The Latest: May 2014

This dresser was in need of some major love — it boasted a broken drawer, huge nail holes, stickers and scratches. But Cassie isn’t one to let such a unique piece slip through her fingers. Cassie says: I had planned to refinish it, but the holes that needed filling were just too big. So instead, I painted it a bold color. A friend suggested overlays for the drawer fronts, which my carpenter neighbor cut out for me.

When they moved in together, Jamielynn’s boyfriend Jason insisted they keep this old dresser. She agreed on one condion: that they spruce it up. Well, spruce they did. Jamielynn says: The first thing I discovered was a plaque inside the top draw that read ‘F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. Tacoma, Washington’ which coincidentally is my hometown. That warmed me up to this rather time consuming project.

Rae started with a kitchen table and chairs that, though lovely, were not exactly her style. With a little love, she turned them into something brand new and perfect for her kitchen. She fell in love with a delicate blue and white fabric and that was the catalyst for her bold blue paint choice. We love the addition of white to break up the darker blue with some chic colorblocking. Great job! Rae says, “I love paint because it’s such a fun and cheap change.

This cramped and outdated kitchen almost prevented Christina from buying the house! But it was a charming 100-year-old Craftsman-style house that won her over, and she made the goal of brightening up the kitchen and maximizing space a priority! From Christina: When we toured this house, the kitchen was the reason why we almost didn’t buy the 100-year-old Craftsman-style house. It was so small, so brown, and so ugly!

Have you ever spotted an absolute steal on Craigslist — except for it being the complete opposite of your style? Nichol saw this table for $50, but before even leaving the house she took the legs off and left them with the original owner (along with the chunky chairs). There were other plans! From Nichol: Thank you Nichol!

Becky shelled out exactly $0 for this old, iron bed. She was able to barter with a crystal light fixture that didn’t work in her space. Wowee, what a smart trade that turned out to be.

Haley says, “I will admit that I made some mistakes along the way. I accidentally sanded down one of my favorite details- the chevron patterned wood that ran along the bottom and middle of the dresser, boo.” Every project has a little trial and error, but especailly for a first-effort, we think you did a beautiful job, Haley. Congratulations. Here’s how the material costs came out: Sandpaper- $5.50 Wood Glue- $7.50 Wood Stain- Already had Pulls- $50.00 Total- $63.

They gave the wood a good sanding and decided on a two-tone stain which really makes those Art Deco details pop. Christina says, “We picked away at it once a week for the summer, and we couldn’t be more proud of the results, and the memories of working on it together!” Thank you Christina! Re-edited from a post originally published 5.5.

Christina’s second bedroom is a tight eight feet wide by 13 feet long. But, despite the small size, she needed it to function both as an office and craft room, and a guestroom that could sleep two people. Christina turned this room with beige walls and bland carpet into a light and inspiring space to work and entertain guests! From Christina: The whole transformation cost about $800.

Ama had found this piece of furniture at a garage sale but wasn’t quite sure what to do with it for a few years. It had great bones, but the finish was in pretty rough shape. Though not a drastic change, the finished product came out stylish and sophisticated and is now the perfect storage piece for her dining room! From Ama: The cabinet cost me $50, dyeing, varnish and handles about $35, plywood for shelves, new door and feet cost me $23 and paper for background about $12.

This trip to Goodwill was originally intended to find something to be crafted into a make-up storage vanity for a friend. But when Jae finished a few simple tweaks to transform this old tool cart, it seemed like a no-brainer to show-off how it’d be perfect as something helpful when entertaining friends in your home!

Kimberly joined in our Apartment Therapy Style Cure in 2013 and, even though she went into this bathroom update with pretty low expectations, she wound up getting a huge style upgrade on a budget. Kimberly says, “I am so happy with the final result and I would have never done it without the encouragement from you and your readers. Thanks for guiding me along, AT!” See more pictures of Kimberly’s new bath at Turning it Home Thank you Kimberly!