Modern Homemakers
Sophie Menor Lapuos: Out with the New, In with the Old
Brand new mom Sophie Menor Lapuos shares some insights on heirloom furniture and giving it an updated look.
This story about Sophie Menor Lapous first came out in Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition available at https://sarisari.shopping/.
The condition of old furniture speaks volumes about the owner and the family it was passed down to. But when the design no longer fits the times, these “heirloom pieces” — as Sophie Menor Lapuos calls them — need a bit of refurbishing. “When I got married, I decided to help out with my husband’s family business. Most of my friends knew that he had a furniture business and they had heirloom pieces. Back then, we were all at that stage of furnishing our
own homes.”
Like how many families start out, their homes were a mix of old and new pieces. But it can be quite a struggle to match the two styles when some don’t fit the home’s aesthetic. Sometimes, it needs a
little refresh, and this is where Sophie and her husband, Billy, came in.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
Making Heirloom Pieces Timeless
Heirloom pieces earn their value from the craftsmanship and the type of wood that’s used. If it’s not the material that’s worn out, it’s the style that Sophie believes needs a little updating. “It depends on the furniture. For example, if it’s a sofa, we change the fabric. If it’s wood, we change the color. Sometimes, we change the whole look.”
Other furniture that many families receive from their grandparents or elders includes old study desks and armchairs. Because many of these old heirloom pieces sport some elaborate curls and intricate floral patterns that were trendy in the past, they may look out of place in a modern home. Depending on how it looks, Sophie and Billy add some accents to make the bespoke piece look more contemporary. “It really depends on the design and the theme,” she admits.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
The Challenges of Restoring Heirloom Pieces
Unfortunately, restoration, especially when the piece is made from a traditional and dying art,
may feel more costly than its worth. The biggest challenge that Sophie and her husband Billy
usually face is when the heirloom piece is a product of a traditional craftsmanship—especially when they’re made of rattan or abaca. “It’s so hard to find people who still know how to weave solihiya and sometimes, it’s even finding the raw materials that are difficult.”
With the environment constantly changing, so does trying to maintain or refurbish dated furniture. “Some woods are not even legal to be used,” Sophie’s husband Billy adds during the interview. “It’s why they cost so much. Furniture made of narra — those usually cost a lot because of it being endangered.”
Creating lasting memories
As a couple who restores furniture that’s passed down from one generation to another, Sophie and Billy understand the importance of family all too well. As brand-new parents, they know that creating lasting memories with their son is important. It’s like seeing your grandmother’s favorite chair and getting flooded with childhood memories. They have always wanted to start a family but unfortunately that didn’t come easy for them.
“I had two miscarriages before finally being able to carry my son, Ethan to term. There were a lot of doubts and fears but, it was all worth it,” Sophie smiles with a mix of nostalgia and calmness. “Since it was my third pregnancy, I realized that I needed to be brave. You can’t think of the fears and anxieties even if there are so many things you’re not sure of.”
It’s this bravery that Sophie hopes her son learns from her. “I don’t want him to be afraid to try things. I want him to just go for it.” And rightfully so. While Ethan still has a lot of learning to do from his parents and many more memories to make with them, he can rest assured that he will have the most beautiful, nostalgic and sentimental pieces adorning his home when he is all grown up.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
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