Contest: Ready Aim Redesign for Dwell with Dignity!

Today I'm thrilled to announce a charitable contest I'm honored to be participating in as a judge, alongside some of the design industries biggest names: Jonathan Adler, Grace Bonney, Ronda Carman, Samantha Reitmayer Sano, and Rebecca Sherman.

Led by Lisa Robison and Kim Turner, Dallas based non-profit, Dwell with Dignity is launching Ready Aim Redesign, a contest of before-and-after projects to raise money to support their mission of furnishing apartments and creating well-designed spaces for those in needed - a cause near and dear to my heart.

The contest is open to all and begins today! So here's how it works: go to the registration page, add the $25 entry fee to your cart, check out, and complete your transaction. Once payment is received, you'll be given instructions and a link to upload your before-and-after of a furniture redesign. Entries will then be submitted to the six judges, who will pick the top ten finalists. The finalists will appear on the site where voting, open to the public, will take place for a chance to win! There are some pretty awesome prizes, so be sure to check them out!

As a judge I unfortunately can't submit my own before-and-after so instead, I thought I'd share a couple here with you for some inspiration! I have a habit of painting everything I see and these cheap-o side tables I found at a local shop where no exception.

With a fresh coat of high gloss black I was able to tie them into a simple look for the second sitting area in my living room.

I scored this armoire for a steal of a price at a shop just around the corner from my place. I loved the style and shape, but was not fond of the color. So I bought a midnight blue can of paint and gave it a little facelift.

The armoire with new look is the perfect addition to my bedroom! Now I have the extra storage I need (it holds all my shoes!) and enjoy the way the dark compliments the white in the space so well.

It's important for me to remember, amidst my own blessings and the frenzy of my day to day, that everyone deserves a home they feel beautiful in. The spaces in which we dwell effect our moods, our self-esteem, and our sense of calm - things so important to our happiness. My hat goes off to all the generous people of our community who help to provide this for those in need.

I can't wait to see what all you creative people submit and get some ideas from you along the way! Good luck and Happy Friday! xo, Crystal

*images via my iphone and Emily Anderson Photography