Before & After: A Fresh Look for a $5 Thrift Store Dresser

To my mind there are two basic types of 'Before and Afters': the jaw droppers that leave you amazed at the utter transformation of a thing or place and the less dramatic, but no less inspiring ones that show a vast improvement to something with minimal expense of time and money. The latter is the case with this dated dresser repainted in springy colors as an appealing addition to Lynne and Darren's guest bedroom where they host their 2-year-old grandson, Nicholas.

If you are designing a new nursery or kid's room, have you considered a stenciled wall? We've rounded up a few nice examples of stencils in kids' rooms, but our big question is about when and why you'd choose a stencil. More

Before & After: Bungalow Seeks Cool Colors

You might remember my little Seattle bungalow in dire need of a paint job? I asked for your advice and boy did I get responses — about 150, actually. I sifted through every single comment and saved every photo link and barely slept for three days trying to narrow down the choices. The ideas ranged from traditional to daring and I loved all of them. But one stuck… More

New Takes on Old Paint Techniques Renters Solutions

When I think of paint treatments for walls, I automatically think of yellow-y brown paint, faux Tuscan facades (complete with crumbling "plaster" to reveal "brick" underneath), and really bad splotchy sponge paint. Yeesh, the 1980s and 1990s were rough. In search of big impact, low commitment rental solutions, I set out to find ways to mess around with paint — things that were both easily reversible, and that look like they belong in this decade. Here's what I found:

Before & After: Jae's Brightened Basement Stairs

Though this staircase to the basement got daily use, it wasn't until the basement turned into a workout room that the stairs got a freshening up. See what just a little bit of paint did for Jae's steps:

Spruce Up Your Dining Room Furniture with Paint: 2 Ways

Maybe your dining room could use a little extra pizzazz. But you don't want to buy new furniture. We've got some ideas to liven things up, and all you need is a little paint and a little bit of time.

Weekend Project Inspiration: 4 Ways to Give Your Stairs a Makeover Real Simple

Creating successful interiors is all about paying attention to the details. Whether you are going for a classic look or something totally unexpected, time spent focusing on how to elevate the little things to a new level always pays off. Real Simple shares four not-too-difficult ways to make the most of an oft-overlooked spot in any home - the lowly stair riser.

From ombre to chalkboard to wallpaper to a little bit of bling, jump below for all the links...

Before & After: Christine's Edwardian Staircase Restoration

Christine loved the period details of her dream home — though some of them had been lost under years of paint. Though it took a while (250 hours of stripping alone!), the results of her staircase restoration are light and bright and a little breathtaking.

Project Idea: Stenciled Pattern Adds Pop to a Patio Los Angeles Times

When cement tiles turned out too pricey for designers Karen and Guy Vidal at their East Hollywood apartment complex, they decided to create an outdoor "carpet" on a budget — using stencil and paint. More

Before & After:
Karyn's Island Bungalow Remodel

Karyn, an interior designer, found the perfect island bungalow in Coronado, California. Of course, it needed a little sprucing up before it would be the entertaining and living space she dreamed of. Check out how she transformed this studio into a chic, multipurpose space: