Better After

Cooler Ottoman

There’s thinking outside the box, and then there’s REALLY thinking outside the box. This is one great example by Richella at Imparting Grace. She made an ottoman out of a Styrofoam COOLER! It doesn’t get any cooler than that! (Ha ha! get it? Cooler?! I’ll go now.)

September 9, 2009 By Lindsey @ Better After

12 In desks/hutches/buffets

Record Player Entry Table

Sariah from Enchantresses 3 scored this old record player cabinet from Craigslist. I’m not sure how she managed to get it home, because my grandma has one of those things and it’s so dang heavy it hasn’t been moved in 40 years.

She gutted the inside and replaced the empty holes with beadboard, gave it one coat of blue and liked it exactly like that, experienced some frustration with new knobs, and ended up spray painting the original handles black, and there you go! Enchanting!

September 8, 2009 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In desks/hutches/buffets

Artistic Armoire

Jen from Sanctuary Arts is a girl after mine heart, as she is hosting a “You Should Have Seen it Before!” party right now! Head on over there!

But first, check out one of her many before and after projects below. (Found HERE). This makeover requires quite a bit of artistic ability, rather than a few cans of white spray paint, (which is how I usually attack my makeover projects).

September 8, 2009 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In decor

Umbrella Stand

If you want to add instant class to anything, then you should monogram it. (Well, almost anything. I saw a monogrammed toilet seat cover once, and that’s simply taking it too far.) Here’s another great project from Jenny from Pearl Street Interiors. I have absolutely no need for an umbrella stand, as it rains about once a year where I live, but I’m thinking I should get one anyway. And monogram it!

September 8, 2009 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In chairs/ottomans/seating

Paisley Chair

Jennifer is one crafty gal. Her blog Pie Knits, focuses mainly on her knitting projects (which will blow your mind!), but she also redid this thrift shop chair. Does it get any better than funky green paisley? I submit that it does not.

September 8, 2009 By Lindsey @ Better After

5 In desks/hutches/buffets

Guinness Inspired Desk

If you want to see some makeovers that will knock your socks off, get yourself over to Sticks and Bricks. This desk looks completely unsalvageable to me, but Liz, aka Carpenter Ant transformed it into a work of art. The carved design was specifically inspired by a Hugo Guinness print. (love, love, love, LOVE.)