Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Home Makeovers
  4. Before & After
  5. Before and After Room Makeovers

Before and After Room Makeovers

June 08, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
From simple-yet-stunning decorating makeovers, to organizational overhauls and impressive remodels, these transformations prove how dysfunctional duds can become amazing spaces.
Start Slideshow

1 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Blank Space

Low ceilings and a lackluster fireplace wall in this family room were crying out for a new look.

1 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Fresh and Fun

Stripping away the tile and paneling from the fireplace revealed a pleasant surprise: an old brick wall, which was dressed up with white paint, a floating mantel, and a wallmount art lamp. Vaulting the ceiling furthered the airy design. Built-ins were replaced with furniture for a less formal, more flexible look. Colorful pillows and accessories add pop.

2 of 27

3 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Almost, But Not Quite

An open and airy layout, like-new appliances and cabinetry, refinished hardwood floors -- this kitchen was almost there when the new homeowners moved in. But the overly traditional style didn't quite suit their modern tastes.

3 of 27

Advertisement

4 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Modern Spin

A few key updates (done for under $1000) took this kitchen to the next level. Two shades of gray paint siginificantly lighten the look and meshes well with the existing laminate countertops, but won't show wear and grime like white. New pendants over the peninsula and sleek hardware add modern polish.

4 of 27

5 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bedroom Revamp

See how this bedroom went from bland and boring to bold and beautiful with a few color, pattern, and character updates.

5 of 27

6 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Hidden Charm

An apartment in a historic building needed a little TLC to draw out its character-filled potential.

6 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Cool and Colorful

Credit: 102181820

A crisp gray-white on the walls significantly brightened the living room while colorful accents add personality, as does a collection of midcentury modern furniture. Texture -- from the fluffy rug to the nubby sofa and leather chairs -- complete the visual package.

  • See more from the 750-square-foot home!

7 of 27

8 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kitchen on a Budget

See how this basic kitchen received a few simple upgrades and a fresh lease on style and function.

8 of 27

9 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Not-So-Pretty in Pink

A whole lotta bubble gum pink and outdated fixtures (not to mention 1960s wallpaper on the walls -- and ceiling) gave this spacious bathroom a retro, but hardly charming, vibe.

9 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Collected and Colorful

The new design doesn't eschew color completely. Soft green vertical stripes on the walls give the illusion of height. But a liberal use of white keeps the look airy, while various shapes, forms, and finishes add interest. New furniture-style vanities are classic, yet fresh and boast plenty of counter space and storage. The tub-shower enclosure was replaced with a roomy walk-in shower.

10 of 27

11 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Pink Slip

In another case of pink gone wrong, this living room's charm was hidden by a color that needed to be given the heave-ho.

11 of 27

12 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Vintage Modern Mix

The living room in the 60-year-old house was cozy (read: small), which led the homeowners to select vintage furniture, which is smaller in scale. Following suit, the antique fireplace mantel lends vintage charm and character to the room. A palette of cool blues is peppered with pops of just-right, pretty, not saccharine fuchsia pink.

12 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Basic and Meh

A knock it all out at once remodel wasn't in the cards for this small kitchen. But a series of smart changes over the course of three years yielded quite the stunning finish.

13 of 27

14 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Evolved Style

The makeover started with the cabinets: sanding and stripping the wood cabinets and refinished with white paint yielded a brighter look. A white subway backsplash and new glass fronts for two sets of cabinets (a $70 update) give the kitchen a polished look. New wood flooring and appliances came in place over time. A screw-in conversion kit allowed showy pendants to replace recessed lighting. The layout remained the same, but the homeowners retrofitted the existing island with decorative feet and a new butcher block countertop, which gives the piece a custom look for less. The new top, which is four inches wider, now allows for seating at the island.

14 of 27

15 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Living Room in Stages

You don't have to complete your makeover all at once. Here's how to give your living room a revamp in stages.

15 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Awkward Nook

While a secondary nook in this spacious living room was an asset, the underused space needed a bit of direction.

16 of 27

17 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Stylish and Functional

The square desk felt too formal, so it was swapped for a round table, which functions as a workspace and a serving area for entertaining. The cabinets were painted a light gray, which causes them to recede and allows accessories to shine.

17 of 27

18 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Dark and Dated

Lackluster cabinetry, dull finishes, and an abyss of brown walls were dampening the spirits of this open kitchen.

18 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Light and Bright

Calacatta Gold marble and a stunning hood on the kitchen's back wall created an elegant, airy focal point. On the island, dark Emperador marble gives a much-needed visual break from all the white surfaces. A mix of metals provide sparkle. The peninsula was replaced with an island so the room opened to the entry from the garage, creating a better flow. Building a bench into the back of the island and adding an oval table maximizes space in the tight breakfast area.

19 of 27

20 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Living Room Revival

With a few smart layout changes, a timeless, serence color palette, new furniture, and fresh fabrics, this living room received a complete overhaul that you have to see to believe.

20 of 27

21 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Unremarkable Bath

Functional, but basic, this bathroom needed a bit of oomph. A roll of wallpaper spurred on the transformation.

21 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: On a Roll

An elegant white-and-gray trellis served as the kick-off point for several other upgrades in the hall bath. The existing vanity received a sophisticated facelift with black paint and new hardware. A new white Cararra marble coutnertop (the makeover's splurge) with dark veining elevates the room's polish, as does a new widespread faucet. New sconces and a custom-framed beveled mirror further the room's elegant vibe.

22 of 27

23 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black-and-White Kitchen Update

A black and white color palette also works to give a kitchen elegant appeal. See how it plays out in this kitchen.

23 of 27

24 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Spacious, But Disjointed

A lack of space wasn't the problem in this living room. The room's woes came from a hodge-podge of furnishings and a missing layer of cohesion.

24 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Eclectic, Yet Collected

The furniture arrangement feels warm and inviting when joined by a rug. (Seagrass or jute rugs are an affordable way to cover a wide swath of floor.) Recovering the pieces in the same natural linen united existing furniture. Layers of accessories in a cohesive color palette, but a mix of materials and textures, bring both visual rhythm and variety to the space. Warm wood finishes balance the cool gray and white palette. 

25 of 27

26 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Before: Cluttered Home Office

A mountain of files and fabric swatches hindered efficiency in this home office.

26 of 27

27 of 27

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

After: Organized Work Space

Adding bookshelves on both sides of the desk provided a place for boxes, baskets and shelves, which in turn, corral papers, magazines, and more in an organized fashion. Wall-hung buckets give paint decks, markers, and art supplies an easy-to-reach home.

27 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 27 Before: Blank Space
2 of 27 After: Fresh and Fun
3 of 27 Before: Almost, But Not Quite
4 of 27 After: Modern Spin
5 of 27 Bedroom Revamp
6 of 27 Before: Hidden Charm
7 of 27 After: Cool and Colorful
8 of 27 Kitchen on a Budget
9 of 27 Before: Not-So-Pretty in Pink
10 of 27 After: Collected and Colorful
11 of 27 Before: Pink Slip
12 of 27 After: Vintage Modern Mix
13 of 27 Before: Basic and Meh
14 of 27 After: Evolved Style
15 of 27 Living Room in Stages
16 of 27 Before: Awkward Nook
17 of 27 After: Stylish and Functional
18 of 27 Before: Dark and Dated
19 of 27 After: Light and Bright
20 of 27 Living Room Revival
21 of 27 Before: Unremarkable Bath
22 of 27 After: On a Roll
23 of 27 Black-and-White Kitchen Update
24 of 27 Before: Spacious, But Disjointed
25 of 27 After: Eclectic, Yet Collected
26 of 27 Before: Cluttered Home Office
27 of 27 After: Organized Work Space