Better After

8 In lighting

Bong Long Gone

Oh snap, yo. Remember this tantalizing entrant in the Ugly Lamp Contest? The one I alluded to looking like a recycled bunch o’ bongs? (Apparently I didn’t allude well enough, because no one picked up on that, at least no one I talked to. I guess my mom and husband are too innocent. Or not innocent enough. “Real bongs don’t look a thing like that, dear!” ((disclaimer: My mom didn’t really say that))

Well, Gaby classed up her vices and took down the bongdelier and instead made a chandelier out of wine glasses! Check out the how-to here: After the Before but Before the After.

August 18, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In outdoors/ tables/dressers

Two Toned

Flashback! If you have been reading this blog for a while, you might remember this desk redo from way back when, specifically October 28, 2009.

Since then Amy decided she no longer needed the desk and decided to sell it. Only, figuring that the market for chartreuse desks with wacky drawers was probably a small one, she opted to make it over again, this time with a simple, classy look. See more on her blog A Little Busy.

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I’m digging this two-tone look right now, so here are a few more for your viewing pleasure!

From Mallory at Classy Clutter.

Her blog is fairly new, but there are already a lot of really great redos over there! Check it out!

Kasey at The Little Brick House found this dresser for $20! What whaaaaat? That never happens to me. I go to the thrift store and it’s particle board city with missing drawers and decoupaged snowmen for like, $50.

Simple and sweet sewing table from Ida at A Home for Ida.

Neat and nifty nightstand from Stephanie at Birdhouse Family.

Super cute redo with extra glam knobs from Evie at Post College Working Girl.

And why let the indoor furniture have all the fun? Here’s a colorful take on an old outdoor set from Amanda at Hip House Girl.

Thanks so much ladies!

August 18, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

4 In bathroom

Deux Bathrooms

Bathroom redos are always fun because you can get big impact in a small space. And with a small budget too! It doesn’t have to take a lot. Brett livened up this bathroom with a warmer paint color and new accessories. And isn’t the shower curtain great? Brett customized it by adding the striped piece at the bottom to make it longer and a bit more modern looking. Loves it!

And here’s another bathroom with a slightly larger budget. Moriah and her husband live in Nashville, in a home built in 1962. Obviously, there were several updates that had to take place. Like removing the mint tile extravaganza all over the bathroom wall. There are three different shades of green going on up in there!

They also added new fixtures, and my personal favorite detail: moved the toilet paper holder from its subtly inconspicuous position in the dead center of the wall. Looks great, thanks Moriah!

August 17, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

3 In desks/hutches/buffets

Italian Wedding

Prima, Dopo. That, as far as I can tell, is Italian for before and after. Or perhaps it’s first and after, but close enough, right?

Anyhoo, Barbara who lives in Italy needed a TV stand. Barbara had a bookcase. I think you see where this is going.

Smoooooch! She married the two concepts, added some paint, and now her TV and her repurposed bookshelf can live happily ever after. Maybe someday they will make cute endtable/nightstand babies. Congratulations you two crazy kids!

See more on her blog Sogni ad Occhi Aperti.

August 17, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In kitchen/dining

Life’s a Picnic

Jessi’s husband thought she had gone a little crazy when she decided to replace their perfectly normal dining room set with an old beat-up picnic table.

But don’t worry, Jessi fixed ‘er up with cheerful yellow paint and stenciled designs on top. Now no one, (including her husband, who came around and loves it too) can deny that it has way more personality and fun than before. Thanks Jessi!

August 17, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

10 In living room

Gaby’s Accent

This wall in Gaby’s home needed a little sha-jazz (do you think if I use it twice in one day it will become a real word?)

She knew just how to do it too. Two words: Accent Wall.

She knew she wanted bold and bright, so she painstakingly measured and taped, broke out a can of Really Russet by Olympic Paint and gave a shot of much-needed personality to her home.

Check it out on her blog After the Before, but Before the After. Got all that?