Better After

How to gently punch your guests.

Creamy is dreamy, but too much is dreary. That was essentially the problem with this before guest bedroom. Lots of nice things, but nothing really giving this room any oof. Wait. That is not the right word. That’s the noise you make when someone punches you in the stomach. Oof! We don’t want this room to punch you in the stomach either. That’s too much oof.

OOMPH! Yes, there it is. That’s the one. Just by adding in some dramatic doses of black, Kim majorly amped up the oomph, yet still managed to keep a sense of serenity in this room. Lovely! I’d be happy to stay here, wouldn’t you?

See more of her guest bedroom and accompanying hutch makeover on her blog Tidbits and Twine.

Such a great little hutch, and stunning in black!

March 3, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

21 In chairs/ottomans/seating

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth!

Here is a super happy makeover for your eyeballs this morning. Hey, why don’t you put on that song Happy by Pharrell while you look at it? Then, smile at a stranger! Do a random act of kindness! Dance in your living room! Buy yourself a cookie! Tickle a puppy! Whatever you want!

It’s going to be a happy day, and it’s starting right now with this happy little chair from Laura at Making Pink.

March 3, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

10 In bathroom/ bedroom/ living room

Condo Commando

So you have a condo on the beach, right? And it’s nice, but could use a little work, you know? Hmmm? What’s that? You DON’T know what it’s like to own a fixer-upper condo on the beach? That’s OK, neither do I. I have a tent with a broken zipper that I can set up on my front lawn, but that’s about as close as I’ve got.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy this top-to-bottom makeover of Diane’s beachfront condo! Diane enlisted the help of her stepdaughters: interior designer Caitlin, and super handy Brittany, who just happens to be one of the most talented bloggers I have the pleasure of knowing in real life. I can already imagine her charging up the steps, power tools slung over her shoulder, ready to attack. It’s been a joy seeing what she’s accomplished with this project. So let’s check it out!

First of all, this outdated living/dining area got … whatever the opposite of outdated is. Indated? Updated? Yes, updated. Pardon me, I’m on a newborn’s sleep schedule. Anyway, looks fab.

How about this guest room? I know that wicker is making a big comeback and everything, but I’m still going to cast my vote with the after room. So bright and welcoming!

The master bedroom received new flooring, drapes and paint color, but my favorite thing has to be that custom headboard that Brittany built for less than $100!

The bathroom got a night-and-day makeover as well. Looks SO much more spacious. I love the colors too, very coastal and calm.

Want to see more? There’s tons more where this came from on Brittany’s blog Pretty Handy Girl. Planning a vacation near Topsail Beach in North Carolina? Good news, this beautiful condo is available to rent! Interested in learning how to make your own headboard? I aim to please. Here is Brittany’s headboard tutorial.

Happy weekend friend!

February 28, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

23 In tables/dressers/ wood

Don’t meddle with mod.

Maybe you see this beautiful – if a little worn out and beaten up – mid century modern coffee table, and you are holding your breath, hoping to all goodness that it hasn’t been painted aqua and distressed, the drawers lined with kicky scrapbook paper, and a bird and or an inspirational phrase stenciled across the top. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

On something else.

But fear not. Beck knows her stuff, and did everything right with this solid walnut piece; just a good old fashioned stripping, sanding and refinishing job to bring out its original shine. Perfect.

See more at Beckwith’s Treasures.

February 27, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In bedroom/ kiddie

A Nautical Nursery

Arr ya ready kids? (Now you say “aye aye, captain!”) I can’t heeeear you! “Aye aye CAPTAIN!” Ooooooohhhhhhh, It’s time for some nautical nonsense! (Hopefully you are familiar enough with Spongebob Squarepants that that kind of made sense).

Anyway! Look what we have here. Kim at The Kim Six Fix turned this ordinary bedroom into an oceanic oasis for her little man. There are so many great little details in this room, that you really must head over to her blog and check them all out. But I’ll point out a few of my favorites, like the stenciled curtains, and the painted armchair (yep!) …

The genius idea to paint the inner frames of the closet doors …

And just one more of many innovate makeovers: the Tidy Cat bucket turned twine-covered trash can! Ha! Ultra-adorable. So much fabulousness in one room! Great job Kim!

February 27, 2014 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In desks/hutches/buffets

Keep bleeding … Keep keep bleeding stain

This desk had been the victim of stain abuse at some point in its sad little life. When Christy came upon it for $15 at a yardsale, she had her doubts if it could be saved. Every time she touched it, the old stain rubbed off on her hands, turning them red. (I don’t even understand how this is possible! Who could be so inept at staining? The instructions are right there on the can!)

But the wrongs our little desk had suffered were about to be avenged, thanks to the miraculous coverage of chalk paint. (And several layers of primer too). Christy stuck with it until it was no longer bleeding stain, and added a cute grain sack strip for funzies and sent it to live in her teenage son’s room. (Don’t tell him how cute it is).

See it on her blog Our Southern Home.