Sometimes the simplest projects are my favorites, especially when they provide dramatic results. I’m such a wimp when it comes to sanding; I just don’t want to put in the time to do it, and I know I end up passing on a lot of potentially great pieces because of it. It’s nice to see…
Color, color — I need you in my life right now! I’m a neutrals kind of gal, and a fickle one at that, so it’s difficult for me to pull the trigger on anything large and bright because I almost immediately end up hating it. I wish I could show you pictures of my recently…
Chevron patterns have been coming back in a big way, and recently I’ve seen some interesting developments in chevrons: irregular chevrons, gradient chevrons, broken chevrons. Part of the fun of trends is watching them develop and change as people play around and experiment with different elements. The alternating chevron bands on this dresser makeover by…
I used to be sheepish about painting pieces dark colors, but after seeing how beautiful Grace’s dining chairs look in the new D*S office — elegant and dramatic in a fresh coat of midnight gray blue — I’m completely convinced that it can be done well. These two projects are further proof of the transformative…
One thing I love about simple graphic patterns — chevrons, stripes, houndstooth, etc. — is that their style can change dramatically depending on the contrast level of the colors and the size you choose for the print. You can have a bold, eclectic, eye-catching chevron like we saw in Brittany’s knotted chair DIY yesterday. But…
I admit, I’ve been skeptical about painting fabric to change up the color of a piece of furniture, but I think today’s first Before & After from Stella Poore of Mon Petit Studio may have changed my mind. Having snagged this incredible sofa for only $25, Stella decided to take the plunge and paint it…
Yellow is rarely my color of choice, but with all the cold, dark dreariness that winter unloads on my apartment, I’m really appreciating the energy of this beautiful, sunny chevron dresser. Courtney and her husband originally scored this dresser off Craigslist and painted it solid, but when they moved to California, Courtney decided to jazz…
I appreciate a workspace with a little bit of silliness, and this desk makeover from Kata proves that you can add whimsy to a piece of furniture without sacrificing a clean, modern look. I particularly like the dinosaur doorknobs and patterned top — super cute. Great job, Kata! — Kate Have a Before & After you’d…
I’m a big fan of white-and-wood combinations on furniture, especially when they strike just the right balance of warm, rich wood and crisp, clean white accents. What I love most about this simple dresser revamp from Amy is that the dresser retains its vintage charm but seems so much more sophisticated and luxurious with its…
Chairs are unquestionably my weakness. I don’t think I can fit another chair in my apartment, and I even have a few that just hang out here and there in corners, but that didn’t stop me from buying stools at Brimfield. They’re like half-chairs, though, so it’s okay :) Whenever I try to stop noticing…
I’m a huge admirer of the quilts of Gee’s Bend, and I think part of the reason I love this reupholstered chair from Amy is that the seat has the same kind of modern looking, graphic-collage quality as the Gee’s Bend quilt designs. It provides a great contrast for the warm wood and curved lines…
Sarah’s beach cottage has had its fair share of chic salvaged furniture over the years: we featured Sarah’s chalkboard fridge last fall and her polka dot desk makeover a little over a month ago. Today she tackles a simple old wooden crate and gives it her signature laid-back beachy style. Great work, Sarah! — Kate Time:…
I have a weakness for mismatched chairs, so I’m feeling seriously envious of Jake and Jamie’s kitchen setup. We featured their amazing headboard before and after several months ago, and this stenciled kitchen table is another example of the pair’s clever and resourceful approach to decorating. Inspired by one of Barb’s “Before and After Basics”…
I really like it when graphic designers take on furniture renovations; they always find a way to add a beautiful graphic twist to the project. This cabinet from David is a perfect example. David loves typography and letter forms, so when it came to fixing up this cabinet abandoned by his home’s previous owner, he…
What I love about older homes and apartments is that you never know what historical curiosities you may uncover hiding inside. Our 1920′s duplex apartment has some provided some fascinating (a small telephone nook in the wall) and disgusting (a rat in the stove) findings over the past few years. Apart from evicting the rat,…
I know that once an idea enters your mind, it’s impossible to get rid of it. After all, I’ve seen Inception . . . twice. So be prepared for a pretty awesome idea to enter your consciousness: chevron chalkboard backsplash. Justine has planted the seed of DIY genius and it’s going to haunt you, trust…
today’s final before & after comes from barb mcmahon of happy simple and stratford daily photo. when barb and her husband moved into their current apartment they found some seriously nasty built-in cupboards in what would become their dining room. the cupboards were blocking too much light in the room, so barb and her husband…
i know a lot of people out there hate ikea and all it stands for. however, i think it would be unwise to discount the amazing role ikea has played in the diy design universe. in fact i think ikea should be hip to the trend and start selling products that support the hacking of…
i get a little nervous when it comes to purchasing large, heavy pieces of furniture, especially when they need a lot of work. my anxiety stems from the memory of a 15′ long solid wood table that i purchased on whim at a local bookstore’s closing sale. with no plan for where it would go,…
if you caught peaches’ diy project yesterday, you are well aware of her love of color and unusual objects (i loved the male bust vase, it was like a giant floral chia pet). this quick figurine makeover is another awesome idea; with a little glue and paint, this headless matador has been brought back to…
