Transforming Old into New: Kaylee Brouwer’s Journey with Furniture Rehab
Meet Kaylee Brouwer, a passionate entrepreneur from Ramara who has turned her creative passion into a thriving business, Furniture Rehab.
The Concept Behind Furniture Rehab
Brouwer specializes in purchasing outdated furniture that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Her goal is to give these pieces a stylish makeover, turning them into eye-catching additions for homes. She sources furniture from discount shops, auctions, and online marketplaces before applying her artistic flair through paint and woodworking.
From Hobby to Business
Kaylee’s journey began in 2014 while she was approaching the final weeks of her first pregnancy. Seeking to refresh her living space, she bought a $10 coffee table. After painting it, she found it didn’t match her vision. She posted it online and sold it for $80, realizing she had made a $70 profit. This initial success ignited her passion, leading to self-taught skills in painting, refinishing, and woodworking.
The Power of Online Learning
Brouwer credits YouTube as an invaluable resource in her learning journey. “Whenever I was confused about a technique or needed guidance, I always turned to YouTube,” she shared. Her husband also played a crucial role, teaching her various construction methods and tool usage, helping her to cultivate her skills.
The Evolution of Craft
Her toolset has grown significantly, including essentials like chop saws, drills, and orbital sanders. Initially using basic hobby paints, she now works with premium options, exploring new materials and techniques. Today, she partners with Tanya Grenkie of TJ’s Treasures and Custom Creations, located at 23B Booth St., Hawkestone, to acquire high-quality paint that enhances her designs.
Creative Independence
Brouwer prefers to work on her own terms, often stepping away from commissions as they involve unpredictable timelines and client expectations. “I like to choose what I work on, and if people like it, they buy it,” she explains. This approach has allowed her to focus on larger, more dramatic pieces that showcase her growing skills as a furniture artist.
A Unique Style
With her distinctive style, Brouwer has graduated from refinishing antique buffets to tackling bulkier furniture transformations. “I’m now working with heavier pieces, redesigning items that were headed for the dump,” she notes. This passion for creativity gives her the freedom to express her artistic vision fully.
Community and Learning
Kaylee actively follows established artists in the industry like Brush by Brandy to stay updated on new techniques and styles. “We all have our own unique styles within the local community,” she remarks, highlighting the creativity and diversity in furniture design.
Home Staging Expertise
As a certified home stager, Brouwer knows how to effectively use materials and colors to enhance decor. “My staging certification has significantly improved how I showcase my furniture,” she concluded.
Dedicated Workspace
To streamline her creativity, Kaylee operates from dedicated outbuildings at her home—one for woodworking and another for showcasing completed pieces. “Keeping things separate not only protects them but also allows for a proper display,” she added.
Online Presence and Sales
Brouwer showcases and sells her stunning pieces through her Furniture Rehab Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on Kijiji and various buy-and-sell platforms. For those interested in seeing her creations in person, appointments are available for viewing.
For further details, connect with Kaylee through her social media or email.
Conclusion
Kaylee Brouwer’s journey from a passionate hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur illustrates the power of creativity and sustainability in modern furniture rehab. Her commitment to transforming discarded items into beautiful, functional art pieces not only promotes recycling but also enriches homes with style. Explore more about her work and vision at this link.
For additional inspiration on your home design journey, visit our blog at ChatbiHouse and discover innovative interior design ideas tailored for you!
