This is an unusual scenario for “Before & After,” as the creator has refurbished not one but multiple versions of the same “before” piece in different ways. I hope we see more of this phenomenon in the future; it’s like watching a friend try on many different outfits, and they all look great! Michael Jones,…
I love hanging cabinets and shelving units because of their dual functionality as wall art and storage. You can tell from a mere glance that this shelf has potential, and its owner Tiffin has capitalized on the modular aspect of the piece to transform it into a cheerful, graphic display unit for her milk-glass collection….
The more painted rugs I see, the more convinced I am of the concept’s brilliance. I’m not saying that we should be dumping paint on our hand-knotted wool rugs instead of cleaning them, but it’s great to see the ugly-yet-durable flooring of the world receive a new lease on life. During her home renovations, Jennifer…
This kitchen makeover comes from our very own Sewing 101 expert, the super talented and clever Brett Bara. Like many renters, Brett wasn’t allowed to alter anything permanent in her apartment. However, using her eye for fabrics and her DIY savvy, Brett was able to lighten, brighten and totally modernize this little kitchen for very…
Antique sofas are beautiful, but I’ve never considered them practical, especially if they are upholstered in the light colored linens, leathers and wools that look so fantastic on sofas of this shape. Rebekah had the ingenious idea of using a white faux leather on this old piece; according to her, the fabric holds up amazingly…
Much like Grace, I’ve never met a stripe I didn’t like, and the design on this painted dresser from Carol is no exception. Upon discovering that the wood was in very poor condition, Carol decided to give the mid-century piece a neutral stripe design. I love the use of such a wide chevron shape and…
I’m not usually a fan of chrome chairs, but when I saw Lucie’s chair makeover, I realized that metal chairs have great potential when placed in capable hands. Lucie chose wisely when she used the bright, bold pattern; it definitely added a dose of fun to the simple frame. Great work, Lucie! — Kate Time: 6…
I’ve never taken on the task of refinishing walls or floors before, but I’d like to think that if given the opportunity, I might follow Lucianna’s lead and attempt some kind of cool design. According to Lucianna, this old floor would not handle another sanding, so instead she decided to create a weathered diamond design…
You all know that I’m a huge fan of chairs, and I am a firm believer in customizing old chairs and making them your own. These refurbished flea market chairs by Sarah Immerfall are the perfect example of a great, personalized design. The mix of pattern and typography on these modest folding chairs looks fantastic….
This living room is a great example of how accessories can transform a space. While this “before” living room was already looking fairly pulled together, the additions by interior designer Kirsten Krason — bold patterned curtains, a high-contrast zigzag rug, the modern gilded mirror and bright colored pillows — are truly amazing. The new look…
After being discovered in a garbage heap, this table received an exciting new look in the capable hands of Nicolaich, a designer based in Athens, Greece. The lovely striped pattern inspires me to be more adventurous when painting old furniture. The mix of solid stripes and natural wood; the vintage-inspired color palette; the white-dipped feet…
We are looking to add a new section to our Before & After Basics series that covers — you guessed it — upholstery! Barb from Knack Studios has already given us an amazing collection of tutorials, and she’s got plenty more to come, but we realized that many Before & Afters involve textiles as well….
Siv Kouth is an interior designer who knows how to add drama to a room. This bedroom, which belongs to Siv’s cousin, was looking a little drab and not quite sophisticated enough to suit her tastes. Sophisticated is definitely what she got; I’m mesmerized by the irregular stripes, and I love the mix of taupes…
When we posted Adrianne’s lovely card catalog makeover a while back, it received rave reviews. With similar notes of sophistication and old-school charm, Adrianne’s amazing new kitchen is sure to be equally popular. I love the mixture of dark salvaged wood, red brick and industrial metal, and the delicate glass chandelier that provides a lovely,…
Erin and her husband were on the lookout for a bench to accompany their entry console table and provide extra seating in their living room. They managed to snatch up this bench at a hotel liquidators’ sale and refurbish it into a sharp, modern piece. The upholstery fabric they’ve chosen provides a nice, bold contrast…
I’m not yet in the nursery-planning phase of my life, but I’m thankful for all the great projects that come our way that can provide inspiration if the time ever comes. This light and airy nursery from Katie Raadt has a lot of great things going for it; I love that it looks fun and…
As someone who has always dreamed of having a big, open, loft-like studio space with wood floors, industrial lamps, big windows and brick walls, I think I may die of envy if I stare too long at this amazing makeover of the Poppies & Posies studio, an NYC-based floral and event-design firm. When Sierra, the co-founder…
Grace may have moved from chairs to lamps as a new design obsession — definitely a wise move for space-efficiency purposes —but for whatever reason, I am still firmly stuck in the chair world. I admit, it’s a problem. All I have to do is see a beautiful new chair, like this gorgeous rocking chair makeover…
So many transformations involve bright colors or bold, outrageous patterns, so when we get a subdued makeover here and there, it can be quite refreshing. Don’t get me wrong — I love high-intensity design. But I’m finding the calm, neutral palette and subtle polka-dot pattern of Sarah’s desktop makeover very pleasing. Sarah had an old…
I have a special place in my heart for bulk supplies of any kind; in my mind, you can make something awesome out of anything, as long as you have enough of it. I know that Karen Johnston — the creative talent behind this metal-ruler mirror and many other clever reuse projects — would agree…
