How many times have you found yourself eager to see the end result of a project but unsure where to begin? The truth is, the easiest way to begin is to simply start.

As someone who might seem consistently focused on health, I’ve discovered that my love for giving things a new purpose runs even deeper. You’ve probably heard the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll find thousands of DIYers sifting through discarded items, putting in the manual labor, and reselling furniture with “good bones” for profit. Could this be your next project?

My Journey into Repurposing

It all began when I stumbled into an old antique store—you know the kind. Tucked down an alley by the train tracks, with no sign or directions, where you have to dig through piles of dusty, forgotten treasures. It was in this magical, item-overloaded place that I found the perfect coffee table.

It looked like oak, with a genuine white marble tabletop insert. The metal details on the handles and legs were intricately engraved, and the craftsmanship was impeccable. The pieces were interlocking, with no nails in sight—clearly a piece built with care and history. I left it just as it was, appreciating its story.

But not all my projects stayed untouched. Take, for example, a chair I rescued from the trash. This piece had to be at least 100 years old, still stuffed with horsehair and burlap, held together with furniture nails—no staple guns here. After some research, I discovered it was a Louis XIV wingback bergère chair.

The Process of Transformation

I stripped the chair down layer by layer, removing fabric, nails, and years of history. Underneath, I found a glossy mahogany frame. I reconstructed the seat springs, tied them down properly, and restuffed the chair with modern materials like mold-resistant foam. I even broke out the electric stapler to secure the new cushion and insulation.

The chair is almost complete—it just needs the final touch of a designer fabric. But the journey has been worth every step.

Why I Love These Projects

The point of sharing these projects isn’t to turn trash into profit (though that’s a bonus). It’s about the joy of the process. I loved researching each stage of the project—watching YouTube videos on how to tie springs and work with burlap, scouring websites for cushion tutorials, and making multiple trips to the store for supplies.

I was a novice when I started, but I had a vision. I wanted that bergère chair to be functional and beautiful again. And while I had to invest in materials, I had complete control over the outcome. I chose burlap that would last, water-resistant foam, and a design that would ensure the chair could easily go another 100 years.

These are the items worth investing in—pieces crafted with determination and grit in an era when quality and durability were non-negotiable. They were built to stand the test of time, and restoring them feels like honoring that legacy.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

This project expanded my horizons in ways I didn’t expect. I initially estimated it would take me four days. Instead, it stretched into three months. Why? Because I had to figure out how to tie proper knots, position staples so they wouldn’t show, and remove hundreds of nails.

Juggling the project between my home and garage was another challenge. Painting, vacuuming horsehair, and keeping everything organized without disrupting the rest of the house required patience and adaptability.

But every step taught me something new. Here’s what I learned:

1. Start Small
   I didn’t know where to begin, so I started by removing the nails—all 300 of them. It felt good to accomplish that first step, and it gave me the momentum to keep going.
2. Fail Fast
   I made mistakes along the way—like misplacing the burlap or tying the springs incorrectly. But each failure taught me something valuable. I watched more videos, adjusted my approach, and kept moving forward.
3. Persist and Persevere
   There were moments when I wanted to give up. The timeline kept stretching, the weather turned cold, and my hands bore the cuts and bruises of manual labor. But I persisted because I believed in the vision. I knew the chair could be beautiful again, and I wasn’t willing to let all that time and effort go to waste.

The Reward of Perseverance

The chair is almost complete now. All that’s left is choosing the perfect fabric—one that matches my aesthetic and will stand the test of time. When it’s done, it won’t just be a chair. It will be a story—a testament to patience, creativity, and perseverance.

This project has become a part of me. It captures a moment in my life, a lesson in resilience, and a reminder that even the most daunting tasks can be tackled one step at a time.

So, What’s Your Project?

What’s the thing you’ve been wanting to start but don’t know where to begin? Maybe it’s a piece of furniture, a creative endeavor, or a personal goal. Whatever it is, remember:

• Start small.
• Fail fast.
• Persist and persevere.

A framework can guide you, but what you really need is the willingness to take that first step—and the determination to keep going, no matter what obstacles come your way.

So, what are you waiting for? Just start.

If you’re feeling inspired, or if you just want to chat and connect—no pressure at all—feel free to reach out to me at connect@liproti.com. I’m always happy to hear from fellow creators and like-minded individuals.