Better After

Sugar n’ Mice

Heather found this sweet little rocker and figured that despite the duct tape holding it together, it was probably sturdy enough to warrant coming home with her. So it did, but sat in the basement for a few years. Um, I totally have no idea what that’s like, nope.

When a friend started a photography studio, Heather knew she had the perfect child-sized rocker to donate to the cause, minus the crusty plaid and duct tape, of course. It’s so cute, I can just see a chubby little cherub posing for a picture on it now. See it on her blog Tallgrass Design.

Abort! Abort! This chair has obviously been home to a nesting pack of rodents! But Kindall wasn’t going to let the possibility of contracting hantavirus get her down. She worked this chair over with staples, paint and fun fabric that calls to mind an animal of a different sort. We like our animals wild, just not that wild. See it on her blog Kindall’s Creations.

December 10, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In decor/ other rooms

Chalk It Up

Is there a big blank wall somewhere in your home? Do you stare at it in despair wondering what in the world can be done with it? Why not try a larger than life chalkboard like Better After reader Miki did? Give your wall some interest and keep the kids entertained; two birds one stone, you know how it goes.

What are your solutions for a big wall-o-blankness? Like behind the sofa, for example, or maybe a long empty hallway? Let’s hear em!

December 10, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In kitchen/dining

Patch-ety Andi

“How come you only ever post WHITE kitchen redos?” “Another white kitchen, seriously?” “Is everyone in the world painting their kitchens white, because based on your blog it really seems that way.” These are just some of the sentiments that I get emailed to me daily. Not really, you readers are way too nice for that. But I bet you think it sometimes. It’s ok. Here is a colorful kitchen redo just for you, from Andi at her most appropriately named blog Patch Andi.

December 10, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In miscellaneous/ other rooms

Super Stairs

Staircase redos are all the rage right now, in case you haven’t heard. Probably you and your mom are redoing your staircases right now. If you are like me, you love the look, but are a bit skittish about all the work involved. I’ve heard horror stories of eternities spent removing staples, hands forever frozen around needle-nose pliers, women huddled in a corner rocking back and forth, murmering things like “No one told me about all the GLUE!”

But the results, not to mention the cleanliness factor (have you SEEN stair carpet? Drop dead disgusting is putting it nicely) are well worth it. So, if you’d like to give it a go, here is a mini-staircase redo from Paige at Faith’s Place to get you revved up. Love the new banister too. Thanks Paige!

December 9, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In bedroom

Constellation Consternation

I can’t imagine that the previous owners of this home set down their paintbrushes, stepped back and surveyed the utter atrociousness of what they had just done with blue paint and tacky star stencils and considered this a job well done. They probably just shut the door in shame and sold the house.

Thats where Mike and Katrina came in. They saw past the galaxy of gag and restored this room to the dignity it deserved. They employed one of my favorite tricks too, making a little window seem twice as big with strategically placed curtains and blinds. Those of you still rocking a teensy valance inside a teensy window, take note! Lots more to see on thier blog At Home Alterations.

December 9, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In kiddie/ tables/dressers

Curb It

If you’re in the mood for a lot of before and afters, well, you’ve come to the right place. But if you are truly insatiable, then head on over to Rita’s blog Curbside Creations, where she’s got loads and loads of projects with bonus bragging rights because she’s done them all herself! Here are a couple that I loved in particular:

A sweet, if slightly decomposing rocking horse made even sweeter with a fresh mane and polka dots!

See it HERE.