The ReStoration Corner

Want to show off your style and personality? Let your house do the talking. Along with interior decorating, you can create a one-of-a-kind look to your house’s exterior. Whether it’s painting your front door an eye-catching color or planting flowers and shrubs in your front yard, your home should resemble you both inside and out.

Summer's here, the clouds have parted, and the sun is out – yep, it's time to stain the deck! Deck-staining might feel like a big, ongoing job, but it's necessary. The wood in your favorite summer gathering space will last longer, look nicer, and pop all season long. Here's everything you need to know about how to prep your deck for staining, when to undertake the project, and how to ensure a smooth, even finish.

“At the end of the day, I can look back and say, ‘We got stuff done at the store and ultimately helped make a difference for people in the community.’”

John Bagaglio (or "Bags," as he's known to Twin Cities Habitat) is a part-time volunteer at the New Brighton ReStore. For a few hours a day a few days a week, he helps move donated items in and out of the shop – and to hear him tell it, he's been set on it for a while.

You don’t have to be a home décor expert to know that the rustic scheme rarely goes out of style, nor does the look of distressed antique furniture. Although, sometimes, it can be difficult to find a rustic one-of-a-kind piece that's still in good condition. This is where we challenge you to think outside of the box, because achieving that antique look for your wood furniture is possible if you're up for a fun project.

The next time you find a used table that’s in excellent condition, but lacks the character you love about antique finishes, don't swear it off. Here are seven ways to distress furniture to get the look you love.

Before you head back or visit ReStore for the first time, there are a few things you need to know. Your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers are first and foremost. We've created new protocols and rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that you should know before visiting. 

While you're remodeling your kitchen, one of the things you'll be surprised by is how quickly you run out of space. Countertops alone can eat up a lot of real estate – then you have to decide whether you should buy kitchen cabinets or appliances first.

Guest blog by Robin Henrichsen, ReStore Donations Manager

ReStore trucks are back on the road and picking up donations!  Our stores remain closed since the initial COVID-19 closure several weeks ago, but donations are needed more than ever as we prepare to re-open. Our New Brighton expansion has also left us with additional space. We need your donations to help fill the space.

If you've never redone your flooring (or if it's been a while since the last time you did), you might feel a bit lost about where to start. ReStore Manager Jill Carmody has helped countless homeowners with flooring renovations, from how to pick the right flooring to expert tips for first-timers. Here's an easy guide for how to do your flooring remodeling project right.

If you're shopping for a refrigerator, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore has a great selection of refrigerators and other used appliances. But what do you need to know when buying used appliances? ReStore's Jan Hagerman tells you what to look for in this edition of ReStoration Corner.

Business donations to the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore keep the store well-stocked and the inventory fresh. ReStore operates on donated products and all revenue supports Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s work building, rehabbing, and repairing homes for local families. Many businesses choose to donate overstock, mis-orders, discontinued items, or storeroom cleanout.