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

1. Why Sustainability Matters in Bedroom Design

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

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

2. Eco Friendly Materials for Bedroom Furniture

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

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

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

BEDFRAMES

Velvet Upholstered Bed – Amazon

Solid Wood Bed – Amazon

Walnut Bed – Amazon

DRESSERS

Fluted Dresser – Amazon

Small Green Dresser – Amazon

NIGHT STANDS

White Night Stand – Amazon

Wooden Shelf – Amazon

Set of 2 Night Stands – Amazon

3. Eco-Friendly Bedding & Textiles

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

• Organic Cotton
• Linen
• Bamboo
• Hemp

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

PILLOWS AND COMFORTERS

Bamboo Cooling Blanket – Amazon

Goose Down Comforter – Amazon

Down Alternative Pillows – Amazon

DUVET COVERS

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

100% Linen Duvet – Amazon

100 % Cotton Duvet – Amazon

100% Cotton Duvet – Amazon

4. Sustainable Lighting Solution

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

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

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

Wooden Table Lamp – Amazon

Rattan Lighting -= Amazon

Organic Shape Lighting – Amazon

5. Eco-Conscious Decorative Accents

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

Here are some suggested accents for your eco-friendly bedroom

Button Fern – Amazon

Set of 4 Baskets – Amazon

Set of 4 CottonLinen Pillows – Amazon

Agate Gemstone Bookends – Amazon

Marble Bowl – Amazon

Organic Cotton Blanket – Amazon

6. Final Tips for An Eco-Friendly Bedroom

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

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

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

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

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! This is the second post on our recent attic renovation project, and today, I am answering, ‘How to create a bedroom in your attic!’ Let’s dive in! sharing everything we did to create a beautiful bedroom for our clients!

I recently shared the project scope and gave you a behind the scenes of the landing area makeover, complete with attic storage and custom built-ins! You can read that post here: Attic Renovation Revealed: Custom Built – ins and Storage Solutions. We needed to address 3 areas for this attic project: #1 the Landing, #2 the Bedroom Area, #3 the Office Area. Today, I am sharing about how we tackled the bedroom area. Let’s jump in!

Today’s Focus: How to Create a Bedroom in Your Attic

As with any project, it is best accomplished when you are able to break it down a bit. Here is our breakdown:

• Assess the Area
• Address the Issues
• Create some Personality

Assessing the Bedroom Area

As you can see, there was an area that was designated for a bedroom. Unfortunately, there was a lack of definition and privacy which left this “bedroom” dysfunctional.

Below, you can see the area cleared out. Even without the

Addressing the Issues

First, we needed to ensure separation for the bedroom area and add some privacy. Below is a picture of the wall we constructed to make sure there was plenty of privacy for this bedroom design.

looking at wall from landing side

looking at wall from the bedroom side

Next, we focused on functionality. It may seem obvious but two key ingredients to having a functional bedroom are 1) ensuring appropriate sleeping accommodations, 2) good lighting, and 3) easy & accessible storage near the bed. Well, consider those boxes checked, checked, and checked! We place the bed in front of these windows and added a small nightstand with a bit of storage to each side. Finally, we added two lamps to provide some additional ambient lighting. Oh, and I love how this looks in Black and White!

We were also able to leave a little room for this dresser to stay in the room and meet some storage needs right in their space. Styling it with clever greenery and a subtle landscape brings a little pretty to this practical!

Create Some Personality When Adding a Bedroom to Your Attic

Finally, the fun part! Adding character, style, and personalization to the bedroom. This is such an important part of design, and for our client, we worked hard to add the colors and style our clients desired while accommodating the hope for a place to sit and a place for their dog to rest with this clever and stylish dog house : )

Design & Products for the Attic Landing

Before I share all of the products for this attic bedroom, I want to share the vision with you. The design board, shown on the right, shows just that! The ideas and vision we put together for this design. Some of the products and ideas changed during the project installation. This is a normal part of the process and can sometimes happen, but I wanted to share the design board with you because I think it helps you gather a sense of the process for our interior design projects.

Linen Duvet Queen Set

Beige Sheet Set

Feather Down Comforter

Vintage Brown Medallion Washable Area Rug

Lincoln Cottage Black Paint

Brass & Black Globe Flush Mount Light

Modern Boho Throw Pillows

Rustic Table Lamps

Hickory Hardwood – ProSource

I also want to give a shout out to 518 Floor Care for their amazing installation of these hardwood floors. They do a fantastic job and ensure a smooth process for our clients! Here’s the flooring we chose for this attic project! You can check them out on their website or on the Facebook page.

PRO TIP:

When completing a design like this attic renovation, be sure to use the same flooring throughout. It will keep your design looking cohesive and will also keep your eye flowing from room to room!

Final Thoughts When Planning Your Attic Renovation

Sometimes it is hard to imagine a renovation in your own home, and you may be wondering how or if this is a project is one you should consider. Well, let me pose a question and answer to 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 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.

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Hi, friends!

I never grow tired of sharing makeover stories with you! You might think its because everyone loves a good makeover, and while that is true, it is NOT the reason I want to share them with you. When clients ask FunCycled to take on a project, we sign on for way more than just some pieces of furniture or outdated cabinets. We step into people’s lives, hear their history, learn their challenges, and help discern their dreams! It is always an honor to be part of this journey – for our clients and for you! I love having an opportunity to help all of us grow and that is exactly what we do when we enter in like this! What a privilege for FunCycled!

In today’s makeover, I want to introduce you to Anne and her, well, maybe a little outdated but dearly loved dressers. You may share common ground with Anne. Dressers or furniture that has been part of your story for a long time but has come to a place where it is time for a change. I often find when clients come to this realization, they are almost so eager to embrace the change that their mind runs wild with possibilities for revitalizing their beloved pieces, sometimes leaving them in a place of decision mania. Thankfully, we at FunCycled know how to help sift through ideas and guide them to decisions that will honor the integrity of their furniture and its history, breath new life into them, and become a refreshed piece that they can enjoy for their next season of life.

In meeting with Anne, she conveyed a few challenges surrounding her dressers: 1) they were spread out among her home and where her mother lives, 2) she would like the option of using any and all of them interchangeably in the various rooms of her home and also where her mother resides, and 3) she had so many ideas that she did not know where to land. And that’s when our team stepped in!

Here are the pictures of her dressers before. It is not shown here, but there is a taller dresser that matches the one on the left.

Change the Hardware (or Keep it?) & Selecting the Right Color

Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist

We decided to keep the hardware that is currently on the dressers because all of it was in good condition and the styles coordinated well with their respective pieces. This is an important element to consider when weighing out whether to change the hardware on a piece of furniture. In order to achieve a cohesive look, we decided to paint all of the pieces the same color. I love Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist. Although considered part of the off-white collection, I would still consider Balboa Mist in the gray family. It has a gentle warm undertone but pairs well with most finishes and serves as a beautiful backdrop for a large variety of colors, cool and warm alike. Here is a swatch.

And here are the after photos of the matching set

And here is the stand alone dresser (which can now stand alone or be mixed in with the others as needed!)

A huge thanks to Anne for working with us and for letting us be part of this furniture project. We are so glad that these pieces have new life and you are able to mix and match in whatever spaces they need to be used!

If you have a piece of furniture and would like us to restore life back into it, contact me today by visiting our Contact Us page! You can also learn more about our process on our Custom Furniture Painting Page.

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

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 hope you had a good weekend! We had a really full weekend, as is typical for us, but it was good!

Today, I want to share about one of our recent furniture makeover stories. Having been the jumpstart of FunCycled, a good furniture flip really is my first love! What I happen to love even more about this particular story is that is features one of my favorite colors: Benjamin Moore Dark Harbor. In case you don’t know or haven’t been following for very long, our Repurposed Idea House features this color in our kitchen, specifically on our kitchen cabinets.

And speaking of Repurposed Idea House, don’t forget about the Fall Festival we are hosting on Saturday, October 5th, from 10 am 2 pm. Join us for house tours, lawn games, and warm waffles from our 336 Food Truck! To get all of the details, including your FREE tickets, go to FunCycled Fall Festival.

For client, Melissa, we have been meeting and working on design ideas for her home. Part of the plans included giving an old oak dresser a facelift. Take a look at this BEFORE photo. As you can see, the finish and hardware are pretty outdated, but the lines are good and it has some really interesting detail on the front of the middle drawers. I knew a painted refresh and some new hardware would bring it back to life!

And here are some after photos.

Notice how the blue allows those details to come through? And, of course, adding the right hardware is key!

Sometimes paint colors are hard to tell based on photos, but Dark Harbor is a rich jewel tone and can be classified as a teal color, meaning it is a mix of blue and green. Here are two swatches to share with you.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

We selected coordinating knobs and drawer pulls in brushed gold finish. I love both of these! The texture is beautiful and they are reasonably priced! Find them linked below:

Drawer Pulls from Amazon

Knobs from Amazon

A huge thanks to Melissa for working with us and for letting us be part of this furniture project. We loved breathing new life into this special piece for your home!

If you have a piece of furniture and would like us to restore life back into it, contact me today by visiting our Contact Us page! You can also learn more about our process on our Custom Furniture Painting Page.

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

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!

How are you? Let’s welcome the month of August with joyful anticipation of sunflowers and colorful zinnias ahead! There is nothing like simply every day enjoyments! : )

Today, I want to share one of our latest before and after stories with you. If you follow us on social media you have already been introduced to these beauties, but if not, get ready to be inspired! The thing about this before and after is that you may not be able to appreciate the outcome without really understanding a bit more about these pieces of furniture and how they fit into one of the most beautiful design styles: French Provincial Design

Here are the after photos, beautifully glammed up and painted in Lincoln Cottage Black.

What is French Provincial Design Style?

Sometimes design styles are hard to define. But if you’ve ever heard the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words,” then you might know the best way for me to answer the question ‘what is french provincial design style?’ is with pictures! Before I get to all of that, I want to share some of the elements that have proven essential to this design style. Oh, and my best definition…french provincial design is a romantic style that strikes a balance between rustic elements of the countryside (of France that is) and the elegance and grandeur of Paris.

Elements of French Provincial Design

Some Examples of French Provincial Design

Photo: Anita Joyce
c/o Architectural Digest

Photo: Anita Joyce
c/o Architectural Digest

Photo: Anita Joyce
c/o Architectural Digest

Photo: Amy Mings c/o HGTV

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Edith & Evelyn Vintage

As you can see from above, French Provincial design includes a variety of textures, incorporates layers and soft edges, and can be characterized by low or high contrast. What I love most about it, though, is that French Provincial design is not limited by “doing it just one way.”

I have put together a curated design board which features one of our very own black French Provincial dressers. I absolutely love this combination! I decided to maintain a color scheme rooted in neutral tones (a common choice with French Provincial design), but I wanted to mix it up with items that have a high contrast, so the dark dresser and the light chair for example. I would love to help you implement this beautiful bedroom into your home!

To purchase either of these beautiful vintage black dressers, you can go to our SHOP page where you will find the Tall Black Dresser and the Long Black Dresser

Below you will find links to some of the products I selected for this design! Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

If you are interested in all of the products seen in this design board, I would love to share them with you and help talk through general color and style selections with you at a design appointment! Reach out to me today by visiting our Contact Us page. To learn more about my Interior Design Services, click here.

Broken to Beautiful by FunCycled

I am also excited to share that we are launching our Broken to Beautiful initiative again. Broken to Beautiful is FunCycled’s way of sharing love and kindness. Saying thank you to our customers and community!  We want to bless someone in the Capital Region by upcycling a furniture project for them for FREE!

Submissions are being accepted from August 1, 2024 to August 15, 2024. If you would like to submit a project for consideration, fill out this form: Broken to Beautiful Submission Form.

To learn more, visit Broken to Beautiful by FunCycled blog post.

We can’t wait to see what is submitted!

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 hope you are having a good start to your week! Every Sunday, I am reminded to be thankful for whatever might lie ahead for the coming week, and here we are on a Tuesday, already part way through, and it is joyous!

Also, over the weekend, we celebrated our son’s 16th birthday! Can you believe it?! I took this picture of him when we were in Ireland, and I just love it!

In this week’s Tuesday’s Treasure, I want to share with you a reminder for all of us, and it comes by way of a piece of furniture. If you aren’t familiar with the term, trousseau, get ready to learn a few things while being reminded to pay attention to the special details that bring us hope every day!

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

The term trousseau is derived from the French verb, trousser, which means “to truss” or “to tuck” (Merriam-Webster). When we hear the word trousseau, a natural association is to think of a wedding or bride, and rightfully so. A trousseau is a large chest that is used to house keepsakes and important items. In previous generations, a trousseau often served as a way for a woman to store and save up special items and valuables for the day when she would marry. A more modern term we may be familiar with is the word hope chest (or okay two words!) Although the word hope chest finds its origination dating back to the 15th Century in Italy, it was introduced to the US during the 20th century (Brides online article). In turn, a hope chest functions exactly as a trousseau, and these terms are relatively interchangeable. In today’s furniture flip, this hope chest was given new life, to bring some hope into someone’s home and life!

True to it’s character, this chest is large, and it is designed to hold and keep things in safe keeping (hint this is the secret of the cedar lining used in closets, chests, drawers, etc. ) Take a look at the before photo. Does not exactly stir up the kind of sentiment you would think of given its history, but there is always hope, right?

And here is the after photo! So different, right?

The chest is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (a FunCylced go-to color!), and the top remains refinished and stained in a warm medium brown tone, Jacobean. The bird and branches are hand painted, and we added the black cup handles on the drawers to provide a nice contrast. Here’s a peek at some of the elements that make this chest both practical and beautiful. Gorgeous solid wood, deep drawer for additional storage and organization, and cedar lined. This chest is made by the Lane Furniture Company, meaning it was proudly made in the USA!

This beautiful chest has already been sold, and we know it is bringing great hope and joy to its new owners!

If you have a chest (or old piece of furniture) and would like it to have new life again, reach out to us on our Contact Us page. Or you can always browse our furniture inventory, by visiting our shop page.

Want some helpful tips on how to complete your own furniture flip, check out this how-to blog: HOW TO PAINT FURNITURE LIKE A PRO!

THANK YOU TO THE CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER

I also want to give a big shout out to the Capital Region Chamber for highlighting us this past week and sharing the FunCycled story and our dedication to the Capital District. As a proud member of the Chamber, I am honored and pleased to share the full story highlight with you! You can read it 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. 

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!

If you follow us on social media, you probably know that FunCycled has been generating some really great furniture flips recently, and the best part…EVERYTHING you see here is IN STOCK!! But what you might not know is that furniture flipping is how FunCycled first began!! Join me down memory lane and also to get a full overview of our current inventory, plus our latest Featured Furniture Collection.

If you are having trouble viewing images, click here.

Memory Lane

In 2012, my husband John and I saw an opportunity to share our passion and know how for furniture flipping! I have always been creative, and I found this creativity to really take flight when I found moments to restore something broken or unused by refreshing it, repurposing it, and transforming into a new treasure! Check out some pics from back in the day!

Current Pieces

From this painted and stained buffet to vintage storage trunks (great for coffee tables or toy corralling!) to end tables and night stands, FunCycled has some amazing pieces in our inventory! Take a look! Be sure to click on each image to get full details. BTW, the cutie black end stand with gold legs is a set of two! Can you stand it?!

If you see a treasure that would be perfect for your space, reach out to me on our Contact Us page or you can email me directly and let me know what piece you would like!

Featured Collection

This collection comes with a larger piece which could be used as a dresser or even a buffet or sideboard as well as two side tables for night stands or even end tables for a living room! Also check out that before photo!

Check out some close ups and details of this collection! The double stripe and black and gold hardware add a touch of flair and I can’t get over how much I love the retractable doors the open to additional storage! LOVE!!

Each piece has been painted in Benjamin Moore’s Steam and stained with a mix of gray and brown stains that I had on hand–sometimes that just the perfect shade!

Again, if you see a piece (or more!) that you would like for your home, reach out to me on our Contact Us page.

Want some helpful tips on how to complete your own furniture flip, check out this how-to blog: HOW TO PAINT FURNITURE LIKE A PRO!

DON’T FORGET

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!

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 ; )