before and after by Kate Pruitt 40

before & after: minimalist bathroom makeover

This Before & After features one of the dreamiest spa-like bathrooms I’ve seen, and to think it all started in this little 125-square-foot room. According to Branka Knezevic, the architect behind this beautiful renovation, the couple that commissioned it loves art, design and the sleek, modern aesthetic of mid-century architecture. The finished space not only incorporates all those elements into its design but also makes smart use of the elongated room with light, airy colors and plenty of sleek, low-profile fixtures. I love the focal point of the gorgeous bathtub situated underneath the picturesque window, and the glass-walled shower? Heavenly. I’m definitely marking this bathroom as an inspiration for the master bath in my dream home. Wonderful work, Branka! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full post after the jump!

before and after by Kate Pruitt 27

before & after: multi-drawer media console

There’s a soft spot in my heart for all mismatched furniture pieces, be it dining sets, cabinets, seating, etc. Naturally, this multi-drawer media console by Kara Paslay ranks on that list. By building white MDF boxes to surround each individual drawer, Kara and her husband, Tim, were able to stack the drawers in whatever formation they liked. This piece feels fun and Droog-inspired — definitely a conversation piece in the room. Awesome work, Kara and Tim! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Read the full post after the jump!

diy by Kate Pruitt 17

diy project: magnetic mini forest

Is this the one-millionth time I’ve mentioned my love of small things? Sorry folks! I can’t seem to help myself. It’s an obsession that has persisted since my youth, and I can’t seem to shake it. Luckily, the holiday season is the perfect time to revel in a the whimsy of miniatures. With that in mind, I decided to make a quick and easy DIY gift idea that appeals to everyone’s inner child: magnetic mini trees.

Sure, these can be a cute update to your standard fridge magnets. But I like to think of them as fun, moveable mini installations. Stick them to bikes, lamps or chair legs; surprise your loved one with a mini forest on his or her desk; or simply toss a bunch of these trees into a pretty muslin bag and let your gift recipient decide where to stick them. I chose to make mine green + gold, but the color combos are endless; I can picture a beautiful set of all-black or all-white trees, or you could go au naturel with unstained wood and brown kraft paper. I hope you have as much fun with these little guys as I did. Happy crafting! — Kate

Read the full how-to after the jump!

before and after by Kate Pruitt 27

before & after: living room transformation

This bright, sunny living room makeover is a great example of color shift. I love the transformation a new paint color can yield; the icy blue hue took this room from dim and drab to light and soothing. Interior designer Kirsten Krason was hired to bring boldness and energy to this room, and I think she succeeded splendidly — especially considering how many original pieces she kept. The mix of different patterns in the various textiles is expertly done. Nice job, Kirsten! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

Photography by Jessica Kettle

Read the full post after the jump!

before and after by Kate Pruitt 48

before & after: mid-century credenza makeunder

I’ll be honest; when I see pieces painted over in this fashion, I usually want to run the other way. Just the thought of trying to tackle a project like this credenza from Meagan Luhrs and her husband, Ryan Thompson, makes me break out in a preemptive sweat. I am amazed at their results and would expect to pay no less than top dollar for such clean, mid-century lines and beautiful wood. Clearly, elbow grease and perseverance can pay off— if you have the skill to spot a piece with good bones. Amazing job, guys! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

interviews by Grace Bonney 10

24 hours in brooklyn with: melaena cadiz

New York City is one of my favorite places to be in the winter. The holiday lights line streets in all five boroughs, the glow inside restaurants looks inviting and each shop is lit up like a little gem waiting to be discovered. So many of you have mentioned that you’re heading to the New York area for the holidays, so I’m thrilled to share a special interview and mini-city guide that is sure to come in handy during your trip. Musician Melaena Cadiz has been a staple on my iTunes since earlier this summer when writer Lisa Przystup introduced me to her work. Melaena is based in Brooklyn so we thought it would be fun to get a little insider’s guide to not only her music and inspirations, but her favorite spots around town and suggestions for an ideal 24 hours in Brooklyn, NY. If you’re in town for just a quick shopping trip, I hope you’ll hop on the train and come check out some of these fantastic spots that Melaena loves- they’d make up a fantastic Brooklyn afternoon or just some great tips for taking a break with a hot chocolate. Thanks so much to Melaena for taking the time to share her thoughts and favorite places and to Lisa Przystup for conducting and writing the interview. xo, grace *