Better After

Out with the In Crowd

Are you an innie or an outie? No no, I’m not talking about your belly button, though if you must know, mine is an innie. It goes so far in you can barely touch the end of it. Ew. Belly buttons, gross. Why are we talking about belly buttons? We’re not. We’re talking about if you are an indoor type of person or an outdoors type of person. Would you rather relax in the cozy comfort of your home, or do you prefer the wind in your hair and the wide open sky? Either way, here comes a chair makeover for innies and a chair makeover for outies! AND they are both rocking chairs! Because everybody likes those.

First from Ginger, who redid this worn out rocker and mismatched ottoman. The rocker was in her family for years, the ottoman came from a friend’s ex-boyfriend. Ha! I find that terribly funny for some reason. Now they look like they’ve always belonged together! See more on her blog The Savvy Shanty.

And for the outies out there, can you see yourself cuddled up here in front of a fire, roasting marshmallows and feeling all hip about yourself in this cool vintage glider? I can! I think I’m an outie. At least when there’s s’mores involved. From Better After reader Jennifer. Great job!

February 23, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

24 In kitchen/dining

When the Pixie Dust Settles

Are you in the mood for a kitchen makeover that will blow your friggin mind? Good! I am actually in the mood for a blueberry bagel, but that’s because I already saw this amazing kitchen. And now you can see it too! And we can gaze in wonder at it together! What a total transformation, huh? I think the only thing that stayed the same was the location of the sink and oven. You can’t see it from here, but my very favorite feature is the double dishwashers! Geeeenius. You would never have to put dishes away again! Much more to see over on Michelle’s blog Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust.

February 23, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

13 In bathroom

Baskets of Better!

When I first looked at Karianne’s bathroom here, I wasn’t too terrified. In fact, I thought it looked pretty good, what with that dark-stained beadboard and the clawfoot tub (shell toilet notwithstanding). But then I saw the after and it really knocked my socks off. Then I looked closer at that amazing new sink and it knocked my socks off again! (Let’s just pretend I was wearing two pairs of socks). It’s light, it’s bright, it’s cool, it’s casual … it’s better! Check it out on her blog Thistlewood Farm.

PS: I’m late the the party as usual on this, but did you
know the Google Followers tool (Google Friend Connect) is allegedly
going away? Urg. That’s a super huge big bummer. BUT, luckily there
is something even better to take its place: Linky Followers.

Linky Followers is a free tool to help you keep track of the blogs you love.
(Not to mention the people who love YOUR blog!) It has a ton of great
features, like a reader function, which allows you to read the most
recent updates of your favorite blogs, plus organizational tools for you
to categorize them. It’s super easy to use. You can follow Better
After by clicking on the Linky Followers tool right over there in my right sidebar —-
(That would be really cool of you if you wanted to follow me.)
In fact, I will grant you a wish if you decide to follow me!
Not really.
What am I a unicorn or something?
But if I was a unicorn, I totally would.

February 22, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In bedroom/ office

Taming the Shame

Uh oh, it looks like Alicia from Thrifty and Chic had a “Room of Shame.” What probably began as a temporary place to stash some extra furniture and craft supplies, had slowly morphed into nothing but a destination to avoid on home tours. “What’s behind that door, Alicia?” “What door? Oh THIS door? Um, it’s the basement.” “But you don’t have a basement!” “I know! It’s … it’s, uhh, unfinished. Just a dirt hole back there. Let’s move along, shall we? Have I shown you the coat closet yet?” “But how can that be a basement if we’re on the second floor?” “I SAID MOVE ALONG!”

At least, that’s how I imagined it. Alicia, who is actually very nice and wouldn’t really yell at you on a home tour, was ready to reclaim this space. She wanted to create a dually functioning office and guest room, and managed to do both perfectly. The clever curtain system hides all her office necessities, and now it’s absolutely serene and dreamy. And that headboard? I’m a fan.

And now the office side …

Great job Alicia!

February 22, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In miscellaneous/ other rooms

Ceiling is believing!

Pam looked up one day and noticed she had a boring ceiling. I bet 99% of us could look up and say the same thing. Yup, I just looked up at mine and noticed that I haven’t changed my vent filter for waaaaay too long. So, that was less boring than I expected, and also super gross. Apparently, we should look at our ceilings more often.

So Pam decided a nailhead trim pattern would be just the ticket to Spruce-it-upville. All it took was about $65 worth of supplies and and endless supply of patience. And probably some neck rubs after the whole thing was over! Fantastic! Check it out on her blog Simple Details.

Gemma also had a boring ceiling on her hands … or head … or whatever. She was inspired to try a herringbone pattern and made the whole process look easy, even for those of us who may be challenged by math … (or counting) … (or painter’s tape). It’s the perfect punch of interest for this little space. I think I have ceiling envy. See more on her website The Sweetest Digs.

February 21, 2012 By Lindsey @ Better After

23 In bedroom

I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me

Do you remember that old movie The Watcher in the Woods? I know, I know, it was Disney’s weak attempt at a ‘scary’ movie and everyone thought it was like, super lame, but guess what homie? THIS kid was scared. That stupid movie still continues to freak me out to this day. But am I freaked out by this wooded bedroom makeover from Jennifer at Migra[tion]? Ha! Not at all. I could sleep very peacefully in this lovely room. (With my nightlight on).