before and after Projects

Standard advice for deck maintenance is that it should be pressure washed and restained at least every other year. Let's just say that we haven't been that dutiful in our deck maintenance and leave it at that. It was definitely past due time to deal with our decks — as this photo demonstrates.  As you can see, the redwood was gray and green — not the warm wood color with which it started life. Plus, there was lichen growth on the wood, and I was concerned about the wood's quality deteriorating. The last thing my husband and I wanted to do was replace the deck, since it's earthquake retrofitted and bolted halfway into our house's footprint.

We considered doing the pressure washing and staining ourselves, but since we have two levels of decking (see part of the bottom level below) that measure in at around 1200 square feet, this was no small undertaking. We'd have to devote two separate weekends for pressure washing and staining, and hire a babysitter to care for our toddler while we were working. So, we decided to hire Cal Preserving to come in and do the work for us.Want to see how the decks turned out? Keep reading to find out!

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Themustardceiling from the Su Casa group:

I just finished stenciling and remodeling our laundry room. This project took FOREVER, but a nice laundry room really does make the chore of doing laundry more enjoyable. Continue reading to see the finished room!

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member stephaniepoli from the Su Casa group:

The first thing I wanted to change after moving into our home in 2009 was the banister. It was this unappealing light wood color that didn't match. The wood itself had been neglected for some time. Most of the original varnish had worn off. Instead of spending tons of money replacing the whole thing, I went to work on it myself. After more hours than I can count, spent sanding, staining and painting I had a beautiful new banister for under $60 dollars!

Keep reading to see the stunning results!

Jonathan Adler recently posted this peacock design on his Facebook page. I love the bird's graceful lines and long, swooping tail. (And seriously: don't you want to see that peacock don the mustache in the background?) The peacock looks gorgeous in its natural clay state, but it looks positively glam after glazing. Keep reading to see the final result and to find out about this decorative object's very no-nonsense function.

In the June 2011 issue of Elle Decoration, one very nondesigner piece of furniture was turned into something beyond gorgeous.

Starting with an Ikea Konsmo Wardrobe didn't seem that promising. This boxy, boring piece doesn't have much going for it — except for the fact that it's a perfectly blank canvas to decorate upon. Want to see the amazing transformation? Keep reading!

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Fareita from the Su Casa group:

We have rejigged our entire groundfloor over five months in London. It's a Victorian house with lots of character. This is our utility room, which was previously the kitchen.

Continue reading to see the beautifully renovated space!

Kim of Desire to Inspire recently took a trip to her sister's new Summer cottage in Canada, to which a lot of work has been done, and I'm really blown away by the before and after photos. The house is absolutely adorable on the exterior with a cute red and white facade, but she described the interiors as "dark and dingy, with nasty industrial carpeting everywhere and icky varathaned round board all over the walls." The design-savvy lady convinced her sister to paint the panelled walls bright white. They also ripped up the carpet and installed new faux bois laminate flooring. The result feels completely fresh and summery, and they've decorated with hand-me-downs and Ikea for a simply lovely, nonprecious atmosphere — exactly what you want in a Summer house.

Continue reading to see the after photos!