Better After

Fire in the hole!

It appears that this was a functioning fireplace at one time, although it seems you could only make like, the tiniest fire ever in there. Doesn’t that fire-hole look so teensy? I’m sure there’s a better name out there for it than ‘fire-hole,’ but honestly it looks like it could only hold half a log at a time.

But enough about me fixating on this fun-size fire-hole. Let’s see how awesome the whole thing looks now that Shannon got her hands on it. She beefed up the mantle, de-beefed all that overpowering brick, and build a surround that puts the fire-hole into perfect proportion. Fun idea with the lanterns inside too, so cheery! Ahh, I miss you winter. See more on her blog Love for Home.

June 20, 2013 By Lindsey @ Better After

14 In bathroom

Unmaking a scene.

Oh man, this one gives me the giggles. I can’t even imagine the thought process that went into this before bathroom. But I’ll try. “Dear, I’ve had a vision for the half-bath. Close your eyes. See it with me. Picture being swaddled in grapevines. A space where topiaries abound. Where wildflowers sprout from the cracks in a faux brick wall. Where heavenly clouds float high above on the popcorn ceiling. You’re no longer in a bathroom dear, you’re in your very own secret garden! Can you hear the chirping of baby birds? The tinkling of the waterfall? Wait. There is no waterfall, that’s uh, something else. Anyway, it’ll be the most magical pit-stop in all the neighborhood! ”

While there is no doubt this mural was conceived in love and executed with talent, it had long overstayed its welcome. Jessica had lived with and laughed at it long enough, and was ready for a clean slate that was more her style. She ripped up and replaced everything from the ceiling to the floor, and while it may no longer inspire you to break into a Disney song upon entering, it sure looks fantastic now.

And for all the time and energy that had previously gone into the bathroom side, this poor laundry closet got the shaft. You’d never know it was actually in the SAME room as the mural of madness, would you? Not a single bird’s nest in sight, poor thing. But Jessica knew it deserved to look as good as the rest of the room, so it got a sharp makeover as well. I love the gray beadboard, almost looks navy. So pretty against the white. Lot’s more to see on her blog Home With Baxter.

June 19, 2013 By Lindsey @ Better After

13 In tables/dressers/ wood

Hitting a Wallpaper

Friends, I think I’ve lost my mojo. Summertime has sucked me dry. My pal Brooke said it best today, “Summertime comes around and I feel like I’m breathing with one lung, trying to keep up with it all.” Amen, sister. I don’t really have a point in telling you this, other than to hear myself whine for a minute, but if you feel like sending a virtual high-five of encouragement my way, I could use it!

And while we’re at it, let’s virtual high-five, fist-bump, hip-shimmy with Cheryl and her beautiful dresser makeover. It had some water damage and a few scuffs and scratches to begin with, but the big issue was that this was going in her two-year-old daughter’s room. Does this look like the type of furniture that would excite a two-year-old girl? Maybe if she enjoys cigars and playing poker with the boys, but that’s unlikely. It’s a bit masculine, is what I’m saying. Cheryl girlified it just enough with a paint treatment meant to look like vintage wallpaper, and it turned out so, so beautifully! Check it out on her blog It’s Two AM.

June 19, 2013 By Lindsey @ Better After

2 In kitchen/dining

Frigidaire Out Of There

Mel’s little kitchen was already limited on space, so that dominating hulk-monster of a fridge parked right in the middle of the counter was the first thing to go. Who needs a fridge anyway? Mel ditched it in favor of eight gloriously uninterrupted feet of counterspace instead. (Ok, ok, she just moved it to the other end of the kitchen, where a built in desk used to be). Everything else got a shiny new update, including that backsplash which she made herself with whitewashed planks. She’s handy, that Mel.

Much more to see on her blog Junkin’ Junky.

June 18, 2013 By Lindsey @ Better After

2 In other rooms

Easy Entry

I just love a quick and easy makeover, although this entryway by Cait is probably anything but. First there is the matter of repainting the wall, then hanging an awesome new light fixture, then procuring an old fashioned coat rack and painting it red (so fun!) THEN it’s just a matter of finding the perfectly proportionate shoe storage solution and peppy accessories to match, and boom, you’re done! Yeah, that seemed easier in my head. See it on her blog My House. My Canvas.

June 17, 2013 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In chairs/ottomans/seating/ tables/dressers

When one becomes two.

Ever wish you could be two places at once? Me too. Mostly for boring reasons, like being able to get housework AND yardwork done at the same time. Thrilling! Or maybe going to the gym while simultaneously sitting on the couch eating chips. THAT would be nice.

Well, this little dresser from Faye has perfected the art of bilocation (that’s a real word my friends, don’t say I never taught you nothin) by being both a bench AND a vanity at the same time!