Retro and new furnishing blend together beautifully!

REUSE, RENEW, RECYCLE… I love applying these principles to furniture. With a little creativity and patience, outdated pieces can be reinvented, transforming discards into personal treasures with a story. Sometimes the redo is better than the original!

Retrofitted cabinet houses sound and video equipment

Look for pieces with solid construction and interesting or desirable features, and use your imagination! Converting an item for a special use, such as housing sound equipment, is a relatively easy update. Slipcovering an upholstered item can extend its life more cost effectively than reupholstering. Depending on the fabric selection, slipcovers may even be machine washable. Painting furniture is also a fun way to bring new life to a tired piece.

IN THE KITCHEN… A new look can be a very expensive proposition. If you just want a fresh update and your cabinets are in good condition, there are lots of options for producing a commanding facelift. Consider painting, resurfacing, or refinishing your cabinets. Especially if you like the existing layout and style, refinishing can be a cost-effective solution while saving landfill waste and dollars. Painted, distressed, and glazed finishes are great choices.

Quartz and manufactured stone has been the countertop gold standard in recent years. Due to many factors, these choices are actually more expensive than most granite. Engineered stone does have some functional advantages such as scratch, chip, and stain resistance. However, because of its inherent beauty, I prefer granite or natural quartzite to man-made products.

Paper stone, recycled glass, and concrete are unexpected and exciting choices. These stone alternatives require special consideration and evaluation.

Another great kitchen update is to add a new tile backsplash. Patterns and options are endless.Another kitchen update option is installing a new countertop.  The addition of under-cabinet lighting adds important functional and safety improvements. It also brings that new countertop to life!

MORE INVOLVED PROJECT?

If you are considering a significant construction project, it’s important to keep these tips in mind.  The objective and design should be different depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, your budget, and your tolerance for disruption.

It’s always best to choose quality materials and methods your budget allows. Such choices yield permanent and value-added solutions. A re-do down the road will cost more than doing it right the first time. Construction is an investment that should be considered and planned carefully. Design smart and enjoy the results!