Summer is finally here, and I am savouring every minute of it. Like many of you, I’m spending as much time outdoors as possible. Summer is also the perfect season to tackle a few simple DIY projects that freshen up your home and garden without taking up your whole weekend.
Recently, while working in my garden, I noticed how faded my shutters had become after years in the hot summer sun. It was time for a refresh.
I removed them, gave them a good cleaning, applied primer and finished them with two coats of paint in the same accent colour I used on my home’s exterior. Once they were dry and reinstalled, I couldn’t believe the difference. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to give your home new energy.
The same idea worked wonders for another project. A friend was replacing her Muskoka chairs and offered me her old set for my fire pit. I happily brought them home and cleaned, primed and painted them to match my shutters. After a few days of drying, they were ready to use. Best of all, they were free — I simply invested a little time and elbow grease.
Speaking of creativity, I have some incredibly talented friends who continually inspire me with their repurposing ideas. One of the biggest garden trends this season is decorative garden mushrooms.
My friend visited a local thrift shop and found a few wooden salad bowls. She already had some old wooden spindles tucked away in her basement, and together they became the most charming garden mushrooms.
She made one set for herself and another as a gift. Every time I see them in her garden, they make me smile.
Repurposing doesn’t have to stay outdoors. Inside your home, summer is a wonderful time to rethink how you use furniture you already own.
One of my favourite transformations was turning an antique dresser into a coffee and tea station. With its generous storage and beautiful character, it became the perfect place for mugs, coffee, tea, sugar and serving pieces. Add a coffee maker, kettle and a few favourite accessories, and you’ve created a welcoming space that you’ll enjoy every day of the year.
This client wanted her new home to feel lighter and more nautical. She already owned a console table that fit the space perfectly, but its dark wood didn’t suit her vision.
Rather than replacing it, she painted it a soft, lighter shade that blended beautifully with her beach-inspired decor. The transformation was simple, affordable and completely changed the feel of the room.
That’s one of the things I love most about design. It doesn’t always require buying something new. Sometimes the best projects begin with what you already have — a forgotten piece in the garage, a thrift store find or even something a friend no longer wants.
This much-loved rattan furniture set has been part of my client’s family for more than 30 years. It has seen children grow up, dogs curl up on the cushions, countless family gatherings and so many treasured memories.
When it came time for a refresh, replacing it was never an option. Instead, we decided to give this well-loved set a beautiful new look while preserving all of the memories it holds.
Together, we visited the upholsterer and selected fabrics that reflected my client’s style — a timeless grey solid paired with a fresh, modern pattern. Then the transformation began.
The excitement on delivery day was priceless. Seeing their “new” old furniture return home with a fresh look brought huge smiles to their faces, and those smiles absolutely made my day.
It’s a wonderful reminder that not everything needs to be replaced. Sometimes, with a little creativity and thoughtful design, you can breathe new life into the pieces that mean the most.
Now this cherished furniture set is ready to create many more years of memories with the family who loves it.
Before you head out to shop this summer, take a look around your home, shed, or garage. Is there a piece waiting for a fresh coat of paint? Could an old piece of furniture serve a new purpose? With a little imagination, you might discover that one person’s junk really is another person’s treasure.
Happy creating, and enjoy every sunny day this beautiful season has to offer!
