I’ve never lived with a bathroom that has basin sinks, but it’s a look that I’ve always loved. I’m thrilled to share this bathroom renovation from Charlotte Turtle, as it features a unique take on the basin sink: two large painted ceramic bowls that sit atop a rustic barn-wood surface. Sometimes basin sinks can look…
This is the second camper/trailer renovation we’ve received that features boldly patterned walls. I don’t think it would ever have occurred to me to use a busy pattern in such a small space, but it’s an awesome idea. I like it not only because it packs a serious style punch, but also because it’s a…
It’s been a while since we’ve shared a chair project, mostly because we haven’t seen anything particularly novel or noteworthy come across our desks. But the richly embroidered fabric on this chair makeover — a collaboration between Niamh of Urban Threads and Jessica of Antique White — caught my eye, and I felt compelled to share…
I sincerely hope I’m not offending anyone when I say this, but I think the “before” living room is my personal nightmare. I love me some burgundy, don’t get me wrong, but the oversized maroon leather sofa, white lace curtains, thick floral carpet and lacquered furniture are giving me a dusty, old dollhouse vibe that…
I’ve seen many clever stairway renovations lately, where the owners have chosen to showcase the stairs and turn them into a focal point. I’ve decided this is the way to go — why not make stairs a work of art? Aleksandra’s exposed industrial staircase from last week is one example, and here’s a totally opposite…
We have two incredible bathroom makeovers for you today. First up is this pattern-filled guest bathroom renovation from Kim Gray. Kim was working with a very small space, but she managed to bring a lovely sense of airiness and light to this bathroom with some smart design decisions. Swapping out the chunky blinds for a…
Ugly built-in furniture can be a real thorn in one’s side when trying to design a room layout. The attempts I’ve made to open up our living room have been foiled, again and again, by an obtrusively bulky and poorly stained built-in cabinet, which I am not allowed to paint or remove. Argh! If I…
Spring is finally here, and with it comes an influx of outdoor renovation projects, which are my favorites. Do I love them best because I have no backyard? Probably, but I see no harm in enjoying the vicarious thrill of watching people weed, plant and build their dream gardens. If the time comes for me…
This “apothecurio” cabinet by Meg and Todd van der Kruik of Union Eighteen studio is a really wonderful testament to the power of legs. The “before” version of this cabinet is nice, but admittedly a bit oppressive in its weight. Meg and Todd have lightened up this piece in so many ways: the color, the…
We’ve seen many lovely reupholstery jobs over the years but very few in which the fabric was designed by the owner. This was Michelle’s final project for her BFA in graphic design, and it’s pretty amazingly cool for a school project. She had been wanting to do a fabric design project, and after finding the couch…
As a renter, it’s so easy to forget that many people are taking steps to actively and dramatically alter the environment they live in. I love being reminded of this fact, and I’m definitely storing inspiration for when I live in a place where I can be a bit more hands on. I can’t wait!…
I felt a wave of excitement when this beautiful table makeover landed in my inbox. I’m not a woodworking expert, but I am always looking to try out new techniques. I’m absolutely determined to make myself something using Sarah’s awesome herringbone design. Sarah Summers and her father, a self-taught carpenter, worked together to modify an…
It’s always fun to see architectural details from buildings — doors, windows, banisters, hardware, etc. — creatively re-purposed as furniture. Ida’s daybed is a lovely re-interpretation of these decrepit old doors, and I love the rounded corners, trim and various decorative touches she’s added to finish off the piece. Lovely work, Ida! — Kate Time: 2–3…
I know I shouldn’t anthropomorphize furniture, but I have to admit that it saddens me to see decrepit, neglected furniture. This chair was in serious need of love and attention — a very sad specimen indeed. Irina has done a wonderful job bringing it back to life and making it stand out with the custom…
right now i’d like to get back in bed and keep sleeping, so i thought i’d kick off before & after day with two lovely bedrooms. the first belongs to robin and rachel, who decided to upgrade their bedroom with a bold shot of color and pattern. they painted the walls a soft gray (silverlake…
this studio before & after belongs to valérie parizeault and pamela desrosiers in montreal. they transformed their raw 350 square foot studio into a colorful home for their business and meeting with clients. i love the graffiti mural that pamela created- it’s such a fun way to dress up white walls. CLICK HERE for the…
i’m a big fan of wallpaper accent walls and this dining room from rebekah at orange poppy is a great example. just a few hours of pasting and hanging and you’re left with a wall full of color and pattern. i love the new blue and green palette rebekah decided to go with- especially that…
