Hobbies

Photography

All of the header photos on each page and the ones below are pictures I took with my Sony 6000 using a Sigma 30mm:

Refurbishing Furniture

Rosemary-Inspired Dresser 

This piece was inspired by a friend who loves the color rosemary. I started by stripping off the old wood stain, filling in cracks with wood filler, and sanding the body and drawers until the water stains were completely gone. The hardware was soaked in a vinegar solution to remove buildup, then spray-painted gold for a fresh look. I finished the top drawer with a rich mahogany stain and painted the rest of the dresser in a soft rosemary green, giving it a warm and earthy charm. 

Light & Fresh Nightstand 

I found this solid wood nightstand for free on Facebook Marketplace and was thrilled to discover it was real wood beneath the wear. The first photo shows its transformation: from the original finish, to the paint-stripped stage, and finally, fully sanded down. I donated this piece to House2Homes, a non-profit that helps individuals transition out of homelessness by securing jobs and apartments—and fully furnishing those new homes. They request furniture that looks “light” and “fresh,” without looking "outdated", so I chose a clean white paint paired with light wood tones to give the piece a bright, uplifting feel. 

My First (and Favorite) Makeover 

This was the very first piece I ever refurbished—and still my favorite. It took several weeks to complete since I was learning everything from scratch, and the process came with a steep learning curve. I spotted this bold purple dresser at a Salvation Army and couldn’t help but wonder what was hiding beneath all that paint. After using a paint stripper, I uncovered a stunning wood grain that completely transformed the piece. I stained the wood, applied a protective top coat, and swapped out the hardware to create a more cohesive and timeless look.