the ReFab Diaries

Your patio probably feels nice and comfortable in the morning, so it seems fine at first. But by early afternoon, those same surfaces have absorbed hours of heat and start giving it back to the air.

As a result, the spot where you wanted to sit with coffee or lunch starts to feel harder to enjoy. If your patio gets too hot to enjoy after lunch, the problem might be in the design. Here are a few practical tips on how to fix it!

A backyard patio with cushioned chairs, a table, landscaped grass, trees, and a paved sitting area under the shade.

I hardly throw away glass anymore. Bottles, jars, and even broken pieces always seem to hold more potential, even when they’ve served their original purpose. I’ve enjoyed exploring different ways to reinvent old glass into something beautiful and useful, because it just feels better than wasting it.

Over time, I’ve learned that with a little creativity, glass can become something new and delightful—you need to see it from a fresh perspective. Here are some inspiring ideas to transform your old glass into charming home décor.

Woman in a kitchen carries a wooden box of glass bottles marked for recycling, with cabinets and counter behind her.


Have an eye for vintage finds and want to spread the wealth? Opening a resale shop gives you the chance to blend style, sustainability, and storytelling in one cozy space. You can create an environment that feels curated and expressive with a little creativity and planning. Here’s how to design a small vintage boutique that pops.

A close-up of a clothing rack with various vintage pieces in different textures, colors, and patterns.


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.

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