Newsletters

Alysha Findley

Alysha is a photographer and designer living in Seattle who loves dark chocolate, tea, and all things furry. In her spare time you'll find her with paint in her hair renovating her 1919 Craftsman and sharing the process on her blog Old House New Tricks.
    Before & After: Goodbye Closet, Hello Library
    Dealing with this closet and salmon painted floor was high on the priority list of things to do to begin turning this basement into the modern family room it was destined to be. It had been on my mind since the moment we got the keys to the house. It took a few months to get around to it but we finally did. Follow me after the jump to see the result…We didn’t have much use for the closet but we did have hundreds of books that needed to find a home.
    Alysha Findley
    Jul 16, 2020
    Life at Home: Ways To Enjoy a Grown-Up “Snow Day” Anytime
    During the first half of my life growing up in New York, snow days meant waking up early, gripping the radio in hope that my school’s name would be called out so I would get to spend the day playing in the snow with my friends.The second half of my life has been on the West Coast where snow and winter became foreign words. Until last year that is when I moved to the Pacific Northwest and entered the world of seasons once more.
    Alysha Findley
    Jul 15, 2020
    Sue’s Simply Stunning Houseboat
    Name: Sue Nixon Location: Seattle — Washington Size: 1000 square feet Years lived in: 10 years on the dock; 6 months in this home; Own A few months back I posted about Seattle’s dreamy houseboat culture in Hello Houseboats! Life On Seattle’s Shores, and to my incredible delight I had the opportunity to do a tour of one of these amazing homes. Is the idea of living in a houseboat what you imagine it to be? The answer is a resounding ‘YES’ and much, much more.
    Alysha Findley
    Dec 19, 2019
    The Big List of Small Space Organizing Ideas & Inspirations
    Living in a small space comes with its ups and downs. One thing is for sure: learning to do it right and keep it organized is an art. But once you figure out a system that works for you, it’s like a well oiled machine. If you try to bring your big past life and seamlessly fit it into your smaller lifestyle, you may find yourself in a constant state of disarray and frustration.
    Alysha Findley
    Sep 20, 2019
    On Display: Tips for Framing Artwork
    Artwork adds so much life and visual interest to a space. Choosing the right frame to enhance the work that also fits in with the style of your space can really play into the overall feeling of a room.I have had a fair share of experience framing in my day. I was a framer all through art school and then moved on to building frames for a gallery during graduate school. I have worked with all kinds of art, all kinds of frames, and all kinds of styles.
    Alysha Findley
    May 6, 2019
    Before & After: From Trash to Silk Screened Style
    Walking by this mess is what I suspect most people would do if they saw this sadly torn up chair (myself included). It takes a confident upholsterer who knows their stuff to see its potential.
    Alysha Findley
    May 6, 2019
    Before & After: 100 Year Old Building Renovation
    What do you get when you have a vision, passion, finances and patience? The re-birth of a 100-year old building into an astounding renovated home that will be cherished for a lifetime.Amy and her husband spotted this beat up century old brick building that used to be a trolley depot back in the day and just fell in love with it’s look, feel and history. They saw tremendous potential in this bare bones space to be the start of something much larger.
    Alysha Findley
    May 6, 2019
    Before & After: Empty to Lush Backyard
    Tim and D’arcy’s backyard makeover is a great example to keep in the back of your mind when buying a house without landscaping. It is a case of turning “nothing into something” illustrating looking beyond what’s there and the potential of an outdoor space…We took a tour of the inside of Tim & D’Arcy’s Modern Eclectic in The Junction and now we’re back to see what they’ve done with their backyard.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Classic Kitchen, Revealed
    Brooke has turned her very generic and all too common country kitchen into a classic, clean space which will no doubt increase the value of their home.It may have taken five months of work, research, hunting and juggling two two-year-olds to get this project done, but it was worth every minute. The result is simply lovely and creates an updated and warm new feel for the main area of Brooke’s home. I think it’s a good example of refreshing a kitchen on a budget without demolition.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Vintage Picnic Reveal
    Sibylle from Funkytime is at it again, this time with a little vintage summer twist. She scored a suitcase at a thrift shop, and although she wasn’t sure what she would do with it, she knew it would be getting new life soon…With some fabric, ribbon, velcro, a staple gun, paint, and primer, she was on her way to transforming her new find into a different kind of traveling buddy.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Modern Revamp On A Budget
    Niamh of Seek Design had a client with a wish to revamp her entire apartment on a budget. Follow me after the jump to see what she was able to whip up in her outdated kitchen…To cut costs, Niamh painted the kitchen backsplash and cabinets and just replaced handles and knobs. An upper cabinet was removed to give a small open shelving area. The biggest cost was new appliances (isn’t that always the case?) and the new tiled floor.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    A Morning Ritual Challenge
    Oh the morning, the time when the sun rises and you have to will yourself out of a warm bed to begin your day. How you start out is so important, for it often dictates your mood until you hit the pillow once again at night.We don’t always have enough time or solitude to be able to wake up how we would like to. Maybe you’re in a mad rush, or have to get the kids ready, or walk the dog, or head out on a long commute in traffic.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: Makeover of a Cozy Nook
    One rainy weekend Lora Neveu decided to build a charming little dream escape in a window nook in her daughter’s room that had remained empty and unused. Follow me after the jump to see what she came up with.Two days and $165 later, Lora had created a wonderful and cozy space that doubles as a play/nap and storage area. She built a simple box and divider out of plywood and brackets, painted, added cushions, lanterns, and drapes, and then she was done.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Renovated Cabin Reveal
    When Sarah and her husband first spotted this cabin it was in need of a major facelift. They fell in love with the structure and the land and only saw the potential this little beach gem had to offer. Follow me after the jump to see their vision come to life…Living full-time in a very colorful LA home, Sarah wanted their cabin getaway to be bright, white and fairly spartan. She and her hubs gutted the entire cabin and did all the work themselves.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Renovated Breakfast Nook
    When we first moved into our 1919 Craftsman one of the first things I had my mind set on fixing was the kitchen. I decided to begin with the outdated breakfast nook (oh and btw, the ‘before’ image is the styling from the realtor at the open house). Follow me after the jump to see where it ended up…First things first — the red paint was actually lead paint from way back when painted over layers and layers of warped wallpaper.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: From Laundry Room to Rustic Chic Bathroom
    Charlotte Turtle and her husband didn’t have a master bath in their home and wanted to find a way to remedy the situation. They did, however, have a large laundry room attached to their bedroom that they thought just might do the trick. Follow me after the jump to see what they came up with…They began this renovation with planking the walls, leaving one wall with exposed brick. For Charlotte, the design element key to making this rustic bathroom a success was the sink basins.
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A DIY Bathroom Renovation
    When we first saw this basement bathroom at the open house before we purchased our home, my first thoughts were, “that’s gotta go”. For the next six months after the house was ours, this bathroom renovation sat on the back burner until we finally had the time to tackle it.Once the time came to jump into it we were faced with problem after problem (isn’t that how all renovations go?).
    Alysha Findley
    May 5, 2019
    Before & After: A Headboard Gets Reincarnated
    What do you do with a three dollar headboard you found at a yard sale? Why, put it in your foyer, of course. Follow me to find out more… That’s exactly what Kelly from A View Along The Way did. She was ready to get her foyer in order and needed a bench. Since the kind of benches she was looking at came with a hefty price tag, she put her creative cap on and figured out a really stunning solution. Her husband took the headboard apart and cut it in half to fit in the space.
    Alysha Findley
    May 4, 2019
    50+ DIY Project Ideas for the Bedroom
    When you’re renovating, redecorating or simply sprucing up your home, it can get really overwhelming to take on too much at once. So let’s pare it down and fully focus on one room — the bedroom. Here are 50 plus DIY project ideas to get you started on the journey to a beautiful sanctuary, from super quick and easy to worth-the-effort challenges: Headboards can be as easy as painting a rectangle on the wall or as complicated as building a structure out of a fireplace mantel.
    Alysha Findley
    Apr 14, 2019
    Sibylle’s Flea Market Style in Berlin
    Name: Sibylle Location: Berlin, Germany Size: 1,076 square feet Years lived in: 8 months; rented Sibylle is at it again but this time in a different part of the map. We saw the first tour of her home in Montreal that was filled with her funky DIY style. Now that she has moved across the world to get back to her roots in Berlin, we are getting another peek into her fun and eclectic decor world.
    Alysha Findley
    Feb 20, 2019
    Brooke’s “Modern Bohemian Ranch” Style in Seattle
    Name: Brooke Baker Eide Location: Ballard; Seattle, Washington Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years; Rented I came across a really exciting and unique House Tour adventure to bring you all on. We have two individually inspiring tours to go on by a very design savvy couple. You see they were just about to get married and move in together, and I was lucky enough to catch them at their individual homes just a few weeks before their wedding.
    Alysha Findley
    Feb 20, 2019
    Design & Chemistry in Seattle Part 2: Tyler
    Name: Tyler Eide Location: Queen Anne; Seattle, Washington Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3.5 years; Rented Last month we introduced the Design & Chemistry House Tour Trilogy with Brooke’s Modern Boho Loft. Now get ready for Part 2 as we get a peek at Tyler’s space weeks before he and Brooke moved in together as a married couple.
    Alysha Findley
    Feb 20, 2019
    How to Be Your Own Professional Organizer: 10 Top Tips from the Pros
    We can all use a little organizing reminder every now and again; I know I do. I always start out with the best intentions, and then they fall by the wayside shortly thereafter. I’ve gathered 10 tips used by professional organizers— just to scan over — whenever I need a little help getting back on track: 1. Get Ready The Night Before.
    Alysha Findley
    Feb 27, 2015
    How To Organize Digital Photos
    Raise your hand if you’re like me and your downloaded photo files are a huge, unorganized, hot mess. Yeah, I thought so. Although the digital age has made it so convenient to capture all the moments in life that you want to remember, this also means that there are way more photos to organize and keep track of.
    Alysha Findley
    Jan 28, 2014
    Getting Ready for Gift Giving: Monthly Subscription Club Ideas
    In the past, monthly subscriptions only came in the form of magazines and music for a penny, but we have come a long way from then. Now you can give a subscription gift to just about anything from wine to candy to food to beauty products. Here are some of the best monthly subscription boxes and gifts for anyone on your list: What could be better than receiving a surprise gift each month in the mail? It’s a surefire way to put an exclamation point at the end of any good or not so good day.
    Alysha Findley
    Oct 29, 2013
    Can’t Buy Happiness: 5 Simple Ways to Turn Any House Into a Home You Love
    What’s the difference between a house and a home? A house is a structure you live in that provides for your basic needs and safety. A home is a place that provides you mental and emotional support, a place you look forward to being in to get away from the outside world. Do you feel that way about your home?
    Alysha Findley
    Jul 3, 2013
    Before & After: Simple Changes Make a Big Difference
    It doesn’t always take expensive and dramatic changes to refresh a room. Follow me after the jump to see how Andi used small details to pack a new punch in her attic guest room.Just by adding adding a bold blue and a few new accessories, Andi took this guest room from minimal and plain to cheery Mediterranean cottage. She painted in headboards, added a table, lamp, pillows, and a window treatment, and called it a day.
    Alysha Findley
    Jun 6, 2013
    Before & After: An Art Deco Makeover
    When I first looked at this piece I thought, “Oh, just a little polishing and it’ll be good as new.” To my surprise, that is not what the after was about to reveal at all. This piece of furniture got a full on Art Deco Makeover. The original style of this piece didn’t fit into the rest of the home’s decor, so it got sanded, painted and pounded. It took 1300 upholstery nails to get it to its final state. That is some serious dedication.
    Alysha Findley
    May 15, 2013
    Before & After: A Sad Dresser Gets a Second Chance
    Sarah took her chances on a very typical dresser at Goodwill — you know, the ones that are a dime a dozen and often get passed up by everyone. Follow me after the jump to see the incredible transformation that turned this sad little piece into a unique gem… She first sanded down all the old paint (always test for lead first) and then stained it with a lovely Mahogany Gloss Stain.
    Alysha Findley
    May 3, 2013
    Before & After: Plain to Party-Ready Screened Porch
    Bonnie’s porch was a great space with a lot of potential — it just hadn’t quite lived up to it yet. See what she did to transform this screened back porch into a party-ready indoor/outdoor room.  Bonnie’s porch is now a bright, cheery, vacation-like space filled with candy-colored accents offset by natural tones. The only thing that makes me a little nervous here is the firepit, but maybe it’s there just for looks and not use.
    Alysha Findley
    Apr 3, 2013
    Before and After: Bri Emery’s Living Room Makeover
    Design Love FestEmily Henderson Color and light were important elements of this makeover, and it couldn’t be cheerier. Bri and Emily went with a mix of vintage, eclectic, mid-century and new pieces to create this lively and delicious space. The turquoise, fuchsia, gold and natural palette melds beautifully. The ample foliage brings the room together, softens the palette and creates such a calm and peaceful environment.To see more of the makeover, check out Design Love Fest.
    Alysha Findley
    Mar 29, 2013
    What’s Your Criteria for Choosing a Roommate?
    Taking the time to choose the right roommate could be the difference between a friend for life that you looking forward to seeing at the end of the day (or someone that keeps their distance and causes no trouble), and horror stories you will tell at dinner parties for years to come. Back in my college days, I unfortunately found myself in the last category, and let me tell you, it is not fun.
    Alysha Findley
    Mar 11, 2013
    Before & After: Sophisticated and Dramatic Wainscoting
    I came across this project from a comment left in my recent post Brags! What DIY Project Are You Most Proud Of? It came from Julia from the blog Chris Loves Julia. They were looking to change up their living room for a more sophisticated yet casual look and Julia fell in love with some dramatic wainscoting images and got the bug to re-create it at home.It took them just a few hours over two days to put it up and then one day to paint it.
    Alysha Findley
    Mar 1, 2013
    A Few Ways to Change It Up at Home for Under $10
    January is synonymous with new, new, new. It’s the time of the year when we aspire towards change and refreshing the old. But a change doesn’t have to be big or difficult to be effective. Follow me after the jump to see a few inexpensive ways to liven up your home…Bring the Outdoors In: Having flowers and plants indoors instantly cheers up a room. If you haven’t had any in a while, this just may be the time to start.
    Alysha Findley
    Jan 10, 2013
    Before & After: The Power of Color
    This earthy room was in need of a bit of energy. Interior designer Kirsten Krason came in and saved the space. Follow me after the jump to what she stirred up…Kirsten had a little pattern party with primary colors and brightened up this room in a big way. She kept a good amount of the furniture and added some new pieces along the journey. She splurged on a few big items like the rug, coffee table and window treatments, but then bargain hunted for other great but inexpensive finds.
    Alysha Findley
    Oct 11, 2012
    Before & After: A Victorian Bathroom Gets a 21st Century Update
    Many of us complain about our sub-par, bad taste bathrooms and wish for something updated and modern. But let’s be honest, how many of us have started out with this degree of bad? Follow me after the jump to see how April left the 1800’s behind…Photographer April Cochran-Smith chose to go with a clean, bright, and cheery look for her bathroom, using a white palette and bold, unexpected primaries.
    Alysha Findley
    Oct 1, 2012