How a ReStore Find and a Whim Won My Kitchen a Prize
I recently stumbled across One Project Closer’s Before & After Contest while browsing blogs, and it immediately caught my attention because it supports Habitat for Humanity. If you’ve followed my blog at all, you know that Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is one of my favorite places to shop—a thrift-style store dedicated to home decor, fixtures, and furnishings. I find incredible bargains there, and it’s where I discovered several pieces used in our kitchen makeover.
This is one of the items I found at the ReStore—an ordinary light fixture that sparked a makeover project:
With a little creativity and effort that fixture became the focal point of the room. After sanding, painting, and swapping a few details, it was transformed into a finished piece that fits perfectly with the updated kitchen aesthetic:
The light fixture makeover was one small part of a larger kitchen refresh. You can see how the finished fixture ties into the overall design of the space. Below is the full kitchen after the makeover—clean lines, updated finishes, and pieces sourced from places like the ReStore helped keep the project budget-friendly.
I entered our kitchen makeover in the One Project Closer contest on a whim and then promptly forgot about it. A few weeks later I received an email with exciting news: Melanie from Bear Rabbit Bear had selected my kitchen as the weekly winner. What a pleasant surprise! As the chosen winner I received a $50 gift card (I selected Home Depot), and Habitat for Humanity received a $100 donation in my honor. That combination—recognition plus supporting Habitat—was especially meaningful.
What I love about this whole experience is how accessible and rewarding these community-driven projects can be. The ReStore makes it easy to repurpose and refresh items, and contests like One Project Closer’s Before & After series celebrate creativity while giving back. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen makeover or a small light fixture redo, there’s satisfaction in finding great pieces, making thoughtful updates, and sharing the result with others.
If you’re considering entering a before-and-after contest, this is a good reminder to capture clear photos, tell the story of the project, and highlight any budget-friendly sources, like the ReStore, that helped achieve the look. Explain the process you used—what you replaced, repainted, or repurposed—and show the finished results. Judges and readers respond to both transformation and the story behind it.
The contest was still open when I entered, with only a few days left at that time. If you have a makeover project you’re proud of—a small lighting update, a bathroom refresh, a full kitchen renovation—consider linking it up for a chance to win the grand prize: a $150 gift card to Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Amazon. Entering supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission, highlights your hard work, and could net a useful prize to put toward your next project.
Whether you shop at a ReStore, scout thrift shops, or repurpose items you already own, there’s real creative potential in doing more with less. I’m thrilled our kitchen makeover resonated with the judges, and even more pleased that it contributed to a Habitat donation. If you’re inspired, document your process, submit your before-and-after, and share your transformation—good luck with your project and happy renovating!
