting we layer, and the natural elements we bring in all influence how a space feels and how we feel in it. Through my projects, I’ve seen how intentional design can calm the mind, lift the spirit, and restore balance.

Even small changes, like repositioning a piece of furniture, adding a repurposed accessory, or letting natural light highlight a corner, can create a peaceful home that nurtures both body and soul. These thoughtful decisions become daily reminders that our homes can be spaces of refuge, reflection, and restoration.

Real Homes, Real Transformation: Why Peace Is Possible for Anyone

The most rewarding moments are the transformations I witness in real homes. A once-overlooked space becomes a sanctuary. A repurposed piece becomes a focal point of joy. Families tell me that these changes make them feel calmer, more grounded, and even more connected.

This is why I wrote this book: to show that creating a peaceful, restorative home doesn’t require perfection, expensive materials, or complete renovation. It’s about seeing potential, making intentional choices, and embracing the beauty of what you already have.

Through stories, practical advice, and reflections on faith, I hope readers feel empowered to begin. Starting small. Repurpose a favorite piece, refresh a corner, or simply pause to notice the potential in their surroundings.

Every home holds the promise of peace, and every space can reflect God’s restorative love when we approach it with intention and heart.

Sarah Trop

Final Thoughts: Bringing Peace and Potential Into Your Home

If there’s one takeaway I hope you carry from my book, it’s this: your home has the power to restore, inspire, and nurture. By embracing repurposing, intentional design, and faith-infused creativity, you can transform not just your spaces but your own sense of calm and joy.

Every corner holds potential. Every piece has a story. And every home can become a sanctuary where beauty, peace, and restoration coexist. I invite you to explore these ideas more fully in my book, where each chapter offers stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help you see your home (and your life) as something God can take from broken to beautiful.

Follow the link below to check out more of my book and to get your copy today. Available in digital or full color print.

Ready to rethink design in your home?

Let me guide you on this faith-filled journey through design, neuroscience, and soul restoration.

Buy Your Copy Here

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 ; )

Exquisite Spaces. Sustainable Designs. Brighter Futures.

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and I may earn from any qualifying purchases.

Welcome back to the Repurposed Idea House! My 1800’s farmhouse has been fully updated with thoughtful details, and I’m always adding fresh touches that bring new life to each room. After hosting tours of my home, I wanted to give you a closer look at the newest pieces I’ve styled throughout the space. Think of this as a virtual tour you can revisit anytime, filled with updated farmhouse decorating ideas and links so you can easily shop the look farmhouse style for your own home.

Entryway

One of my favorite things is to share my favorite vintage finds with our guests as soon as they walk into our home. In our Repurposed Idea House, we have the pleasure of greeting friends and family with treasured finds which tell of the cherished moments we have had as a family!

I love greeting guests with vintage finds and custom artwork as soon as they walk in! 

Family Room

If you walk through the doorway that sits just to the right of the mustard yellow vanity in our entryway, you will enter the family room and adjoining dining room area.

Comfy and no fuss - that’s the kind of family room I love!

Dining Room

One thing we needed to consider with our dining area is that the space was very open but because of the layout and placement of the doors, we needed a long and narrow table. So, my husband, John, built this custom table to fit the room exactly. We often think of creating built -ins for our homes, but making custom fitting furniture items is not a usual go-to when we are planning out the room, but it can make such a huge difference!

I love that this room is so open so it sparks conversation between kids and adults! 

Living Room

As can often be the case, the flow of the room can be interrupted by the need to create a walkway or to account for an area for a pass through. I have a few of these areas in my home, but I think the most frequently passed through area in our home is walking through the living room to the kitchen.

Elevated design and a couch to last for years is a must in my formal living room space. 

Kitchen

Like so many of us, my kitchen is a major hub for my home. Because of this, it is so important that I created a space with good flow and could accommodate the daily needs of my family as well as times for hosting guests. The kitchen serves so many practical needs, but I also wanted to create a space that was filled with warmth and style.

Dark colors in a bright kitchen brings such warmth and beauty to the room!

Well, there you have it…the first floor of our beloved Repurposed Idea House!

I hope you find some inspiration for your home, and if you don’t know where to begin, I would love to help you! Feel free to set up a 1 Hour Design Appointment with me, and we can walk through some design challenges and questions together. You can select a Virtual or In Person appointment.

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.

As an interior designer, working through and updated kitchen design in my own home is an exciting prospect, but it can also come with some reservations and even challenges. Thankfully, my experience (both as a designer and having now lived in my kitchen for 4 years) served the process well!

Shortly after purchasing our 1805 House, we began our first round of renovations – one of which included our kitchen. And in the fall of 2019, the first rendition of our kitchen was completed. For those of you who might be new to FunCycled, when we purchased this home, we deemed it the Repurposed Idea House. Repurposing has always been a a key component to FunCycled, so keeping that at the forefront for our new home seemed appropriate. approaSomehow we just knew that with each step, new ways of repurpos

Before the Update & Renovation

I want to share with you the very first before pictures. Those that we encountered when we first saw our home. When designing any space, I think it is important to remember how things begin. During any renovation, discouragement or concern can creep in, so having a benchmark from where things started is key to keeping you focused, recognizing that the process is and will be worth it!

As you can see, this was not exactly the kind of foundation needed for a truly functional kitchen, so we first decided to do a complete renovation of the space. Kitchen renovations are at the top of many homeowners’ lists. If you have never completed a renovation project before, here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:

First Kitchen Design – Round One

This was a huge project the first time around! As you can see, we did ALL of the MAJOR work at this point! And, truthfully, it was fantastic! I mean what an improvement, right?

This was taken after our first major kitchen renovation at the Repurposed Idea House.

You can see the whole story behind the kitchen renovation project, linked up below:

Update & (RE)Vision – Time to Tweak Things

After having lived in our kitchen for a few years, it was time to make a few changes to the kitchen. Everything still functioned well, so thankfully, we didn’t need to replace any appliances or “bigger ticket” items. When faced with updating or re-designing your space, you need to answer a few questions. What is my goal here with this update? Are there things that don’t function well and need to be reevaluated? Am I hoping for And what exactly needs toSo what exactly did we need to do? And what exactly was the goal? was needed? The goal of my interior designer kitchen makeover was to….

The Final Reveal – A Kitchen That Reflects My Style

I absolutely LOVE our updated and refreshed kitchen! It has charm, character, color, function, and completely full of life and energy!

Kitchen Styling with a Vintage Vignette

It’s not that I did not care for this shelf after the first go around. Actually, I really liked it (and still do). But it didn’t have the fullness I really wanted to capture. The nature of the exposed wallpaper (original to the home) elicited the need to extend the story of this wall. I saw no better way than to add special vintage collections curated from my journeys.

Before

After

Designing with Color

Don’t get me wrong – white cabinets and white subway tile, complete with black grout, fixtures and counter created a timeless farmhouse vibe for our kitchen. Over time, though, I realized that I wanted to add color and warmth to our kitchen. Painting the cabinets and adding copper antiques alongside plants added the warmth and depth I was looking for.

Before

After

Showcasing Character

It might be hard to see, but I first styled the wall behind my island with a collage of dishes, DIY’d and patterned with undulating gold lines to create a Faux Kinjutsu plate wall. You can learn more about the Kinjutsu technique here. The idea is super cool and I loved the creativity behind this, but the white plates on the white wall fell a little flat after a while. So, it was time to tell a new story! After spotting a couple of these old brass pots and ladels at an antique store, I began a healthy search and scoured one local community until I had enough to fill the wall. I love how it turned out, and I guess I ended up with a few stories to tell in the process!

Before

After

Enjoying the Details

Looking for More Inspiration & Help?

We have completed hundreds of kitchen renovations, makeovers, and updates throughout the years, and I would love to help you with yours! Let’s get connected. You can fill out the contact us form or feel free to drop us a comment or question below so we can best direct you! I have also pulled together some helpful links which will inspire you on your journey!

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 ; )

Exquisite Spaces. Sustainable Designs. Brighter Futures.

Sustainable living is NOT beyond your reach! For all of us at FunCycled, Earth Day is more that just a date on the calendar. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design. Whether it’s repurposing vintage furniture, choosing eco-friendly finishes, or giving kitchen cabinets new life with a fresh coat of paint, we believe great design can (and should) be kind to the planet.

In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re also highlighting a few local businesses in Upstate New York that share our passion for sustainability. These resources are perfect for homeowners looking to make greener choices in their own spaces—because building a more beautiful home shouldn’t come at the earth’s expense. 🌿

How FunCycled Incorporates a Sustainable Approach

You might be wondering just exactly how we, an interior design company, use a green approach and keep sustainability at the forefront. First, much of our work comes through repurposing, giving homeowners another option beyond just buying new. Second, we seek to incorporate repurposed items and eco-conscious products into our designs. And, finally, we desire to promote and support other local businesses who share in the same passion – upholding sustainability and being conscious of their impact.

Repurposing through Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services

To learn more about our Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services, I encourage you to visit our page and to browse our website to see lots of great makeovers – all done by repurposing kitchen cabinets rather than throwing out and buying new!

To learn more about refreshing your kitchen by painting your cabinets, click the link below

Furniture Repurposing

This practice is often incorporated into our Interior Design Services. When we design a space, we often find that people have a special item of furniture that they would love to keep in the space. so we gladly work that item into the design of the room.

This dresser that was outdated and not being used, but it held sentimental value for our client. So we were excited to give it new life and refresh it with a coat of paint. Rather than using it as a dresser, we decided to repurpose it for use as a TV console for our client’s living room design. Not only did we give this dresser new life, we were able to save money for our clients and now have given them a piece of furniture that will last for years! I love that!

Below, you can see the dresser in its new home, all refreshed in the living room. To read the whole living room transformation, click the link below.

FunCycled’s Picks for Sourcing Products for Repurposing

Up-stitch

Up-stitch is a local, non-profit organization and store. Their mission focuses on reducing waste by reusing fabric, yarn, and other sewing & needlework materials, through donations, and selling them to the community at reduced rate. This is a great option if you want to make or embellish pillow covers or window treatments for your next design. You can also see this wreath, made from upcycled thread spools, perfect for the holiday season!

We also love that Up-stitch also has a give back program, so many of the items that are made can then be donated to various charitable causes. This blanket was crocheted by a volunteer from donated materials and then gifted to St. Peter’s Hospital. What a beautiful way to pay all of this forward!

Here’s a little piece of advice from the founders of Upstitch as you endeavor to be eco-conscious in your decisions:

Upcycling is important for the sustainability of our planet, but it’s also super fun and creative! Challenge yourself to use upcycled materials in your next project, it will elevate the final product AND reduce waste!

– Founders of upstitch

Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District

Although founded in 1988; Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District operated its local ReStore in 2005, and has been in operation since. The ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell building materials, appliances, new and gently used furniture, and home accessories at a fraction of the retail price. Our program prevents tons of home improvement items from ending up in the landfill and gives them another life! Proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat’s mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in the Capital District.

We love the mission of HFHCD and their care for our earth by giving new purpose to items. Plus we love that they help provide housing for those

Below is an upcycled lamp that my son made from a lamp we purchased at the ReStore and added our own creative twist with some Legos. Allowing yourself the opportunity to reimagine is such a beautiful thing!

Home Decor & Lifestyle Needs

Bluebird Home

Specializing in unique finds for the home & gifts. They carry everything from handmade and fair-trade jewelry to body care, unique vintage pieces, handmade greetings cards and so much more. We love that Bluebird offers older items the opportunity to be given new life and hits the creative mark with their custom designed and artistic selections. Definitely give them a visit!

Sand Lake Merchant

A great market and gift shop that is home to a number of local artisans who focus on repurposing and using sustainable or reclaimed materials. The makers who call Sand Lake Merchant home are a curated collection of goods for home decor, gifts, lifestyle, and health. I would definitely check them out!

We also have curated some products that you can find online through my Amazon Storefront. Click the link below to shop eco-friendly furniture & products for your home!

Homeowner’s Resource: Local Businesses with Sustainability in Mind

Nature’s Way Pest Control

As you would conclude, Nature’s Way offers pest control services in the Capital Region. In addition to some traditional methods, their services include botanically based and more natural solutions for pest control. We value their commitment to using natural products and some non-toxic alternatives.

Kasselman Solar

Finding alternate energy solutions is such an important initiative in stewarding our planet. One great solution is adding solar panels to your home. Kasselman Solar serves the Capital Region with solar panel and clean energy options. We love this part of their mission: “There is no Planet B, and we see doing our part to preserve Earth as a duty.”

Eco Sealcoating

Eco Sealcoating provides alternative solutions for asphalt and paving needs. Their eco-conscious efforts are dedicated to maintaining safety for their clients and the planet. We appreciate this commitment to research and upholding practices for a positive environmental impact.

Sustainable Living – Incorporate Plants

Adding plants to ANY and ALL designs is a great way to incorporate eco-conscious practices into your daily life. Plants are good for absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Plus, this practice also helps reinforce biodiversity. Here are some local nurseries to consider:

Hewitt’s Garden Centers – we love ours here in East Greenbush!

George’s Nursery

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found these tips and resources helpful as you consider incorporating a sustainable approach to your home and daily living. If you are struggling to know where to begin, please reach out to us! Our 1 Hour Design Consultation is a great way to assess the needs for your kitchen or any other project you may have. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.

Ready to start?

Book YOUR 1 Hour Design Consultation

Let’s work together

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 ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Hi, friends!

I am so excited to share today’s Tuesday Treasure with you! Before I get to that, I want to give a shout out to my team and all they did for helping FunCycled host the 2024 Fall Festival a couple of weeks ago! It was a beautiful day, and I enjoyed spending time with old and new friends who stopped by! Check out some sweet photos from the event.

At the event, the 336 Food Truck really delivered on their latest offering…extra creamy hot cocoa with perfectly toasted marshmallow topping! I mean I had to try it! : )

Take a look at that crew, hard at work!

Today, I am featuring our latest furniture makeover story which was actually the winner of our most recent Broken to Beautiful free furniture makeover initiative. For all of the details on FunCycled’s Broken to Beautiful, please read our full blog post here: FunCycled’s Broken to Beautiful.

This heartwarming makeover story relays the tale of a china cabinet passed down from a beloved grandparent to her adoring granddaughter. In Jessica’s own words, “it is a treasured heirloom that carries deep emotional and familial significance. This elegant piece embodies not only the craftsmanship and style of its time but also the warmth and love of my grandmother’s home.” Jessica also shared that her hope would be to use a restored version of the cabinet to display the fine china collection that had been curated by her grandmother on her father’s side. Both of these women have passed, but Jessica wanted to honor the heritage and legacies of each through this one piece of furniture, sure to keep their history and memories alive in a new way. Exactly the heart of Broken to Beautiful!

Here are some pictures of the china cabinet before it was refreshed.

When we first spoke with Jessica to share with her that she had been selected as the recipient of the Summer Broken to Beautiful Initiative, she was beyond elated at the prospect of having this precious piece rejuvenated! I still recall her voice as it choked up with joy and overwhelm.

One really important component to the Broken to Beautiful initiative is that we desire to breathe new life into old or broken pieces of furniture in order to bring joy and hope into someone’s life! We are so glad that we got to do this for Jessica and her family.

Take a look at some after photos of the china cabinet redone.

Here are the photos of Jessica with her now refreshed china cabinet filled with the treasured china given to her! What a beautiful honor to both of her grandmother’s legacies!

And here are some additional details of the cabinet.

We painted the inside of the cabinet in Benjamin Moore Simply White and the whole exterior in Benjamin Moore Sweatshirt Gray. Those swatches are below, so you can see how these beautiful colors work together! Plus, as you see in the last photo above, we lightly distressed some of the edges around the door, the drawer, and molding of this item. When you take time to appropriately distress, it will emphasize and draw (well deserved) attention to all of the right details! And, we decided to keep the original hardware for this item. Keeping the same hardware is a way of preserving history and often is the only complement for an older piece like this cabinet.

Benjamin Moore Sweatshirt Gray

Benjamin Moore Simply White

A huge thank you to Jessica and family for entering the Broken to Beautiful Initiative and for allowing us the opportunity to refresh this cabinet that you may begin creating new memories that honor and cherish those from your youth!

Please keep an eye on our social channels for our next Broken to Beautiful campaign. We encourage our community to not only consider their own stories for submission but to also submit on behalf of a deserving individual who would be deserving of this furniture makeover. Again, full details for the Broken to Beautiful Initiative can be found in the link below.

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.

Hi, friends!

I can’t wait until October 5th when we get to host you for the 2024 FunCycled Fall Festival, hosted at our Repurposed Idea House. To get all of the information, visit (link to the blog). One of the things I like most about hosing Festivals and Open Houses is to give people an opportunity to come inside and tour our home. It is so special and has been such a blessing to my family! This home has been so much more than a place to live for us, we have built memories beyond compare, we have poured blood, sweat, and tears into reimagining it from what it once was and it has served as a haven for our friends and family. And I have been able to design every room into a place that captures the heartbeat of the Trop family!

Links to the FunCycled Fall Festival, October 5th, 10 am to 2 pm

• FREE Tickets to Attend
• Tickets for a Candle Making Class (10:30 am & 12:30 pm)
• Tickets for the Arched Wreath Making Class (11:30 am)
• Link to peruse the latest FunCycled Furniture for sale that day

Whether you are able to join us for a tour, or have already been on a tour, I have detailed some of the downstairs rooms for you to browse and actually shop for yourself! Enjoy, but as always, even the best pictures can’t quite capture the full essence and beauty of anyone’s home, so I hope you will be able to join us for the day and to tour our home!

Entryway

One of my favorite things is to share my favorite vintage finds with our guests as soon as they walk into our home. In our Repurposed Idea House, we have the pleasure of greeting friends and family with treasured finds which tell of the cherished moments we have had as a family!

Here are some of the products, up close and personal.

Product List & Links for the Entryway

• Custom Vintage Furniture by FunCycled 
• Rug – Amazon
• Light – Amazon
• Wallpaper – Amazon
• Coat Rack – Stoffer Home
• Runner – Annie Selkie

Family Room

If you walk through the doorway that sits just to the right of the mustard yellow vanity in our entryway, you will enter the family room and adjoining dining room area.

This room is a pretty large, but by breaking it up with a cozy seating area, we are able to designate the rest of the room for our dining area. I love that this allows for adults to engage with the kids!

PRODUCT LIST & LINKS FOR FAMILY ROOM

• Rug – Amazon
• Couch – Amazon (this is a similar one to what we have, but is not an exact match)
• Leather Chair – Wayfair (similar)
• Pillows – Amazon
• Coffee table, dresser and armoire – vintage repurposed by FunCycled 

Dining Room

One thing we needed to consider with our dining area is that the space was very open but because of the layout and placement of the doors, we needed a long and narrow table. So, my husband, John, built this custom table to fit the room exactly. We often think of creating built -ins for our homes, but making custom fitting furniture items is not a usual go-to when we are planning out the room, but it can make such a huge difference!

• Wood Chairs – assortment of vintage finds painted in Simply White
• Metal Farm Chairs – Amazon
• Table – custom built by FunCycled 

As I said, the Dining Room and Family Room are actually in one larger room. Below, you will see a picture of the whole space, as well as a paint swatch of the color that is painted on the walls: Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

Living Room

As can often be the case, the flow of the room can be interrupted by the need to create a walkway or to account for an area for a pass through. I have a few of these areas in my home, but I think the most frequently passed through area in our home is walking through the living room to the kitchen. Check out the pictures below which show how to

PRODUCT LIST & LINKS FOR LIVING ROOM

• Couch – Joybird
• Vintage Art – curated and sourced by FunCycled
• Custom Live Edge coffee built by FunCycled 
• Chair – Amazon
• Pillows – Home Goods (similar items linked below)
• Rug – Amazon
• Planters – Home Goods (similar items linked below)
• Credenza – vintage repurposed by FunCycled 

Since some of my furnishings are not able to be linked, I have found some similar products in case something inspires you!

Pillow Similar to Mine

Rug from my Living Room

Pillow Similar to Mine

Woven Planters Similar to Mine

Tall Black Planter Similar to Mine

Hammered Brass Planters Similar to Mine

Kitchen

• Cabinet Color – Benjamin Moore Dark Harbor (featured here)
• Rug – Amazon 
• Sink – Amazon
• Faucet – Amazon
• Island Pendant – Amazon 
• Hardware – Amazon
• Stools – Wayfair 
• Mug Rack from post office cabinet – custom by FunCycled & PERFECT for FunCycled mugs!
• Counters: Klassic Marble and Granite Quartz Island with Soap Stone Exterior Counters 
• Vintage home decor sourced by FunCycled 

Well, there you have it…the first floor of our beloved Repurposed Idea House!

I hope you find some inspiration for your home, and if you don’t know where to begin, I would love to help you! Feel free to set up a 1 Hour Design Appointment with me, and we can walk through some design challenges and questions together. You can select a Virtual or In Person appointment.

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.

Hi, friends,

Well it is official! I have begun the countdown to the start of fall…now just 6 days away (counting today)! If you missed my blog about getting your house prepped for fall, you can read it here!

One of my most favorite parts about fall is the changing leaves, and I have found that at our house, the best time to really enjoy the colors of fall is early October. That’s why I am so excited to invite you to a Fall Open House event on Saturday, October 5th, from 10 am to 2 pm! We have hosted open house events before, but this year, I am extra happy because it is also my birthday weekend, and I can honestly say I would love nothing more than to celebrate with our beautiful community! I hope you can come : )

WHAT TO EXPECT

Enjoy outdoor activities, order a delicious warm waffle prepared from our own 336 food truck, take a tour of the latest designs at our Repurposed Idea House, visit our furniture shop, and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather with your whole family at our historic farmhouse!

FREE tickets required for this event. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

• Tour of Our 1805 Repurposed Idea House
• 336 Food Truck Selling Waffle Creations (savory & sweet selections)
• Marshmallow Roasting Stations
• Lawn Games
• Candle Making Class (paid tickets required)
• Arched Wreath Making Class (paid tickets required)
• Fall Photo Backdrop Area

GETTING TICKETS

This is a free event, but we are asking you to get tickets, so we can best plan! Get your tickets HERE. Plus, if you would like to create that perfect scented candle (either for you or for a gift), you can sign up for the Candle Making Class HERE. I would like to give Jessica from Thoughtful Gardner for sharing her skills and candle expertise with us!! We are also offering an Arched Wreath Making Class, using vintage iron and wood decorative arches adorned with fall themed accents, just perfect for the door or wall hanging, or simply propped on your mantle nestled by some cute little pumpkins. Links to purchase tickets below:

Candle Making Class Tickets

Arched Wreath Making Class

WHAT IS THE 336 FOOD TRUCK?

The @336foodtruck was just launched, and we could not be more excited about how my husband’s waffle creations are being received! Check out this great photo of my guy and his truck! So proud of you, John!

Here’s a peek at the yummy selections of waffles. Get your tastebuds ready! And a bonus, we offer GLUTEN FREE waffle options as well!

I can’t wait to spend the day together!

Sarah ; )

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.

Amazon Gazebo Option One

Amazon Gazebo Option Two

Amazon Modular Sectional

Amazon Dining for 6 with Rope Chairs

Amazon Tall Planter Box

Patio Rockers

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. 

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 ;)