the ReFab Diaries

Nothing beats the thrill of finding a hidden gem at a local thrift store. Whether you plan to upcycle a vintage dresser or find a sturdy table that didn’t come flat-packed, distinguishing between what looks good and what will actually last matters. We all want to fill our homes with pieces that stay out of the landfill. Learning how to spot high-quality furniture materials will ensure your finds stand the test of time.

A vintage mahogany chest of drawers sits in a room with sunlight pouring in. It has several vases on top.

Architectural salvage yards are one of the few places where my optimism runs wild and my wallet stays mostly calm. I walk in knowing I won’t leave with a “perfect” piece, but I will leave with ideas. Since starting this, I’ve gotten clearer about what I look for at architectural salvage yards, especially when I’m trying to live lightly while recognizing potential.

A salvage area displays metal and wooden doors, including styles with windows, leaning against a wall.

Weekends spent exploring antique shops and flea markets are my favorite pastime. I’m always on the hunt for a hidden gem, and, recently, silver has become my newest fixation.


Stacks of silver spoons, forks, and knives are lying on a table full of antique pots, pans, and jewelry.


I've noticed something interesting happening in homes across the country. More people are bringing back the charm of yesterday while keeping today's comfort. Vintage household goods that are making a comeback aren't just nostalgic finds—they're practical pieces that add character to modern living spaces.

If you've been thinking about adding some timeless pieces to your home, you're in luck. Let me share what's trending and why these classic items deserve a place in your space.


A tan wooden bedside table with dark metal legs and handles is placed amongst other pieces of furniture in a store.

Finding a hidden treasure at a thrift store feels like winning the lottery. You see the potential in a piece of furniture that others have overlooked. Giving that item a new life not only saves you money but also keeps another piece out of the landfill.


A woman is working on a DIY thrifted, vintage cloth chair in a workshop or garage, surrounded by cardboard boxes.


Hardscaping includes patios, walkways, walls, and other permanent outdoor features that shape the yard’s functionality. Just like a garden, the hardscaping materials and methods have a direct impact on the environment. It’s important to build a hardscape that reflects sustainable values and provides a space to gather, relax, and connect with the outdoors.


Wheelbarrow with soil beside stone wall in garden, dark mulch spread on planting bed during landscaping project.


Upcycling floorboards has so much potential. It’s budget-friendly, and the results can turn heads if it’s done right. Whether you’re hoping to create shelving, tables, or even wall décor, old floorboards offer endless creativity.


A carpenter in a workshop with tools uses a hammer to remove rusty nails from wood, repurposing the wood board.

I’ve always believed that refreshing your living space doesn’t require a complete renovation or breaking the bank. After years of experimenting with various projects around my home, I’ve discovered that the most satisfying transformations come from creative DIY projects that refresh your living space using items you already own or can find affordably.


A person's hand uses pliers and tools to remove staplers from a white sofa with an intricate bronze design.

Maintaining rental properties on a budget can be tough, but I’ve learned it doesn’t have to drain your resources. The key to cost-effective upkeep for rental properties is getting creative—repurposing what you already have and finding smart solutions to common issues. With a little resourcefulness, you can keep your properties looking great and functioning well without overspending. Here’s how I do it.


A man in a white shirt and shorts is painting a house's siding. A bucket hangs from the ladder he's standing on.

Looking for creative ways to decorate your home? Something I like to do after a fruitful thrifting trip is take any clothes, curtains, or blankets and transform them into something new. Revive your old fabrics into decor to add a pop of color and texture to your home with these tips.


A woman cutting denim fabric on a brown table with a sewing tool. There are also threaded spools on the table.
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