There has been an infestation of bees in my neighborhood lately, which is probably why I dreamed I was a beekeeper last night. Which reminds me, I forgot to tell you about another one of my personal rules, one that I wish everyone would adopt: If you must tell someone about your dream, wrap it up in 10 words or less. For example: “Alec Baldwin chasing me with knives through a haunted Costco.” And we’re done.
There’s nothing worse than listening to someone drone on and on about their dreams. (Their literal dreams, not like, their hopes and dreams. I’m not a total monster). There’s just nothing you can say to contribute to the conversation.
But anyway, back to being a beekeeper. I have a friend who is a beekeeper. I think he is awesome because he taught himself how to be a beekeeper by watching videos on YouTube. Isn’t that crazy? What if you could do that with any profession? “I’m not a ‘certified’ dentist with a ‘degree’ or anything, but don’t worry. I’ve watched a ton of YouTube videos. Now open wide!”
But it can be done. Better After reader Sara and her husband bought their house about three years ago and she says, “we did everything ourselves with the help of YouTube and blogs.” That’s absolutely awesome Sara! You’re right up there in self-taught-beekeeper status to me.
Let’s take a look:
The kitchen is my favorite part! I love the open shelving and the wall-o-backsplash.
The living room looks about 25 years younger now. Love the new floors.
Major upgrade in the dining room, but I love that she kept the corner built-in and beefed up the chair rail into legit wainscoting.
And here’s a peek outside, isn’t it the cutest? It was charming to begin with, but a fresh coat of paint and and aqua door really make it smile.












13 Comments
Laurie V
April 17, 2015 at 9:55 AMWell done! I know you are not supposed to covet, but I do fancy those chairs in the living room. That upholstery is way cool.
Burgess
April 17, 2015 at 10:07 AMOh my gosh, I could not agree more about wrapping the dream telling in 10 words or less. It seriously drives me nuts when people go on and on. Love this blog!
Hil
April 17, 2015 at 10:27 AMBeautiful! The planters by the garage and the window boxes really add to the exterior. And they did a great job freshening up the interior too!
anna whiston-donaldson
April 17, 2015 at 12:15 PMSuch great projects, and the house looks adorable!
Just Justin
April 17, 2015 at 12:33 PMWell done on standing in the exact same spot for the before and after pictures. This is probably the best by far on this site.
…oh…and the upodates, upgrades, new finishes, and style choices are AMAZING! 😉
LeeAnn
April 17, 2015 at 6:57 PMThis is hands down my favorite kitchen! White cabinets, butcher block counter tops, and that back splash. I love the color of the back splash. Lindsey, does Sara have a web page?
Lindsey @ Better After
April 17, 2015 at 9:42 PMNope, just a reader submission. She needs one though!
Amy U
April 17, 2015 at 8:40 PMThe Before living room curtains? Old lady in high-water polyester pants. Retired teacher. Can’t stand kids.
Lindsey @ Better After
April 17, 2015 at 9:41 PMBahahaha! I can totally see it!!
Jenna Watley
April 17, 2015 at 9:20 PMI feel relieved that someone else said my thoughts out loud about dreams. My husbands and daughters cell numbers are 817-….. They drive me nuts on this!
Back to topic, those are some wow upgrades learned on YT. The kitchen and living room floors are fabulous and I love the front door! Thanks for sharing!
Cathie
April 17, 2015 at 9:26 PMI totally agree, but I limit people to one tweet.I bbelieve you only listen to people’s dreams so you can tell them yours.
Autumn
April 18, 2015 at 7:12 AMThe kitchen is my favorite, too. I love that the structure of the room hasn’t changed — they didn’t gut it or start over or spend a fortune. They updated and freshened up, and it looks great. (Also, this kind of makeover is a lot more “do-able” for most people, so it’s nice to see once in a while! Very inspiring.)
kayla
April 20, 2015 at 2:41 PMLove this “after” Im actually usually not a big fan of the throw back trend to open shelving, but this was done PERFECTLY!!! I also love the two accent chairs in the second “after” oh my goodness, perfect touch