Better After

6 In bedroom

Had Plaid

This bedroom was probably super in-style at some point. However, that point has come and was so far gone that no one really remembers if it actually existed or was just a bad dream we collectively had once. Things were looking a little dated and a lot plaid.

Amanda from Casa Brasi stepped in to underhaul this floral fusillade into a simple serene space. How much do I love that bird headboard? Probably more than I should. Lots more details over on her blog, thanks Amanda!

November 12, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

12 In bathroom

Two Loos

Easiest makeover in the world: Step one – photograph bathroom. Step two – photograph bathroom with the toilet seat down. Instantly better! Nothing de-classes up a picture faster than a gaping toilet bowl staring you in the face. Be honest: was it the first thing your eye went to?

But the after, so simple so chic! Toned down paint, sophisticated accessories (bye-bye plastic bucket toilet topper, hello lovely backsplash!), and yes, closed lid! This is a great example of how to update a room when you can’t do much about its size or layout. More from Crystal at Beautiful Haven.

Another quick and easy bathroom update that I’ve been wanting to try is to replace the standard white plastic flusher knob with an elegant chrome or bronze (or whatever matches your current fixtures) ala Holly’s powder room redo from Life in the Fun Lane. Admittedly there is a lot more going on in this redo (if you can even see it because you miraculously haven’t already been blinded by the wallpaper) than that measly little knob, but I think it adds such a classy finishing touch, don’t you?

November 12, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

11 In kiddie

Get Kooking

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen a kiddie kitchen redo, but I never tire of them! Each one is always so different, and I love seeing the imaginative solutions people come up with to turn a dusty old nightstand or somesuch into a one-of-a-kind kitchen. If you are trying to come up with Christmas gift ideas for any kiddos on your list, why not give this idea a spin? They are bound to love it way more than some store bought-every-kid-on-the-block-has-the-same-toy, right?

I’m loving all the details here, from the little valance above the “window,” the wooden people painted to be the hot and cold knobs and the fun chalkboard on the side. From Katie at The Land of the Oz Fam.

November 11, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In other rooms

C’mon and Shine

When I hear the words “mudroom” I just conjure up images of … a room of mud. That is because I have an imagination deficiency. I also lack vision, because I would have been pleased as punch with this before mudroom, or “hallway of usefulness” as I have renamed it. Nice wood floors, high baseboards, handy hooks and bins and cabinets, what more do you need?

But, as I’m paraphrasing poorly from a source I can’t remember… true style comes in the final 10%. Anyone can add a bed to a bedroom, a dining table to a dining room, but it’s those extra details that really make a room shine. This shining hallway of usefulness comes from Megan at Honey We’re Home.

Thanks for sharing Megan!

November 11, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

3 In bedroom

Ahh-lterations

Any professional interior designer would look at this before room and probably clap their hands with glee at all the possibilities and potential. This is why I would fail as an interior designer, because I would look at this before room and think “There is no hope to be had here.”

But, I AM a professional interior designer appreciator, which is still a noble calling, I think. Someone has to ooh and ahh at the pretty after pictures. I’m glad to do it! This lovely room redo comes from Mike and Katrina at At Home Alterations. (Full cost breakdown over there of every single everything that went into this room, check it out!)

This post brought to you by:

November 10, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

10 In laundry rooms/ other rooms

Gets the Red In!

We’ve seen cabinets go white, we’ve seen them go black, we’ve even seen them in hot pink once, but not too often have we seen them in red. And what better place to go bold than in the laundry room?

I think they look great, and the glaze tones down the shade nicely so they aren’t totally Clown Nose Red, which is actually a Ralph Lauren paint color. (That is actually a lie).You should try to make your laundry room as pleasant as possible, I firmly believe. I am planning to paint my washer and dryer pink someday. (That is actually not a lie). More to see from Rachel at Kids Room Creations. Thanks Rachel!