MAKEOVERS

150+IDEAS
FOR UPDATING
EVERY ROOM
IN STYLE
 contents

08 12

06 ENTRY POINT
What better place for a fresh start than your front door?
Check out our tips for making a strong first impression.

08 PILLOW TALK
We share advice from design pros on how to employ one
of today’s easiest decorative go-tos—pillows.

12 MEET & GREET

Revive a tired exterior with paint and accessories. We dig
into a Charlotte couple’s secrets to success.

16 BUDGET BUILT-INS
Transform a boring corner into a cozy reading nook with
a little DIY know-how.
20
20 FRESH SPIN 26
Improve the way a small laundry closet works with our
simple organizational ideas.

22 WHITE WORKS
Dark and dated one day, light and bright the next, this living
room makeover showcases the power of paint.

26 TREATMENT PLAN
Give boring walls something to talk about with one of
our eye-catching wall treatments.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 1
 30 PRESENT IN THE PAST
A savvy mix of vintage and traditional finds gives a historic
North Carolina home a contemporary sense of style.

40 WINDOW DRESSING
Develop custom creations on a budget by embellishing plain
store-bought curtain panels.

44 ELEMENTAL STYLE
Add a touch of smarts to your home with decorative
accessories straight out of the science lab.

50 BRIGHT FIXES
Tranquil colors and modern updates help a Texas family shed
a drab kitchen—no budget busting required.

54 EASY ACCENT
30 We show you how to give ho-hum furnishings a sophisticated
step up with classic nailhead trim.

58 ARTFULLY ADJUSTED
A Birmingham, Alabama, decorator proves you can supersize
style even when you downsize.

68 BEDROOM REVIVAL
Foster a bedroom that’s alive with color and personality
using our simple tricks.

72 BORING NO MORE
Discover creative solutions for transforming a bland builder
bath into a luxe retreat.

78 THINGS THAT MATTER

A young couple put their own spin on treasured family
pieces to craft a home with rich history.

86 NEW LOOK
Transform secondhand furniture finds into standout features
86 by calling on paint and new hardware.

on the cover
Add new life and create MAKEOVERS departments
a strong focal point 150+ MAKE YOUR
DOOR POP
WITH PAINT

with playful color and IDEAS

FOR UPDATING
EVERY ROOM
BEFORE
& AFTERS 05 FROM THE EDITOR
pattern. A chic wallpaper IN STYLE TO GET
YOU GOING

motif provides an
92 RESOURCES
PUMP UP QUICK
AN ENTRY
WALL FLIPS
FOR SIMPLE
instant facelift. For more FURNITURE
REDOs

details, see page 6.

96 I DID IT!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marty Baldwin chic&
PRODUCER: Ed Gallagher thrifty
Wall, Paint, and
Window How-Tos

Makeover_Cover.indd 1 2/16/16 8:15 AM

2 MAKEOVERS
MAKEOVERS Editor SAMANTHA S. THORPE
Assistant Art Director EMILY PHIPPS
Copy Editor METTA CEDERDAHL WEST
Contributing Editor JESSICA BRINKERT HOLTAM
Administrative Assistant RENAE MABIE

MEREDITH SPECIAL INTEREST MEDIA ADVERTISING

Group Editorial Leader DOUG KOUMA
Content Director, Home KARMAN HOTCHKISS HOME
Content Director, Food JENNIFER DARLING Senior Vice President and Group Publisher CHRISTINE GUILFOYLE christine.guilfoyle@meredith.com
Associate Publisher TRACY HADEL tracy.hadel@meredith.com
HOME
Group Editor SAMANTHA HART LUXURY HOME PORTFOLIO
Senior Editors ANN BLEVINS, KATY KIICK CONDON, BRIAN KRAMER, Group Publisher BETH McDONOUGH beth.mcdonough@meredith.com
SAMANTHA S. THORPE Group Associate Publisher, Marketing STACY SHAPIRO FELDMAN stacyshapiro.feldman@meredith.com
Senior Associate Editor MARIA V. CHARBONNEAUX Marketing Assistant SOPHIA THID sophia.thid@meredith.com
Senior Associate Art Director KIMBERLY MORGAN METZ
Associate Art Director NICOLE DEAN TEUT FOOD AND HOLIDAY
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Advertising Director MALLORY PARKS mallory.parks@meredith.com
FOOD Advertising Sales Assistant SHARON TAPLIN sharon.taplin@meredith.com
Executive Editor JAN MILLER
Senior Editor JESSICA SAARI CHRISTENSEN GARDEN
Associate Editor CARRIE BOYD Vice President and Group Publisher SCOTT MORTIMER scott.mortimer@meredith.com
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Assistant Art Director RACHEL KENNEDY Regional Account Executive BRIAN KEANE brian.keane@meredith.com
Better Homes and Gardens® Test Kitchen Director LYNN BLANCHARD
CRAFTS AND DO IT YOURSELF
GARDEN Vice President and Group Publisher SCOTT MORTIMER scott.mortimer@meredith.com
Group Editor JAMES A. BAGGETT Advertising Sales Director AMY GATES amy.gates@meredith.com
Assistant Editor RISA QUADE Advertising Account Manager AMBER DARBY amber.darby@meredith.com
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FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
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Editor in Chief STEPHEN ORR Senior Business Manager JENNA BATES Business Manager TONY ROUSE
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CONTRIBUTING FIELD EDITORS

Atlanta Lisa Mowry Baltimore Eileen Deymier Birmingham, Alabama Cathy Still McGowin Meredith National Media Group
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Innovation Officer CAROLYN BEKKEDAHL Research Solutions BRITTA CLEVELAND
VICE PRESIDENTS
For editorial questions, e-mail decorate@meredith.com or write us at Makeovers, Business Planning and Analysis ROB SILVERSTONE Content Licensing LARRY SOMMERS
Special Interest Publications, Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Corporate Sales BRIAN KIGHTLINGER Digital Video LAURA ROWLEY
Direct Media PATTI FOLLO Brand Licensing ELISE CONTARSY
Communications PATRICK TAYLOR Human Resources DINA NATHANSON
Strategic Sourcing, Newsstand, Production CHUCK HOWELL

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer STEPHEN M. LACY

President, Meredith Local Media Group PAUL KARPOWICZ

Vice Chairman | MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER

In Memoriam | E. T. MEREDITH III, 1933–2003

For reuse and reprint requests, contact CLpermissions@meredith.com.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 3
PRINTED IN THE USA
 makeover happy
@ BHG.com Put a little pep into your home with decorating
ideas you can do this weekend!
easy furniture updates

decorate for less

Refresh your home’s
decor with budget
decorating ideas from
designers, bloggers, and
our editors. BHG.com/
BudgetDecorTips
Turn tired furnishings into standout
pieces with our easy tricks.
BHG.com/FurnitureProjects

bathroom tweaks

Check out amazing before-and-after

bath transformations for inspiration.
BHG.com/BathRemodels

weekend projects get organized

Disorganized. Cluttered.
Chaotic. All describe these
Befores. See the Afters and
tips for decluttering.
BHG.com/OrganizedRooms

We share 30 do-it-yourself updates for

every room in the house.
BHG.com/WeekendRefresh

4 MAKEOVERS
 Turn trendy new and old
scientific items into decor,
this photo and page 44.
from the editor

fresh start
WE LOVE TRANSFORMATIONS.
IT’S AMAZING TO SEE SOMETHING
GO FROM BLAH TO BEAUTIFUL—
especially when it comes to our homes. But
the trick is finding the inspiration to take on the
makeover in the first place. In my own home,
our main-level bathroom was functional—and
that’s about it. So we updated the paint color to
a spa blue, switched out the hardware and light
fixture, and brought in a new patterned rug.
What a difference! Now I love our bath.
And that’s our goal with Makeovers
magazine—to inspire you to try your own home
refreshers. Check out our mix of ideas, projects,
products, and homes. Start small with a new
window treatment (page 40), then tackle a
bath (page 72), furniture fixes (page 86), and a
kitchen refresh (pages 30, 50, 58, and 78). We
hope you’ll find all of the tips and tricks you’ll
need to create your own new look. Jump in by
checking out the highlights, right.

Bring the looks you love home with

Samantha S. Thorpe our product picks, like this airy
Editor metal sphere, above and page 25.

Update a room fast with

pretty pillows, above. Use
our tips to find the right
ones, page 8, or make your
own, pages 44 and 68.
Photographer Cameron Sadeghpour Makeup Mollie Riesberg

before

Before-and-after photos tell great

stories throughout the issue. Dress
up a simple door of your own with
our how-to, above and page 55.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 5
 entry
POINT
Create an entry that wows
with a few simple pieces.
1
WRITER NATALIE DAYTON
PHOTOGRAPHER MARTY BALDWIN
PRODUCER ED GALLAGHER

6 MAKEOVERS
1. NO-FAIL COMBO
It takes only a few ingredients—think
one piece of furniture, a light fixture,
and at least one fab piece of art or a
mirror—to welcome guests in a style
that’s all your own.

2. FOCAL POINT
A small stretch of wall is a great—and
affordable—spot to introduce a bold
pattern. Try out trendy colors and
motifs with a bold wallpaper design
or an easy-to-change painted stencil.

3. PRETTY PERCH
A tuck-away stool is handy for
slipping shoes on and off as well
as for taking a seat to sort mail
upon arrival.

4. TRAY CHIC 4
Designate a drop zone for on-the-go
necessities. Use trays and boxes
to corral smaller items and earn Visit BHG.com/Welcome
style points. for more ways to add style
and function to an entry.
For Resources, see page 92.

color CODE Brass Wall Sconce,

$85, OneFortyThree;
Let in some sunshine—and shop.onefortythree.com

improve functionality—with
products that radiate cheer.
Pomax Favorit’
Deco Tray in
Lemon Yellow,
$66, Amara Mori Pocket
Living, Ltd.; Vase in Yellow,
us.amara.com $28, Out of Gray;
outofgray.com

Burch Rug, 2½×8 feet, Threshold Windham

$227, Lulu and Georgia; Coat Rack in Yellow,
luluandgeorgia.com $60, Target; target.com
 pillow TALK
Fluffed, piled, or tossed, pillows are a quick and easy way to feather your
nest with color, pattern, and personality. Discover the room-transforming
powers of pillows with 12 of our favorite tips from design pros.
WRITER MARA BOO

1. FINISHING TOUCH 2. TACTILE TRICKS

“Pillows are like jewelry for your
furniture,” interior designer
Bridgid Coulter says. “Think
about them the same way you
think about accenting an outfit.
If you like to wear neutral colors
with coral or turquoise stone
jewelry, mimic that on your sofa
with a few neutral pillows and
one bright accent.”
If a monochromatic palette
speaks to you more than vibrant
colors and busy patterns, rely
on an assortment of pillow
textures for interest. Think of
mixing leather, velvet, linen,
chenille, mohair, and other
textiles instead of going for a
color play to keep your room
visually intriguing.
THE insides COUNT
“The whole point of pillows is to make you want to
sink in,” Better Homes and Gardens® editor and stylist
Eddie Ross says. “That’s why choosing the right inserts is
so important. Forget polyester and go with feather or
down-filled inserts instead.” And in case you think that
means big bucks, think again. “The Company Store online
has reasonably priced inserts in all different sizes and
shapes,” Ross says. You can also find terrific $6 inserts at
IKEA. (Yes, you read that right.) If your pillow looks too
upright and stiff, apply a gentle karate chop to the center
to help it look appealing and comfy. And remember to
launder or dry-clean your throw pillow covers seasonally.

8 MAKEOVERS
 5. UNITED FRONT
Remember that your sofa and
adjacent armchairs are a visual
group and not lone rangers—
their upholstery fabrics and throw
pillows should play well together,
says Elaine Griffin, interior
designer and cast member of
NBC’s American Dream Builders.
One more tip: If a chairback is
low, rectangular lumbar pillows
look better than square ones.

3. MIX OR MATCH
Jason Oliver Nixon, half the
design duo at Madcap Cottage,
recommends starting your
pillow selection by picking colors

“YES, it’s OK that either match your sofa or

complement it. For example,
TO MAKE A say your sofa is mostly blue. To
match it, look for a pillow pattern
THROW PILLOW that offers a hint of a similar blue.
To complement it, locate blue on
Looking for chic but cheap
pillow options? We’ve gathered
FOR YOUR the color wheel (visit BHG.com/
ColorWheel for easy reference),
a host of options under $30.
BHG.com/NewPillows
SOFA USING and look across to its opposite

THE same hue—in this case, orange.

fabric FOUND 4. FORMULA ONE

Need an easy pillow–pairing

ON A NEARBY trick? Look at your room’s color

scheme and pick out the color
ARMCHAIR.” you like most for an accent. Then
combine patterns in that color
—INTERIOR DESIGNER using this formula:
ELAINE GRIFFIN 1 solid + 1 graphic
+ 1 floral pillow
= foolproof pillow
combination.
6. COLOR LINKS
Look to your room’s major
accessories for color inspiration
for pillows. Select a color from
a rug and carry it to the sofa
via pillows. Or pull a hue found
in your draperies into a seating
space in the same way. The color
inspiration doesn’t need to be
dominant; just a thread of color
between accessories can provide
a look that’s sophisticated
without being matchy-matchy.
7. FORMAL CASUAL
Consider whether you like
formal, symmetrical pillow
arrangements or prefer to wing
it. “A mix of shapes and sizes
creates a relaxed look—but a
series of pillows that are all the
same shape and size results in a
nice rhythm,” interior designer
and stylist Rebecca Robertson
Pasanella says.
10 MAKEOVERS
8. COOL COMBO
Interior designer Lauren Liess’
go-to arrangement for perfect
sofa pillows? “One pillow in each
corner, with a small bolster—in
a different pattern—off to one
side. This combo lets you ooze
pattern and personality, but it
isn’t so many pillows you have to
throw them on the floor to
sit comfortably.”
9. FABRIC MATTERS
“It’s easy to go out and buy
some fabric, but why waste an
opportunity to use textiles
that actually hold memories?”
interior designer Martin Horner
says. “An out-of-style fur coat
that belonged to a favorite
aunt, baby clothes, and even
your wedding dress can all be
repurposed into one-of-a-kind
pillows. Start that closet
cleaning now!”
10. BE PERSONAL
Designers agree: Remake the
boring set of matched pillows
that often comes with a sofa.
Pull the inserts out and buy new
covers for them. Or jazz them up
with flat trim in a classic Greek
key pattern, grosgrain ribbon, or
a collection of antique brooches.
Fusible bonding web tape is the
fastest, simplest way we know to
attach ribbon, lace, and trim to
fabric without needle and thread.

11. WELL ARRANGED

Try an asymmetrical pillow
arrangement. Break up paired
sets and make every pillow
different, varying the patterns,
sizes, and shapes. Unify the
eclectic ensemble with a shared
color scheme to keep the overall
look pleasing.

12. BALANCING ACT

Bold pillow colors are a surefire
way to add pizzazz to a room.
Just keep in mind that rich,
saturated colors usually work
best in spaces that feature a
neutral palette everywhere
else, such as in the upholstered
furniture and the wall color.

For Resources, see page 92.

BY THE numbers
Check out these tips for arranging accent pillows on a sofa “INVEST IN A SET OF
THROW pillow INSERTS
based on whether you like a little or a lot of fluff.
One: Don’t. It just feels lonely.
Two: Put them both—one slightly larger than the
other—in the same corner. (A big square with a smaller TO CREATE A THROW
rectangle in front is a fine choice.)
Three: Nestle two squares—one 2 inches taller than
the other—in one corner. Tuck a third square in the
PILLOW wardrobe
opposite corner.
Four: Place a pillow in each corner that match in shape.
THAT YOU CAN SWITCH
Then pair each side with a second smaller pillow that’s
round or rectangular in shape. Switching up scale and
OUT SEASONALLY OR AS
shape keeps the eye moving and entertained.
Five: Use two pairs of squares, plus a smaller, fancy strikes.”
rectangular-shape lumbar pillow. But don’t put the lumbar —ELAINE GRIFFIN
pillow in the center—you want it to sit off to one side.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 11
MEET& GREET
Lighten the countenance of a tired exterior and put out the
welcome sign with fresh paint and lush plants.
WRITER MEGAN McCONNELL HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHER BRIE WILLIAMS PRODUCER ANDREA CAUGHEY

12 MAKEOVERS
before

open to change
Left to its own devices, landscaping
can quickly overwhelm any house
and give it a sad, shaggy look. To
tidy up appearances, trim back key
established plants and remove any
that have lost their shape. Hidden
behind a thick hedge of overgrown
shrubs and confining screens, Kim
and Jack Trouten’s pretty brick
bungalow in Charlotte had lost its
welcoming ways. Simply removing
some shrubs and the screens revealed
the bones of the exterior, including its
charming arches, left. The Troutens
painted the brick a warm shade of
gray to better highlight the home’s
curves, then they added a light blue
hue to the front door for a subtle
pop of color. Expanded planting beds
along the foundation filled with new,
slow-growing shrubs and easy-care
perennials stretch out the welcome
mat. A porch swing and all-weather
wicker seating now encourage the
couple—and their neighbors—to
savor the revamped view.

Visit BHG.com/
FrontDoorColors
to test-drive hues
for your front door.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 13
 before

soft touch
Elevate the comfort of a porch with interior-style touches,
such as a ceiling fan, a rug, side tables, and playful accent
pillows, above. The Troutens used cozy seating pieces, ones
that encouraged lingering versus a walk-by, to turn this
previously unused space into livable square footage.

naturally inspired
When choosing a color for an exterior element—front
door, pots, or pillows—look to nature for clues. Blue is
a natural neutral—think sky and water—and various
shades of it, including a healthy dose of smoky blue on
the Troutens’ front door, right, elegantly contrast with
the freshly painted bricks.

For Resources, see page 92.

14 MAKEOVERS
 bring it HOME Classic-Craft American Style
Door, $1,688, Therma-Tru;
Soften your own stoop with these look- thermatru.com

alike product picks.

‘Endless Summer’ Hydrangea,

$46, White Flower Farm;
whiteflowerfarm.com

St. Barts Tile Ocean

Outdoor Pillow, $54.50,
Frontgate; frontgate.com

Moody Blue SW6221,

$39 per gallon,
Sherwin-Williams;
sherwin-williams.com
Viva Self-Watering Rolling
Planter, Round Large, $70,
Gardener’s Supply Co.;
gardeners.com

Balta Kesswood Blue Chevron

Rectangular Aqua Geometric
Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $100,
Lowe’s; lowes.com
BUDGET
built-ins
Turn regular bookcases
into a corner library with
a few designer tricks.
WRITER AND PRODUCER MOLLY REID SINNETT
PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM ALBRIGHT
before

nook notes
Have you ever dreamed of cozying
up with a favorite book in your own
home library? That dream can be
a reality with a few store-bought
bookcases and a little custom flair,
left. Ready-to-assemble bookcases
are available at various retailers, but
they often look undersized and flimsy.
Make the most of these inexpensive
finds by buying them in a rich, dark
finish and giving them decorative
weight en masse. We chose IKEA Billy
bookcases to create an incredible
custom look. The approximately
7-foot-tall standard-height bookcases
are a little too short to truly look built
in, but IKEA offers an extension to
add height. Bridge any remaining gap
between shelves and ceiling with trim
that’s right-sized for your room.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 17
step one
To create a corner wrap, you’ll need two standard bookcases,
a thinner bookcase for the center curve, and two corner
brackets. Set the right-hand edge of a standard bookcase
into the left-hand channel of a corner bracket. Slide the left-
hand edge of the thin bookcase into the right-hand channel.
Repeat with the second bracket on the opposite side.
step three
Safety is essential with large bookcases. Secure every
bookcase to the wall with two small metal L brackets. It’s
important to anchor the brackets to affixed shelves, not
loose ones. We chose the bases of upper shelves so the
silver brackets wouldn’t be easily seen. Drive a 2-inch-long
screw through the top of each bracket and back of each
bookcase into the wall. Then secure the brackets to the
shelves by screwing down into each shelf with a shorter
¾-inch-long screw so it doesn’t poke through.
18 MAKEOVERS
step two
Bookcases will never have custom style if they’re plagued by gaps and
spaces. Once you have the design for your series of bookcases set, screw
the pieces together. First, use a clamp to minimize the space between the
units. Then, using a 1¼-inch-long No. 7 drywall screw, secure the bookcases
together. Repeat until all bookcases are connected. We chose black screws
so they would blend in to the shelving unit.
step four
Adding trim to the top of the unit is the most important element when
it comes to creating custom, built-in appeal. Our pièce de résistance was
created by layering a ¾×25⁄8 -inch piece of painted poplar trim over the top
of a ½×1½-inch piece of trim (length will vary based on your bookcases).
Miter the corners for a precise fit and nail the smaller trim across the
front of the entire unit using trim nails. Repeat with the second board,
setting it higher than the first so it reaches to the ceiling. Hold it tightly
to the ceiling when nailing in place. Fill holes with wood filler and touch
up with paint.
For Resources, see page 92.
 HOW TO
stack
IT UP
Facing yards and yards of
empty bookshelves can
be daunting. Attack them
with confidence with
these simple guides.

Go bottoms up.
Shake up the look of
your bookcases by
showing the business
end of your book
collection. Show the
paper edges to create
a light, monochromatic
look that eliminates
mismatched colors and
frayed dust jackets.

Stack horizontally.
Not every bookshelf
has to look the same.
Turn some books on
their side for horizontal
stacks. Match lengths
or let them climb from
biggest to smallest.
Color-coordinate book
spines—no matter how
they’re arranged—for a
graphic look.

Gradually taper.
Organize your books
vertically, taking their
size into account. Start
with the tallest books on
one end and gradually
add shorter books to
the series. A decorative
bookend, knickknack,
or plant completes the
progression with style.

Think cityscape.
Randomly arrange the
heights of your books
when lining them up
vertically on the shelf so
they create a “skyline”
view. Fill the shelves wall
to wall or stop them
short and support the
lineup with a bookend or
horizontal book stack.

Is your book collection too small to accommodate a stylish library

wall? Half Price Books sells bulk books. For just $20, you can buy
approximately 3 linear feet of books. See b.hpb.com/bbty for info.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 19
 fresh SPIN
Improve a small laundry closet’s efficiency
with a few handy helpers.
WRITER AND PRODUCER BRIAN KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHER JAY WILDE

before

20 MAKEOVERS
stick ’em up
Give bifold doors a visual upgrade, opposite. Cut
four colors of adhesive-back vinyl sheeting into a
basic shape and apply to the doors in a pattern.

time for a reorg

Free up floor and work space by stacking
appliances, left. Mount a few shelves high for
rarely used supplies, and add a bar for hanging
clothes. Here, two 10-inch-long cabinet pulls are
attached under cubby-style shelves to function
as mini hang bars. Color-coded hampers make
laundry day sorting a breeze.

tools of the trade

Attach magnetic baskets, clips, and hooks to
the sides of the washer and dryer, below left, to
keep stain-fighting tools, care instructions, and
mending supplies at the ready.

on the surface
Install a drop-down table, below, that can serve as
a stain-treating, ironing, and folding station. Add a
riser, commonly used in a kitchen pantry, against
the wall to squeeze in a second layer of storage.

For Resources, see page 92.

 1

WHITE No longer dominated by

dark finishes, this living

works
WRITER CHELSEA EVERS
room highlights the
power of paint.
PHOTOGRAPHER ANTHONY-MASTERSON
STYLIST ANNA FORKUM PRODUCER DONNA TALLEY
 before

1. SMOOTH MOVES
Chopped up by multiple shades of
wood trim and weighed down by
a reddish-brown brick fireplace,
Christiana and Bart Liddle’s living
room didn’t invite anyone to linger.
Christiana wanted a clean, soothing
backdrop, capable of hosting painted
and slipcovered furnishings. Interior
designer Kristie Barnett delivered with
paint. She smoothed over the dreary
brick and surrounding millwork with a
clean white color, and united the walls
and cathedral ceiling with a warmer
white. Barnett recommends picking
an eggshell rather than a flat finish
for walls, and semigloss for trim and
cabinets. “These finishes make it much
easier to wipe up dirty little handprints
with a cloth,” she says.

2. TALL ORDER
Instead of using only white on the walls
and ceiling, Barnett painted the room’s
formerly orange-hue wood ceiling
beams and upper trim a dark gray.
Stark contrast between the white
3 and gray tones amplifies the room’s
lofty height.

3. SLIP AND SIT

Can you really have white furniture in
a house with kids? “Yes!” Christiana,
mom of four, says. “Slipcovers are
a lifesaver. I can throw them in the
washer with some bleach and they
clean right up.” Visit Ruffled Linens on
Etsy, where Christiana sells kid- and
pet-friendly white frilled tablecloths,
pillows, curtains, and bedding.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 23
 4. SEASONAL STAR
Christiana puts the kaput
fireplace to work by filling it
with logs, flowers, or evergreen
branches to match the season.

5. COZY UP
Hardwood floors are a prized
4 feature, but they’re not the most
kid-friendly choice. A big, low-pile
area rug makes playtime more
comfortable and can easily be
spot-cleaned as necessary.

For Resources, see page 92.

before

“WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE A VERY

BIG impact WITH A small BUDGET.
PAINT CAN GO A LONG WAY.”
—HOMEOWNER CHRISTIANA LIDDLE

24 MAKEOVERS
cottage SPIRIT Lyster Square 28-inch-
Capture the easy, breezy essence of this space wide Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Chandelier, $349, Lamps
with these products. Plus; lampsplus.com

Large Sculptural
Sphere, $39, West Elm;
westelm.com

Knight’s Armor #D58-5, $24 for Threshold Oversized Greek

a gallon, Olympic; olympic.com Key Throw Pillow, $30, Target;
target.com

Recycled Glass Balloon

Vase, $79 each, Viva
Terra; vivaterra.com

Moroccan Pouf in Orange

Leather, $289, Rosenberry
Rooms; rosenberryrooms.com
 salvaged chic
The look of barnwood is
appealing. The labor involved
is not. A simplified solution:
Sheathe an accent wall in
3
⁄16-inch-thick reclaimed-
wood planks, this photo, from
Stikwood (stikwood.com).
These planks rely on a strong
peel-and-stick tape to fasten
to painted drywall.

treatment
PLAN Plain drywall causes
style insomnia. Wake
up your walls with
these textural tricks
for adding dimension.

26 MAKEOVERS
sticky statement
Mimic the look of wallpaper on
a small accent wall using washi
masking tape to create an argyle
design, above. Washi tape is
affordable and long lasting, but
when you’re ready to move on
to another look, it peels off
cleanly and quickly.
YOU’LL NEED: STEP ONE Find the center of the wall, marking that point where the
❑ Tape measure wall meets the ceiling. From the center point, make marks at 15-inch
❑ Plumb line increments to the left and to the right. Using the plumb line as a vertical
❑ 50-millimeter washi tape guide from these marks, make marks 30 inches apart until you reach the
(we used five rolls of base molding. The marks are your diagonal guide and where your tape
Pale Wisteria for an strips will intersect. Apply wide tape in diagonal strips (one direction at
8×10-foot wall) a time), cutting off excess at top and bottom. Work slowly, unrolling and
❑ 15-millimeter washi tape smoothing tape in small sections.
(we used four rolls of STEP TWO Repeat the process for the slim tape, but marking at
Silver Grid) 7½ inches to the left and to the right of each wide strip. Where the slim
❑ Crafts knife tape overlaps the wide, don’t press too firmly.
❑ Straightedge
STEP THREE Trim the overlapping slim tape, inset, using a crafts knife
and a small architect’s triangle or straightedge.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 27
 made to impress
For shapely color that’s rustic and far
from perfect, try blogger Mandi Gubler’s
(vintagerevivals.com) homemade stamp
treatment, this photo. Cut a geometric
shape from wood, then cover with
sweatshirt material, attaching with a
staple gun so one side is wrinkle-free.
Dip that side in paint, wipe on scrap
paper to remove excess paint, and press
onto a wall to leave a mark.

28 MAKEOVERS
sketch pad
Turn a schoolroom staple into a
sophisticated statement with some
fancy doodling, right. We used a
trellis motif paired with faux artwork,
wainscoting, and baseboard to craft
a chic slate.

YOU’LL NEED:
❑ Chalkboard paint (we used
Rust-Oleum Specialty Chalk
Board #206540 Black)
❑ Paintbrush or roller
❑ Chalk
❑ Lint-free rags or chalkboard
erasers
❑ Sturdy cardboard
❑ Tape
❑ Small level
❑ Carpenter square

STEP ONE Paint the wall

according to the directions on the
chalkboard paint can.
STEP TWO Scribble chalk
across the painted surface, then
erase using rags or a chalkboard
eraser. This gives your final design
a uniform surface and prevents
“ghosts” if you change the
design later.
STEP THREE Cut out a
cardboard pattern of your design
(download ours at BHG.com/
WallStencil).
STEP FOUR Tape a small level to
the pattern to maintain a straight
repeat of the design. Have a
carpenter square handy, too.
STEP FIVE Trace your design on
the wall with chalk, starting at the
center and working outward.

For Resources, see page 92.

Go to BHG.com/WallStencil
to download this stencil.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 29
present in
THE PAST WRITER LACEY HOWARD
PHOTOGRAPHER BRIE WILLIAMS
PRODUCER ANDREA CAUGHEY

GRAY WALLS SET THE STAGE

FOR BRIGHT POPS OF COLOR IN
KRISTA NOWAKOWSKI’S HOME.
The 1920s Raleigh residence may
be in a historic neighborhood,
but it’s not beholden to the past.
Rather its historic bones play a
central role in Krista’s dynamic
decorating style, which melds
traditional and vintage elements
with contemporary results.
Krista purchased the home—
which was damaged by a fire and
reconstructed with an open floor
plan and modern kitchen—with
clear decorating goals. “I wanted
each room to be a work of art
with visual complexity,” Krista says.
“I wanted my artwork to stand out
from the paint colors and be the
focus of each room.”
To that end, she had the millwork
painted a bright white and the
wood floors restained a dark
hue before she and her cats—
Hemingway and Copernicus—
moved in alongside her savvy style.

MEET KRISTA
Ready to purchase her first house, Krista Nowakowski zeroed in
on Raleigh’s historic Oakwood district, where she would be within
easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. She spent three
years watching sales to pull together the look in her 1920s abode.
Her design motto: “Make a bold statement, but keep it classic.”
 1. GREAT LENGTHS
Like many old homes, the space
between floor and ceiling isn’t consistent
at each window in Krista Nowakowski’s
house, so she had custom curtains made
for the great-room in a creamy Thai
silk to get the right length. “I took them
from floor to ceiling to make the room
look bigger,” she says.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 31
 2. AIRY COUNTENANCE
With their see-through bases and open
arms, traditional spindle-frame chairs
provide a subtle division between seating
areas within the great-room. Krista
2 covered the chairs with a contemporary
graphic-print fabric; they’re as beautiful
from the back as they are from the front.

3. TILE WORKS
Slate subway tiles lend modern verve to
the home’s original 1921 angled fireplaces
in the dining room and great-room.

4. NEAT SEATS
To give vintage brass chair frames a
contemporary edge, Krista re-covered
the seats in a sturdy peach-color faux
leather. “There is a lot of conversation
around this room because the light
fixture is silver but the chairs are gold,”
Krista says. “I hope it inspires people to
3 be bold and one-of-a-kind.”

5. FIFTH WALL 5
Intent on making every square inch
shine, Krista painted the ceiling in the
wide central hall a soft pink. “It’s so
happy and girly,” she says, “but it’s also
elegant paired with the wallpaper.”

6. FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Unafraid of pattern, Krista was ready
to roll out a lot of trendy wallpaper
designs until she discovered the price
tag. To get her pattern fix while saving
her budget, she opted to paper only the
entry—which has just slivers of wall to
cover thanks to a host of door openings. 6
Krista’s traditional paper pick provides
the foundation for a visual sampling of
her fearless combination of metals and
her masterful mix of modern art and
accessories with traditional furnishings.
 4

before

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 33
7

9
8

7. HUE KNEW?
Krista lined one wall in the great-
room with bookshelves to foster
a cozy, librarylike ambience. The
shelves house a color-sorted array
of books. “Organizing books by
color makes a big collection look
neat and is visually compelling,”
Krista says. Lest the shelves look
too perfect, Krista hung art and
a mirror on the unit’s face.

8. GRAY AREA
“I think gray is the perfect
neutral,” Krista says of the color
she used to smooth over the
main level’s walls. “It is modern,
sophisticated, timeless, goes with
everything, and looks fresh with
the white trim.”

9. DREAM ON
To offer sink-in comfort while
maximizing seating with a minimal
amount of furniture, Krista
opted to anchor the library zone
with a charcoal gray sectional.
A round brass coffee table and
a Moroccan-style berber rug
balance the sofa’s casual lines. “It’s
all very Aladdin!” Krista says.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 35
 11

10

before

lights Find a good local lamp Think beyond retail. Don’t be afraid to ask

FANTASTIC!
Lights offer the chance to introduce
serious personality to rooms.
Homeowner Krista Nowakowski shares
her tips for updating and using vintage,
retail, and online finds.
repair shop—it’s amazing
what they can do. “I have
had the height of some of
my lamps and chandeliers
changed to better fit my
space, and any item can
become a light fixture if you
have it wired,” Krista says.
Etsy and eBay are great
places to look for one-of-a-
kind, affordable lamps
and fixtures.
for a discount or wait for a
sale if you find a cool fixture.
“I was patient in order to
get what I wanted and yet
stay within my budget,”
Krista says.

12
Give a lamp a new look
simply by changing the
shade or spray-painting the
base. Or just change the
style of lightbulb. There are
oodles of decorative options
to pick from today at local
home stores.
10. ISLAND TIME
After the fire, architect Ashley Henkel
Morris reorganized the kitchen and added
a large island. White quartz countertops
waterfall to the floor on both sides of the
island, giving it a contemporary look and
creating a cove for barstool seating.
11. CLIMBING THE WALL
At first the kitchen wall was blank, with
no upper cabinets and just a few inches
of backsplash. To draw the eye upward,
Krista added shelves and subway tiles.
13
12. INSIDE THE BOX
The refrigerator’s frame—stained to
match the cabinets and island base—
creates the high-end look of a built-in
appliance at a fraction of the cost.
13. MIX MASTER
A no-fuss pedestal sink was the right
size to help this small bath feel bigger.
Krista used it as a classic base for an
eclectic mix of accessories, including
industrial lights, a Moroccan-inspired
mirror frame, and an acrylic towel bar.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 37
 “I CONSIDER metals NEUTRAL—IT’S EASY TO
COMBINE DIFFERENT ONES AND STILL HAVE
A HARMONIOUS LOOK.”
—HOMEOWNER KRISTA NOWAKOWSKI

14. WELCOME GUESTS

Extra-tall headboards capped with brass
nailhead trim crown a pair of twin beds
14 in the guest room. Krista chose twin
beds for their flexibility when family and
friends visit, but she didn’t want them to
feel childlike. “Making the headboards
super tall gives the beds a sophisticated
feel,” Krista says.

15. MIDDLE MAN

A traditional eBay-found bamboo-style
15 desk saves space by acting as a bedside
table for both guest beds. A black acrylic
resin chair serves as an unexpected
sidekick to the desk. “It’s such a chic
contrast to the traditional desk,”
Krista says.

16
16. FOUND TREASURES
While putting something in the attic,
Krista noticed the home’s original
chimney. “The bricks were gorgeous
shades of orange and in good shape,
so I decided to knock down the drywall
in the guest bedroom to expose it,” she
says. The vanity is an estate-sale find
that Krista put a fresh spin on with
fire-engine red paint.

For Resources, see page 92.

38 MAKEOVERS
 sassy BRASS
It’s back! Be on trend by sprinkling a little of
the 1980s go-to metallic into your interiors.

Jamie Young Small Flowering

Brass Label Plate, $20 for Lotus 1-Light Pendant in
set of six, Schoolhouse Antique Gold, $234, Bed
Electric & Supply Co.; Bath & Beyond (online only);
schoolhouseelectric.com bedbathandbeyond.com

Foil-Pressed State Map, shown in

matte brass frame, prices start at $63
framed for the 8×10-inch size, GeekInk
Design for Minted; minted.com

Better Homes and Gardens®

Sequin Decorative Pillow in Gold,
$15, Walmart; walmart.com

Arabesque Mirror, $79,

Wisteria; wisteria.com

Malachite Glassware,
$25 each,
Jonathan Adler;
jonathanadler.com

Vince Metal-Clad Coffee

Table, $799, Pottery Barn;
potterybarn.com Gold and Metal Bar Cart, $269,
Dot & Bo; dotandbo.com
window
DRESSING
Elevate ready-made curtain
panels into wow-worthy
threads with these easy tricks.

40 MAKEOVERS

pom-pom panache
Add touch-me texture, and a whole
lot of personality, to plain curtain
panels by attaching rows of colorful
pom-pom trim, opposite.
elegant edging
For a quick border treatment, left, stencil
the edges of curtain panels, combining
parts of two stencils for a custom look.
YOU’LL NEED:
❑ White curtain panels
❑ Drop cloth
❑ Stencil adhesive spray
❑ Stencils (we used Rockin’ Roses
from Royal Design Studio and Leaf &
Damask from Artisan Enhancements)
❑ Painters tape
❑ Spray bottle and water
❑ Cloth (for blotting)
❑ Two or three colors of paint (we used
sample-size containers of Annie Sloan’s
Emile, Henrietta, and Charcoal)
❑ Stencil brush (we like Annie Sloan’s
large brush for quick coverage)
STEP ONE Lay curtain panels right
side up on a clean drop cloth. Using
stencil adhesive or painters tape, secure
stencils in desired position. Run a stencil
off the edge of a panel, or overlap
stencils to get the look you want. Use
painters tape to mask off any unwanted
area of the stencils.
STEP TWO Spray the fabric lightly
with water. Blot excess paint off the
brush, then apply paint over stencils
using an up-and-down brushing motion.
STEP THREE Dip the brush into the
second color, and apply on top of the
first color for a two-tone effect. Add a
third color as desired. Let dry completely
and remove stencils carefully. Continue
until the design is finished.
YOU’LL NEED: STEP ONE Use measuring tape and a fabric pen to mark
❑ Measuring tape parallel lines across each panel (ours are 6 inches apart).
❑ Fabric pen STEP TWO To prevent puckering, glue 1-inch pom-pom trim
❑ White curtain panels to half of each drawn line at a time, allowing it to dry before
❑ Fabric glue gluing the other half.
(we used Fabri-Tac)
❑ Pom-pom trim STEP THREE To achieve a full effect, adhere additional
(we used two colors) strands of trim. (We used three strands—two light and one
dark—for each row, sandwiching the dark trim between the
lighter trim to create a bicolor look.)
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 41
border beauty
Add a little romance to simple panels
with remnants of lace, right. Sheer
panels work best with the lace, as the
light shines through both layers of
fabric, but you could use light-color
opaque panels if preferred.

YOU’LL NEED:
❑ Fabric scissors
❑ Lace trim in varying widths
❑ White sheer curtain panels
❑ Measuring tape
❑ Straight pins
❑ Glue gun
❑ Fabric glue sticks

STEP ONE Cut lace trim to the

curtain length plus 2 inches. With
curtains hanging on their rod*, pin
lace to panels as desired, making sure
the lace is flat, straight, and evenly
spaced. Allow a 1-inch overhang at the
top and bottom.
STEP TWO Load a glue gun with
fabric glue sticks. Starting at the top
of each panel and working your way
down, deposit small dots of glue and
press lace carefully to avoid wrinkling.
(Fabric glue dries clear.)
STEP THREE Fold excess trim
over top and bottom edges of panels,
adhering on back of panels.
*You can also do this project on a
clean drop cloth, although you will
need to be careful to apply the glue
with a light hand so the curtains
don’t adhere to the cloth.

42 MAKEOVERS
to the point
Dress up a shade with a
stencil and fine-point-tip puff
paint, creating the look of
fancy embroidery without
the hours of work, above.
For Resources, see page 92.
YOU’LL NEED:
❑ Gray roller shade (ours is
from IKEA)
❑ Small- to medium-size stencil
(we used Folk Art Handmade
Charlotte Tangier from Plaid, which
was about 7 inches in diameter)
❑ Stencil adhesive spray
❑ Painters tape
❑ Fine-point-tip puff paints in
assorted colors (we used pale blue,
plum, white, and gold)
❑ Measuring tape
STEP ONE Place shade on a flat surface. Center the stencil
on the shade, securing with adhesive spray and/or painters tape.
STEP TWO With the stencil as a guide, make dots of puff
paint about every 1⁄8 inch. (It will feel like decorating a cake.)
Don’t fill in the stencil completely.
STEP THREE Add dots in other colors as desired,
matching the spacing.
STEP FOUR Let paint dry completely, according to
manufacturer directions, to avoid smearing. Carefully
remove stencil.
STEP FIVE Repeat the process to fill shade as desired.
 elemental
STYLE
Make an explosive statement—convert new
or flea market-found science basics into decor.
WRITER AND PRODUCER MOLLY REID SINNETT PHOTOGRAPHER JAY WILDE

44 MAKEOVERS
 measure up
The science of creating an aah
decorating moment is as easy as
calling on, well, a little science.
Add life to any room by using
various sizes of glass Erlenmeyer
flasks, left, as vases. The
measurements on the side, and
any old markings left from their
glory days, add character.

culture club
Guests won’t have any trouble
finding their drinks with
customized glass petri dish
coasters, right. Spell names,
drink types, or festive words with
wooden letters.

molecular
structure
Raise your style IQ with pillows
sporting elements from the
periodic table, opposite. We
used an electronic cutter to
outline our designs on heat-
transfer vinyl, then ironed the
motifs to plain pillow covers.
Visit BHG.com/PillowMonogram
to download our stencils. For
another nod to the power of
chemistry, create one-of-a-kind
molecular-inspired art from
wooden doll heads and dowels.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 45
46 MAKEOVERS
 mix master
Show off your chemistry
prowess by etching bar glasses,
left, with the structural formulas
for alcohol or club soda.
A die-cut adhesive stencil and
etching cream make it as easy
as pipetting. (OK, maybe easier.)
Complete the set by using a large
beaker in place of a standard
pitcher. To download our stencil,
visit BHG.com/Etched.

in focus
Vintage lab equipment is not only
handsome, but it’s also handy. An
antique brass microscope, right,
makes a striking bookend. Look
for microscopes that come in
their original storage boxes and
use the holders as bookends in
their own right, opposite.

learning curve
Who knew science could be so
pretty? Artwork made from an
old medical book and a graphite-
transferred DNA double helix,
opposite, anchors an assortment
of scholarly fare, including
vintage surveying equipment and
white porcelain Büchner funnels.
 bright idea
Raid the chemistry lab to build
a brilliant lamp, left, that would
make Thomas Edison proud.
This illuminating concoction
was crafted by positioning two
Erlenmeyer flasks in a ring stand,
then inserting a pair of bright
light sockets into the open flasks.

group project
Tiny volumetric flasks, right,
prove there’s power in
numbers. A grouping of the
curvaceous, petite glass vessels
filled with stems of pepperberries
or tiny blooms creates a
delicate table topper.

smart art
Add brilliance to your walls with
homemade typeset artwork,
opposite. Customize Albert
Einstein’s words—or those
from your favorite genius—by
printing them atop a digital
watercolor background. (You
can find inexpensive design
content online at sites such as
creativemarket.com.)

For Resources, see page 92.

48 MAKEOVERS
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 49
 1

BRIGHT
fixes
Tranquil colors and modern updates
let a Texas family shed their drab kitchen
for a light and dreamy one.
WRITER LAURA KRISTINE JOHNSON
PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McWEENEY
STYLIST DONNA TALLEY PRODUCER LISA MOWRY

50 MAKEOVERS
before

1. ON THE UP AND UP
Jenni and Matt Johnson decided
to ditch their dark kitchen after
they saw the light—literally. “We’d
traveled to Florida several times and
wanted to mimic the feeling of light,
airiness, and freshness that we felt
while there,” Jenni says. The couple
enlisted the help of interior designer
Amanda Eck to channel a coastal vibe
for their kitchen—sans seashells and
anchors—that maintains its original
layout, flooring, and appliances
to keep reno costs in check. The
Johnsons saved big by painting their
existing cabinets. They created the
illusion of taller, higher-end cabinets
by continuing the paint color all the
way to the ceiling.

2. STONE FACED
Love the look of marble but not
the cost? Introduce it on a wall
instead of on a countertop. The
Johnsons got their marble fix via
a chevron backsplash. Its pattern
adds architectural oomph to the
kitchen while its neutral color palette
keeps the look serene.

3. SHARE THE LIGHT

Brighten prep space while channeling
a chic look with on-trend light
fixtures. Two chrome lantern-style
lights now spread more light over the
surface of the island prep zone while
striking a modern note with their
sleek lines.
 4. COUNTER WORKS
The Johnsons’ kitchen had granite
countertops, but the color wasn’t
conducive to the light look the
family craved. So they swapped it
out for marble-look White Macaubas
quartzite. “It’s still a natural stone
4 with a gray-veined look, but it’s also
a little bit sturdier maintenancewise
than marble,” Eck says. The new
countertop features a modern
straight edge with an overhang that
allows all three Johnson children
to scoot up to the counter to do
homework or grab a snack.

5. MAKE A STATEMENT
A splash of gray-blue paint on the
5 island adds a punch of color to the
kitchen without the commitment of
painting all of the cabinetry a strong
hue. Before they painted, the
Johnsons added wood paneling on
the seating side of the island. The
paneling covers drab drywall for a
cohesive, upscale look.

6. MODERN OVERTURES
The Johnsons changed out their
builder-grade sink and faucet for slightly more
expensive fixtures with improved functionality
and style. The sink’s square corners add a
clean-cut, modern aesthetic, while its deeper,
wider construction provides more room for
dishwashing. The shapely brushed-nickel faucet’s
high-arc design makes filling pots a breeze.
6
For Resources, see page 92.

before
 elegant TWIST
Capture this kitchen’s classic, modern
vibe with these shapely products.

3-Inch Stainless
Steel Bar Pull,
$9 each, Amerock;
amerock.com

Calacatta Quartzite Q721,

installed price starting at
$79 per square foot, Daltile; Two Light Foyer Fixture in
daltile.com Polished Nickel, $326, LightingPlus;
lightingplusonline.com

Cassidy Single Handle

Bar/Prep Faucet in Arctic
Stainless, $332, Delta;
deltafaucet.com
Curved Nailhead Bar Stool
in Textured Ivory, $149,
Home Decorators Collection;
homedecorators.com
Faded Flaxflower
#SW9146, $39 per gallon,
Sherwin-Williams;
sherwin-williams.com

Scroll Tile Rug in Porcelain

Blue, starting at $219, Pottery
Monarch White
Barn; potterybarn.com
Thassos with White
Carrera Marble Tile,
$25 per 12×10.5-inch
sheet, TileBar;
tilebar.com

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 53
 before

easy
ACCENT
Ready to give plain furniture a
high-end look without a high-end
price tag? Just nail it!
WRITER PAMELA PORTER PHOTOGRAPHER MARTY BALDWIN
PRODUCER LESLIE POYZER
54 MAKEOVERS
 before

tap, tap
Make a grand
entrance by using
nailheads to add
architectural oomph
to a flat door, left.
To replicate this
look, remove the
door and use spray
adhesive to secure
vinyl fabric, wrapping
it around the sides,
top, and bottom.
Draw guidelines for
nail placement, then
tap nails in place.
We emphasized the
corners of our design
with square nailheads.

merry-go-round
Kick back in style with an ottoman adorned with an oval motif,
opposite. Measure and cut paper ovals to fit as desired. We used
three paper ovals at a time, overlapping and securing in place with
a few decorative onyx nails before nailing around the entire shape.
When done, remove paper to reveal design.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 55
 before on the edge
Use nailheads to accentuate the shape
of a chair, this photo. We ran decorative
high-dome brass nails along the bottom,
back, and piping of this chair.

56 MAKEOVERS
Visit BHG.com/NailheadGuide for
a video tutorial on nailhead trim.
how to add
nailhead trim
That bland bench or plain
Parsons chair gets an on-trend
makeover with a few basic tools
and these tips.
YOU’LL NEED:
❑ Upholstery nails
❑ Furniture with a solid frame
❑ Needle-nose pliers
❑ Rubber mallet
STEP ONE Plan your design.
Here, we ran nails along the
chair’s border, but you might
want to map out your design
on the furniture using a paper
template or masking tape.
STEP TWO To avoid smashing
your fingers, use needle-nose
pliers to hold each nail as you tap
it in place with a rubber mallet.
Make sure spacing is consistent
between nails. You can use a
nailhead spacer tool to help.
For Resources, see page 92.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 57
artfully
ADJUSTED WRITER MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX
PHOTOGRAPHER JEAN ALLSOPP
PRODUCER CATHY STILL McGOWIN

INSIDE THE MOUNTAIN BROOK,

ALABAMA, HOME THAT VIRGINIA
VOLMAN SHARES WITH HER TWO
daughters, it’s clear that bigger isn’t
always better. The 1,800-square-
foot jewel box is as efficiently
planned as it is enchantingly
decorated, but that wasn’t always
the case. When the decorator
decided to downsize from a
3,000-square-foot Tudor home to
a dark, dated 1950s ranch, it seemed
an unlikely move to many.
“It was definitely a little
dated,” Virginia says. “But the
lot and location were ideal, and
I appreciated its great lines.”
Virginia took a “quasicustom”
approach to renovating, she says,
which involved more tweaking
than tearing down—although she
did a little of that, too, gutting the
kitchen and reconfiguring how it
interacts with adjoining rooms. But
a lot of paint, outside and in, sets
the scene for her sophisticated yet
unstuffy interiors.

MEET VIRGINIA
After earning a biology degree and spending years in
pharmaceuticals sales, Virginia Volman set her inner artist free,
turning her passion for design into a full-time career. Her eclectic,
laid-back approach to decorating is reflected in rooms that brim
with color and personality. “I love to mix and match,” she says.
 before

1. GET BENCHED
To give her formal dining room a more
casual, convivial feel, Virginia Volman
reupholstered a metal bench and sidled
it up to her dining table. Paint folded the
once-red hutch and dark brown dining chairs 1
into her color scheme.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 59
 2
2. FRESH SURROUND
Previous owners enclosed
the carport to create a living
room. To revive the tired space,
Virginia removed wall-to-wall
carpeting and replaced it with
hardwood flooring. She also
repainted the mustard-color
paneled walls a crisp white.
60 MAKEOVERS
3. RAISED RIGHT
To provide storage and display
space yet still allow the living
room to feel open and airy,
Virginia raised bookshelves off
the floor and mounted them to
the walls. Painted the same crisp
white as the paneling, the shelves
visually recede.
4. SHUTTER HAPPY
Virginia loves the look of
long, billowy drapes, but in a
small space she prefers the
streamlined simplicity of a flat
shade or shutter. These existing
white shutters matched the
new wall hue, so Virginia saved
big by keeping them.
5. TASK MASTER
The living room also functions
as a home office and playroom,
so furnishings were chosen for
their convertibility. A Chinese
console serves as a desk, and
a cocktail table with nesting
stools doubles as a kid-friendly
gaming and dining surface.
 6
before
6. BLENDING IN
While modern technology has
made drastic improvements in
its design, today’s television is
often still aesthetically obtrusive.
To soften the effect of what
Virginia calls the “big, black box,”
she distracts the eye by hanging
artwork around it.
7. MEDIA SAVVY
To make the most of a slice of
wall space, Virginia designed a
media cabinet with open and
closed storage to house board
games, DVDs, and electronics.
She kept the lines simple but
had fun with the leather-and-
wood pulls she found on Etsy.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 61
 8
8. SHAPE CHANGER
The home’s original galley-
style kitchen was cramped and
uncomfortable for everyday
cooking, much less entertaining.
Its new footprint opens to the
living room to ease traffic.

9. BUDGET BASICS
Classic white subway tiles
9 (purchased for 22 cents each!)
run from countertop to ceiling
to add architectural interest to
open walls. With the exception
of a single corner cabinet,
Virginia opted against upper
cabinets to save money while
10 giving the kitchen a more
industrial aesthetic.

10. TAILOR MADE

To get a high-end look on
a budget, Virginia used a
combination of ready-made
and custom cabinetry in the
kitchen. The island is a friend’s
hand-me-down that Virginia
had retrofitted and plumbed to
house a dishwasher and sink.

11. RAISE THE BAR

Using floating shelves from IKEA, Virginia
transformed a tight, otherwise useless
patch of wall into the perfect perch
for barware. The low-profile shelves
are hung high to allow even the tallest
of party guests enough head room to
comfortably shake and stir.
11

before

62 MAKEOVERS
12. SMART STORAGE
Max out a cozy corner with a built-in
banquette that doubles as storage.
At nearly 2 feet deep, this base is
designed to house bulky items like
roasting pans and serving platters.
The removable cushion is made from
a low-maintenance textured vinyl that
looks as fab as it performs.

12
 13
13. GOOD CENTS
Placing this cotton-candy hue
on the walls could have closed
in an already tight room, so
Virginia used it on the ceiling
instead. “Light, neutral walls
make a room feel larger, but
my daughter really wanted pink
for her room,” Virginia says.
“Painting the ceiling appeased
us both. As a plus, I paid
less for paint and labor, giving
me more pop for my penny.”

14. COLOR SWAP

Just a few coats of paint
helped a thrift store desk and
a metal chandelier that once
graced Virginia’s kitchen to fit
seamlessly into this bedroom.

14
before

15. WISE BUYS

Bathroom renovations can be
super costly, so Virginia thought
outside of the box to get the
look she wanted on the budget
she set. She removed mauve
wall tile and a violet tile border
and added drywall instead—a 15
decision that saved her close to
$1,500 versus retiling. For the
floor and shower, she sourced
overstock ceramic tile from
a big-box supplier, and she
replaced the cultured marble-
top vanity with a porcelain
pedestal sink.

64 MAKEOVERS
 16. DREAMY DIGS
With space at a premium, Virginia
designed a custom daybed in
17 one of her daughters’ rooms by
mounting a queen-size headboard
to the wall. It’s just right for
afternoon lounging and late-night
sleepovers thanks to a twin-size
trundle bed below it.

17. HIGH STANDARDS

16 To draw the eye up and give the
illusion of higher ceilings, Virginia
hung drapery rods just beneath
the molding rather than right
above the window frame. She
hung a single panel versus a pair
to avoid fabric overload.

10. 18. RETRO FIT

When she was expecting her first
daughter, Virginia bought this
18 vintage chest at a consignment
store and cut the feet to the right
height for diapering. She brought
the timeworn piece back to life
with fresh paint and added a wide
center stripe using painters tape.

before

19 19. CLEAN ACT

Virginia removed the sliding
doors from a closet to create
easier access to her laundry
area. Café curtains hung from
a new built-in folding counter
hide the washer and dyer when
not in use.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 65
20. GRAND ENTRY
Virginia removed decorative
shutters and expanded the
steps, visually stretching the
facade. To cut costs, she used
wood for the new stairs instead
of brick. She transformed the
makeshift gravel path into an
elegant flagstone walkway with
the saved funds.
21. COLOR POP
Painting the dated brown brick
“WHEN SPACE AND FUNDS
a crisp white gave the house
greater curb presence.
ARE TIGHT, strategizing
Replacing builder-grade light
fixtures and the glass front
AND savvy shopping
door furthers the home’s HELP YOU MAKE THE
modern look.
MOST OUT OF EVERY INCH
AND PENNY.”
For Resources, see page 92.

—DECORATOR AND HOMEOWNER VIRGINIA VOLMAN

before

21

20

66 MAKEOVERS
 ART matters
Introduce rich personality that speaks to
you with works from aspiring artists.
“The Electric
One” by Shawna
Gilmore, $275,
UGallery;
ugallery.com
"Steel Two" by Kate
Roebuck, $TK,
Chairish;
chairish.com

“Quadrants” by Robert
“Chateau Marmont” by Gia Coppola, Morrow, $425, UGallery;
starting at $200, The Tappan ugallery.com
Collective; thetappancollective.com

“Appleton Street” by Helena

Wurzel, starting at $24,
20x200.com; 20x200.com

“Steel Two” by Kate

Roebuck, $75, Chairish; “No. 33” by Heather Chontos,
chairish.com $250, Chairish; chairish.com

THE ugallery.com
UGallery is an online art
chairish.com
Chairish is an online,
thetappancollective.com
Representing nearly 50
20x200.com
20x200 was founded on

real gallery that showcases the

works of up-and-coming
curated marketplace where
design-lovers buy and sell
emerging artists, Tappan
has tapped into local art
the belief that everyone
can—and should—collect

DEAL talent. Each artist and

piece is vetted by a panel
of expert curators. Only
Original art can be 10 percent of applicants
affordable! Check are accepted, so buyers can
out these great be confident in the quality
online sources. of art. Price tags range
from $100 to $10,000.
vintage and used decor.
More than 100 artists
offer a variety of media,
including original works,
and set their own prices to
sell directly to the buyer.
Price tags range from
$50 to $3,000.
scenes across the world
to curate a collection
of cutting-edge original
artwork and exclusive
limited-edition prints.
Price tags range from
$50 to $10,000.
art, and that artists should
have more opportunities
to make a living. Each piece
sold comes with an artist-
signed and numbered
certificate of authenticity.
Price tags range from
$24 to $10,000.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 67
bedroom
REVIVAL
Bring a bedroom into bloom with
simple, budget-friendly DIY updates.
WRITER BETHANY KOHOUTEK PHOTOGRAPHER NICOLAS GOURGUECHON
PRODUCER JODI MENSING HARRIS

68 MAKEOVERS
 headstrong
Upholstered headboards retail
for at least $600, but you can
make your own, opposite, for
less than $200. Use the handy
instructions on page 71 to
jump-start a room renovation.
Then pile on personality with
accessories coordinated to
match your linens.

homemade touch
Pillows are a quick way to add
handmade personality to store-
bought bedding. To replicate
this pillow, left, stencil a rose
motif on a purchased pillowcase.
The secret to a painterly result:
Purchase at least three shades of
fabric paint—and mix different
combinations of the shades
on a palette to create several
hues. Use them to paint each
petal a slightly different color,
concentrating the darker hues
in the center of the rose.

good news
Greet the morning on a positive
note—decorate a lamp base
with words to live by, right. Write
the words in white oil-base
permanent marker on a ceramic
or glass base. Start with a light-
color base for a subtle effect.
 ‘centsational’
sidekick
Renew a shapely secondhand
chest with paint, left. To quickly
freshen old wooden furniture,
remove drawers and hardware,
then clean and sand all surfaces.
Prime, let dry, then paint in your
desired hue with a paintbrush,
working color into curves and
edges. Apply a second coat with
a foam roller for a smooth finish.
Add new hardware for custom
personality. Two colorful knobs
per drawer fill in holes that once
housed single drawer pulls.

it’s a cinch
Wrap a scarf around a
pillow form past its pattern prime
for a super fast transformation,
right. Place the pillow in the
center of the scarf on a diagonal.
Pull opposite corners around the
pillow and tie in a knot. Do the
same for the other side. Tuck the
ends of the top knot underneath
for a polished finish.

70 MAKEOVERS
 a b

how to make
an upholstered
headboard
YOU’LL NEED:
❑ 4×8-foot sheet of ½-inch
oriented strand board (OSB)
❑ Tape measure
❑ 12-inch paper circle c d
❑ Jigsaw
❑ Two foam mattress pads
❑ Scissors
❑ 2½ yards batting
❑ Staple gun and staples
❑ 2½ yards linen-look fabric
❑ Covered-button kit with
seven buttons
❑ Drill
❑ Upholstery needle
❑ Embroidery floss
❑ 5-yard roll of nailhead trim
❑ Small hammer

STEP ONE Use a pencil to draw
your headboard shape onto OSB. To
determine the width of the headboard,
plan for 6 inches wider than your
mattress. To create shapely corners,
place a 12-inch paper circle 6 inches from
the top of the board on each side, and
trace a quarter-circle into each corner.
Cut out the headboard shape using
a jigsaw.
STEP TWO Lay two foam mattress
pads over the board. Use scissors to trim
the pads to the shape of the headboard.
Center batting over the headboard and
cut, allowing 5 inches around the
perimeter on all sides. Once everything is
cut to size, flip the board over, with foam
mattress pads and batting underneath.
Pull the batting tight around the edges,
and staple it to the back of the OSB.
The batting will hold the mattress pads
in place.
STEP THREE Lay the fabric over
the front of the headboard and cut,
allowing 5 inches around the perimeter
on all sides. Flip the headboard over with
the fabric underneath. Staple the fabric
to the back of the OSB, pulling firmly as
you go. The curves can be tricky; take
your time and fold the fabric however
you need to on the back (a) for a smooth
look on the front.
STEP FOUR Follow the instructions
on the covered-button kit to encase
your buttons in fabric (b). (Tip: If you
use upholstery fabric or thicker fabric
than we did, buy a button kit that works
with thicker fabrics. We used 1½-inch-
diameter buttons.) On the front of the
headboard, determine where you want
your buttons (we used seven buttons:
three in one row, and four in a row
below), then flip the headboard over and
drill one small hole through the back of
the board for each button. Thread the
upholstery needle with embroidery floss,
and push the threaded needle from the
back of the board through the layers of
foam, batting, and fabric to the front.
Run the needle through the shank of the
button, and push the needle back down
through the same hole, pulling tightly.
Repeat the process. Staple the ends of
the thread just above the drilled hole. Tie
the ends in a knot to secure the button.
Repeat for each button.
STEP FIVE Use nailhead trim that
comes in a roll rather than individual
nailheads. It will save time and money
(and your fingers!). Place nailhead
trim (c) along the edge of the
headboard. Gently push trim into the
headboard. When you’re happy with
the placement, use a hammer to
secure it along the top and sides of the
headboard (d). Hang on the wall (we
used a French cleat).
For Resources, see page 92.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 71
 before

BORING
no MORE
Bland builder bath, begone!
Smart facelifts let you keep the
basics (and save your budget).

72 MAKEOVERS
rescued by pattern
Introduce instant elegance with
wallpaper. This bath, opposite, scored
points for functionality, but it was a
snooze stylewise. Dressed in a lattice-
motif pattern, the walls look luxurious.

classic reflection
For a custom look, swap out a plate
glass mirror for a framed one, left.
The vertical orientation of this mirror
draws the eye upward, bringing
attention to generous 9-foot-high
ceilings. New sconces flank the mirror
as a classy alternative to the previous
standard over-the-mirror fixture.

spiffy in a jiffy
Smooth over outdated cabinetry
finishes with a few coats of paint.
Painting this vanity black, below left,
added a bit of drama—and only
cost $20 for the quart of paint.
A new Carrara marble countertop and
hardware deliver an upscale touch.

dress for success

Stretch fabric from floor to ceiling
to raise the sophistication of a tub-
shower combo. Here, two 9-foot
drapery panels are sewn together
and trimmed with ribbon to create
a custom shower curtain, below.
 before

soft touch
Elevate the comfort level of a porch with interior-style
touches, such as a ceiling fan, rug, side tables, and a plethora
of playful accent pillows. The Troutens used cozy seating
pieces, ones that encouraged lingering versus a walk-by, to
turn this previously unused space into livable square footage.

naturally inspired
When choosing a color for an exterior element—front door,
pots, or throw pillow—look to nature for clues. Blue is a
natural neutral—think sky and water—and various shades of
it, including a healthy dose of smoke blue on the front door,
elegantly contrast with the Trouten’s freshly painted bricks.
reuse and renew
Why buy all new when reused will
do? Some of this bath’s 1930s green
wall tiles, opposite, were removed,
and new white ones were added to
to create stripes. To remove existing
tiles, cut the grout with a rotary
grinding tool, then slip a thin-blade
putty knife behind the tiles to pop
them off. Scrape adhesive residue off
the tile backs. If you’re not handy, hire
a professional for the best results.

hanging around
Add counter space where it’s
needed most with a deep floating
shelf, right. This one (above the toilet)
keeps frequently used items handy.
A decorative mirror helps the small
bath feel bigger.

water wonder
It’s a quick fix, but a large, pan-style
showerhead, below, gives any bath
hotel luxury.

space stretcher
Amplify storage with a caddy system,
below right. This one features three
baskets attached to an adjustable
aluminum pole.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 75
before
bold tone
Say hello to color with a high-gloss
painted vanity. Ushering out an
uninspired oak vanity for a new royal
blue model gave this bath, opposite,
a fun new face. The vanity’s vintage
silhouette is complemented by new
wood-plank walls, industrial-style
lighting, and a chippy-paint mirror.

transparent style
Upgrade a bathing area with a
sliding glass door, left. Here, a new
door is paired with walls covered
with subway-style Italian marble
from a discount tile warehouse,
setting an elegant tone at a
budget-friendly price.

mixed effect
Using the same tile on walls and
floors can make dollar sense, but take
a cue from this bath and mix up the
patterns. The same 3×6-inch Carrara
marble tiles that decorate the shower
wall are laid in a herringbone pattern
on the floor, below left.

sleek lines
Balance rustic with modern for an
on-trend look. A streamlined faucet
keeps this bath feeling current, below.

For Resources, see page 92.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 77
THINGS
that matter
WRITER LACEY HOWARD
PHOTOGRAPHER BRIE WILLIAMS
PRODUCER ANDREA CAUGHEY

DENA AND CLAYTON STORMER

ROLLED UP THEIR SLEEVES,
REVVED UP THE SEWING MACHINE,
and broke out the paintbrushes
to bring their quaint but worn-
looking Atlanta home into the
modern era.
Out went a rainbow of blue,
green, and yellow walls, and in blew
a soft greige accented with crisp
white trim. The neutral canvas is
ideal for showcasing Dena’s colorful
accessories, ’50s-era flea market
treasures, family pieces from
generations past, and projects the
couple have completed—each
with their signature midcentury
modern bent.
“I like our decor because it’s one-
of-a-kind,” Dena says. “It was all, for
the most part, inexpensive and easy
to do. You can always do something
to put your own spin on things you
already have. I think it makes a huge
difference being surrounded by the
things you love. It really makes a
house a home.”

MEET DENA
Dena Stormer tends an Etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/heartsandsharts)
selling tote bags and pillows, and she dedicates creative energy to
the charity Dwell with Dignity (dwellwithdignity.org). Its purpose
is to put great design into the homes of those in need. She blogs
about all of her projects at heartsandsharts.com.
1

1. HIGH CONTRAST
Formerly the same color as the floor, the
wainscoting in Dena and Clayton Stormer’s
living room lacked architectural distinction
until refreshed with white paint.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 79
2. DAPPER DINETTE
The breakfast room table and chairs
(scored for $50 roadside!) were once
crusted with rust and dirt. Dena spiffed
them up by scrubbing them with a wad
of wet aluminum foil, then spraying the
vinyl with stain-blocking Kilz primer.
3. CUSTOM CHALKBOARD
Make your own chalkboard with
hardboard, scrap wood, and chalkboard
paint. Dena says cutting the 45-degree
angles for the wooden frame was the
hardest part—but a miter saw would
make quick work of it.
4. KISS OF COLOR
To dress up store-bought curtains, Dena
stitched a few inches of vintage fabric
she’d squirreled away years ago to the
tops of three panels. (She found out later
that the fabric was the bed skirt from her
grandmother’s childhood bedroom.)
before
“PEOPLE often ASK, ‘WHERE'D YOU GET THIS?’
AND THE ANSWER IS, ‘I made it, AND YOU COULD,
TOO, BECAUSE IT’S REALLY EASY.’”
—HOMEOWNER DENA STORMER

5. FRESH FACE
The Stormers’ musty kitchen underwent
a cost-effective overhaul with smart
cabinet and countertop picks. For
example, the couple opted for lower-
end salt-and-pepper-style granite that
delivered durability without blowing
6 the budget.

6. SAVING WAYS
If existing appliances work, keep them
to put a lid on reno costs. The Stormers
added a microwave but saved by opting
7 for a floor model. A dent in the side—
which no one sees because the unit is
built in—yielded them a discount.
5
7. TAKE THE SUBWAY
Glossy white subway tile is a vintage
classic, not to mention inexpensive and
easy to find. The Stormers employed it
as a texture-rich backsplash.

before

thrifting Have cash ready. Hit the Put your phone to work. Buy what you love. If

TIPS
Dena Stormer has no shortage
of stories about how she found
the treasures in her home. She
shares her tips for successful
secondhand shopping.
bank (not just the ATM) before
a shopping trip to ask for a mix
of fives, tens, and twenties, and
stash them in different purse or
pant pockets. “That way, if
I find something for, say, $15
and I want to haggle, I’ll pull out
a $10 bill,” Dena says. “It’s hard
for people to say no when you’re
waving cash in front of them.”
Keep it charged and ready! If
you see something you like,
look for a maker’s mark and
search for that name or brand
on your smartphone to find
similar items and their value.
“You can see if you’re getting a
good deal, if something’s totally
rare, or if the seller might have
overpriced it,” Dena says.
you’re questioning a purchase,
walk away and visit another
store or take a snack break.
“If you’re still thinking about it
afterward,” Dena says, “go back
and buy it. If you really love
something, you’ll find a place
for it, even if you don’t know
exactly where or what to do
with it in the beginning.”

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 81

8
8. BIG STATEMENT
Save big with homemade art.
Paint, draw, or photograph
something to fill bare walls.
That way you can pick the exact
size and color the space needs.
Dena painted this kangaroo
smoking a cigar, choosing a
yellow that repeats the hue of
an eye-catching armchair.
82 MAKEOVERS
10
9. MANTEL SWAP
Dena and Clayton appreciated
the rustic quality of the
stonework surrounding their
fireplace, but a dark and
splintery mantel weighed the
stone down. Replacing the old
mantel with a sleek version in
clean white put a fresh spin on
the stony face.
9
11
before
10. PATTERN WORKS
Use old upholstery as a pattern
for new fabric, as Dena did
with the $20 flea market chair
tucked into a corner to
the left of the fireplace. She
took photos as she disassembled
the chair so she could review
them as she put the seat
cushions back together.
11. HISTORY BUFF
Who says utilitarian containers
have to be ugly or boring?
Choose bins, baskets, and
buckets with history attached
to them to stash loose items
that need a home. Dena’s dad
used the metal bucket sitting
fireside for milking cows when
he was a boy.
 13
12

12. FLOWER POWER

Dena has fond associations with floral
paintings—her great-great-grandmother
used to paint flowers on china—so
artwork with blooms spring up all over
the house, including in the dining room.

13. NEW HEIGHTS

14 Taking curtains and a hutch all the
way to the ceiling allows Dena to foster
the illusion of loftier height in the
dining room. Bonus: The extra-tall hutch
yields generous storage and display
space for Dena’s grandmother’s Russel
Wright pottery.
10. 14. GIVE ’EM THE SLIP
Slipcovers on dining room chairs let you
change colors and patterns with the
seasons, for a holiday, or whenever the
mood strikes. They also can be laundered
with ease in case of spills or stains, and
they’re the perfect solution for hiding
original fabric that’s seen better days.

15. PLETHORA OF PLATES

15
Misfit plates are easy to find by the
dozens at thrift shops if you don’t already
have a slew of hand-me-downs. Dena
displays her finds in a cloud shape on a wall
in the dining room. She includes plates of
different shapes, sizes, and motifs to draw
the eye and encourage closer inspection.

16. PERSONAL TOUCH

Dena put her sassy stamp on a few plates
herself. “A lot of the goofy ones, such as
the llama, I did with transfer paper and
pencil, then went over it with a paint
pen,” Dena says. To copy her technique,
draw your design on transfer paper and
rub a graphite pencil over the entire
opposite side. Then place the sheet on 16
a plate (graphite side down), and trace
over the design with a pen or pencil, thus
transferring the design.
 17

17. HEX EFFECT

Construct a custom headboard from
plywood, primer, and paint. Dena first
18 coated the plywood with primer, and,
using a cardboard hexagon as a pattern,
traced it over and over again with
19 pencil. Then she taped off the shapes
so she could paint them crisply with a
smattering of colors, filling in one color
at a time before moving on to the next.

18. STOLEN GOODS

Dena swiped pom-pom trim from an old
tablecloth and sewed it to a green pillow
to add a touch of whimsy to her bed.

19. FINISHING JOB

Right lines, wrong finish—that was Dena’s
assessment of an affordable IKEA chest.
She stained the top and sides a dark
wood tone, painted the drawers a glossy
white, added feet to the chest, and put
on new hardware from Etsy to create a
midcentury beauty.

20. MAP QUEST 20

Hang a map on the wall as a giant,
colorful, graphic piece of art. Dena
found this one wrapped in another
at a flea market and paid just
$20 for the pair.

21. A CUT ABOVE

Follow Dena’s lead and embellish a
pillow with a letter, number, or symbol
(such as this ampersand) using a fancy
font, printer, and vinyl-cutting machine.
These machines perform precise
and intricate cutting for signage and
graphics, but they’re also handy for
stickers, decals, and—yes!—making
your own custom stencils.
21
For Resources, see page 92.

84 MAKEOVERS
mod MAVENS
Welcome a touch of midcentury glam
into your home with these picks.

Modern Pendant Light, $407,

Rachel Nadler Lighting &
Ceramic Design; etsy.com/shop/
rachelnadlerceramics

Nanette Side Chair by House

of Hampton, $161, Wayfair;
wayfair.com

Polished Drop
Terrarium (without
plants), starting
at $20, Terrain;
shopterrain.com

West Elm + Rejuvenation Mid-

Century Wood Table Lamp,
$249, West Elm; westelm.com

Askvoll 2-Drawer Chest in

White Stained Oak Effect,
$40, IKEA; ikea.com

Cotton Ampersand
Decorative Pillow, $50,
Kate Spade New York;
katespade.com Anderson Sofa in Blue,
$769, Urban Outfitters;
urbanoutfitters.com
 new LOOK
Blogger Pam Zundel shares just how easy it is to
inject personality into orphaned furniture.
WRITER KEN WYSOCKY PHOTOGRAPHER KIMBERLY GAVIN
PRODUCER BONNIE BROTEN

86 MAKEOVERS
 before

curb appeal
Pam knows a bold color can
allow a piece of furniture
to own the room, like this
formerly forlorn-looking
dresser, left, found on a
street curb with a “free”
sign attached. It now
looks like a pricey custom
piece, courtesy of high-
gloss emerald green paint
(inspired by a pair of pants)
and IKEA hardware painted
with metallic brass spray
paint, then affixed with gel
superglue. Total cost? Just
under $100.

opposites attract
When choosing upholstery for ornate pieces, Pam Zundel, decorator and author
of the blog Simple Details, prefers subtle patterns that don’t upstage or compete
with a piece’s rich details. Pam used metallic paint to enhance the intricate
carvings of this $150 Craigslist-found French settee, opposite, but she kept the
look grounded with a simple white-and-gray striped fabric on the seat.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 87
 fab facelift
Never underestimate the before
power of a coat of paint. In this
case, Pam used chalk-finish
paint to mute an over-the-top
bloodred gilded headboard to
an easier-on-the-eyes gray
whisper, this photo. The Craigslist
find still posed a problem though: It
wasn’t as tall as it looked in photos.
Pam’s ingenious solution was to
hang it on the wall using D rings.

88 MAKEOVERS
 before

greek revival
Perk up worn and weary
chairs, like this cane-sided
beauty, with snappy new
upholstery, left. To revive this
$10 estate-sale find’s innate
charms, Pam chose a jazzy
but classic Greek key-pattern
fabric. She removed the
dark finish with eco-friendly
Citristrip and left the wood
au naturel.

before

youthful lines
Pam banished this large hutch’s
dark, brooding vibe with a lighter,
neutral color of chalk-finish
paint—no priming required,
right. She topped it with a clear
wax finish that adds a light sheen
and highlighted drawer and door
fronts with gold metallic wax.
Aluminum decor panels, found
at a home center, look more
modern than the hutch’s former
stained-glass inserts.
 high contrast
Select large-pattern
upholstery to give vintage
chairs modern flair while
still letting them rock
their old-school roots,
right. “Large, bold prints
on a neutral backdrop
make a statement,”
Pam says. “And I love
how these open-back
chairs allow you to see
the pattern better.” She
painted the chairs with
glossy almond-color oil
enamel paint so they’d
contrast with her rustic
farm table. Then she
elevated her dining
room’s understated
elegance by tacking
bronze nailhead strips
onto the ceiling for a
unique flourish.

before

90 MAKEOVERS
 shabby
TO chic
Decorator and furniture-
makeover magician Pam Zundel
shares her tips for foolproof
furniture makeovers. Check
out her blog Simple Details
(simpledetailsblog.blogspot
.com), for more projects.

Test it. Buy furniture that is

sound and solid. Be sure doors
and drawers work smoothly.
And pick out either a simple
design that will showcase some
spiffy hardware accents or
something unique and ornate
that stands on its own merits.

Be bold. Embrace
unexpected colors that make
a statement. “Don’t be afraid
of color—it’s only paint,”
Pam says. “Get out of your
comfort zone.”

Cut to the chase. To target

a find on Craigslist, Pam
suggests the following: Click on
the “furniture” link under the
“for sale” category. Leave the
search field blank; you’ll get a
broad range of listings, but you
won’t miss out on, say, a great
“couch” because you searched
before for a “sofa.” Use the “gallery”
tone it down feature, which provides photos
that are more helpful than just
Make ornate furnishings feel more contemporary written descriptions. And select
by painting them a single hue. Pam used this “owner” under the search
approach—in an almond tone—to downplay this criteria to eliminate pricier
dresser’s details when she converted it into a chic commercial sellers.
vanity, above. “I liked the shape of this piece but not
Read up. Follow paint
the old-world feel,” Pam says. “I wanted it to feel manufacturer instructions for
modern—and because it’s fairly large yet located in things like climate and drying
a small bath, it feels appropriate to blend it into the times. “I’ve definitely ruined a
surrounding decor rather than having it stand out.” few pieces by trying to paint
something in my garage when
For Resources, see page 92. it was 10 degrees outside,”
Pam says.

BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 91
resources
Here’s where to find the materials,
furnishings, and accessories shown
throughout the issue. We cannot
guarantee availability of items or services.
[P] Paint Color
Because of the magazine
printing process, paint
colors depicted on our pages
might vary slightly from
manufacturer’s colors. Use
paint names or numbers, when
provided, as a starting point.
To get a color as it appears in
the magazine, take the page to
a paint retailer for matching.
[T] To the Trade
Contact a design professional
to find more information
about the product or services.
PAGES 6–7
Entry Point
Wallpaper Bungalow in Yellow
T16054 The Resort Collection—
Thibaut Design; 973/643-1118;
thibautdesign.com [T]. Sconces
Soho—Shades of Light; 800/262-
6612; shadesoflight.com. Console table
Nash—Crate & Barrel; crateandbarrel
.com. Mirror Tork Brass Dripping
Mirror—CB2; 800/606-6252; cb2.com.
Rug Diamond Fieldstone in Ivory—
Dash & Albert Rug Co.; 877/586-4771;
dashandalbert.com. Yellow vases—
Mud; mudaustralia.com. Rattan
umbrella stand—Aero Studios;
212/996-1500; aerostudios.com.
PAGES 8–11
Pillow Talk
Designers throughout:
Visit Eddie Ross’ blog, eddieross.com.
Interior designer: Shazalynn
Cavin-Winfrey, SCW Interiors, LLC,
Alexandria, Virginia; 703/549-2449;
scwinteriors.com.
Interior designer: Bridgid Coulter,
Bridgid Coulter Design, Santa
Monica; California; 310/963-5360;
bridgidcoulter.com.
Interior designer: Elaine Griffin,
Elaine Griffin Interior Design,
New York City; 212/666-2033;
elainegriffin.com.
Interior designer: Martin Horner,
Soucie Horner, Ltd., Chicago;
312/755-0202; souciehorner.com.
Interior designer: Jason Oliver
Nixon, Madcap Cottage, High
Point, North Carolina; 917/513-9143;
madcapcottage.com.
Interior designer: Rebecca
Robertson Pasanella, New York City;
rebeccarobertson.me.
92 MAKEOVERS
Page 8: Interior designer: Cassie
Freeman, Hi Sugarplum!, Plano,
Texas; hisugarplumsblog.com.
Lamps—HomeGoods; 800/888-
0776; homegoods.com. Gold urchin
on table behind sofa Shiny Gold
Urchin—DwellStudio; 877/993-9355;
dwellstudio.com. Sofa—American
Signature, Inc.; 888/751-8553;
americansignaturefurniture.com. Floral
pillow Paint Palette in Punch—Tonic
Living; 416/699-9879; tonicliving.com.
Pink pillow, gold vase Gold Facet
Vase by Nate Berkus—Target;
800/800-8800; target.com. Black-and-
white diamond pillow purchased
without pom-poms—Hobby Lobby
Stores, Inc.; 800/888-0321; hobbylobby
.com. Rug—RugsUSA.com, Inc.;
609/447-4515; rugsusa.com. Coffee
table—homeowners’ collection.
Page 9: Living room interior
decorator: Sally Wheat, Sally Wheat
Interiors, Houston; 713/269-1554;
sallywheatinteriors.com.
Trio of pillows—Nanette Lepore;
844/842–1498; nanettelepore.com.
Page 10: Living room interior
designer: Elizabeth Baumgartner,
Little Black Door Designs,
St. Louis; 314/287-0397;
littleblackdoordesigns.com.
Coffee table—Sarasota Trading
Co.; 941/953-7776. Pink-and-orange
pattern pillow Carnaby Street
Analou Pillow by Villa Home,
chevron pillow Alberta Cotton
Pillow in Blue by Jiti Pillows, navy-
and-white dot pillow Faustine
Cotton Pillow by The Pillow
Collection—Wayfair, LLC; 866/263-
8325; wayfair.com. Navy-and-white
Greek key lumbar pillow—Arianna
Belle Shop; ariannabelle.com. Orange
geometric pillow—California Livin
Home; californialivinhome.etsy.com.
Blue-and-white striped rug—Pottery
Barn; 888/779-5176; potterybarn.com.
Blue chair—Maine Cottage;
866/366-3505; mainecottage.com. Gold
polka-dot pillow—Anthropologie;
800/309-2500; anthropologie.com.
Pattern pillow—Target; 800/800-
8800; target.com.
Page 11: Green glass lamp—
Candelabra, Inc.; 800/440-5121;
shopcandelabra.com. Floral pillows—
Caitlin Wilson; caitlinwilsontextiles
.com. Green pillow Malakos
Malachite—DwellStudio; 877/993-
9355; dwellstudio.com. Fuchsia
pillow—The Donna Karan Co., LLC;
888/737-5743; donnakaranhome.com.
Chair Noah, coffee table Alec
White—Bryght; 888/746-3455; bryght
.com. Side table Martini—West Elm;
866/428-6468; westelm.com. Dining
table Hairpin—Selamat Designs;
650/243-4840; selamatdesigns.com.
Rug Multi Color Painted Diamonds
Jute Rug XN13036—Shades of Light;
800/262-6612; shadesoflight.com.
PAGES 12–15
Meet & Greet
Interior designer: Kim Trouten,
Vaisseaux Corp., Charlotte;
704/877-8719.
Contractor: John Trouten,
Vaisseaux Corp., Charlotte;
704/877-8720.
Landscape architect: RedTree
Landscape Design, Fort Mill,
South Carolina; 803/547-0385;
redtreelandscape.com.
Landscape plants: Latham’s Nursery,
Inc., Monroe, North Carolina;
704/283-5696; lathamsnursery.com.
Hardscaping: The Huntley Group
of the Carolinas, LLC, Concord,
North Carolina; 704/572-0503;
huntley-group.com.
Door Moody Blue SW6221, brick
paint—The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams
.com [P]. Front woven furniture,
cushions—Pier 1 Imports; 800/245-
4595; pier1.com. Swing—Hayneedle,
Inc.; 888/880-4884; hayneedle.com.
Swing cushion—The Lazy Patio;
877/439-4767; thelazypatio.com. Green
lantern, outdoor lighting, watering
can, decorative pots—Lowe’s;
800/445-6937; lowes.com. Aqua table,
rug—HomeGoods; 800/888-0776;
homegoods.com.
PAGES 16–19
Budget Built-Ins
Bookcases Billy—IKEA; 888/888-
4532; ikea.com. Books—Half Price
Books; 800/883-2114; hpb.com. Chair
and ottoman Callan in Lagoon
Leather—Room & Board; 800/301-
9720; roomandboard.com. Side table
Natural Tree Stump Side Table—
West Elm; 866/428-6468; westelm.com.
Lamp Marble Base Floor Lamp with
Drum Shade FL13011, rug Ziggy Twist
Flatweave Rug in Black Charcoal and
Ivory XR13054 0810BK—Shades of
Light; 800/262-6612; shadesoflight.com.
PAGES 20–21
Fresh Spin
Wall paint Cityscape SW7067, paint
inside closet Brittlebush SW6684—
The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams.com
[P]. Vinyl sheeting for bifold door
art Indoor Vinyl Sheets in Signal
Yellow, Grey, Light Grey, and Middle
Grey—ExpressionsVinyl.com;
800/309-1891; expressionsvinyl.com.
Wall rack—Umbra; 800/387-5122;
umbra.com. Fold-down table
Norberg Wall-Mount Drop-Leaf
Table in White—IKEA; 888/888-4532;
ikea.com. Hampers Rectangular
Circles Hamper in White and Black,
aluminum bottles and misters,
magnetic paper towel holder—The
Container Store, Inc.; 888/266-8246;
containerstore.com. Ironing blanket—
Crate & Barrel; 800/967-6696;
crateandbarrel.com. Clamp clipped to
shelf Task Clip Light in White—
Urban Outfitters; 800/282-2200;
urbanoutfitters.com. Shelves above
table—ClosetMaid; 800/874-0008;
closetmaid.com. Precut vinyl letters
on hampers—OfficeMax; 800/463-
3768; officemax.com. Hook on door
Over-The-Door Foldaway Valet—
OXO; 800/545-4411; oxo.com. White
and black plastic bins, blue woven
canvas basket, wood hangers—
Target.; 800/800-8800; target.com.
Cordless iron—Panasonic USA;
800/211-7262; panasonic.com. Washer
Front Load Washer with SuperSpeed
WF6300 in White, dryer Electric
Dryer DV6300 in White—Samsung;
800/726-7864; samsung.com.
PAGES 22–25
White Works
Interior designer: Kristie Barnett,
The Decorologist, Nashville;
thedecorologist.com.
Vintage wood map, painting, gold
birds—Dolan Geiman; 303/736-
2437; dolangeiman.com. Aqua vase,
white chair on right, pillow, glass
jars—Anthropologie; 800/309-2500;
anthropologie.com. Gold ball, metal
box—West Elm; 866/428-6468;
westelm.com. Orange pouf—Obelisk;
615/386-0502; bradfordsinteriors
.com/obelisk. Coffee table—Cost
Plus World Market; 877/967-5362;
worldmarket.com. Tray—T.J.Maxx;
800/926-6299; tjmaxx.tjx.com.
PAGES 26–29
Treatment Plan
Page 26: Wall surface Reclaimed
Weathered Wood—Stikwood;
866/226-8354; stikwood.com. Sconces
Soho SC08050 in Antique Brass—
Shades of Light; 800/262-6612;
shadesoflight.com. Ribbon on sconce
shades Luster Ribbon in Lily,
Orchid, and Poinsettia—Midori,
Inc.; 800/659-3049; midoriribbon.com.
Ottoman fabric Anna Maria Horner
True Colors Collection PWTC001
Smoot—Free Spirit; 866/907-3305;
freespiritfabric.com. Ottoman
Threshold X-Base Stool, floating
shelf Big Boy Shelf in White—Target;
800/800-8800; target.com. Desktop
tray—Poppin; 888/676-7746;
poppin.com. Umbrella stand—The
Container Store, Inc.; 888/266-8246;
containerstore.com.
Page 27: Wall color Useful Gray
SW7050—The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams.com
[P]. Tapes Mt. Casa Tape 50 mm
in Pale Wisteria and 15 mm in
Silver Grid Checks—Crafty Japan;
craftyjapan.etsy.com. Settee Barcelona
1902—Thomasville Furniture
Industries, Inc.; 800/225-0265;
thomasville.com. Fabric for pillow at
left Anna Maria Horner True Colors
Collection PWTC004 Viole—Free
Spirit; 866/907-3305; freespiritfabric
.com. Rug Tanjib in Lavender—Capel,
Inc.; 800/334-3711; capelrugs.com.
Page 28: Visit Mandi Gubler’s blog
Vintage Revivals, vintagerevivals.com.
Items throughout—HomeGoods;
800/888-0776; homegoods.com; Not
Just Antiques Mart; 702/384-4922;
notjustantiquesmart.com; Habitat for
Humanity ReStore; 229/924-6935;
habitatforhumanity.org/restore.
Page 29: Paint Chalkboard Brush-On
Product 206540 in Black—Rust-
Oleum; 877/385-8155; rustoleum.com.
Chair—IKEA; 888/888-4532; ikea
.com. Lamp—Target; 800/800-8800;
target.com. Mug Food Network
Collection—Kohl’s, Inc.; 855/564-
5705; kohls.com.
PAGES 30–39
Present in the Past
Architect: Ashley Henkel Morris,
Pell Street Studio, PLLC, Raleigh;
919/696-0970; pellstreetstudio.com.
Contractor: Robert Harbin, Bode
Construction, Inc., Fuquay Varina,
North Carolina; 919/427-3308.
Custom furniture: Michael
Gallagher, Atreeom, LLC, Raleigh;
919/995-4304; atreeom.com.
Restoration: Neil Taylor, Taylor’s
Cleaning and Restoration,
Inc., Raleigh; 919/833-6300;
taylorsrestorationnc.com.
Page 30: Wallpaper Grove Garden—
Osborne & Little; osborneandlittle.com
[T]. Desk—CB2; 800/606-6252;
cb2.com. Office chair—White
on White, Inc.; 888/674-5923;
whiteonwhite.com. Lamp—Pottery
Barn Teen; 866/472-4001; pbteen.com.
Rug—Lamps Plus; 800/782-1967;
lampsplus.com.
Page 31: Wall paint Pewter Cast
SW7673—The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams.com [P].
Sofa Lampert in Gray—Jonathan
Adler; 800/963-0891; jonathanadler
.com. Side table, mirrored coffee
table—Atreeom, LLC; 919/995-4304;
atreeeom.com. Lamp Anderson—
Arteriors Home; 800/338-2150;
arteriorshome.com.
Page 32: Living room bar cart
vintage, black dresser in entry way
vintage—Etsy, Inc.; 347/382-7584; etsy
.com. Lamp on bar cart Threshold in
Silver with Hot Pink Shade—Target;
800/800-8800; target.com. Entryway
wallpaper Maiko—Osborne & Little;
osborneandlittle.com. Lamp on dresser
Bourgie in Clear—Kartell; 888/405-
4899; kartell.com.
Page 33: Wall paint Pewter Cast
SW7673—The Sherwin-Williams Co.;
800/474-3794; sherwin-williams.com [P].
Table—Atreeom, LLC; 919/995-4304;
atreeeom.com. Chairs vintage—eBay,
Inc.; 866/540-3229; ebay.com. Rug—
Cowhides International; 800/591-
4235; cowhidesinternational.com.
Pages 34–35: Sofa Dunham in Velvet/
Shadow—West Elm; 866/428-6468;
westelm.com. Lamp George Kovacs
Polished Chrome Arc Floor Lamp—
Lamps Plus; 800/782-1967; lampsplus
.com.
Page 36: Backsplash 3×6-Inch
Subway Tile in Arctic White—Daltile;
daltile.com. Appliances—KitchenAid;
800/541-6390; kitchenaid.com.
Faucet—Danze, Inc.; 888/328-2383;
danze.com. Island light fixtures
Benson in Polished Chrome—
Restoration Hardware; 800/910-
9836; restorationhardware.com.
Cabinetry Kraftmaid in Manchester,
countertops Silestone in Blanco
Maple—The Home Depot USA,
Inc.; 800/466-3337; homedepot.com.
Hardware—IKEA; 888/888-4532;
ikea.com. Stools—Overstock.com;
800/843-2446; overstock.com.
Page 38: Vanity chair—eBay, Inc.;
866/540-3229; ebay.com.
PAGES 40–43
Window Dressing
Page 40: Curtain panels embellished
after purchase—Walmart.; 800/925-
6278; walmart.com. Pom-pom trim
in Blue and Aqua—Cheeptrims.
com; 877/289-8746; cheeptrims.com.
Lamp—Crate & Barrel; 800/967-
6696; crateandbarrel.com. Desk HGTV
Home Parsons Writing Desk—
AllModern; 800/615-9703; allmodern
.com. Slippers Uggs—Von Maur;
877/866-6287; vonmaur.com. Pom-
pom maker Knifty Knitter—Amazon
.com, Inc.; 888/280-3321; amazon.com.
Drapery rod and finials, desk chair,
rug—homeowners’ collection.
Page 41: Wall paint Mystical Shade
SW6276—The Sherwin-Williams
Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-williams
.com [P]. Curtain panel Opaque
Linen Pole Pocket Panel—West
Elm; 866/428-6468; westelm.com. Rose
stencil used for curtain Rockin’
Roses—Royal Design Studio;
800/747-9767; royaldesignstudio.com.
Leaf stencil used for curtain
Leaf & Damask 18×23.5—Artisan
Enhancements, LLC; 855/502-5642;
artisanenhancements.com. Lavender
paint for stencil Emile, pinkish paint
Henrietta, gray paint Charcoal—
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint; anniesloan
.com. Mirror—Anthropologie;
800/309-2500; anthropologie.com.
Pillows on sofa—Bed, Bath
& Beyond, Inc.; 800/462-3966;
bedbathandbeyond.com. Rug—Shades
of Light; 800/262-6612; shadesoflight
.com.
Page 42: Wall paint North Star
SW6246—The Sherwin-Williams
Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-williams
.com [P]. Curtain panel Sheer Linen
Curtain, bedcover—West Elm;
866/428-6468; westelm.com. Lace
on curtains—Jo-Ann Stores, LLC;
888/739-4120; joann.com. Coverlet,
pillow, shams—Anthropologie;
800/309-2500; anthropologie.com.
Mirrored side table—Target;
800/800-8800; target.com. Rug—
Shades of Light; 800/262-6612;
shadesoflight.com.
Page 43: Wall paint Soothing White
SW6539—The Sherwin-Williams
Co.; 800/474-3794; sherwin-williams
.com [P]. Pull shades—IKEA;
888/888-4532; ikea.com. Stencil used
for shade Folk Art Handmade
Charlotte Tangier—Plaid; 800/842-
4197; plaidonline.com. Puff paint—
Jo-Ann Stores, LLC; 888/739-4120;
joann.com. Office table—Shades of
Light; 800/262-6612; shadesoflight
.com. Oval-back chair—Wisteria;
800/320-9757; wisteria.com.
PAGES 44-49
Elemental Style
Pages 44–45: Wood dowels, 2-inch
wood doll heads—Michaels Stores;
800/642-4235; michaels.com.
Sofa Jasper in Tepic Haze—
Room & Board; 800/301-9720;
roomandboard.com. Throw blanket
Threshold Metallic Geo Sweater
Knit Throw, brass hammered
tray—Target; 800/800-8800; target
.com. Rug Aran Isle in Natural—
Company C; 844/242-6567;
companyc.com.
Pages 46–47: Chair Mid-Century
Slope Chair—Dot & Bo, Inc.;
800/693-9937; dotandbo.com.
Vintage iron ring stand—eBay,
Inc.; 866/540-3229; ebay.com.
Black frames, drink glasses Luigi
Bormioli On the Rocks Double
Old Fashioned—Bed, Bath &
Beyond, Inc.; 800/462-3966;
bedbathandbeyond.com. Tray
White Rim Lacquer Tray in
Horseradish—West Elm;
866/428-6468; westelm.com.
Pages 48–49: Lights in flasks Cord
Set in Dark Yellow—West Elm;
866/428-6468; westelm.com. Desk
Altra Parsons White Wooden Desk
with Chevron Top—Overstock.com;
800/843-2446; overstock.com.
Ottoman Room Essentials
Storage Ottoman in Yellow—
Target; 800/800-8800; target.com.
Erlenmeyer flasks, volumetric
flasks, petri dishes, microscopes,
funnels, survey equipment—
homeowners’ collection.
PAGES 50–53
Bright Fixes
Interior designer: Amanda Eck,
Amanda Carol Interiors, LLC, The
Woodlands, Texas; 281/826-9535;
amandacarolinteriors.com.
Cabinetry paint Decorators White
PM-3, island paint Pigeon Gray
2133-50—Benjamin Moore; 855/724-
6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
Countertops White Macaubas
Quartzite, window treatment
custom—Amanda Carol
Interiors, LLC; 281/826-9535;
amandacarolinteriors.com.
Backsplash tile—Materials
Marketing; mstoneandtile.com.
Lights above island—Visual
Comfort & Co.; 713/686-5999;
visualcomfort.com. Stools—Home
Decorators Collection; 800/245-2217;
homedecorators.com. Refrigerator—
Whirlpool; 866/698-2538; whirpool
.com. Oven, cooktop, dishwasher—
GE Appliances; 800/626-2005;
geappliances.com.
PAGE 54–57
Easy Accent
Chestnut flooring throughout—
Mohawk Industries, Inc.; 800/266-
4295; mohawkind.com.
Page 54: Wall paint Seaside Resort
725—Benjamin Moore; 855/724-6802;
benjaminmoore.com [P]. Ottoman
Sophia Candace Round Ottoman in
Bay Blue—Overstock.com; 800/843-
2446; overstock.com. Flat black
nails for project Flat Black High
Dome BF 912 Box 1000—DIY
Upholstery Supply, LLC; 662/280-
0020; diyupholsterysupply.com.
Black onyx nails Dritz Home
24-Count Upholstery Gem Stone
Nails in Onyx—Amazon.com, Inc.;
888/280-3321; amazon.com. Chair
Abbott—Room & Board; 800/301-
9720; roomandboard.com. Rug Birds in
Cherry—Aimeé Wilder; 347/746-2554;
aimeewilder.com. Sunburst mirror on
mantel—Michaels Stores; 800/642-
4235; michaels.com. White geometric
sculpture—Hobby Lobby Stores,
Inc.; 800/888-0321; hobbylobby.com.
Floor lamp Archway Floor Lamp,
pillow In Bloom Portrait Pillow—
Anthropologie; 800/309-2500;
anthropologie.com. Framed artwork
Pinky Promise by Emily Rickard—
Society6; society6.com.
Page 55: Wall paint Rockport
Gray HC-105—Benjamin Moore;
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com
[P]. Vinyl upholstery fabric—
Warehouse Fabrics, Inc.; 205/487-
8040; warehousefabricsinc.com. Vinyl
adhesive 3M Hi Strength 90 Spray
Adhesive—The Home Depot USA,
Inc.; 800/466-3337; homedepot.com.
Pen Clover Pen-Style Liner—
Jo-Ann Stores, LLC; 888/739-4120;
joann.com. Round gold nails Dritz
Home 24-Count Gilt Hammered
Upholstery Nails—Amazon.com,
Inc.; 888/280-3321; amazon.com.
Square corner nails Brass Square
Box 20 BD71-81 and BD70-81—DIY
Upholstery Supply, LLC; 662/280-
0020; diyupholsterysupply.com.
Doorknob—Anthropologie; 800/309-
2500; anthropologie.com. Hutch
Crisanto Hall Chest—Pier 1 Imports;
800/245-4595; pier1.com. Hall rug
Tulip Stripe in Hydrangea—Aimeé
Wilder; 347/746-2554; aimeewilder.com.
BHG.com/MAKEOVERS 93
Rug through doorway Overdyed
Wool Flatweave Maze Rug in Peacock
Teal—Shades of Light; 800/262-6612;
shadesoflight.com.
Pages 56–57: Wall paint
Newburyport Blue HC-155—
Benjamin Moore; 855/724-6802;
benjaminmoore.com [P]. Chair for
project Shitake Jayda Dining Chair—
Cost Plus World Market; 877/967-5362;
worldmarket.com. Upholstery nails
French Natural High Dome FN934—
DIY Upholstery Supply, LLC;
662/280-0020; diyupholsterysupply
.com. Table Ingatorp—IKEA; 888/888-
4532; ikea.com. Chandelier Brass Disk
Pendant Lamp, chair French Bistro
Side Chair, dishes, linens on table—
Cost Plus World Market; 877/967-5362;
worldmarket.com. Wall art—Hobby
Lobby Stores, Inc.; 800/888-0321;
hobbylobby.com. Rug Ivory Spheres
Textured Wool Rug—Shades of Light;
800/262-6612; shadesoflight.com.
PAGES 58–67
Artfully Adjusted
Interior designer: Virginia Volman,
Virginia Volman Designs, Mountain
Brook, Alabama; 205/223-8881.
Contractor: Frank Roberta, Lorino
Construction, Inc., Birmingham;
205/365-0621.
Page 59: Hutch painted—
Hanna Antiques; 205/323-6036;
hannaantiques.com. European
mounts painted—eBay Inc.; 866/540-
3229; ebay.com. Chinese Chippendale
chair—Scott Antique Market;
740/569-2800; scottantiquemarket.com.
Pages 60–61: Desk chair, stools—
Overstock.com; 800/843-2446;
overstock.com. Art above desk—Toni
Tully. Floor lamp—One Kings Lane,
Inc.; 855/746-7655; onekingslane.com.
TV cabinet pulls—Etsy, Inc.; 347/382-
7584; etsy.com.
Page 62: Wall, trim, and cabinetry
paint Seashell 926—Benjamin
Moore; 855/724-6802; benjaminmoore
.com [P]. Cabinets custom, subway
tile—The Home Depot USA,
Inc.; 800/466-3337; homedepot.com.
Island stone Montclair Danby—
Birmingham MarbleWorks, LLC;
205/988-5585. Globe lights—Shades
of Light; 800/262-6612; shadesoflight
.com. Chairs—Hanna Antiques;
205/323-6036; hannaantiques
.com. Stainless sink, faucet—Vigo
Industries, LLC; 866/591-7792;
vigoindustries.com. Stove Architect
Series—KitchenAid; 800/541-6390;
kitchenaid.com. Shelving brackets—
IKEA; 888/888-4532; ikea.com. Orange
tray—Table Matters; 205/879-0125;
table-matters.com.
Page 63: Chandelier—eBay,
Inc.; 866/540-3229; ebay.com. Art
above table—Kate Merritt Davis;
katemerrittdavis.com. Table base—
Southeastern Salvage; 205/956-1000;
2nds.biz. White chairs—West Elm;
866/428-6468; westelm.com. Fabric on
94 MAKEOVERS
banquette—Kovi Fabrics; 800/860-
3105; kovifabrics.com.
Page 64: Bedroom wall paint
Balboa Mist 1549, ceiling paint Pink
Blossom 2081-40—Benjamin Moore;
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
Art above bed—Carrie Pittman;
205/266-7444; paintcaroline.com.
Headboard—Suite Dreams;
205/414-1922; shopsuitedreams
.blogspot.com. Polka-dot pillow
fabric—King Cotton; 205/322-5878;
kingcottonfabrics.com. Fuzzy pillow—
Macy’s; 800/289-6229; macys.com.
Lamp, bedspread—HomeGoods;
800/888-0776; homegoods.com.
Bathroom fixtures, penny floor
tile—Overstock.com; 800/843-2446;
overstock.com.
Page 65: Bedroom wall paint Balboa
Mist 1549, ceiling paint Lavender
Lipstick 2072-50—Benjamin Moore;
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
Art above dresser—Studio
by the Tracks; 205/951-3317;
studiobythetracks.org. Lamp on
dresser, bedspread—HomeGoods;
800/888-0776; homegoods.com. Lucite
end table—eBay, Inc.; 866/540-3229;
ebay.com. Laundry room curtain
fabric—King Cotton; 205/322-5878;
kingcottonfabrics.com. Curtain rod—
Target; 800/800-8800; target.com.
Appliances—LG Electronics;
800/243-0000; lg.com.
Page 66: Exterior and trim
paint Grey Mist 962, front door
paint Revere Pewter HC-172—
Benjamin Moore; 855/724-6802;
benjaminmoore.com [P]. Lantern—
St. James Lighting; 877/448-4966;
stjameslighting.com. White pot—Leaf
& Petal; 205/877-3030; leafnpetal.com.
PAGES 68–71
Bedroom Revival
Knobs—Anthropologie; 800/309-
2500; anthropologie.com. Scarf for
pillow vintage Vera Neumann
scarf—The Lucky Fish; theluckyfish
.etsy.com. Rose stencil for pillow,
covered-button kit for headboard,
nailhead trim for headboard—Jo-
Ann Stores, LLC; 888/739-4120; joann
.com. Bright pink, orange, and white
fabric paints—Blick Art Materials;
800/828-4548; dickblick.com. Marker
for lamp Thick/Wide Oil Paint
Marker—Sharpie; 800/346-3278;
sharpie.com. Duvet and matching
pillow shams Mirabelle—Pine Cone
Hill; 877/586-4771; pineconehill.com.
PAGES 72–77
Boring No More
Pages 72–73: Wallpaper Manor
Gate in Silver 5005054—Schumacher
and Co.; 800/523-1200; fschumacher
.com [T]. Sconces Bryant Sconce in
Antique Nickel with Natural Paper
Shade by Thomas O’Brien—Visual
Comfort & Co.; 713/686-5999;
visualcomfort.com. Countertop
Granite—Marble & Tile Solutions,
LLC; 515/963-9370; gmtgranite.com.
Faucet Memoirs Lavatory Faucet
in Brushed Nickel—Kohler Co.;
800/456-4537; us.kohler.com. Cabinet
door pulls Adorno Ring Pull P3201-
SN—Belwith Hardware; 800/530-
8245; belwithhardware.net. Cabinet
drawer pulls Fixed Bail Pull
in Brushed Nickel 1852-3—
CoolKnobsandPulls.com; 800/811-
6302; coolknobsandpulls.com.
Drapery panels for shower curtain
Cameron Grommet Drape—Pottery
Barn; 888/779-5176; potterybarn.com.
Framed paintings Angela Moulton—
Pratt Creek Art; prattcreekart.etsy.com.
Pages 74-75: Wall paint Decorators
White CC-20—Benjamin Moore;
855/724-6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
White tile, flooring Style Selections
Luxury Plank Peel-and-Stick Wood-
Grain Vinyl in Cherry—Lowe’s;
800/445-6937; lowes.com. Roman
shade fabric Round Hill Traditional
Prints in Green 20991-2—Duralee;
800/275-3872; duralee.com. Ceramic
drum stool Legends of Asia,
purchased in white—T.J.Maxx;
800/926-6299; tjmaxx.tjx.com. White
shower caddy, gold turtle Nate
Berkus Tortoise Shell Box in Gold—
Target; 800/800-8800; target.com.
Floating shelf Ekby Jarpen,
shelf brackets Ekby Bjarnum in
Aluminum—IKEA; 888/888-4532;
ikea.com. Glass apothecary jar
with lid—Williams-Sonoma, Inc.;
877/812-6235; williams-sonoma.com.
Monogrammed soap Monogrammed
Triple Milled 4-Bar Square Soap
Set—Frontgate; 888/263-9850;
frontgate.com.
Pages 76–77: Interior designer:
Lisa Gabrielson, Lisa Gabrielson
Design, Atlanta; 770/313-2561;
lisagabrielson.com.
Contractor: Grand Improvements,
LLC, Kennesaw, Georgia; 770/508-
9158.
Wall paint Gray Owl 2137-
60—Benjamin Moore; 855/724-
6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
Cabinetry—Townsend Cabinetry;
770/547-2012. Cabinet hardware—
Restoration Hardware; 800/910-9836;
restorationhardware.com. Marble
countertop—Premier Surfaces, Inc.;
844/558-2541; premiersurfaces.com.
Sink—Lowe’s; 800/445-6937;
lowes.com. Sink faucet, shower
fixtures Delta—The Home Depot
USA, Inc.; 800/466-3337; homedepot
.com. Floor and shower tile—Floor
and Decor Outlets of America, Inc.;
877/675-0002; flooranddecor.com.
Shower door—Chattahoochee
Shower Doors & Glass; 770/497-
1977; chattahoocheeglass.com.
Lighting at vanity—Schoolhouse
Electric & Supply Co.; 800/630-
7113; schoolhouseelectric.com. Mirror
custom—Queen of Hearts Antiques
and Interiors; queenofheartsantiques-
interiors.com.
Towel rack—Ballard Designs;
800/536-7551; ballarddesigns.com. Hand
towels—West Elm; 866/428-6468;
westelm.com.
PAGES 78–85
Things That Matter
Visit Dena Stormer’s blog Hearts
and Sharts, heartsandsharts.com.
Page 78: Sewing machine—
Janome America, Inc.; 800/631-
0183; janome.com. Chair
fabric—Tula Pink; tulapink.com.
Chair, chandelier, white storage
shelving—IKEA; 888/888-4532;
ikea.com.
Page 79: Framed art—Minted,
LLC; 888/828-6468; minted.com.
Page 80: Bottom curtain—The
Home Depot USA, Inc.; 800/466-
3337; homedepot.com.
Page 81: Curtain—Pottery Barn;
888/779-5176; potterybarn.com.
Island—IKEA; 888/888-4532;
ikea.com. Appliances, light
fixture—The Home Depot USA,
Inc.; 800/466-3337; homedepot.com.
Mixer—KitchenAid; 800/541-6390;
kitchenaid.com.
Page 82: Side chair reupholstered—
Scott Antique Market; 740/569-
2800; scottantiquemarket.com.
Sofa—Atlanta Used Furniture;
instagram.com/atlantausedfurniture
Rug Keno Moroccan Shag—
RugsUSA.com, Inc.; 609/447-4515;
rugsusa.com.
Page 83: Curtains, framed
art—Pottery Barn; 888/779-5176;
potterybarn.com. Chair slipcovers—
Pier 1 Imports; 800/245-4595;
pier1.com. Hutch, blue willow
plates, Russel Wright plates,
and floral plates vintage—
homeowners’ collection.
Page 84: Bed—Amazon.com, Inc.;
888/280-3321; amazon.com. Side
table—IKEA; 888/888-4532; ikea
.com. Orange pillow—Target;
800/800-8800; target.com. Map—
Scott Antique Market; 740/569-
2800; scottantiquemarket.com.
PAGES 86–91
New Look
Visit Pam Zundel’s blog
Simple Details, simpledetailsblog
.blogspot.com.
PAGE 96
I Did It!
Visit Kelly Marzka’s blog View
Along the Way, viewalongtheway
.com.
Wall color Atrium White PM-
13—Benjamin Moore; 855/724-
6802; benjaminmoore.com [P].
Stencil Peacock Fancy, stencil
creme Patina Green—Royal
Design Studio; 800/747-9767;
royaldesignstudio.com.
 fun fixes
The hardest-working room in
the Atlanta home of blogger
Kelly Marzka (viewalongtheway
.com) was slacking in style until
Kelly stenciled one laundry room
wall using iridescent stencil
cream. Her husband, Andy, then
installed a wall cabinet bought
for $20 at a yard sale, adding
homemade shelves on both
sides. To smooth over the
dingy-looking vinyl floor, the
couple primed it, then added

Makeovers™ (ISSN 2470-5802), 2016. Makeovers is published once a year in March by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. In Canada: Mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No.
40069223. Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Better Homes and Gardens is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Better Homes and Gardens marca registrada en México. © Meredith Corp. 2016.
stripes with porch paint.

I did IT
Bright hues and smart
storage steer a lackluster
laundry into happier
territory for just $157! before
WRITER KIT SELZER
PHOTOGRAPHER LAUREN RUBINSTEIN
STYLIST ANNETTE JOSEPH
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

96 MAKEOVERS