Better After

3 In kitchen/dining

Wall to Woah!

WOWZERS! Is that what you just said to yourself? Because that’s what I said to myself when I saw Ashley’s kitchen makeover. Look how cramped and cave-like it used to be! Well, you can’t. Because there is a huge wall in the way. But not anymore! She was aiming for a open and airy streamlined look. Mission accomplished, I’d say.

Here’s a peek further in. This little nook was cute, but wasn’t that functional. Not as functional as having a fridge, that is. Cute built-ins vs. fridge? I’d prefer the fridge, thanks! Much more to see on Ashley’s blog BartoBlog

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March 22, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

4 In Uncategorized

Smokin’ CAMEO Bundle Deal! (DEAL NOW OVER)

Hey there! I have some exciting news from one of Better After’s finest sponsors: Silhouette!

Surely by now you’ve heard all the hubbub about the Silhouette CAMEO and how it’s the best craft cutting device in the world, nay, the universe.

If you’ve been saving your dollars to get yourself one, well today is your lucky day, because they are running a huge promotion where you can purchase the Silhouette CAMEO and 1 Silhouette Studio Designer Edition Software for $269.99! (Regularly $350)!

The Designer Edition Software is an enhanced version of the
Silhouette Studio, with tons of additional features that allow you to import, manipulate and cut your own designs and .svg files.

But that’s not all, nope!

Rhinestone tools to make templates for creating your own rhinestone designs
Sketch tools to convert designs into several styles of sketchable art
Creative knife tools to allow you to clip designs using different patterns
Enhanced eraser set to modify designs with more precision (yes! finally!)
Built-in ruler and guide lines for precise alignment and drawing

I actually was working on a project to show off some of these enhanced features, but it has turned into an epic failure so far. This is not due to the CAMEO, let me be clear! This is because I am sometimes an idiot and jump right into a project involving vinyl and wood stain and paint when all of my kids are awake and violently crabby and its 30 minutes until dinner time and everyone is starving, and I forgot I had a meeting to go to after that, so I’ll just paint in my good clothes, what’s the worst that could happen?

*long siiiigh*

Maybe I’ll get it in presentable shape tomorrow.

But! You could scoop up this hot deal today! This discount is for a limited time only, so don’t wait!

Click Silhouette CAMEO and 1 Silhouette Studio Designer Edition Software for $269.99! and don’t forget to use the promo code AFTER!

Already have a CAMEO and just want the Designer Edition
Software?

Get it now for 50% off with the promo code AFTER right HERE.

March 22, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In tables/dressers

Ombre Replay

Aww, this one makes me a little sniffly! It’s pulling at my heart-strings! Julia purchased this dresser from a family that was reluctant to see it go. It had belonged to a beloved grandmother and Julia could tell they were apprehensive about the fact that all that history might get painted right over.

But she had planned to stain it anyway, and managed to make it current and classic with an ombre treatment. Super cool! She says, “I sent the family I bought it from a picture of it’s updated look. They
loved it and felt like their grandmother would have loved it too. I
think that makes me the happiest; knowing that I was able to keep some
of the integrity of the piece and the owner it originally came from. :)”

Doesn’t that make you a little sniffly too? No? Well maybe I’m just hormonal and need some chocolate. Check out lots more from Julia on her blog 551 East.

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March 22, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

11 In bathroom

It put the POW in powder…

Ouch! Stephanie’s old powder room was like standing inside a bruise! Who chose this painfully purple paint? Whoever it was, my guess is that they were colorblind, drunk and possibly blindfolded at the time. Luckily, peculiar paint is an easy problem to solve, and Stephanie rolled right over it with a calming blue-green. Then she went ahead and painted her vanity too! Then, (my favorite!), she took some Waverly fabric, painted it with a few coats of satin Mod Podge to look like canvas, and framed it without the glass! Totally trying that one.

See all the details on her blog Room*6.

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March 21, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In lighting

Going Gaga

Holly decided to make her own version of a particular 1960s chandelier, because the original was made from glass and brass and could not possibly be supported by her apartment’s crumbling plaster ceilings. And it also cost almost $2,000. Who can afford such a thing? Pop stars maybe? Good thing Holly’s got a creative head on her shoulders, because she whipped one up in no time with a few supplies and has a totally mod and fun lamp to show for it. And I have a feeling Lady Gaga would love it.

See the how-to on her blog Adventures of an Almost 40-year-old Intern.

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March 21, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

12 In kitchen/dining

Red Head Rad Pad

When I labeled Julie’s kitchen submission for my files, I titled it “Rad Dark Country Kitchen.” That sounds like an oxymoron if I ever heard one, but take a gander at the following pictures, and I’m sure you’ll agree. (Gander is totally a country word y’all.)

Let’s start on the left-hand side, looking out the windows. Before: ho hum. Now: Windwoahs! The new windows are so fantastic I might be having an imaginary love affair with them. Would you believe Julie just made them herself with little strips of moulding?!

How did the cabinetry go darker, yet the whole room looks lighter? It’s country crockery, I say! Note the rustic-chic touches, like the beam and the copper accents. Many of the copper cabinet pulls started out as oil-rubbed bronze, and Julie simply sanded them down to reveal copper underneath! I had no idea you could do that.

I live in Arizona, where the average temperature is too obscene to print, but I have just decided I need a fireplace in my kitchen too. Julie left hers pretty much as-is (or as-was, I guess I should say), and opened the room up by painting the surrounding cabinetry and paneling white. I love the contrast of the dark door frame and mantle! MUCH more to see on her site Red Head Can Decorate.