Spring—a time for renewal, revival, rebirth…and a good time for a home refresh. No need to whip out the wallet for an expensive update. Instead, follow the refreshing (and budget-friendly) advice from local experts.
Rabbit + The Oak
Tracy Sideris makes it her business to know what to keep and what to toss. The owner of Rabbit + The Oak (17 Danbury Road, Ridgefield) reimagines, redesigns, and refinishes furniture and cabinetry. Sideris began reimagining furnishings as early as twelve when she redesigned her pink floral bedroom into a cow motif. Her DIY passion for changes in her own home (including a $65 flea market French Provincial piece repurposed for her baby’s nursery) eventually blossomed into a business where she recreates the old to look new. She also offers tips and workshops. Modernize that tired maple hutch by removing the doors and repainting in a soft palette of chalk paint to rival the pricey catalog pieces. A beloved chest can be repurposed into a spectacular bathroom vanity. “Furniture is expensive,” says Sideris. “Don’t toss it if you can repurpose it.”
Natalie Decleve
“People often need permission to let go,” says Natalie Decleve, a personal stylist since 2009 who loves nothing more than rolling up her sleeves to help clients purge outdated and unwanted clothing to make space for what they love. (nataliedecleve.com) Decleve’s goal is to make getting dressed effortless by being strategic about what her clients own and buy. “There are skeletons in every closet,” she laughs. To get rid of them, she suggests keeping only the functional and fabulous and nothing in between. Her tip – sort everything into three piles—yes, no, and maybe. Maybes can be whittled down to only the pieces that best suit the wardrobe. The less clutter, the easier it is to love what you have.
Olley Court
Susan Buzaid, owner of Olley Court (1 Big Shop Lane, Ridgefield) would rather see one timeless piece instead of three that will wear out their welcome before a year is up. The twenty-year veteran of design says that refresh can mean anything from cleaning out the kitchen cabinets to making major renovations. Her tip – avoid being overwhelmed. Instead, start small. Does the mudroom need baskets and hooks? Something as simple as changing out the well-worn door mats can give a space a facelift. A powder room punch can be achieved by replacing hand towels, the waste basket or refreshing the paint. “I’ve had customers who want to make changes but are terrified,” she says. “Focusing on one area that bothers you can help you get started.” •
