Hidden compartments, flip-up top, and nostalgic details. It is exactly these touches of charm that we love about vintage furniture items, like an old secretary desk that was recently brought to us for a refresh. The true craftsmanship of a piece like a secretary desk make furniture repurposing so much fun! When we met with our client, it was clear that they hoped for something fresh, moody, and elevated without losing the warmth & character of this piece they loved. Immediately, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to select a rich and greens: Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore.

This makeover not only gave new life to a classic desk but also served as the ideal project for a full Vintage Vogue Benjamin Moore review. Below, you’ll see how the color performs on furniture, why we chose it for this flip, and how updating a single small piece can completely transform a corner of your home.

Before: What We Started With

Before painting, this small secretary desk had good bones: a sturdy pull out writing surface, petite storage cubbies, and clean lines that deserved to shine. The original wood finish, though rich in places, was worn in others and simply overwhelmed The interior compartments felt dark, and the exterior needed a cohesive direction.

What made this piece special from the start was its hidden functionality—those little compartments that stay tucked away until they’re needed. We knew that if we chose the right paint color and preserved the right amount of wood, the desk could feel both modern and storied at the same time.

Why We Chose Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore

When the goal is to elevate a classic piece without overwhelming it, Vintage Vogue is one of our favorite go-to colors. It’s a dark, earthy green with just enough depth to feel sophisticated—but not so saturated that it becomes trendy or overpowering.

For this desk, we wanted a color that would:

• Add moodiness without making the piece feel heavy
• Highlight the original wood rather than hide it
• Bring a grounded, calm presence to a small space
• Work beautifully with brass or antique-inspired hardware

Vintage Vogue checks all of those boxes. It creates an instant focal point while still letting the craftsmanship of the piece shine. And because the desk is on the smaller side, this color helps it feel substantial and intentional rather than simply functional.

Paint Color Review: How Vintage Vogue Performs on Furniture

Vintage Vogue is one of those rare colors that looks good almost everywhere, especially on furniture. Here’s a swatch of this beautiful hue:

Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore

Here’s what we’ve learned from using it on pieces like this one.

Undertones & Depth

Vintage Vogue leans into a deep olive-green tone with subtle charcoal undertones. That balance is what keeps it from reading too bright or too muddy. It’s earthy, elegant, and timeless all at once.

Lighting: How the Color Changes Throughout the Day

In bright daylight, the green comes forward and feels sophisticated but organic.
In low light or evening hours, the color deepens into a soft, moody charcoal-green that adds warmth and intimacy.

Because a secretary desk often sits in a corner or along a wall, it’s important to choose a color that still holds beauty in softer lighting. This is where Vintage Vogue excels.

Finish, Durability & Ideal Uses

We chose a durable furniture-appropriate finish to protect the writing surface and exterior. If you’re painting high-touch pieces, pairing Vintage Vogue with a good primer in a high-performance topcoat helps preserve the richness of the color and prevent scuffs. This color works beautifully on:

• Entryway consoles
• Built-in desks
• Accent cabinets
• Nightstands
• Vintage pieces with curved legs or wood detailing
• Moody office or study furniture

It’s especially striking on antique and vintage pieces, such as a secretary desk (like this one), antique buffet, or dresser.

Design Choice Spotlight: Why We Kept Some Wood Original

One of the best parts of this makeover was the decision to keep selected areas of the original wood. The warmth of the wood adds character, contrast, and dimension to the moody green exterior. It also helps preserve the story of the piece.

Inside the compartments, we painted a few sections in Vintage Vogue for a cohesive look but left others natural. This mix gives the desk a layered feel that’s both modern and true to its roots. Opening the lid to find both wood and rich green tones feels like a quiet surprise, making this desk even more special.

After: The Final Reveal

The transformation speaks for itself. With the lid closed, the desk reads as a stately, elegant piece with a deep green finish that anchors the space. Once opened, the personality shines through—the little cubbies, warm wood, and painted accents all play together beautifully.

The final result is a desk that feels updated, functional, and full of character—exactly what the client hoped for.

How to Style a Piece Painted in Vintage Vogue

If you’re considering using this color in your own home, here are a few styling tips that pair beautifully with Vintage Vogue:

• Warm Brass Hardware: Adds elegance and a historic touch.
• Leather or Soft Velvet Desk Chair: A warm texture balances the cool, moody paint.
• Antique Brass or Matte Black Lamp: Provides contrast and soft lighting.
• Neutral Accessories: Cream, beige, or linen textures pair perfectly.
• Wood Accents: Picture frames, bookends, or trays keep the palette cohesive.

For those wanting to recreate the look, we’ve included a list of helpful tools and accessories we recommend (affiliate links help support our small business—thank you!).

Final Thoughts

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.

The 1990s have made a confident return across several areas of design, including our interiors. While the decade may bring to mind oak cabinetry, faux ivy draped across everything, and shiny brass fixtures, today’s interpretation is anything but dated. Instead, designers are taking cues from the warmth, comfort, and personality of 1990s homes and reimagining them through a modern lens.

As someone who values peace-filled living through intentional design, I find that weaving subtle vintage references into a space can make it feel grounded, familiar, and deeply personal. The key is knowing what to bring back and how to do it with restraint.

Choosing Your Nostalgic Moments Wisely

Not every element from the 1990s deserves a comeback, but the right ones can tell a meaningful story. The goal isn’t to recreate a decade; it’s to capture its essence through a mix of comfort, personality, and lived-in ease.

Start by identifying the details that resonate with you. Maybe it’s a plaid textile that reminds you of your childhood home or the warmth of honey-toned wood that instantly feels inviting. Choose one or two nostalgic “moments” per space and let them shine without overwhelming the room.

In one of our projects, we revived a vintage furniture piece with a deep mustard yellow finish, a color that immediately nods to the 90’s era. Used sparingly, it adds charm and warmth. Used everywhere, it can quickly overtake a room and lose its appeal.

In this project, the mustard yellow furniture piece brings 1990s nostalgia into a room in small, intentional doses that is balanced
with neutral accents and simple styling.

Throwback Colors with Staying Power

Color is one of the most powerful ways to embrace the 1990s aesthetic while keeping it fresh. Some shades from that decade feel surprisingly timeless when used with intention and balance.

One of my favorites is deep green, particularly rich, moody tones like hunter or forest. In kitchens, this color has incredible staying power. We’ve used it a number of times on cabinetry and even walls, pairing it with brushed gold or antique brass hardware for a sophisticated update. These softer metallic finishes offer the warmth of 1990s brass without the high-shine glare that can feel dated.

This is a modern twist on a 1990s classic: deep green cabinetry paired with brushed gold hardware for a sophisticated, enduring look.

For a living room or office, embrace a drenched look. Painting the walls, trim, and even built-ins in the same deep hue creates depth and provides a comforting effect that feels both nostalgic and refined. Layer in classic plaid accents, soft wood tones, and tailored furnishings to echo the 1990s spirit while keeping the space elegant and current.

If you prefer a lighter touch, peachy hues, terracottas, or dusty mauves (colors all reminiscent of the 1990’s) are beautiful options for accent furniture, textiles, or wall decor. They recall the warmth of the past but pair seamlessly with today’s clean lines and natural textures.

The peachy-pink color allows the details of this dresser to shine through and adds some 90’s charm while the darker hardware
helps keeps it grounded.

Color Blocking: A Fresh Take on a 1990s Favorite

Few design trends define the 1990s quite like color blocking. Back then, large blocks of bold, often primary hues dominated both fashion and interiors; think cobalt blue, red, and magenta arranged in sharp, geometric forms. While it made a statement, it could also easily overwhelm.

Today’s approach is more refined. To bring this retro technique into modern spaces, focus on contrast and restraint. Choose a high-contrast palette using muted tones and one saturated accent color.

The combination of dark gray, crisp whites, and rich rust in color block style gives a nod to the 90’s while relaying sophistication.

Use color blocking to highlight architectural features or to create subtle visual zones within an open layout. Painted wall sections, contrasting cabinetry, or even upholstery pairings can all echo this trend beautifully without tipping into “modern art overload.”

Style Choices That Feel Fresh, Not Dated

To truly modernize 1990s design, think in terms of contrast and balance. Let vintage-inspired details coexist with contemporary shapes and finishes. Here are some tips:

• Pair a classic pattern, such as plaid, floral, or check (all of which donned homes of the 90’s) with furniture that has simple silhouettes and clean lines.
• When mixing metals, keep the finish subdued rather than shiny. Brushed gold, antique brass, and matte black complement nostalgic tones without tipping into retro overload.
• Embrace warm texture: woven baskets, nubby upholstery, and natural wood grain bring that cozy, collected quality the 90s did so well.

A Nostalgic Touch that Stands the Test of Time

When done thoughtfully, the return of 1990s design feels less like a trend and more like a rediscovery of warmth and authenticity. It’s about celebrating what made those homes inviting while translating them for a modern world.

By balancing nostalgic elements with timeless materials and clean lines, you create a home that feels rooted in memory yet fully present. After all, when design carries a touch of the familiar, it becomes more than just beautiful. It becomes deeply personal.

Final Thoughts

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 for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do. 

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Hi Friends!

Happy first day of Spring! Sometimes we are tempted to think it will never come, especially after a cold and snow-filled Winter (which we have not had), but here it is! Spring has arrived!

In today’s Tuesday’s Treasure, I want to share some inspiration for all of us as we transition from Winter to Spring.

If you are having trouble viewing images, click here.

Colors for Spring

At this point in the year, most of us are ready for something a little brighter in our homes. Check out these Spring inspired pieces of furniture we have been able to complete over the years!

Choosing the Right Color

With so many choices, it can be hard to know the how to make the right selection. To add a touch of Spring, I suggest choosing colors that are light and bright and remind you of what is happening outside as Spring arrives. Because the full bloom of colors doesn’t typically arrive until May and June in Upstate New York, I like to introduce greens and blues along with shades of white and gray. But you can also select other pastel colors to add a touch of color while still feeling bright and airy! Here are a few tips for making the selection for you:

• Keep in mind the style of the piece of furniture and what type of hardware it has or will have if you plan to change it.
• Consider what other colors you have in your space. Remember, they don’t have to be an exact match, but they should coordinate.
• If this is a new color you would like to introduce to your home, make sure to add a few other touches of that same color around the room.
• Take note of a bigger vision you have for the space, keeping in mind this might be a first step toward that vision!

Find these inspirational color pallets for your next project!

(photos credit to M4 Designs FL care of Etsy)

Ways to Style

This is where you get to have a lot of fun! A “go to” item for me is styling with books! They add height, texture, and interest. Or grab a vase or pretty glass bottle in a bright or complementary color and add fresh greens. Depending upon your style and what you love, use the surface to display a special heirloom or antique, like this vintage camera atop the beautiful teal and gray-washed credenza.

If you want to buy one of our repurposed pieces of furniture, visit our Shop page.

If you have a piece in your home and you want it custom painted, we can help! We work with clients all the time to bring new life to their old, tired pieces of furniture. Reach out to me on our Contact Us page.

To learn more about custom painting and tips to do the job right, visit our Custom Furniture Painting page.

REMEMBER, FUNCYCLED IS SPONSORING OUR UPCYCLING CONTEST! (Click the image below for more details.)

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 ; )

Hi Friends!

I hope the first couple weeks of summer have been going well for you so far! We have been trying to balance camping life and working life. It’s been fun! Happy Fourth of July!!!

I can’t wait to show you this secretary desk transformation. Here’s what we started with:

We painted the box with Valspar’s Lincoln Cottage Black, refinished the inside wood with Minwax’s Special Walnut, and sprayed the whole thing with a protective clear coat. We also added new hardware.

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

Here are the after photos for you:

Be sure to visit our SHOP page to see if this is still available or to check out what other pieces we have available for purchase or custom order. 

Or contact us to get a quote to let us redo your furniture for 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. 

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 ;)

Hi Friends!

How’s your week going? We had a nice, low key weekend. Still working through some health issues, and are hoping for answers this week.

Check out this beautiful shot of our Repurposed Idea House from our Open House!

This week’s makeover shows how paint dramatically change a furniture piece. Secretary desks are beautiful and also a great piece for storage that isn’t huge.

Here’s the secretary desk before:

We painted it with Benjamin Moore’s Blue Note and added new hardware. 

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

Ready for the afters?

This piece is for sale! You can see if it’s still available on our Shop 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. 

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 ;)

Hi Friends!

How are you? I hope your week is going well! For this week’s makeover, I wanted to share a recent secretary desk makeover that we just finished and added to our store. You can purchase it anytime on our shop page!

Here it is before:

Even though I don’t often do this with secretaries desks, for this one, I wanted to keep some of the original wood and paint the rest. So we left the desk area and bookshelf area with the wood stain and painted the rest with Behr’s Winter Way. Then we lightly distressed it and painted the original hardware black. If you want to see how we paint furniture, check out our How to Paint Furniture post. 

Ready for the afters?

This desk is available now to purchase! Head to our Shop Page to check them out! 

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 ;)

Hi Friends!

How are you? We’ve been enjoying the beautiful fall weather in upstate NY. Including a walk through Olana Historic Site.

For this week’s makeover, I wanted to share this beautiful desk that we recently redid. We purchased it at a barn sale that we go to every year in Columbia County. All the money they raise goes to an orphanage. It’s my favorite place to buy old furniture.

Here’s the desk before:

We painted it Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray, lightly distressed it, and then sprayed it all with protective clear coat. Available now in store or online!

Ready for the afters?

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

This desk was done as a custom order so it isn’t available to purchase on our website or in our store now, but you can check out more new pieces on our For Sale page:

• 

  Interior Design

Please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture. 

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

If you like what you see, please like FunCycled’s Facebook page to keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We also offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and furniture. We can deliver for customers in upstate NY and also help you ship 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 online shop.

Hi Friends!

How was your weekend? October is my favorite month for so many reasons. 💗💗
For the hills that exploded with “all the colors of the rainbow” as my son says. 
For the calm before the storm of the holidays. 
For the camp fires on cold nights. 
For apple picking and hayrides. 
For sweet family time and the reminder of the changing seasons – how quickly time passes. 
For my favorite dessert – apple crisp. 
For the dates sprinkled through the month with friends for my birthday. 
Excited today for a new month and all the joy it brings. 👩🏼‍💻 + 🍂 = 💗

We enjoyed a hike in Thatcher Park and pumpkin picking this weekend. I loved every minute of it!!

For this week’s makeover, I wanted to share a secretary desk that we just finished and will be down at our store this week for you to purchase. Or you can purchase it online!

Here’s the desk before:

We painted it Benjamin Moore’s Amber Slate, lightly distressed it, and then sprayed it all with protective clear coat. Pictures don’t even do it justice. We also added new white rose knobs. Available now in store or online!

Ready for the afters?

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

This desk is available to purchase on our website or in our store now, but you can check out more new pieces on our For Sale page:

• 

  Mid Century Dresser

Please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture. 

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

If you like what you see, please like FunCycled’s Facebook page to keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We also offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and furniture. We can deliver for customers in upstate NY and also help you ship 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 online shop.

Hi Friends!

How are you? I hope you’re having a great week! We’ve had a good week here. Getting back to school and having a sunny Saturday was absolutely wonderful! Quick reminder that we now have online design consult available and they are on sale for half price from now until June 1st.

Also, we have free shipping for any online furniture purchase now until our store can open up again.

For this week’s furniture makeover, I wanted to share a desk makeover that we did for Amanda. This desk was used as a workbench for years and years by her father. She wanted to keep the piece in her family and restore it. The top was really damaged from being a workbench for years. So we spent quite a bit of time filling holes and repairing damage. John also built a matching handle for the drawer. I was impressed by how close he was able to get it to match the original.

Here’s the desk before:

We painted the desk with Benjamin Moore’s Black Enamel. Here’s a picture of it because you may have trouble finding it: 

We also sprayed it with a protective clear coat. If you want to see how we paint furniture, check out our How to Paint Furniture post. Ready for the afters?

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of the story for this beautiful antique, Amanda! We love that you chose to restore it instead of sending it to a land fill!

This set was done as a custom order so it’s not for sale. You can check out available furniture on our For Sale page:

• 

  Long Mid Century Dresser

Please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture. 

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

If you like what you see, please like FunCycled’s Facebook page to keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We also offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and furniture. We can deliver for customers in upstate NY and also help you ship 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 online shop.

Hi Friends!

The Downtown Troy BID asked me to write an article about core values for their business development program this year so I thought I’d share it here as well.

Team Work

Let me first say that this team right here is my absolute favorite on the planet. Each person does their very best every time I ask for help. Pam runs the store like it’s her own – I can’t even imagine running the store without her. She makes signs, keeps up on inventory, has the friendliest personality, and always has my back. Debbie (my mom) has worked with me from day one. Doing anything from upholstery to cleaning toilets. No job is below her and that’s a true servants heart worth emulating. If you’ve met her in the store, you know she can also talk to anyone about anything and will probably make you laugh before you leave. Kelly always understands exactly what I’m looking for in a design. She has the instinct to pull together a room design without any hesitation. Not to mention, when we work together, it feels like we’re not even working. It’s always so fun! She’s sweet, smart, and the perfect design assistant. They are all gems in my book! I’m so thankful for each and every person God has brought under this umbrella of work called FunCycled.

Core Values

As I was working through the core values for FunCycled, I needed to be reminded that core values are the shared principles that guide your team and define your culture. Too often businesses (just like my business did at first), jump to create a logo, website or marketing strategy without having clarified their brand core. Whether you just started a company or are 10 years in, if you haven’t created your core values, now’s the time! When you successfully identify and communicate your company’s core values, it will help guide your motivation for change within the company and with your employees. 

Core values also provide important boundaries within which the business will operate and pursue its mission. For small businesses, your values need to come from you. What do you believe to be true? What are the most important characteristics of your company’s work? What is your desired culture? Which values are you most passionate about? Which values are non-negotiable? Which values are you willing to lose money for? 

For example, at FunCycled, we reassessed our plan for core values with Dylan Hall – who was amazing! – at Guide and Porter (a brand strategy and design consultancy) and developed these: 

Work Hard. Play Hard.

To create a culture where home and work have a healthy balance. 

Kill Them With Kindness

Kindness is spread generously in the workplace and with our clients to build relationships that last.

Selfless Drive

By seeking the highest good in craft and customer service.

Developing 3-5 clear values is a critical step to guide all aspects of your business. From customer service, sales, marketing, messaging, positioning, hiring and firing, strategic plans and building your company culture; developing clear values serves as the foundation for developing your brand identity, consumer relationships, and marketing. 

While your mission statement answers the question “why do we exist?”, your core values answer the question, “how do we behave?”. 

When someone visits your business they are experiencing your values in action! Remember that as you go over it with your team. You could even create a sign for your workplace as a consistent reminder. It’s easy to forget what you’re striving for when you get busy or discouraged; a daily reminder is always healthy for your mind and heart.  

Core values are the ideals that you esteem highly as a company. They are more than a nice set of words that hang on your wall because they define what you hold dear. They guide decision making and keep you on track. They are what you believe—no matter what. However, if they are to be more than mere platitudes, your values must be actionable. Name the behaviors and then make them actionable. It helps you know what to expect from yourself and your team! It will help differentiate your business from others and lead your team well into a more successful tomorrow. It’s already been a game changer for us!

Cute Makeover

I promised a cute makeover… so here’s that for you, too!

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

This desk was done as a custom order so it’s not for sale. You can check out available furniture on our For Sale page:

• 

  Hutch

Please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture. 

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

If you like what you see, please like FunCycled’s Facebook page to keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We also offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and furniture. We can deliver for customers in upstate NY and also help you ship 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 online shop.