Better After

Sew What?

I don’t really understand the concept of the sewing stool. Are you supposed to sit on it and sew? How does one get to their sewing supplies while sitting on them at the same time? If you aren’t supposed to sit on it and sew, then why have legs on it at all? Why the need to elevate one’s sewing supplies six inches off the floor? Color me confused. But I do know this: this was one ugly sewing stool that is now super cute thanks to an oh-so-appropriate redo from Christa at Thrifty Tickle. Don’t you love her fun fabric and embellishments? They totally make sense, even if the stool itself remains a mystery… Thanks Christa!

June 16, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

8 In bedroom

Whitewash

Isn’t this room breathtaking? I’m talking about the after, of course. The before, not so much, although the bra dangling off the bed is a nice decorative detail.

I would love to have an all white room, I would even love an all white house, but that would entail me getting really brave or making my kids live in the backyard. Isn’t it funny how the art pops more off the white wall than the colored wall? Thanks to Courtney from Nesting Instincts for sharing her bedroom redo, I’d say her nesting instincts are spot-on!

June 16, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In decor/ lighting

Relight

I’m always fascinated when people completely repurpose old discarded items into something beautiful and functional. I would love to have that kind of foresight. I would have turned this from a pile of junk to a pile of junk in my trashcan.

Liz from Brambleberry Cottage took this pile of junk and turned it into a one-of-a-kind piece of art that just happens to light up! Thanks for sharing your lovely lamp Liz!

June 15, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

9 In desks/hutches/buffets

Double Hutch

I’ve tried several times in the past to begin a post like this “Here’s the story… of a something something” and then I try to talk about the project and make it all rhyme and go along with the Brady Bunch theme song. It’s never quite worked out for me and I always give up after the first line. But maybe someday I’ll get it. What the heck am I talking about? I’m up way too late.

Anyway, here’s the story of two boring hutches…that were given a new life of their own. (See what I mean? Lame.) OK, so since I’m painfully lacking in lyrical talent, I will simply say that they both turned out great. First one comes from Angie at All My Treasures. Looks fresh and charming in black, and I love the lighter interior.

Second hutch comes from Kristi at Addicted 2 Decorating, who was actually inspired by a dresser featured on this very blog, seen here. Love that two tone look. I’m glad that both ladies decided to keep the original hardware, simply updated with a coat of paint. It pulls together the whole piece, like the perfect pair of earrings. Thanks Angie and Kristi!

June 15, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In bathroom

Val’s Bathroom

I’m pretty sure nothing from the earlier era of this bathroom survived Val’s renovation. Hooray for that, because after staring long and hard at that before pic, I can’t find one redeeming element worth keeping around. Not the grungy tile, not the beribboned fruit basket wallpaper border, not even the towel rack was worth saving! I just love the after, so simple and stunning. I love how they only framed the top and bottom of the mirror for a more modern effect, and how about that faucet? Showpiece! Lots more to see on her blog, Until Tomorrow, Val.

June 15, 2010 By Lindsey @ Better After

3 In chairs/ottomans/seating

One Legged Wonder

This chair needed a makeover, no question. But I do have a question: How did Lauren from Inspire Me managed to fix or find that front leg? It reminds me of my header! Love the new silver frame and the Amy Butler fabric. Click on over to Lauren’s blog to see more, including the gorgeous model she chose to display the finished product!