At first, when I heard that emerald was the “Color of the Year” for 2013, I was all, “meh.” Big whoop. But then my eyeballs got a hold of the following resplendently emerald makeovers, and now I’m like “Emerald, heck yeah!” Maybe you will feel the same. Let’s find out:
Case in point: this boring old hutch. And it was not in great shape either. How
could regular wear and tear inflict so much damage on a hutch? Were
these people getting out their fine china with shovels or something? No
matter, because now it’s a genuine gem. And those handles! Swoonville.
From Jennifer at Dimples and Tangles.
Kelly at A Swell Place To Dwell went green to get green with this dresser she planned to sell. But she didn’t stop at green, she went for the gold too. She gilded the edges of the frame with liquid gold leaf, along with the handles, though she didn’t get to enjoy this beauty for long. It sold in a snap!
I’m already in love with this emerald and gold relationship, but what if we spiced things up with a little peacock blue? And/or actual peacocks? Dionne at The Turquoise Iris did exactly that with this old credenza, and it turned out stunning. I could squeal like a peacock, I love it so much. Not really, have you ever heard the sound a peacock makes? TERRIFYING.
And last but not least, Pam at Simple Details took this outdated dumpster-dive dresser and turned it on it’s side, literally and figuratively. She also she turned some basic IKEA handles on their side, which gives it an entirely new look. So genius! So modern! So chic!
And we have a RYOBI tools giveaway winner, Amberlou! Sorry Amberlou, I forgot to ask for your email address, please contact me at betterafter@live.com and we’ll get you your tools ASAP!












19 Comments
ananchorage
February 1, 2013 at 8:00 PMHaving lived through furniture of this color in the 70’s, I think it will be a very short lived trend. Again. It is not peaceful to walk into a room and have this bright green blast at you.
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell
February 1, 2013 at 7:28 PMThank you! Honoured to be in some very good emerald company 🙂
Anna See
February 1, 2013 at 7:36 PMThese are delish! Such deep, beautiful colors!
Javi de Yonolotiraria.com
February 1, 2013 at 8:00 PMwow!!! beatiful changes!!! kisses from spain!
the Turquoise Iris
February 1, 2013 at 8:33 PMThank you for including my emerald piece! You chose some truly beautiful pieces to showcase…such talent out there! I’m so impressed, COLOR never goes out of style.
~Dionne
http://www.theturquoiseiris.blogspot.com
Maureen
February 1, 2013 at 9:17 PMEvery one of those makeovers is amazing. Yay, emerald!
Laree
February 1, 2013 at 9:33 PMI have to admit, I’m not going to paint anything emerald. It’s just too bright for my tastes. but I loved the commentary. (and growing up, I had a neighbor that raised peacocks. Those things are worse than roosters!)
Mal
February 1, 2013 at 9:40 PMI LOVE the peacock detailing on those windows in the third one! LOVE it.
Ech and Will
February 1, 2013 at 9:55 PMI’m in love with those beautiful greens!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles
February 1, 2013 at 10:31 PMThanks Lindsey! What a privilege to be in such stylish company. Hooray for Green!!!
Retro Restyling
February 1, 2013 at 11:24 PMCan I say too… why does it seem like I find all kinds of pieces that look like they’ve been opened with shovels too? It’s crazy. Anyways, I’ve been dying to paint something green for awhile now… these are all great submissions but dang, the one with the IKEA handles had me at hello.
pam {simple details}
February 2, 2013 at 12:43 AMThank you, Lindsey ~ I always love your fun before and afters, it’s great to be included with those talented ladies!
Jody
February 2, 2013 at 1:40 AMNow these are awesome & amazing afters! Love!
spalace13
February 2, 2013 at 3:53 PMTruly thinking about this for my old buffet. We inherited it with our 1920’s house – I think it’s ready for some new life!
Nancy
February 2, 2013 at 1:59 PMThese are all awesome. I’ve got the green bug, too, and that’s odd since I have never liked green! I’m a huge fan of Jennifer and Pam’s blogs. They are so talented.
Xo Nancy
Powellbrower.com
kimberj
February 2, 2013 at 5:20 PMI am in love with the handles on the last piece! Bravo for the perfect pick and placement.
Carol Hake
February 2, 2013 at 6:37 PMI hear what you’re saying about green. Probably the only thing green in my house is either a dollar bill or the mold on the cheese in the back of the fridge! LOL! But I gotta say, I’m loving the rehabs on your posts today … makes me kind of think that green is pretty awesome!
Painted Elegance
February 4, 2013 at 4:50 PMLove the color! Great refinish!
Anonymous
February 18, 2013 at 11:20 PMThe first one and last one are awesome