Smart Design with Suzette

Have you ever thought about updating some old furniture with a coat of paint or adding something new to an old piece? Until I became passionate about eco-design, it never occurred to me.

Recently, I ran across a pair of vintage mid-century modern chairs at a local thrift store. They struck me because they had great lines but were in such a sorry state. I HAD to rescue them. I purchased the pair for $20 and drove off with a big smile on my face. I was very excited about the thought of recovering them and saving them from the landfill. Yay!

Better yet, I was able to take what I didn’t like about the chair – the back cushion, eliminate it, choose the exact color of fabric, add the right amount of padding for comfort and presto! I had two new pieces of furniture and saved them from the dump.

A chair rescued from a thrift store gets a makeover. Photo by Suzette Fox

Many clients find it hard to determine when they should buy new furniture over recovering or painting existing furniture. I ask, “Is there sentimental value? Is it made well enough that it can last another 10 plus years? Is it comfortable?” There is a lot to consider.

I have a dining room table and chairs that we’ve owned for more than 15 years. It didn’t cost much, but my husband loved it. I couldn’t stand the chairs because they were too tall and very uncomfortable. So we sold the chairs, kept the table and got chairs that were comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing. Just a little change can make a big difference and we were both happy.

New chairs are paired with a  beloved dining table. Photo by Suzette Fox

One of my favorite things to do is to paint furniture to give it a fresh, updated look. When I moved into my home about 13 years ago, I painted my kitchen cabinets instead of getting new. I also painted the old bathroom vanities. Paint can make a significant difference in updating a space.

Recently, I was unhappy with all the brown in my living room – brown sectional, dark brown wood, brown leather ottoman…brown, brown, brown. So, I took the media console and painted the drawer fronts white to give it a fresh, modern look. It really lightened up the room.

White drawers brighten the living room. Photo by Suzette Fox

Lots of folks are getting on board with reusing, recycling and repurposing furniture. Not only does it save a piece from the trash heap, it can save you tons of money! Look to Pinterest, Etsy, and Google for ideas to inspire you. Check out Craigslist, eBay, local garage sales and Facebook pages for used furniture if not using any existing furniture of your own.

There is a lot out there. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” truly applies here.

Feel free to contact Los Alamos Interior Designer Suzette Fox to suggest specific design topics or for help with your home. For more information, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/SuzetteFoxInteriorDesign and on her website www.suzettefoxinterors.com.