I love this Hoosier Cabinet by Isabella & Max (and the whole room!)
I was thrilled and honored to be featured again on HGTV.com along with several other familiar bloggers. The feature asked contributors to share creative ways they’ve repurposed or revamped furniture and other items in their homes, and it was exciting to see our projects included.
The slideshow highlights practical and inspiring repurposing ideas you can use at home. It’s fun to spot familiar faces and projects among the images. I recognized Janell Beals of Isabella & Max, Marian from Miss Mustard Seed, and Donna from Funky Junk Interiors—each of them brings a unique, talented perspective to repurposing and DIY design.
From small updates to full makeovers, the slideshow shows a range of approaches: refinishing and repainting pieces, converting furniture to serve a new function, and mixing old and new elements to refresh a room. These examples emphasize that repurposing doesn’t always require major expense or professional tools—many projects start with simple steps like sanding, painting, adding new hardware, or changing the piece’s placement to give it new life.
In my own home you’ll spot a few straightforward repurposing ideas that have made a big difference. Some projects were quick weekend efforts, while others took more planning but delivered a dramatic transformation. One piece you’ll see in the slideshow has already gone through a second paint update since the feature—that’s part of the joy of DIY: projects evolve and improve as inspiration strikes.
Repurposing furniture can solve common design challenges. It lets you customize scale, function, and style to better suit your space. For example, an old cabinet can become a media console, a dresser can be converted into a bathroom vanity, or a small table can be adapted into a bedside shelf. These changes preserve the character of vintage or well-made pieces while making them more useful for modern living.
When planning a repurposing project, start by assessing the piece’s structure and materials. Identify any stabilization or repair work needed, then decide whether to preserve the original finish or update it. Choosing the right finish—paint, stain, or a combination—can dramatically change the final look. Hardware swaps and small decorative details often provide the biggest visual impact for the least effort.
Beyond technique, repurposing encourages resourcefulness and sustainability. Reusing furniture reduces waste and allows unique items to stay in circulation rather than being discarded. It also enables you to create a more personalized home aesthetic that reflects your taste and priorities.
I have another repurposing project planned soon and can’t wait to share the results. It’s one of my favorite parts of decorating—taking something that’s been overlooked and transforming it into a functional, beautiful element of the home. Keep an eye out for the update; I’ll share before-and-after photos and a step-by-step of the process so you can try similar ideas yourself.
The slideshow is featured on HGTV.com