Better After

2 In kitchen/dining

A Bone of Extension

I’m not sure what look the previous owners of this kitchen were going for, and it appears that they stopped worrying about it halfway through. White cabinet doors on red cabinets? Three drawer handles total? And that was the least of the sins!

Sharon knew it could be more. Actually, she was horrified. But her husband Todd had faith in this funky kitchen, promising her that it had “good bones.” They slowly excavated those bones to reveal the airy and open expanse of space it is today. My favorite parts: the new window they put in and the creepy wet-bar they took out!

Say goodbye, wet-bar! This entire wall came down, making way for a spacious island and tons of light. So much more to see on her blog Life After Empty Nest.

April 24, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In chairs/ottomans/seating/ kiddie/ miscellaneous/ Uncategorized

Started from the bottom …

Here come two makeovers that don’t really have anything in common, but they kind of do. For one thing, to quote successful rapper and surprisingly hilarious SNL host Drake, they both started from the bottom, now they here. Sorry to get all gansta on you, but it’s true. They both looked like the type of thing you’d find on the curb after an unsuccessful yardsale.

Britt started off with this cart she bought for $5 at a thrift store, and admits that her family was actually a little scared of it. I’m sure they’ve changed their tune, because after a few coats of spray paint and some adhesive houndstooth contact paper, it’s looking totally snazzalicious.

Beck also went with a classic black and white pattern on what used to be some kind of torture device/time-out chair situation. It was giving me the sads. But not anymore! A little damask print and a cheery red paint job on the frame, and it looks brand new. How cute is that chalkboard too?

See more on her blog Beckwith’s Treasures.

What do you think Drake? You are probably inspired to write your next big rap hit about furniture transformation, huh? You can totally use the word ‘snazzilicious’ if you want.

April 24, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

24 In miscellaneous/ other rooms

It’s rude to stair.

Better After reader Lynn had an unfortunate wall-o-stairs that punched you in the face as soon as you stepped foot inside her front door. How unwelcoming! Alongside the light-blocking stairs, the entryway was also rocking two different linoleums, a fugomatic light fixture, and a flowery faux stained-glass sidelight. Hrm. Change was needed here.

And boy oh boy, Lynn changed it all and then some, right down to the light switches. The new banister opens the space up and makes it feel so much bigger and brighter. Huge impact!

Out of all the recent changes she’s made on her home, she reports that this one is still her favorite. Not hard to see why!

April 23, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

19 In decor/ miscellaneous/ tables/dressers

Rasberry Display

Sing it with me, “She wore a raaaaaaspberry beret! The kind you find in a second-hand store!” You know what else you can find in a second-hand store? Old furniture that needs new life! And come to think of it, I’ve never actually found a raspberry beret in a second-hand store. I’ve never actually looked for one. But I did find a gold sequined fanny-pack once, and I’m still mad at myself for not buying it. I’ve been trying to bring fanny packs back for years now, but I’m having a hard time getting anyone onboard my train. I don’t understand it. They’re so handy! C’mon! Get onboard this train.

Anyway, this train has kind of derailed, so lets get back on track with where I was going to begin with: raspberry makeovers! Here comes one now from Christina Miller at Phoenix Restoration. Before, a veneer covered dresser of unspecialness. Now? Super special! And that color! Yum.

And speaking of unspecialness, Megan had herself a rug that was as exciting as a Wheat Thin. So … not very exciting. It kind of looks like a giant Wheat Thin. And everyone knows Wheat Thins are better with a little something sweet on top. How about … raspberry! See her blog Rappsody in Rooms to find out how she did this with tape, paint, and patience.

April 23, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In tables/dressers

Dresser Expressions

Oh, this dresser! What a hard life it must have lived. I want to give him a hug, poor thing.

Luckily, Deb gave him the furniture equivalent of a hug: a solid scrub and a fresh paint job that restored his pride and dignity. What a fancy boy he is now! I really have to stop personifying furniture, people are going to start thinking I am strange.

See more from Deb at Lake Girl Paints.

April 22, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In bedroom/ kiddie

Little girl, big color!

Pop quiz time. What’s the best way to begin a room makeover?

A) Paint the walls!

B) Find accessories!

C) Buy the big items!

The answer might surprise you. It’s B. I’m not making it up, go ask David Bromstad and he’ll tell you the same thing. Start somewhere small. A pillow with a fabric you’re in love with. A favorite photo. A colorful throw. Something that captures the ‘mood’ you’re trying to create. The paint should come last if you decide to paint at all.

That’s exactly how it happened for Julie, anyway. Her daughter is a happy little thing, and her room was just the opposite. A dark, depressing box. That wouldn’t do! This girl needed color! Fun! Whimsy! A bright space for a bright girl. And where did Julie start? With a rug that was all of those things! After that, everything seemed to fall into place. So cute. More details to see on her blog Julie Petunia.