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.

Many businesses temporarily shut down because of COVID-19 and are slowly re-opening. Now that we're back open and everyone has changed the way we interact with each other for the  foreseeable future, we're changing the way we have sales.

Some of us have already planned out a social distance party or celebration in honor of Fathers Day, but some of us react a moment before the big day. Either way, we've got some ideas that are worth the scroll.

Meet Jake Cisar, a generous craftsman who donated two wonderful wood artworks for our Twin Cities Hard Hat and Black Tie Gala. We were so blown away by his work that we asked if he could share his work and describe the process of creating a wooden American Flag. 

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.