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TRYON—One of the newest shops in the area is Something Old Something New, located at 1987 Suite C Lynn Rd. and owned and operated by Danielle Tirado. She calls it a “furniture store with a twist,” selling vintage jewelry, local art, upcycled furniture, and more. 

In a world where mass-produced furniture fills living rooms, this local shop is making a name for itself by reimagining the old and neglected. Tirado, a passionate upcycler,  has spent years transforming discarded pieces into beautifully crafted furniture that tells a story.

For Tirado, the journey into upcycling began in adulthood, a creative outlet that coincided with her life as a single parent. 

“I’ve always kind of done it for myself, my friends, and my family,” she recalls. “It became a way to find unique pieces with character, often cheaper than buying new.” 

The pieces may have been a little “messed up,” but she firmly believes imperfections don’t define their worth.  

“My mom is from Denmark, and I think my love for real wood furniture comes from that heritage. I’ve always been drawn to mid-century modern designs,” she shares.

As a woodworker, she learned the intricacies of crafting furniture, turning what was once a hobby into a full-fledged passion during the pandemic. 

“With so much time on my hands, I started turning out more pieces. It kept me outdoors and focused,” she explains. 

The process often involves discovering furniture on the curb or through an app that alerts her to free items. “When something speaks to me, I just know,” she says, adding that her design vision fuels her creative drive. “I often get pieces from friends and family who want to declutter or just give me items to transform for the kids’ rooms.”

Before diving into the world of DIY furniture, Tirado had a different career path as a criminal investigator. “I moved here because I wanted a change,” she adds. 

Tirado is invested in supporting local artists and contributing to her community. “There are so many talented people around here. I feel lucky to create and connect with them,” she says.  She also creates sun catchers and other unique pieces, merging talent into one cohesive space.

As she showcases her work, Tirado continues to find beauty in the forgotten. From vintage jewelry to unique dishware, her creative eye sees potential where others might see “junk.” 

Although the work requires patience, Tirado finds joy in the process. 

“I’ve learned so much about fixing things, taking them apart, and figuring out how they work. It’s rewarding,” she emphasizes.

Something Old Something New is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday by appointment.