Better After

23 In bathroom

If you can’t say something nice … fake it.

I challenged myself to come up with at least one favorable comment about Tenille’s before bathroom.

Here goes.

“That droopy beige curtain really matches the beige toilet perfectly!”

“There sure is a lot of storage for very small and useless items in here!”

“No, the oak trim skylight isn’t overkill! You can’t ever have enough oak trim, that’s what I always say.”

“I like the fish themed decor, as evidenced by this tiny fish plaque hanging here by the shower!”

“Hey, the towels are blue and the rug is blue! I like blue!”

“Such a geometrically interesting sink! It’s like putting together a puzzle just to use the toilet! What fun!”

That’s the best I could do. You try it, it’s not easy. But oh, let your eyes feast on the after. Even the soap dispenser is cute. I don’t have to put on my trying-to-be-nice face for this one at all. Love everything about it. See it on Tenille’s blog HERE.

*submitted by her very nice sister-in-law, Brittany!

May 5, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

11 In lighting

Hounded

Erica decided to rescue this cute little $13 vase from the clearance rack. The pattern and colors weren’t horribly offensive, but she had bigger, brighter and better things in mind. Things that involved a lighting kit and houndstooth! Isn’t it fantastic?

Speaking of houndstooth, I really want to try those Sally Hansen nail polish sticker thingies, have you seen the houndstooth ones? So cool! Anyone tried those yet, or have any idea what I’m talking about, despite my very descriptive description?

Anyway, check out more from Erica on her blog Swoon!

May 4, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In decor

Be a Pal

Who doesn’t have a few old pallets lying around, hmm? I’m positively tripping on them all day long over here. Why, if only I could find a clever use for them…

Annalisa had an idea! She figured she could paint, distress, and stencil hers for a nautically themed wall shelf that costs just pennies! You can too! If, that is, you happen to have a spare pallet. If not, I’m pretty sure they are easy to find. See it on her blog, which I think is in Italian and requires extensive scrolling to reach the post waaay down at the bottom. But there are more pics!

May 4, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

4 In tables/dressers

Mad for Mod

Don’t be scurred to paint mid-century modern furniture. Sure, the style lends itself to sleekness and simplicity, but if it’s warped and rocking water stains, and you just feel like painting it apple green, well … I won’t tell.

I think this makeover by Hannah is spot on. Bright and happy, but still in keeping with the streamlined feel of the original look. If she had covered it in modge-podge and scrapbook paper and screwed in big crystal knobs, I might have choked on my cereal a little bit. But this is perfecto! Check it out on her blog A Handmade Childhood.

May 4, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

13 In kitchen/dining

Kitch Ya Some

I dedicate this post to my brother Nate, who looks at me like I’m growing two heads whenever I suggest adding additional cabinets on the empty wall of his kitchen. “Psh, do you know how much SMALLER that would make our kitchen?” he scoffs.

Ha! Take one look at this makeover and can it, Nate! High fives to Ileana from DIY Home Design for proving me right. I win again Nate, I win again.

May 3, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

21 In tables/dressers

Grey Matter

Gray is just about my favorite color, but I worry. Does that mean I am boring? Gray doesn’t really have an exciting reputation. No one paints their piñata gray. No such thing as gray popsicles. Well who cares! I think gray is sophisticated and serene.

Check out these gray makeovers and tell me you don’t agree!

Incidentally, ‘sophisticated and serene’ are the words most often used to describe me. Ok, that part is not true. First a table to a footstool makeover from Meg at Meg and Mum’s. Yes, I have that same fabric too.

And a sublime dresser in an understated hue from Rachelle at The Adventures of Burke and Rachelle. See? Gray is the coolest. Except I have one question … gray or grey? I never know for sure.

Thanks ladies!