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…
I’ve been eager to play around with large rubber bands lately, so this display cabinet project from Krisztina Wein could not have landed in my lap at a better time. Using a long, thin rubber band, Krisztina cleverly modified the open cubby portion of the cabinet with an easily moveable and extremely eye-catching banded screen….
I recently re-watched the film Objectified, and this time around, I found myself inspired by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, particularly when she said that what interests her most as a designer is how to bring identity and character to something that is produced industrially. You can see this vision so clearly in her work; she…
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 have avoided painting a piece of furniture in my home for a long time, opting instead for a mix of natural woods. However, if I were to bring a solid colored piece into the mix, I think something along the lines of this electric cobalt blue dresser from Natalie could be the way to…
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…
Whenever I’m in a color rut, I can always turn to the Before & After submissions for a jolt of inspiration. It’s awesome to see the color palettes people come up with, especially when others are much more daring than I am. This cheerful credenza makeover from graphic designer and all-around maker Jessica Decker is…
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…
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,…
it seems like everyone’s scoring awesome dressers lately, and i love all the re-designs i’m seeing. it’s not everyday that you see nice mesh cabinet fronts like on this piece (i love the little “peek” inside at what appears to be an amazing pile of fabrics). allison is a self-described sewing fiend in the evening…
okay, i know that painting wood is a very touchy subject. forget coke vs. pepsi; wood vs. paint is the biggest showdown in consumer goods these days. (note: did i just choose an incredibly outdated pop culture controversy? i think i did. what’s a more contemporary pop culture rivalry? i need to be brought up…
the amazing barb at knack studios is at it again, and i am very happy to see what she’s been up to. much like the other projects from barb that we’ve featured (this dresser project and desk makeover are some of my faves), this old dresser is an amazing display of what some imagination and…
d*s reader holly myers found this beat up bench at the clovis new mexico country club, a golf course her mom grew up using. it sat untouched for many years, but a move to a new home inspired holly to give it new life. after removing the warped and rotted wood, holly created a new…
today’s first before & after is the perfect example of why my favorite color combination (yellow and grey) works so well together. jenn from chet and dot spotted this sad little secretary on the side of the road and brought it home for a little makeover fun. there was a hole in the front of…
since we’ve seen some great full-room (and home) makeovers today i thought i’d wrap up today’s do-it-yourself before & afters with some smaller makeovers: a beautiful painted dresser and a patterned jewelry box. first up is a gorgeous zig-zag dresser from kristen fountain davis. kristen found this dresser at a second-hand store and repainted it…
today is before & after day so i thought i’d start us out nice and easy with some fun and simple paint + fabric makeovers. first up is ana’s bookcase makeover. orange is probably my favorite accent color for almost anything, so i loved seeing this simple makeover on a piece of furniture that just…
this next before and after comes from one of my favorite makeover queens, barb blair at knack studios. i love the way she updated this wooden dresser with a weathered green finish. i know paint is not for everyone (if you have non-paint makeovers, please send them!) but i love a good update that gives…
