BEFORE: If you're on the hunt for a humble item to revamp, get the word out. We did just that when we were looking for a cheap chandelier that we could turn into something special.

AFTER: We stripped off the flimsy metal cups around the 10 light bulb bases, then painted everything white except for the base which was painted silver. Black shades on the bulbs would also look great.

BEFORE: A tacky red vinyl-topped box found at a Vancouver goodwill store was probably holding LPs in someone's basement.

AFTER: This easy re-upholstery project was a bargain, requiring only an upholstery remnant, some coordinating fabric for the lining, and some poly batting.

BEFORE: In this room (as shown by George the dog) the small table limited seating to a squishy six, which reminded many guests of being banished to the kiddie table as teens.

AFTER: We took inspiration from some of the city's Greek restaurants, and pushed the seating back to the walls, transforming an austere room into a comfy, relaxing nook with a French Country feel.

BEFORE: A stacking washer/dryer in the front foyer is handy but not especially attractive, despite an impressive fridge-magnet collection!

AFTER: Two custom woven wood drapes (same material as blinds, but hung vertically) attached with curtain hooks to ceiling-mount tracks, open and close with ease and neatly hide the appliances.