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Living Rooms

Kitchens

Furniture

8 In desks/hutches/buffets

The Mullet Principle

A gallery wall requires precise proportions. Thoughtful weighing and balancing. Much like a mullet.  We can’t have party in the front, AND party in the back, now can we? Party in the front, business in the back? NO!

It’s business in the front, party in the back, and ever shall it be.

Now, simply apply the mullet-principle to your gallery walls. Party up top, business down low.  For example, Cara’s before wall had way too much party.  The top half was great, but everything underneath dragged the whole look down. The desk, the wires, the TV components, it was cluttered and jumbled and gave your eyeball no place to rest.

 

Ikea Hack Media Console Makeover | betterafter.net

Ikea Hack Media Console Makeover | betterafter.net

But now, look what a little streamlining can do! Nothing on the wall even moved!  Cara made it happen by hacking some IKEA consoles, and you can read more about it at The Project Addict.

15 In bedroom

The Really Real World

This is the true story … of seven strangers … picked to live in a house … and find out what happens … when housewares stop being polite … and start getting real … The Real World: Jamie’s Bedroom.

On this episode, Drab Wallcolor can no longer put up with Laundry Pile’s excessive drama. Flimsy Curtains and Matronly Lamps have a major blowup, upsetting the sensitive Book Stack. Antique Chest confronts Mismatched Bed Linens, annoyed with her laziness and lack of contribution to the household.

“You just lie there ALL DAY!”

“Get off my back, geezer!”

Something had to change. Something like … all of it.

White Bedroom with Pops of Color Makeover |betterafter.net

White Bedroom with Pops of Color Makeover |betterafter.net

Everything got the boot! Everything that is, except Antique Chest, who got herself a lead in the critically-acclaimed spin-off, Jamie’s Bedroom: Back from the Brink.

See more from Jamie at Southern Revivals.

8 In laundry rooms

Laundry’s a beach.

Woah. You guys blew me away with your applications to participate in The Mystery Thrift-Off!  There were waaaay more than I expected! I’m so excited to get started, but also a little overwhelmed at the thought of narrowing down that list of awesomeness.

I can tell you that I’ve already been scouting around the thrift-stores and giggling with maniacal glee at some of my finds.  I hope you guys know what you’ve signed yourselves up for.

But now, let’s kick Monday in the butt by conquering the laundry room. Liz at Smart Girls DIY took control of what little space she had in here by replacing her washer and dryer with a stackable set, then adding shelves, storage, and more storage.

Colorful Laundry Room Makeover |betterafter.net

 

Colorful Laundry Room Makeover |betterafter.net

It looks at least three times bigger now! I love all the beachy accents too.  Did you know if you start a wash cycle and close your eyes, you can hear the ocean?

28 In Uncategorized

Announcing: The Mystery Thrift-Off

 

mystery thrift-off logo copy

Guess what, guess what, guess what, guess what?

The Mystery Thrift-Off is going to happen, that’s what!

Remember a few days ago, when I was talking about how I’ve always wanted to have a contest where I find some hilariously hopeless items at the thrift-store and send them to people, and those people then dig deep in their creative wells and (attempt to) create something fabulous with their mystery item?

Well, you guys were quick with positive feedback that you’d like to see it happen too. So I’m making it happen!

I’m probably way more excited about this than any one person should be. I spent like seventeen hours making that logo up there.

Anyway!

I’ve never done anything quite like this before, so we’re going to have to learn as we go.  First of all, I’m going to need some participants. Are you interested in being in the inaugural Mystery Thrift-Off?  Here’s how it will work:

  • I will select several participants based on the survey below
  • I will purchase the Mystery Items from my local thrift-store, and send one to each participant. (They will most likely be relatively small, easy-to-ship items.  Sorry if you had your heart set on refinishing a 12-person dining set or something. Maybe next year).
  • Participants will have a set period of time to transform their Mystery Item (hopefully for the better)!
  • Participants will need to provide their own tools and supplies.
  • Participants are expected to photograph the makeover process as well as the final result, and share those photographs with me.
  • Participants are not required to have a blog, but must live in the USA.
  • Winner will be chosen by reader votes, across several categories

Are you up for the challenge?  Simply answer a few questions on my Mystery Thrift-Off survey to apply!

I’m not sure how many participants I will be selecting just yet.  We’ll see how it all goes.

 

But wait, there’s more! mystery thrift-off prizes

What’s a contest without a prize? I will of course provide a prize! But here’s an idea I also had: would you like to provide one too?

If you are an Etsy seller or small-business owner, etc., and would like to offer a prize/store credit/gift certificate for the contest, then let’s work it out! Great exposure and advertising for you and a wicked awesome batch of prizes for the participants, and everyone is happy, win-win-win.   Email me at betterafter@live.com and let’s chat.

Whew! I think that sums it up. Any questions?

I’m so excited!

Yay yay super yay!

27 In tables/dressers

Blue Your Mind

If you’re feeling blue, cheer up. I’ve got some blue makeovers today that will turn that frown upside down. What better way to cure the blues than with MORE blue? It’s like fighting fire with fire.  (Where did that saying come from? Does that ever even work? Seems unlikely).

So here is some blue coming atcha, starting with Shanna’s plaster painted dresser. Formerly an overwrought disaster, it looks gorgeous glammed up in a light blue-green shade called Seaside

Just a little polish on the handles was all they needed to stand out and shine too.

See it at Restoration Redoux.

Blue Plaster Dresser Makeover | betterafter.net

Blue Plaster Dresser Makeover | betterafter.net

 

Sonni at Sophia Restoration treated her buffet to the classic combo of blue and silver. Blue-tiful! Sorry. Had to.

Blue Dresser Makeover with Silver| betterafter.net

Blue Dresser Makeover with Silver| betterafter.net

 

This next dresser was a Craigslist score, bought on the cheap from a college kid who was moving and needed to unload it fast. Despite being a solid vintage piece, the veneer was badly damaged, so Erin didn’t feel too guilty about painting it.

I wouldn’t feel bad either. There is burl veneer on there guys. BURL VENEER. It’s the stuff of nightmares. Up close it literally looks like the darkened souls of the deceased, their faces frozen in one last howl before being sucked into the underworld. Here, I googled it for you. Try not to wet your pants.

Blue Dresser Makeover with Gold | betterafter.net

Blue Dresser Makeover with Gold | betterafter.net

 

Ahhh! Much better! Erin also shined up the handles which are the stand-out stars of this piece, and you can see more on her blog DIY on the Cheap.

 

And finally, one from Christina who fears no wood, nor painting wood in bright saturated hues. That’s exactly what she did to this dresser.  I know some reader’s insides might seize up a little at the thought of painting over a piece like this, but you know what I always say: your furniture is supposed to make you happy, not the other way around!

bright_blue_dresser_makeover_b

bright_blue_dresser_makeover

And this is certainly happy, despite being so blue! Paint color is called Dignity Blue by Sherwin Williams, and you can read more from Christina at Phoenix Restoration.

3 In tables/dressers

Old and Improved

Much like the Fresh Prince of Bel Aire’s life, my house is flipped turned upside down. Our flooring is getting installed (yay! I can’t wait to show you!) but the process is … rough. We’ve had concrete floors for the past two weeks, which are rubbing the baby’s knees raw and a constant source of dust despite me frenetically sweeping every five minutes. I’m surprised my broom hasn’t caught fire yet.

Yesterday my daughter was home sick from school, so we were trapped at home while the installers were here. Literally trapped. Everything was taped off and covered in plastic, which meant we stayed upstairs in my bedroom for the entire day watching Disney Channel and surviving on a box of wheat thins. I’ve listened the Doc McStuffins theme song so many times I think I might actually BE Doc McStuffins.

But I’m thinking the job should be finished up today! I hope. I just heard the head installer mutter to himself “What’s that burning smell?” So … I’m not sure. Maybe he’s been sweeping.

Anyway, here are some pretty things! Jen at All Things New was challenged by a friend to update a worn-out dresser and armoire set that no longer reflected her style. Her furniture was dark and heavy, she wanted something light and rustic.


Rustic Dresser and Armoire Makeover | betterafter.net

Rustic Dresser and Armoire Makeover | betterafter.net

I’d say Jen delivered! So simple and sweet.   Who says neutrals are boring? Not this girl.

If you liked that, you’re going to LOVE the armoire.
Rustic Dresser and Armoire Makeover | betterafter.net
Rustic Dresser and Armoire Makeover | betterafter.net

LOVE! Head on over to her blog to take a peek at what she did on the inside: All Things New.

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