Before and After :: Sewing Station

I found this old chest of drawers at a second-hand store last year and not long ago I moved it into my study so I could have my sewing machine set-up and ready to go all the time (handy for some quick mending or Project Life ). But it's rough, wooden exterior didn't really suit the room. So I gave it a wee spruce up!

A new coat (or four) of paint and some new handles and it's looking all lovely and bright. Much better.

Before & After :: Feature wall

When we first bought our house it had this brick red feature wall in one of the bedrooms. It wasn't hideous but red isn't one of my favourite colours and I felt like it made the room very dark and heavy. Fast-forward two years and I had had enough. Thanks to four coats of white paint and some silver Silhouette Vinyl, I now have a light, bright and fun feature wall. I smile every time I walk in!

Now I love the white so much, I'm thinking that the whole room would look great white. Hmm, I feel another project brewing...

Before and After :: Light and lighter

Here's a couple of before and after's that have been happening around here.

First, light...

We finally upgraded the light fixture in our lounge, adding an additional 2 bulbs. Much brighter and much prettier!

And secondly, lighter...

With the warmer weather the little dog was getting far too hot. So in the course of an hour she lost what looks to be half her weight in fur and is much more comfortable. What a cutie!

Before & After :: Bathroom Makeover

It is amazing what a weekend and 4 litres of white paint can do! I've been planning my bathroom makeover for months, you can see my pinboard here. Mostly I just wanted a clean, bright space and to get rid of the "renters beige".

I'm so pleased with the results, evertime I walk in there I feel calm and peaceful, it's like my own private, beige-free, spa.

Before & After :: A little refresh

Now the days are getting darker and the sky is a little bit duller each day, I decided it was definitely time to lighten up a little. Literally.

Nothing like a fresh colour to make you feel a bit more pulled together.

I've been feeling the effects of the "winter blues" lately, which is worrying as we are only just beginning to head into winter so this is a good reminder to keep up the habit of actively finding ways to be happier.

I'm excited to join in Vivienne's new class in June. I'm looking forward to setting some self-care policies that will help me take care of myself this season.

What little things do you do when you need a little pick-me-up?

Before & After :: Study

A couple of weekends ago, I emptied everything out of my study and painted it the palest of pinks. Then I went through everything that came out of the room and only put back the things I really loved.

The colour makes the room glow in the afternoon light and I smile every time I walk into it.

I also treated myself to new curtains and a lovely soft, sea-green rug. I love everything about my new room.

  

Before & After :: Living area

Another room ticked off the list, our living room got a coat of paint on Sunday. I custom-designed the colour by mixing white into the left over paint from the kitchen. It makes the whole room feel fresher and more modern. Love.

Before and After :: Kitchen

Amazing what a coat (or four) can do. I am slightly addicted now and I have plans to change the wall colour as well. Then I'll move on to the bathroom, study, hall, bedroom...

... wait, what was I saying about having too many things to do? Adding to the list, now that seems smart!

Before and After :: Lily

Someone around here has undergone a pretty big transformation, I only wish it was that easy for me!

 

Before & After :: Makeup drawer

I finally got tired of having everything all thrown together and rattling round in my top drawer. So I found a way to use my pretty vintage plate collection to keep everything organised. 

All it took was a few special saucers and bowls and some BlueTack to keep everything in place.

And now everything is nicely organised and easy to find. Just the way I like it. I wish I'd thought of it sooner really.

Before & After :: Herb Garden

Using these instructions, I finally got my pallet garden all put together and potted up with all sorts of yummy herbs. Step 1 in my -make-the-deck-a-pretty-place is complete.

What do you think?

Before and After :: Lamp

I scored this totally cute lamp for $10 on a recent thifting trip. I saw past the U.G.L.Y shade and saw it's potential.

A quick coat of white spray paint, a cheap new shade (which also got a coat of coral spray paint) and I have a cute little lamp.

Before and After :: Skirt Cushion

I've had this skirt for years and it never really fit right but I loved the pattern so I've never been able to part with it. So I decided to use the fabric and make something pretty I can use everyday.

After I cut the waist band off, I roughly traced two squares that would fit my pillow and then made some ties with the remaining fabric. Sewed, stuffed and tied. And a new cushion is born.

Before and After :: Foot Stool

I picked up this little foot stool for $4 (!) at a charity shop and I knew I could give it a new lease of life.

All it took was a little bit of fabric and a couple of coats of spray paint and voila! A pretty new stool.

Before and After :: Glass necklace

A friend had inherited her grandmothers glass bead choker, but found it too tight to comfortably wear.
So I re-strung it to create on long rope of beads. 

More modern, more comfortable. And very pretty, if I do say so myself.