Shabby Brown Restore
About Shabby Brown Restore
Crystal Wood founded Shabby Brown Restore in her basement while working as a dental assistant, never imagining the business would grow into a full operation with a dedicated shop and team of seven. Today, she handles every initial consultation personally, guiding homeowners through color selection, process details, and material samples before any work begins.
The all-female crew specializes in kitchen cabinet refinishing using industrial coatings that achieve a factory-smooth finish. Jessica Williams manages on-site operations, ensuring homes are fully protected during the two-day spray process. Tami Hartman handles sanding preparation and hardware installation, while Michaela Arcate and Mariani Estremera manage shop-based door and drawer refinishing. The company also offers complete door replacement through a local door maker with seven profile options, plus countertop coordination through partner fabricators.
Shabby Brown Restore is fully insured and provides a guarantee on all labor, with contracts paid only when customers are completely satisfied. The team serves Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, and surrounding Capital Region communities.
Updated: 01-12-2026
Q&A Based On What Customers Are Saying About Shabby Brown Restore
Q: What kind of cost savings do Shabby Brown Restore customers see compared to new cabinets?
Multiple customers highlight significant savings over cabinet replacement. Brandon Patterson explains the value, stating Shabby Brown Restore "turned our 1970's cabinets into a modern kitchen for about 20% of what a new kitchen would cost." Sandra M. on Yelp calculated she would have paid "3x what we did to have brand new cabinets." The refinishing approach delivers transformation without renovation pricing.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Q: What makes Shabby Brown Restore's all-female crew stand out in reviews?
The team composition appears throughout customer feedback as a positive differentiator. Marylynne J. praises owner Crystal, noting "Crystal's design aesthetic rivals any HGTV celebrity" and describing her suggestions as transformative. Customers mention the crew's attention to detail, professionalism, and how comfortable they felt having the team work in their homes throughout the project.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Angi
Q: Does Shabby Brown Restore's cabinet finish hold up over time?
Tracy Paul addressed durability by waiting a full year before reviewing. She confirms "I waited a year to post this review so there was ample time to see how the job would stand up to our busy life" and reports their "20+ year old cabinets look brand new." The industrial coatings are designed for factory-quality durability that withstands daily kitchen use.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How long does a Shabby Brown Restore kitchen cabinet refinishing project take from start to finish?
The process follows a consistent two-day on-site timeline. Doors and drawer fronts go to the shop first, leaving homeowners functional for about a week. Kelly Rhodes describes the efficiency, noting "2 days and we have what feels like a new kitchen." The crew tents off, sands, and sprays on day one, then finishes spraying and rehangs everything on day two.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does Shabby Brown Restore offer services beyond cabinet refinishing?
The company coordinates comprehensive kitchen updates beyond paint. Tom Pep's recent project included "countertops, sink, faucet, undercabinet lighting, crown molding" all managed through Shabby Brown Restore's partner network. They also offer door replacement with seven profile options through a local door maker, plus backsplash restoration and island upgrades with paneling or ship-lap details.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Do customers return to Shabby Brown Restore for additional projects?
Repeat business appears throughout the reviews. Jeff Pitkin came back for his "THIRD project" with the company. Joane Mastroianni hired them for her kitchen first, then brought them back for bathroom vanities. This pattern suggests customers trust the quality enough to continue the relationship beyond a single project.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How do Shabby Brown Restore customers describe the transformation of their cabinets?
The language around results is remarkably consistent across reviews. Betty Ann describes her furniture as "better than I had expected. Better than new!" Tracy Paul says cabinets look "brand new" after refinishing. The goal, as stated on their website, is for no one to know the cabinets were refinished rather than replaced, and customers confirm that factory-finish appearance is achieved.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Why do reviews mention Crystal and the Shabby Brown Restore team so positively?
Personal interactions receive high praise throughout reviews. Tracy Paul describes the team as "personable, reliable, and very thoughtful about their work." Brandon Patterson calls them "True Professionals!" Multiple reviews mention Crystal's patience during color selection and the crew's respectful treatment of customers' homes during the on-site work process.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Updated: 01-12-2026