Restoring a Chair Is Easier Than You Think. Ask the Brownstone Boys. (Published 2024)

The article details the process of repairing and restoring a brownstone's front stoop and historic ironwork, specifically focusing on the replacement of a stolen newel post and the resurfacing of the stoop stairs. The authors, known as the Brownstone Boys, recount the initial shock of discovering one of their two front iron newel posts missing shortly after closing on their house. They explain that these newel posts, along with iron railings, are iconic features of historic brownstones and their absence significantly detracts from the property's character. The investigation into the theft revealed that the steel rod extending from the top of the newel post into its cement base can rust and sever over time, causing the cap to loosen. This looseness makes the post an easy target for thieves. The authors ensured their remaining post was solid and committed to monitoring its condition to prevent a similar incident. Fortunately, the design of their stolen newel post was common in Brooklyn, making a replacement relatively easy to find. They located an exact match at a salvage yard, albeit painted brown and with flaking paint. Their restoration plans for the newel post involve installing it and applying a fresh coat of black paint, a necessary maintenance step for iron railings every few years to prevent rust. In addition to the ironwork, the stoop stairs were also in need of repair, with brownstone layers chipping away. This common renovation issue led them to include resurfacing the entire stairs with a new layer of brownstone in their project plans. Acknowledging that this is not a DIY task they are comfortable with, they obtained several professional quotes, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for the work. This stoop and ironwork project represents a significant step forward in their brownstone renovation journey, as it was a task they had continuously deferred until the interior living spaces were completed. The completion of this exterior work is anticipated to restore the historic charm and integrity of their brownstone's facade. #BrownstoneBoysReno #HistoricIronwork #StoopRepair #NewelPostRestoration #BrownstoneRenovation #BedStuy #HomeImprovement #ExteriorRestoration

This article details the latest progress in a brownstone renovation project, focusing on two significant developments: the refinishing of the original stairs and the completion of the new deck's surface. The renovation team has successfully removed old carpet, linoleum, and glue from the stairs, revealing the original wooden steps underneath. While the stairs, over 130 years old, show signs of wear such as holes, scars, gouges, and a characteristic squeak, the team plans to strip, sand, and refinish them, embracing these imperfections as part of the home's character. This process is a significant step towards restoring the interior of the brownstone, following previous work on the banister and newel post. Simultaneously, the new deck has reached a critical stage, with the steel structure and footings now complete. The deck surface and stairs have been installed, allowing the team to walk on it for the first time. The final steps for the deck include installing railings and some finishing touches. A unique aspect of the deck's construction is the decision to use a poured concrete surface rather than adding tiles, primarily to manage the renovation budget. Tiling would have increased costs, so the concrete was poured to the top layer. The plan is to paint this concrete surface with a specialized paint to achieve a clean and smooth finish. These advancements, though seemingly minor individually, collectively represent major progress in the overall renovation. The article highlights the practical decisions made during the renovation process, such as budget considerations influencing material choices for the deck. The team expresses satisfaction with these developments, indicating that the project is moving closer to completion. The narrative is part of a series documenting the renovation journey of a brownstone in Bed Stuy, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring an older home. The project underscores the balance between preserving historical elements, like the original stairs, and implementing modern additions, such as the new deck. The approach to the stairs acknowledges their age and history, choosing restoration over complete replacement, which aligns with the character of a brownstone. For the deck, the innovative use of a concrete surface instead of traditional tiling demonstrates a pragmatic and cost-effective solution without compromising functionality. The ongoing nature of the renovation suggests continued updates on further progress and the eventual completion of the project. #BrownstoneRenovation #HomeImprovement #StairRestoration #DeckConstruction #BedStuy #DIYRenovation #HistoricHomes #BudgetFriendly

The blog post describes a personal experience with restoring old, worn-out leather chairs using a leather recoloring balm. The author recounts how two 21-year-old banana/caramel-colored leather chairs, subjected to direct sunlight, dog scratches, and extensive use, had developed significant wear and tear, including cracking and discoloration. Instead of purchasing new furniture, an internet search led to the discovery of The Original Leather Recoloring Balm by Furniture Clinic, a product under $25, touted as a cost-effective solution for rejuvenating leather. The author was initially drawn to the product due to its numerous five-star reviews, with users praising its ease of application, quick-drying properties, and long-lasting results, evidenced by impressive before-and-after photos. The balm is marketed for use on various leather items such as chairs, couches, car seats, clothes, and shoes, effectively addressing scratches, cracks, and faded areas. The application process began with selecting the appropriate color. Given the chairs' unique hue, a combination of beige and camel balms was chosen, mixed in a three-parts beige to one-part camel ratio, as suggested by the brand for custom color matching. Before applying the balm, the chairs were thoroughly cleaned and conditioned with existing products and allowed to dry for 45 minutes. The author describes the initial apprehension of painting leather but found the process straightforward with minimal mess. A patch test with the beige balm alone revealed it was too light, confirming the need for a custom mix. The blended balm was first applied to the deep cracks and edges of the chairs, using circular motions to ensure even coverage and prevent streaks. Subsequent applications covered the rest of the chair, avoiding clumpiness. Each coat was left to dry for 15 minutes, and a total of four coats were applied to achieve the desired depth of color and to effectively conceal scuff marks. After the final coat, the chairs were buffed with a towel to remove any excess balm and prevent color transfer onto clothing. The results were immediate and satisfying, with cracks disappearing and the color perfectly matching. The author highlights the balm's effectiveness in restoring the chairs to a like-new condition, saving significant costs compared to buying new furniture. A crucial test involved sitting on the freshly treated chair in white pants, confirming no color transfer after 30 minutes. Six months post-application, the chairs maintained their restored appearance, suggesting the need for annual upkeep. Reviewers' experiences varied regarding drying times between coats, with some waiting up to 24 hours to avoid transfer, especially when using the full Furniture Clinic cleaning and conditioning system. The article concludes by advising potential buyers to consult the product's color chart on Amazon to determine if color mixing or multiple coats are necessary. #LeatherRepair #FurnitureRestoration #HomeImprovement #DIYFurniture #ProductReview #CostEffectiveSolutions #HomeMaintenance #InteriorDesign #FurnitureClinicBalm

This article details the experience of a couple seeking upholstery services for a secondhand rocking chair, highlighting their journey to discover Das Upholstery, a local business owned by Das Chunilall. Initially apprehensive about the shop's cluttered appearance, the authors were swayed by a local interior decorator's recommendation. Upon entering Das Upholstery, customers can expect a clear pathway despite the visible stacks of furniture. The owner, Das Chunilall, whose first name is the inspiration for the shop's name, is described as friendly and a long-time resident of the neighborhood. Originally from Guyana, Das humorously claims to be from "Heaven." He has operated his shop for approximately 10 years, following 15-20 years of experience at another upholstery business on Jericho Turnpike. His skills were primarily acquired through practical experience, working alongside seasoned professionals, and self-study from books. Beyond the front section, the shop extends to include a workspace where Das and his staff perform their craft. There is also a downstairs area, indicating a larger operational space than initially perceived from the storefront. The cost for reupholstery services, while generally considered expensive, was found to be fair at Das Upholstery, with a labor quote of $325, which was lower than other estimates the authors received. The authors opted for self-pickup and delivery, emphasizing the value of supporting a local business. Das Upholstery offers flexibility in fabric selection. Customers can choose from in-stock samples, swatch books, or provide their own fabric, with Das advising on the required quantity. The authors successfully sourced their preferred fabric online after exploring various NYC fabric stores. The quality of work and turnaround time were also highly praised. Initially quoted a one-week completion, the job took ten days, despite Das anticipating a two-week timeframe due to high demand. The early completion, even falling on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, underscored Das's dedication. In addition to repair work, Das Chunilall also constructs original furniture pieces based on designers' plans, making his shop a resource for interior designers and decorators. He is noted for proudly sharing photographs of his projects on his phone. The article concludes with a strong endorsement of Das Upholstery for reupholstering, furniture repair, or custom furniture construction in Ditmas Park. Das operates six days a week, with irregular but generally early morning hours, and recommends calling ahead to confirm availability. #upholstery #furnitureRepair #smallBusiness #localBusiness #homeImprovement #interiorDesign #craftsmanship #DitmasPark

Renovating historic homes often presents a unique challenge: balancing the preservation of original charm with the need for modern functionality and increased property value. While historic houses possess an undeniable allure, they frequently come with outdated systems, uneven floorboards, and other issues that require significant attention. This article, featuring insights from interior designers Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of Brownstone Boys, and architect James Hartford of River Architects, offers a comprehensive guide to navigating such renovations efficiently and cost-effectively. Experts emphasize the importance of creating a master plan before commencing any work. This strategic approach ensures that all projects, even those in different rooms, align with a cohesive vision for the entire house. For instance, knowing that a kitchen will eventually be opened up can influence decisions made in other areas from the outset. Hartford recommends prioritizing essential upgrades like kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas significantly impact daily comfort and are often where modern functionality is most welcomed. Slocum highlights the appeal of juxtaposing old and new elements, particularly in these spaces, where modern appliances enhance usability. After addressing critical functional areas, the focus can shift to creating comfortable living spaces, such as a family room, before moving on to cosmetic improvements. The general principles for adding value, like selecting paint colors or upgrading kitchen appliances, remain consistent whether renovating a historic or a modern home. However, historic renovations demand careful consideration of which original features to preserve and which to update or remove. Contractor Dan Sullivan of Davaro Contracting advises meticulously removing and storing desired historic elements, such as moldings and trims, to prevent damage during construction. Conversely, not all vintage aspects should be retained. Some older appliances, though aesthetically pleasing, may lack modern efficiency, and certain materials like lead-based paint or leaded glass pose health hazards. Hartford specifically warns about lead paint in houses built before 1970 and suggests replacing original windows if restoration isn't feasible, despite this being a contentious point within the preservation community. Modernizing essential systems like heating, air-conditioning, electrical, and water management is paramount, with structural integrity and water damage prevention being top priorities. Financially, grouping major projects is a key strategy for cost savings. Sullivan advocates for saving up to complete a larger renovation in one go, rather than tackling it room by room, which can lead to increased costs and inconsistent results. If a full-scale renovation isn't immediately possible, completing work floor by floor can still minimize disruption and costs. Homeowners can also save money by undertaking DIY tasks for smaller, manageable upgrades, such as learning plaster techniques or installing light fixtures. Finally, the article underscores the importance of knowing when to stop. Historic preservation involves making choices about which quirks are worth maintaining and which are not. While the romantic idea of restoring every original detail is appealing, it can be prohibitively expensive. Slocum notes that a complete overhaul of elements like an original staircase can significantly inflate the budget. Bordelon advises homeowners to consider resale value even if they have no immediate plans to sell, suggesting adaptive design choices—like ensuring a yoga room can also function as a bedroom—to maintain broader appeal. Ultimately, a balanced approach that respects historical character while integrating practical modern updates is crucial for a successful and valuable historic home renovation. #HistoricHomeRenovation #HomeValue #InteriorDesign #BrownstoneBoys #HomeRemodeling #BudgetRenovation #ArchitecturalPreservation #Modernization #DIYHomeImprovement

This article outlines eight practical methods for repairing and restoring various types of wood damage, aiming to enhance the natural beauty and longevity of wood elements within a home. The first trick involves naturally restoring wood using coconut oil. Coconut oil rehydrates the wood, brings out its natural color, and provides a soft glow, effectively acting as a natural restorative agent that deepens the wood's appearance without artificial stains. For those looking to stain wood a darker, yet still natural color, the article suggests using vinegar. Balsamic or apple cider vinegar can be applied, and scrubbing it in with a wire brush can further enhance the staining effect. The third method addresses minor nicks and scratches with a natural recipe consisting of three-quarters cup of oil, such as canola oil, and one-quarter cup of vinegar. This mixture, when applied according to instructions, can restore wood pieces to their original condition. Additionally, rubbing scuffs with a walnut is presented as another simple solution for minor imperfections. For more significant damage, the article recommends using Bondo all-purpose filler, which is favored by many furniture restorers. This involves mixing Bondo, applying it to damaged sections, sanding it smooth, and then potentially repainting the entire piece for a uniform finish. When dealing with older, painted pieces that have endured wear and tear, the fifth trick suggests stripping the piece down to its original wood. Depending on the area size, this can be achieved by sanding for small sections or using a liquid paint stripper for larger areas. The liquid stripper is applied evenly with a chip brush, left for 30 minutes, and then scraped away along the wood grain. Refinishing wood like a professional is the sixth technique discussed. This process emphasizes the importance of sanding the wood thoroughly, even if no finish is visible, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper and progressing to fine-grit, always sanding with the grain. A smooth surface ensures even stain absorption. Applying stain with a rag and buffing thoroughly afterward leads to a durable and attractive result. The seventh trick focuses on repairing holes, particularly common in reclaimed wood or pallets. Instead of glue, the article advises using sharpened wood pieces like toothpicks or skewers to fill holes, which allows for consistent staining. After insertion, the wood is sanded flush. Finally, the article provides a solution for persistent watermarks. If watermarks are resistant to refinishing or repainting efforts, a spray shellac, such as Zinsser Bulls Eye Spray, can be applied. This shellac coating seals the watermark and prevents bleed-through, enabling a smooth painting process. These methods provide comprehensive solutions for maintaining and enhancing the appearance of wooden furniture and elements in a home. #WoodRestoration #FurnitureRepair #DIYHomeImprovement #NaturalWoodCare #WoodStaining #DamageRepair #HomeDecorMaintenance #WoodFinishing

After the festive season, wooden furniture may show signs of wear and tear, such as water rings, scratches, and smoke residue. Depending on the extent of the damage, it is often possible to restore these pieces at home. The initial step in any restoration process involves thoroughly cleaning the work area. A 100% cotton or soft microfiber cloth should be used with a small amount of furniture oil to clean the surface. It is crucial to avoid abrasive cloths or pads, as these can scratch the finish. When wiping, always move the cloth in the direction of the wood grain and apply light pressure to prevent scratching from dust particles. If there is a heavy layer of dust, a lightly damp soft cloth can be used first to remove debris, followed by furniture oil. Recommended pure oil brands for cleaning and dusting include Mohawk, Old English, and Guardsman, as aerosol polishes often contain harmful chemicals. For specific types of damage, different approaches are necessary. White, hazy, or cloudy water rings and heat marks, typically caused by hot containers, can be addressed by saturating a cloth with lemon oil and placing it over the stain for 12 to 48 hours. The lemon oil helps extract moisture from the lacquer finish. Stubborn marks may require a blush eraser, a retarder misted onto the area, though this may not guarantee 100% removal. For cigarette, cigar, and other smoking odors and stains, which are greasy, water is ineffective. Odorless mineral spirits, a degreaser, can be used to gently wipe surfaces with a damp cotton cloth to cut through smoke residue, always adhering to the manufacturer's instructions. When dealing with scratches and chips, gluing is suitable for larger breaks, but it requires applying glue deep into the wood's pores under clamp pressure. Simply squirting glue into a joint is counterproductive as it can close the pores and complicate future repairs. To maintain restored wood furniture, several preventative measures are advised. Regularly clean and dust with a pure oil product. In dry, dusty climates like Arizona, fine wood pieces should be kept away from direct sunlight. Cleaning and oiling wood furniture every three months with quality pure furniture oil (such as teak, lemon, citrus, or tongue oil that pours from a bottle, not sprays) is beneficial. Warm dishes or iced glasses should never be placed directly on wood tabletops; coasters, placemats, and hot pads are essential to prevent condensation from causing discoloration and damage. Plastic tablecloths should not be left on tables long-term, as their petroleum distillates can outgas and permanently soften the finish. Similarly, vinyl-covered books or rubber pads can cause damage. Cosmetics, especially nail polish remover, should be kept away from wood furniture, as they can dissolve the finish. Pet owners should keep nails trimmed and immediately clean up any pet mishaps to prevent ammonia and enzymes from settling into the wood. Wet spills should be wiped up quickly with a barely damp towel. Vacuum cleaners with a beater bar should be avoided as they can damage wood. Regarding oils, lemon, citrus, tongue, and teak oils are all plant resin-based, differing mainly in viscosity. While Mohawk, Old English, and Guardsman are recommended, it's important to note that Murphy’s Oil Soap contains petroleum distillates that can soften older shellac finishes, potentially leading to finish removal with excessive scrubbing. Organic cleaners with concentrated essential oils can also act as furniture strippers if not diluted or used correctly, sometimes leading to accidental damage and requiring professional refinishing. Adhering to these guidelines can help preserve wood furniture for many years. #WoodFurnitureRestoration #HomeMaintenance #FurnitureCare #DIYFurnitureRepair #WoodCareTips #InteriorDesign #HouseholdHacks #DamageRepair #FurnitureOils

This article discusses several mobile applications designed to assist users with home interior design projects, offering convenient ways to visualize changes without physical effort. It highlights three primary apps: Home Design 3D, Build App Pro, and Houzz Interior Design Ideas, along with MyPantone for color matching. Home Design 3D, available for $7 on iOS, is presented as a sophisticated tool capable of transforming 2D floor plans into interactive 3D models. Users can construct rooms, adjust their dimensions, and incorporate various furniture items and architectural elements from a built-in database. The app offers a range of options for wall and floor textures, including wallpaper, carpet, wood, or solid colors. While it features clear icons and appealing screen designs, it requires a significant learning curve. Additionally, some textures and furniture pieces are accessible only through in-app purchases, which may be a point of frustration for users. Build App Pro, an Android alternative costing $6, offers similar functionalities with a plan-view design mode for laying out rooms and furniture, and a 3D graphical view. It aims for simplicity with icon-driven menus and intuitive gestures. However, the article notes its limitations, including a small selection of 3D furniture models and a tendency to crash, suggesting a less stable user experience compared to Home Design 3D. Houzz Interior Design Ideas, a free app available on both Android and iOS, is recommended for the initial stages of redesign projects due to its simpler approach. Its main feature is an extensive catalog of interior design photos, organized by categories such as Family Room, Wine Cellar, and Exterior. Users can browse subcategories like Modern or Tropical, bookmark preferred designs in a personal idea book, and share them via Twitter or email. The app also serves as a marketplace, listing products for sale and connecting users with design professionals. For those specifically focused on color choices, the MyPantone app for iOS, priced at $10, is introduced. This app showcases the well-known Pantone color swatches, allowing users to browse colors and view data including official Pantone codes and harmonious color palettes. A unique feature of MyPantone is its ability to suggest the closest Pantone color by analyzing a photo taken by the user. Favorite colors can be saved for future reference when purchasing paint. However, its higher price point might be a deterrent for some potential users. The article also includes a brief mention of Swype, an alternative text-entry system for Android, which recently transitioned from beta to a paid app at $1 on the Google Play Store. Swype enhances typing speed by allowing users to glide their finger across letters to form words, improving the efficiency of on-screen keyboard interaction. #MobileApplications #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignApps #ProductivityApps #TechnologyReview #DIYHome