Before And After: Magnetic Chalkboard Wall

Our basement serves as a guest room, a playroom and a mud room.  All of those functions are essential in a small home. Now that  our kids are getting more comfortable going downstairs on their own,  I wanted it to feel like their special space, while still maintaining its function as a destination for our guests.  A magnetic chalkboard wall was the perfect addition. Not only does it give our children a wide open canvas for writing and drawing, it allows them to hang their art work with magnets.  Take a look at how the wall looked before and how it looks presently.

Three coats of magnetic primer was applied at first, then the chalkboard paint was rolled on.

I love Umbra's flip wall-mount coat rack.  When not in use, the hooks flip back onto its base and the natural wood is easily painted to match any background.

To store the chalk, paper and magnets I used a Woolly Pocket.  The soft felt hangs close to the wall and its color blends into it seamlessly.

Before And After: Settee

I almost can't believe that this before and after is all about another bench.  To view previously posted ones:  click here and here.   Now take a look at this latest transformation:

For a sneak peek of the latest bench in the room it was meant for, check out Cocoon's facebook page.  To view the pin board that inspired it all click here.  It's a work in progress, so stay tuned for the full reveal.

Roof Deck Reveal

Whether reading, eating dessert or playing with bubbles our new roof deck has proved to be well worth the effort and wait.  Take a look at how our family has been utilizing this new space as an additional outdoor room.

Two West Elm double loungers with Ikat pillows provide cozy seating for the whole family.

Found during a Maine beach hike,  the driftwood was planted with succulents.

To see the deck before the transformation click here and for a full house tour check out Apartment Therapy.

Before and After: A Pretty Little Bench

Recently a photographer friend of mine took many photos of our home for Apartment Therapy.  In return, I helped him reupholster a bench that had been stored away without a seat cushion or luster for quite some time.  After perusing over a few fabric samples and selecting the perfect one,  a new seat cushion was created and the wood regained its shine.  The renovated settee was a birthday surprise for his wife.  Take a look at a pretty little bench.

All photos taken by my friend, Jonas Kahn.

Before And After: The Hanna Sofa

The post "Fabric Finds" featured  a series of fabric combinations pulled together to reupholster a client's bench.   The client has since picked her favorites and the Hanna bench has taken a brand new look.  Originally, the bench looked great in Kelly Wearstler's Bengal Bazaar fabric.  Extremely pretty but not the right fabric for the space this bench was destined for.  The style of the bench was exactly what my client and I were looking for, but the fabric clearly wasn't.  Hence "Fabric Finds".    Take a look at how the bench was transformed to grace the space it now occupies.

The back and sides of the Hannah bench are covered in Brunschwig and Fils Dzambul Stripe and the seat cushion in Roma's Delano.  Together the two fabrics create the perfect combination of color and whimsy in its new home.  Still waiting for a few custom pillows in complementary fabrics to further layer pattern and color in my clients' amazing space.

To see more upholstery before and afters click here.