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“Before And After Design”: This Instagram Account With 1.3 Million Followers Is Showcasing Incredible Redecorations
What defines your interior style? Is it your love of antiques or your hate for clutter? Your desire for entertainment or your preference for all things bohemian? Truth is, no matter the answer, you will find something you like on the Instagram account Before & After Design.
There's a reason it has 1.3 million followers: showcasing well-executed home makeovers, it has a massive collection of cool ideas for every taste. So whether you are looking for a little something to put on your shelf or planning to completely transform your living spaces, take a look!
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#1
Craig Silberman 4 years ago
all it takes is a lot of money (and someone with good taste to design it)
Sophie Wayman 4 years ago
it might be covering an address number or something
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Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, a husband-wife duo of professional interior designers who work under their brand, AphroChic, say everyone should start transforming their place by selecting a style; thinking of the entire home with a unifying theme will promote unity and harmony. "It can be as simple as choosing casual instead of formal or traditional instead of contemporary," Hays and Mason wrote. "From there, you can refine it to a more specific style, such as French country, Tuscan, modern Victorian, or shabby chic."
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#2
Sara Rodrigues 4 years ago (edited)
Maybe the view wasn't that good and that's why they decided to hide part of it. I think they probably had other buildings next to them and that's why they preferred to have more privacy.
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Perfumista Perfumista 4 years ago
Wow. Not many people would look at balcony space and think "this is where this will be my indoor kitchen.
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
It could be just an auxiliary kitchen. Many newer apartments in Korea have a main kitchen and an extra burner and sink with the laundry machine on a 'veranda' attached to the kitchen via sliding doors
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Amber Shepherd 2 years ago
Why does it appear wider on the right? the tiles are the same size but then they have the units.
Barry Publow 4 years ago
unless they took out the entire wall this is not the same place in both pictures, and doing that is structurally impossible
Another principle is balance—distributing visual weight. "You can do it symmetrically, as is common in traditional interiors, or with asymmetrical balance as seen in casual interiors."
"Within each room, there should be a focal point. In a living room, it could be a fireplace or a piece of art. It sets itself apart by scale, color, or texture," the couple explained.
To add visual interest to a room, think of contrast and variety. "Keep a rhythm in mind with repeating elements of the same color, texture, or pattern, and a progression of sizes or colors."
#3
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
This happens all the time in Chicago, especially during the pandemic. Those funny little brick cottages were originally designed to have a second story added to them. The builders set them up to expand upwards as a couple had children. We've seen many Arts and Crafts homes having major work like this done all over our neighborhood.
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WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Their neighbors on the left must be thrilled that the sun can't get into their house anymore.
Mihnea Radulescu 4 years ago (edited)
they bribed the city council! They should not have bulit highr than the neighbours building, that's how you ruin the imagine of a neighbourhood, of a town! Built higher, different colours...total eyesore for the area! By itself it looks nice, but considering the area - it needs to be torn down!
Catarina Pupillo 4 years ago
TOtal fail. Doesn't belong in the neighborhood and they took away the charm. Now it is just a McMansion.
Bored Little Panda 4 years ago
To be honest the before was cute just needed to be cleaned and landscaped
An essential part of interior design is choosing a color palette. You could have a different style and color scheme in each room, but often you will want to tie the whole dwelling together. Think what colors and patterns would suit a small room as well as a large one.
"Mixing patterns in home decor is one of the more advanced parts of interior design," Hays and Mason said. "Patterns do not have to match, but they need to complement and coordinate with each other. This is done by considering color, size, and scale."
Just remember that nobody was born with the ability to reimagine a room. Settling on furniture placement, wall hangings, as well as rug and accent choices is something you can learn over time!
#4
Ellen Ranks 4 years ago
When I was young I had fantasies about doing this. Nice to see someone who actually did it!
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
There are many many people doing this nowadays... Also my dream.
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ChickyChicky 4 years ago
These are all very impractical. Tile, wood, steel elements all make it so heavy. Unless you're not going to move it very often, your gas mileage will be abysmal. And I hope they have seatbelts for the plants if they are taking it on the road!
#5
Nubis Knight 4 years ago
I really like the makeovers, but it seems less "before and after design" but more like "before and after huge amounts of money". I'd like to see some redisigns made with a small Budget. ;_;
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
Agreed. It's like, "Wait, you mean if I had an unlimited budget to throw at landscapers, my backyard would look amazing?!?!?"
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Susan L. Miller 4 years ago
Beautifully done! Nothing wrong with having money to do things really right!
#6
Dorothy Cloud 4 years ago
Who decides to "hide" comments? Then see other "unhidden" comments saying basically the same thing.
Dorothy Cloud 4 years ago
I couldn't tell if that is part of their enlarged building.
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#7
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
Not a big fan of stucco, but this looks nice and clean in white with black? slate gray? trim and roof.
#8
Roe Rainrunner 4 years ago
Really don't like the wodden flooring in the first :-D
Load More Replies... Anne Bidstrup 4 years ago
Me too, it was a point of difference. The 'after' pic just looks like any other generic bathroom...
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AnInrovert 4 years ago
Imagine a bird flies overhead and poops on the window... your welcome for putting that image in your head! ;)
MustardLemon 4 years ago
I loved the strange arch thing I think they could have worked with that a bit more. At least I see potential in it.
Joan Humphreys 4 years ago
The before is actually not bad. Just needed more light, a change the paint color and added accessories.
Dilly Millandry 4 years ago
It's quite dated though. I expect, closer up, the bathroom fittings are probably quite tired and worn.
Load More Replies... #9
Laura McWattie 4 years ago
1st picture looks like that map in Modern Warfare 2. I can't remember the name of it though 🤔
#10
Tiari 4 years ago
I honestly think these stepping stones in the grass are weird and unnecessary. But overall it’s really nice.
F. H. 4 years ago
It's fake grass. You need the stones or you'll have to replace it more often. It's disgustig.
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Scarface's Mom 4 years ago
I think they should've kept the grass on the lawn not the building..
#11
Tia Denomme 1 year ago
I would've went with the red brick that's around the door for everything except the bay window, keep that and the trim that cream colour. I hate white all over, lacks personality and is cold
#12
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Oh yes! A pool is another thing I want. Doesn’t need to be Olympic size either. Not sure of the length of this one, but long enough for laps and wide enough to turn is good enough for me.
Malinda Petersen 4 years ago
Pretty, but the first thing I noticed was razor wire on the wall...
Juliette Dauterive 4 years ago
And why not? Better to be pro active than reactive.
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Amaranthim Talon 4 years ago
What I like about this one is that the yard is soo small! yet the pool fits it well.
#13
Juliette Dauterive 4 years ago
Now we need the After after photo, after it’s been rained on and stayed wet for weeks.
#14
Seabeast 4 years ago
A true "before" picture would show how it looked before demolition had begun.
#15
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
Almost a complete demolition and rebuild. But it's nice to see the old large building still standing with it's cobblestone addition. They did a fantastic job blending old with new. I especially love the brick walkway and how they built up the stone wall to the right of the outbuilding.
Grumble O'Pug 4 years ago
In a previous life it probably was in a WW2 firefight
Load More Replies... Nevits Yibble 4 years ago
"Before" has that more natural look. A nice "lived-in" feel to it. I like the colors
M O'Connell 4 years ago
I kinda like the 'before' picture. Lots of character, and the moss ties it in nicely with nature.
#16
wandile dludlu 4 years ago
Seems like a british house... actually most of these look like british houses
#17
Natalia 4 years ago
The first one is so messy, it makes me think that the second one will end up the same way in a while...
Joey Marlin 4 years ago
That was exactly my first though - untidy people can only be helped, rarely cured!
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Anne Bidstrup 4 years ago
I hate mine. My cats consider it their own personal theme park.
Load More Replies... zims 4 years ago
Nope, useless table is USELESS. Candelabra? Useless. Fluffy rug trapped under it? Useless. BOOKS? This isn't a reading nook, those are clearly props that will never be touched, which makes them worse than useless. At least on a bookshelf you could pretend you've read them. A small couch or large ottoman would be a much better use of the space, you could put on shoes more easily and see how your outfit looks while seated. The low-hanging chandelier is a terrible idea for the one room in the house where you're guaranteed to be blindly raising your arms above your head, I would knock into that so many times. I do kind of like the statement wall, but it's more of a display than storage. Can't put a purse or shoes up there unless it matches the wallpaper.
#18
Anne Bidstrup 4 years ago
Imagine climbing it when you've been to the pub?!
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
I would’ve swapped the ladder for stairs, and used the area underneath as storage.
Mihnea Radulescu 4 years ago
so they kept that staircase? How can you have breakfast in bed? with stairs like that it's hard to believe you can bring a tray of junkfood in order to netflix & chill with your significant half during the cold winter days... Not beautifull, not practical, so a downvote from me for this makeover...
Mary Maney 4 years ago
Yea ZERO transforming was done here. All they did was clean the floor and stage. This isn’t real design.
#19
#20
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
The ground in the first picture seems very uneven. What a terrific use of landscaping.
Connie Martin 4 years ago
Where do you keep all the pillows and stuff where it won't get dirty when not in use?? You'd need a huge space in the garage or somewhere. And who's going to bother to get it all out and put it all away? Hired help, I guess
Scarface's Mom 4 years ago
Why black paint on fencing? To deflect the heat from the sun? Gloomy..otherwise I like it.
#21
Pheebs 4 years ago
That glass door blocking the foyer is ugly. I half expected a shower in there.
Roe Rainrunner 4 years ago
Don't understand this, too. I mean... I know the concept of "hallways" so visitors can't see in your home - doesn't work with glass. And some houses have that, because doors are not good insulated. But glass wall's arent either... So... It's weird.
Load More Replies... Ellen Ranks 4 years ago
Now this is very doable. I did something similar in my house. A coat of paint and proper lighting can make a big difference.
#22
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
The after looks good but the before picture looks like it was taken mid demolition so you really can't tell the difference.
Curry on... 4 years ago
I'd have to set aside a day just to clean it. (maybe they have a housekeeper)
#23
Matheus Oliveira 4 years ago
That part might have been just a plumbing shaft
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Deborah Brett 4 years ago
Not a fan of the black loo. Hope they don't live in a hard-water area.
Helen Haley 4 years ago
No shower would get real old, real quick. Nightmare to clean, no storage. Just not very practical. Of all locations, a bathroom should be practical.
Paula Swanson 4 years ago
Moving a toilet when you have a crawl space is no problem....doing it with a slab floor design...nightmare
#24
Susann Campbell 4 years ago
Good grief all those questions and put downs. This is beautiful and lets the sheep feel safe at night and to having all that space and no neighbors you can play the movie "Speed" all day and all night if you wanted to. Eat and sleep outdoor and if you get hot in the daytime just jump in the pond for a cool off. Love the whole set up , even cooking lamb chops outside.
#25
me 4 years ago
That is satisfying organization, but those clothes on the shelves aren't going to stay centered
Honu 4 years ago
My closet (designed by the previous owner) has a bunch of shelves like that. I got cloth bins for them. I knew folded clothes on them would never look all that tidy. It's a closet I walk through to get to the bath, too. So I wanted it to stay looking pleasant.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
At least they left room for longer items. I’ve lived in apartments with only the short space. Ruins dresses.
Susan L. Miller 4 years ago
Lovely. It's surprising how easy it is to keep things neat, once you get them that way!
#26
Lily Mae Kitty 4 years ago
I hate this after so much. looks a damn mess and cheap as hell. I want cabinetry, not open shelves with greasy, dusty dishes. we have cats-cat hair would get into everything. not my cuppa.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
Agreed. I also like to color of the cabinet and floor wood in the before pics. Not a big fan of rough wood and dark colors, so freshening up what was already there would been enough for me. And yes, I actually cook in my kitchen, so agree the after kitchen isn’t one very practical for cooking and storing dishes and stuff.
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#27
CorgiGirl 4 years ago
Taking over and renovating after a hoarder is more than a LOT of work. It's sanitizing, deodorizing and all that too.
Seabeast 4 years ago
Plus some structural repairs in many cases. The weight of all that stuff, moisture getting trapped underneath - often floor joists need to be replaced.
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Sandy Feuerbacher 4 years ago
Not gonna stay that way - these People have a problem with CLEANLINESS!!
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
The distressed floor looks nice with the white walls. I'm glad they were able to keep the original flooring.
Natalia 4 years ago
I can't even tell if they kept the original flooring....it was such a mess, with all those stuff, I can't even see one inch of the floor, lol!
Load More Replies... #28
Sandy Feuerbacher 4 years ago
Doesn't cost a "bazillion dollars", not even close!!
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Curry on... 4 years ago
Am I the only one who got bored looking at renovations I cannot afford?
Gabby M 4 years ago (edited)
So far I've seen what I believe are remodels (the outdoor ones) in mild(er) weather areas. None would fare well in colder weather climates.
Wonderful 4 years ago
Agreed. I don’t think this would work in Chicago. In Texas it would work. I’m in Texas so if anyone’s bored they are more than welcome to build this for me 😁
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#29
Lyn Arnold 4 years ago
I don't think it is - I think it's a conceptual rendering (used for client approval before the work commences).
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
I would’ve left more grass and planted colorful flowers and cushions to liven it up. It’s rather bland as is.
wandile dludlu 4 years ago
The best investment you could make in your home is building a good outdoor area. Covid taught us that, you need a fun place to isolate
Carole Deem 4 years ago
Why yes, let's put a bunch of white stuff outside. This world needs more mildew.
Smitten Kitten 4 years ago
I don't want to have a garden where I have to take my shoes off before going in to it.
#30
Joey Marlin 4 years ago
I expect the floor is still there nice and safe for the next person to find.
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Laura Johnston 4 years ago
Sure, the after is nice but I still like the before shot. Beautiful wood floor and great lighting. Closets aren't bad either
Lisa-Marie Dhondt 4 years ago
Something about the view outside does not add up. Picture seems taken further away but the outside looks closer?
Tracey Noble 2 years ago
this looks like a different room the house across the street is not the same
Carole Deem 4 years ago
I like the bookcase, hate the light feature would immediately repaint the room. Ditto on the floor.
M Kate McCulloch 4 years ago
hard one - I like both - but would probably keep the herringbone floor...
#31
DDmaybeandor 4 years ago
What a project! It's like a "wedding bus" or somthing. It's that a thing?
Rae Black 4 years ago
If it wasnt before, it will be now. That's a great idea!
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#32
#33
Amaranthim Talon 4 years ago
The nightmare that was before- What ever possessed the "designer"?
#34
Joanne Kostka 4 years ago
That's more like it! Painted cabinets and new flooring, not a ton of money spent!
#35
troufaki13 4 years ago
I already don't like leaving the house, so imagine if I had this. I would never leave ever again!!
#36
Deborah Brett 4 years ago
great, exept for the tiny sink. They could have put in one twice the size without looking crowded.
Joey Marlin 4 years ago
If you only need it for washing your hands, and this is probably just a downstairs cloakroom, then the sink size doesn't really matter.
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Maripat Webber 4 years ago
There’s room for a bigger sink. Why go for one guaranteed to result in water on the floor?
#38
#39
hydrostatic joints 4 years ago
I would definitely trip on that step every time I went to take a shower.
#40
M O'Connell 4 years ago
They look asymmetrical in the original picture as well.
Load More Replies... Just JoLynn 4 years ago
Very awkward! If you shower you either have to get your towel before and set on the counter or you have to walk around the whole thing to get your towel after.
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Joey Marlin 4 years ago
I know people who have done this and they have quite a few children. Extra bathrooms are always handy in those circumstances.
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#41
#42
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Pic one is just "under construction", IMO. But nice use of under-stair storage.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
All that’s needed is a rail for the stairs. Sorry, but my balance isn’t the greatest.
#43
lara 4 years ago
It is sad to think that someone thought killing an animal for "decoration" is a good idea.
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#44
Linus Nilsson 4 years ago
I can't find any reference points in the pictures. How do we know it's the same place?
Smitten Kitten 4 years ago
I think the photo is taken from the other end.
Load More Replies... #45
Banana Vic 4 years ago
Yeah, I liked the colors in the before pics much better
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CorgiGirl 4 years ago
I loved the floor in the top right. Why rip it out? Oh well. It's their taste.
Joey Marlin 4 years ago
Top right is the after. Look closer at middle right and you'll see the floor is the same.
Load More Replies... Joey Marlin 4 years ago
Uh, why would they put in an old staircase in a new house and then renovate it?
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#46
CorgiGirl 4 years ago
Those commenting on the laundry machines..... where do you see those? There's a stove and a micro.
Toasty 4 years ago
There is definitely a washing machine in the before pic.
Load More Replies... Thenatural 4 years ago
Oh we're sorry....some of us don't have basements/utility rooms.....so where would you suggest?
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#47
#48
Joey Marlin 4 years ago
Yes. You can get outside fairy lights so that would be okay. I have some on the front of my house right now.
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#49
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
I worry about a child’s room with an upper level like this one has.
Load More Replies... Joey Marlin 4 years ago
Me too! We should be allowed these things as adults. I feel like I missed out!!!
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#51
Mal 4 years ago
right. did they use "dead fish" as a tile color inspiration?
Load More Replies... #52
Carrie de Luka 4 years ago
Not really - we don't have massive bugs in the UK. Might get a few on a summers evening but it's not much of a problem.
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#53
#54
CorgiGirl 4 years ago
Paved over front yard = parking space when there is no other. Sometimes there's no choice.
#55
Deborah Brett 4 years ago
I love the green tile, but it just does not go with the rest of the room. Especially when there are peach and terracotta tones as well.
Amaranthim Talon 4 years ago
That garish painting- imagine walking in there feeling pukey after a night of indulgence and seeing that hideous thing staring at you in judgement!!
#56
#57
Lyn Arnold 4 years ago
Personally, I really dislike when homes are stripped of their architectural design - especially the front facade and ESPECIALLY when it throws off the feel of a whole block. The front of this home was perfectly nice (although needed TLC) yet the owners completely scrubbed it of it's Art Deco roots. So now there's this post-modern facade that completely interrupts the overall architectural feel of the building. BOO.
Maripat Webber 4 years ago
I’m with you. If you want blocky and featureless, buy it. Don’t extract all personality from a period house with period details.
Load More Replies... Lara Verne 4 years ago (edited)
'Before' enterior was elegant and very pleasing to eye. This modernist brown box is eyesore and clashes terribly with surrounding buildings.
Juan Alcorta 4 years ago
Ok, so you destroyed an art-deco facade to make a vertical shoe box? Not to mention how how it stands out oddly in the neighbourhood.
#58
#59
Blinding_Darkness 4 years ago
We no I don't like the wallpaper it looks way too crowded and it makes the room look smaller
Deborah Brett 4 years ago
It's too much, and for such a small space. A paper like that needs to be on one wall only, as an accent.
TheBoredPanda 4 years ago
Oof, are you sure the pics aren't reversed? I can't imagine someone went from the simple bathroom to the jungle mess that's the 'after' one...
Amaranthim Talon 4 years ago
I actually yelled a little under my breath! WHAT A NIGHTMARE!! Put that hideous Picasso portrait in here to complete the look...
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What do you think ?
Kristin Ingersoll 4 years ago
I think of a makeover as something you can do with a little money and some hard work. These are renovations - with huge budgets. Strange title, but some cool spaces for wealthy people!
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 4 years ago
Some look like a work in progress, as if in the middle of the work they decided to take a photo, happened to me. The Befor photo didn't look so shocking cause we've already cleaned up a little.
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Ottawa Renovation 1 year ago
While these designs are undoubtedly appealing, it's crucial to acknowledge that not all homeowners have the budget to indulge in such luxurious renovations. The term "affordable" varies for everyone, and practical, cost-effective solutions should be at the forefront of any renovation discussion. Visit us: tps://www.ottawa-renovation.ca/
Kristin Ingersoll 4 years ago
I think of a makeover as something you can do with a little money and some hard work. These are renovations - with huge budgets. Strange title, but some cool spaces for wealthy people!
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 4 years ago
Some look like a work in progress, as if in the middle of the work they decided to take a photo, happened to me. The Befor photo didn't look so shocking cause we've already cleaned up a little.
Load More Replies... Ottawa Renovation 1 year ago
While these designs are undoubtedly appealing, it's crucial to acknowledge that not all homeowners have the budget to indulge in such luxurious renovations. The term "affordable" varies for everyone, and practical, cost-effective solutions should be at the forefront of any renovation discussion. Visit us: tps://www.ottawa-renovation.ca/
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