Moms are the best, aren’t they? Who else is going to gestate you for 9 months? Read your blog? (Hi mom!) Keep an eye out for a dining set because they know you need one, AND negotiate a lower price on it? 

That’s the story of this table, which Vicki discovered at a second-hand store in Florida for her daughter Jennifer. Jennifer was tired of using her dining room for everything but dining, but was having trouble finding what she wanted. Vicki thought this table might be the kick in the pants she needed to take a step forward. It was exactly what Jennifer had dreamed of, except for not.

But all it needed was a fresh coat of paint and a quick reupholstery job, and it looks brand new! If you’ve never reupholstered anything before, chairs like this are the easiest place to start. Get yourself a decent staple gun and I’m confident the newest of newbies could have them done in a couple hours, if not less.

Isn’t that pattern fantastic? Jennifer adores her new dining set now. You can see more on the blog she shares with Vicki, 2 Bees in a Pod. That’s right, watch out, they’re a mother/daughter blogging team too!

Once upon a time kitchen designers decided that homeowners wanted nothing more than a full-time view of the backs of their cabinets. What is more pleasing to the eye? Anything of course, but did that stop them? Did they care if the backs didn’t even match? Ha. Hardly. Drop a soffit, tack some low-hanging cabinets underneath and you were in business, bucko!

But times changed, thankfully. People were no longer content to cook behind a wall of cabinets, closed off from the rest of the home, forced to crouch and tilt their heads sideways in order to speak to anyone standing beyond the kitchen. Walls came down, concepts were opened, and Pinterest was born. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.

Eliesa credits Pinterest with helping her achieve this ridiculously beautiful kitchen makeover. It really is the same room. I didn’t even believe it myself and had to check and doublecheck until it made sense. Note the glass doors in the background? 

Her blog is aptly titled Pinterest Addict, where she chronicles the pins she has tried and tested. She’s shared much more about her kitchen over there, including what she WISHES she would have done instead of ordering custom cabinets … It just might surprise you.

Here’s a little-known fact: James Avery (“Uncle Phil” on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) was also the voice of Shredder on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It’s true. Look it up if you don’t believe me.

Here’s another one: PETA once asked the Pet Shop Boys to consider changing their name to Rescue Shelter Boys. Ha! True story.

And here’s one more little-known fact: you can submit your before and after pictures to Better After even if you aren’t a blogger! I often receive emails from readers asking how they can submit their own projects if they don’t have a blog, and the answer is simple. Just send your photos and a short description to betterafter@live.com. Easy.

That’s what Cindy did when she finished her kitchen renovation. Thanks Cindy!

She started with a typical ’80s style kitchen featuring honey oak cabinets and the ubiquitous box light. I have seen a lot of light fixture transformations over the years, but I have yet to see anyone come up with something new for the box light. I actually feel like there is potential there. Challenge accepted, anyone?

Cindy ditched the box light and brought in can lights and under cabinet lighting to really brighten up the room. And of course, white cabinets and backsplash will do the trick too. So much happier! Did you notice the beadboard ceiling?

She also tore out this small desk area and replaced it with a narrow cabinet. I applaud that decision Cindy. Most kitchen desks are too small to function as much more than clutter collectors, plus then you have that chair all up in everyone’s way, yeah, it’s a no for me.

Streamlined and stylish now.

Cindy also got the farmhouse sink she’s always dreamed of. I don’t know if she had actually dreamed of it or not, but chances are if you’ve ever bothered to dream of a sink, it’s a farmhouse sink, am I right?

I love the extra detail in the cabinet with curtains instead of doors.  A little softness and color is always a good thing, unless of course, you have a toddler who would rip that down in a heartbeat while eating the dishwasher tablets. Haha, I’m kidding. My toddler has NEVER done such a thing. That I know of. He did eat an entire raw zucchini yesterday though. True story.