Q: I just read an old post of yours where you compared your last house to your current one – and it looks like you preferred the old one in some ways because you had done more renovation, etc. I think it would be awesome if you did a do-over of that post now that it has been so long and you’ve done so much to improve your new house! – Thanks for all the inspiration, Sarah
From Our First Home to Our Current Haven: A Renovation Journey Revisited
A: You’re absolutely right, Sarah! It’s been quite some time since we first embarked on this quirky comparison of our very first house and our beloved current home. The original post, born from a reader’s curiosity (and coincidentally, another Sarah’s suggestion about a year ago to see “side-by-side rooms past and present”), was a fun snapshot. But with more time, more projects, and a deeper understanding of our evolving design aesthetic, it’s high time for a comprehensive, updated review. Consider this the ultimate “do-over” – a battle of homes, if you will, where we pit our first house against our current house, room by room.
This isn’t exactly a fair fight, we admit. Our first home was a labor of love over four and a half years, allowing us to complete nearly every project we envisioned. Our current home, however, is a much larger canvas, and we’ve only been here for about 20 months, with many ambitious plans still on the horizon. We anticipate several more years of transformation for this house! Yet, after over six years of navigating home renovations, learning through countless trials and errors, and solidifying our personal style, we approach projects with a newfound confidence. This experience means that some elements of our current home have taken shape more quickly and decisively. For this comparison, many of the “current house” photos are directly from our House Tour page, hence the “progress” labels you might spot. So, let the comparison begin!
Exterior Spaces: First Impressions and Outdoor Living
The Front Yard, First House:
The Front Yard, Current House:
Winner: The first house. Our first house’s front yard was a testament to patience and persistence, evolving over four years from a chaotic, overgrown mess into a beautifully manicured, inviting space. We poured countless hours into landscaping, planting, and perfecting every detail, resulting in a mature and polished curb appeal that we were incredibly proud of. The transformation was dramatic, creating a truly welcoming entrance that significantly enhanced the home’s overall charm.
In contrast, our current yard, while vastly improved from the dense, bushy lot we initially inherited (you literally couldn’t see the house from the curb!), still has a significant journey ahead. We’ve cleared much of the initial overgrowth and laid the groundwork for future projects, but it lacks the established elegance of our first home. From certain angles, as seen in this outdoor tour, it’s clear we have many more years of work before it reaches its full potential. Our vision includes more structured planting, defined pathways, and perhaps even some hardscaping to truly bring it to life and make it feel as refined as our previous home’s exterior.
The Front Porch, First House:
The Front Porch, Current House:
Winner: Tie. This was genuinely a tough call, balancing sentimental favorites with exciting future potential. The front porch of our first house held so many cherished memories. We adored its vibrant red door, but what truly made that porch special were the details: the lush hanging ferns that softened the edges and the unique tan-and-cream striped floor that added such a playful, custom touch. It felt complete, charming, and perfectly encapsulated our style at the time.
Our current house’s front porch, however, presents a different kind of allure. While we loved the red door on our first house, we are absolutely obsessed with the bold yellow door on this one – it exudes an incredible amount of cheer and personality. Yet, the porch itself is still a work in progress, teeming with unfulfilled potential. We envision significant upgrades, including boxing out the existing columns to give them a more substantial presence, staining the concrete floor for a refined look, and adding a myriad of other decorative and functional touches. Given the strong emotional connection to the finished charm of our first porch and the immense promise of our current one, a tie feels like the most honest assessment for now. It’s a space we are eager to elevate to match the vibrancy of its front door.
Interior Spaces: Functionality, Comfort, and Evolving Style
The Living Room, First House:
The Living Room, Current House:
Winner: Our current house. The living room in our first house was designed as a more formal space, a concept we quickly realized didn’t align with our lifestyle. We had a separate den dedicated to TV watching and truly “chillaxing,” which meant the formal living room often went unused, feeling somewhat detached and pristine rather than lived-in. It was a beautiful room, but it didn’t serve our daily needs for comfort and relaxation.
Our current living room, by contrast, is a triumph of functionality and coziness. It’s the ultimate hub for unwinding, where we can genuinely sink into our giant, plush sofa and completely decompress. This space effortlessly blends comfort with style, making it a natural gathering spot for our family. Although we still have plans to enhance it further – like converting an old dresser into a stylish and practical media stand – the fundamental feel of this room already surpasses its predecessor. It truly feels like a home, a place where we can all feel tons more at home, enjoying movies, reading, or simply being together. This shift reflects our evolving preference for practical, comfortable spaces over traditional, formal layouts.
The Kitchen, First House:
The Kitchen, Current House:
Winner: Our current house. While photos can tell a story, this kitchen’s victory is truly a “you-have-to-be-here-in-person” experience. The kitchen in our first house, though beautifully renovated, suffered from a more confined floor plan. Its smaller size and somewhat isolated position made it feel closed off and disconnected from the rest of the living spaces, hindering the natural flow of family life and entertaining. It served its purpose well, but it didn’t embody the communal spirit we desired.
Our new kitchen, however, is unequivocally the heart of our home. Its design embraces an open concept, featuring two generous openings that lead directly to the main hall and the dining room, along with two other doorways connecting it to the office and living room. This expansive, interconnected layout fosters a truly collaborative and vibrant atmosphere. It’s hard to fully articulate the feeling, but imagine me sitting at the peninsula, catching up on comments while Clara happily plays on the rug by the fireplace, and John prepares a delicious dinner – it’s a harmonious, bustling, and wonderfully integrated space where our family life truly unfolds. The sense of connection and togetherness this kitchen provides is simply unparalleled, making it the clear winner in our book.
The Hallway, First House:
The Hallway, Current House:
Winner: Current house. We are incredibly grateful for the substantial upgrade in our current home’s hallway. Our first house had a functional hallway, but it was generally narrower and could feel a bit cramped, especially when moving between rooms. It served its purpose but lacked any significant design impact or sense of spaciousness.
The hallway in our current home, however, is a revelation. It is wonderfully wide and generously filled with natural light, instantly creating a more inviting and expansive feel throughout the house. This added width not only improves flow and navigability but also allowed us to create a truly special feature: a giant family gallery of frames. This personalized display of cherished memories transforms what could be a mundane transitional space into a vibrant, emotional centerpiece. The bright, airy ambiance combined with such a personal touch truly makes this hallway a standout, and we simply adore it.
The Spare Bedroom, First House:
The Spare Bedroom, Current House:
Winner: The first house. This is one of those instances where a picture might be deceiving, but the reality makes the decision clear. The spare bedroom in our first house, as depicted here, was a serene and functional space, typically featuring a daybed and a desk. It was an organized, clean, and calm environment, offering a tranquil retreat or a productive workspace. This orderly setup significantly contributed to a sense of peace and made us feel a lot less stressed.
Our current “spare bedroom” has unfortunately devolved into a chaotic playroom and storage area. While this specific image is borrowed from an old post about its initial messy state, the room frequently reverts to this level of disarray, if not worse! It’s currently packed with various furnishings and boxes, many related to secret book projects, which is why we’ve opted to use an older, slightly tidier photo for this comparison. The reality is that it’s a constant source of disorganization, making us feel overwhelmed and sweaty just thinking about it. We dream of the day we can finally conquer this room and bring it to a state of calm functionality. Until then, its door remains firmly closed, and the clean, organized little room from our first house clearly takes the win for its sheer serenity and usability.
The Nursery (Formerly The Third Bedroom), First House:
The Nursery, Current House:
Winner: Current house. But it was a hard call. The decision for the nursery was incredibly difficult, primarily due to the deep sentimental value attached to our first house’s nursery. This was the beautiful room we brought Clara home to from the hospital, a space filled with tender memories and the beginning of our journey as parents. It was a cozy, intimate sanctuary, thoughtfully designed and completed with so much love, making it a truly special place in our hearts.
However, the nursery in our current house ultimately gains the edge, largely thanks to its superior functionality and potential for growth. The most significant factor is the much larger closet, which Clara now happily uses as her own charming reading nook. This dedicated space for books and quiet time is an invaluable feature that enhances the room’s usability as she grows. Beyond that, the room itself feels more spacious, offering greater flexibility for future decor and furniture arrangements. We also have exciting plans for further enhancements, including adding elegant crown molding, painting the ceiling for a custom touch, and refinishing the floors to refresh the entire space. While the emotional connection to our first nursery remains strong, the practical advantages and future vision for the current room make it the slightly stronger contender.
Our Bedroom, First House:
Our Bedroom, Current House:
Winner: Current house. Our first house’s bedroom, with its ingenious DIY built-ins fashioned from doorless IKEA wardrobes, will always hold a special place in our hearts. Those built-ins, cleverly flanking the bed, provided much-needed storage and added a custom, integrated look to the room, something we were incredibly proud to have created ourselves. It was a functional and cozy space for its time, but it certainly had its limitations.
Our new bedroom, however, has effortlessly claimed the title of the coziest room we have ever slept in. The transformation truly solidified after we rearranged the furniture and painted the walls a wonderfully dark and moody color, which instantly enveloped the space in a comforting embrace. This room just exudes tranquility and warmth, making it the perfect sanctuary at the end of a long day. Beyond the aesthetics, the functional upgrades are significant: having a spacious walk-in closet and, perhaps most crucially, a bathroom that is directly connected to our bedroom is a game-changer. This level of privacy and convenience dramatically improves our daily routine and overall living experience, making our current bedroom the undisputed winner for both comfort and practical design.
The Main Bathroom (located in the hall), First House:
Our Bathroom (actually attached to our bedroom this time), Current House:
Winner: First house. By a mile. The main bathroom in our first house was a masterpiece of renovation, a complete gut job that transformed it from a dated space into something truly spectacular. We poured so much effort, creativity, and love into every detail, from the tile choices to the fixtures, and the result filled us with an immense sense of pride and satisfaction. That bathroom felt truly finished, polished, and perfectly aligned with our vision after months of serious, dedicated work. Its beauty and the sense of accomplishment it represented are hard to overstate.
Our current master bathroom, while benefiting from some small, easy upgrades, hasn’t yet reached that same level of “shiny and proud” feeling. It’s functional, and we appreciate its direct connection to our bedroom, offering a much-desired private sanctuary that doesn’t need to be shared with the rest of the house. However, it still feels like a canvas with untapped potential. We often talk about redoing the flooring, which would be a significant step in elevating its aesthetic. There’s a very real chance that, once we undertake more substantial projects and truly make it our own, we will come to love it even more than the first one, primarily due to its integrated functionality and privacy. For now, though, the sheer accomplishment and aesthetic coherence of our first bathroom secure its win.
The Office/Guest Bedroom/Playroom, First House:
The Office & Guest Bedroom (which are now separate rooms), Current House:
Winner: Current house. The office in our first house was a testament to clever multi-tasking, ingeniously serving as an office, guest bedroom, and playroom all in one compact space. While it was undeniably fun and highly utilized, its teeny size often made us feel cramped, especially when all family members were trying to use it simultaneously. Furthermore, when guests came to stay, our ability to work on blog-related tasks (which, as you know, definitely don’t stop on nights and weekends!) was severely hampered, as the room became exclusively dedicated to our visitors.
The clear advantage of our current house is the luxury of separate, dedicated spaces. We now have a distinct, functional office featuring a fantastic built-in desk, allowing for uninterrupted work and creative flow. This separation has dramatically improved our productivity and reduces stress. Equally important is our own cheerful guest room, complete with its very own attached bathroom. This provides our friends and family with a comfortable, private retreat, and it means we don’t have to sacrifice our workspace when they visit. While our first home’s multi-purpose room was charming, the enhanced functionality and dedicated areas in our current house make it the unequivocal winner for meeting our diverse family and work needs.
The Den, First House:
Winner: The first house. This win comes down to two simple reasons. Firstly, our current house simply doesn’t have a dedicated “den” in the traditional sense. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, our first house’s den was truly one of our all-time favorite rooms – it was exceptionally cozy and served as the ultimate casual family hub. It was the go-to spot for unwinding, watching TV, playing games, and simply hanging out, fostering countless cherished memories.
In our current home, we intentionally repurposed what could have been a secondary living space or den. What was originally a formal living room was transformed into a spacious dining room, designed to comfortably accommodate our large family who couldn’t squeeze into the smaller, original dining room (which we converted into our office). We made a conscious decision to have just one large, casual living room that serves multiple purposes: TV watching, reading, playing, and general relaxation. While we don’t regret this choice, as it suits our current needs perfectly, there’s an undeniable, special place in our hearts for the comfortable and intimate den that our first home offered. We vividly remember sitting on that sofa, holding our newborn baby, with Burger nestled to my right and John to my left, as if it were just yesterday. That room encapsulated pure domestic bliss, a feeling that remains irreplaceable.
Dining Room, Current House:
Winner: Current house. This victory is absolute, and for two compelling reasons. First, those curtains in our current dining room are simply exquisite; they are truly my “babies” and add an incredible touch of elegance and warmth to the space. We are also utterly enamored with the deep, dark teal color we painted on the back of the built-ins, which provides a stunning backdrop and a pop of sophisticated contrast.
Second, and perhaps more fundamentally, our first house didn’t even have a dedicated dining room in the way our current home does. Originally, it featured a small dining nook tucked away in the corner of the living room – a charming but somewhat informal setup. While it initially had a small dining room off the other side of the kitchen, we made the strategic decision to close off that doorway and convert it into a third bedroom, which later became the nursery. This reallocation of space was essential at the time as we needed that extra bedroom far more than a formal dining area. The entire evolution of our first home’s layout is much more clearly explained here. In our current house, however, we intentionally transformed a formal living room into this grand dining space to comfortably accommodate our growing family and frequent guests. The deliberate design and ample space make our current dining room a clear and resounding winner.
The Laundry Area, First House:
Laundry Area, Current House:
Winner: The current house. We genuinely adore our new laundry space. While it’s certainly narrower than our previous setup and lacks a dedicated surface for folding, it simply feels more cheerful and efficient. The design encourages tidiness, helping us resist the natural human urge to accumulate clutter, which was a constant battle with the large, long counter near the door in our first house. That counter, though seemingly convenient, perpetually became a dumping ground for incoming or outgoing items, creating a constant state of disorganization.
In our current home, the compact nature of the laundry area means there’s less space to clutter, which ironically fosters a happier and more streamlined experience. We’ve also discovered that we prefer folding laundry in the living room anyway, often while catching up on a show on the sofa. This shift in habit has turned a chore into a more enjoyable, integrated part of our evening routine. The new laundry space, despite its physical limitations, has a superior functional flow and contributes positively to our home’s overall organization and sense of calm.
The Hall Bathroom, First House:
Hall Bathroom, Current House:
Winner: The first house. The hall bathroom in our first house exuded charm and personality. We absolutely loved its playful striped walls, the elegant glass chandelier that added a touch of whimsy, the classic pedestal sink, and the space-saving pocket door. Every element came together to create a delightful and well-designed space that we were incredibly fond of. It felt complete, unique, and truly reflected our style at the time.
Our current hall bathroom, in stark contrast, is currently a bit of a blank slate. While it’s certainly functional – and crucially, it includes a tub, which is where Clara takes all her baths – it lacks the decorative flair and finished polish of its predecessor. One could argue that the current house wins for sheer functionality due to the tub, an essential feature for a family with young children. However, the first house undeniably wins for its sheer sweetness and cohesive design. That blank slate of a bathroom in the current house is practically begging for some love and attention. Until we tackle its renovation and imbue it with our signature style, our initial instinct dictates that the first house retains the lead in this particular comparison.
Outdoor Recreation and Hidden Gems
The Sunroom, First House:
The Sunroom, Current House:
Winner: First house, all the way. The sunroom in our first house was a true sanctuary. It was beautifully finished, filled with light, and perfectly appointed for relaxation, reading, or enjoying the garden views year-round. It felt like a seamless extension of our living space, a tranquil retreat that was fully realized and cherished. The thoughtful design and cozy atmosphere made it an absolute favorite.
Our current sunroom, while promising, is still very much a work in progress. It exists as a space with immense potential, but it’s currently quite bare and unadorned. We have a list of about ten million things we want to do to it, from cosmetic updates to more significant structural and decorative enhancements. Perhaps in a year or two, after we’ve poured our creative energy into it and brought our vision to life, it will give our first sunroom a serious run for its money. For now, however, the completed charm and inviting atmosphere of our first house’s sunroom secure its win without hesitation.
The Patio, First House:
The Patio, Current House:
Winner: Current house. This win for our current house’s patio is multifaceted. Firstly, it’s a significantly more spacious and inherently cozy/shaded area, which makes it ideal for relaxation and outdoor entertaining, especially during warmer months. The natural shade provides a comfortable retreat, enhancing its usability and appeal.
But most importantly, this patio holds a special place in our hearts because we did it ourselves. The sense of accomplishment that comes from a successful DIY project is truly unmatched. In contrast, the patio at our first house was largely outsourced. We made that decision because we were just three weeks away from our backyard wedding, and the thought of attempting a DIY patio at such a critical time, only to end up with a half-finished mud pit, was too daunting. While the first patio served its purpose beautifully for our wedding, the current patio, born from our own sweat and effort, brings a unique satisfaction that secures its victory.
The Deck, Current House:
Winner: Current house. The deck is a clear win for our current house, and for two primary reasons. First and foremost, our first house didn’t even have a deck, making this a brand new amenity that significantly enhances our outdoor living experience. Secondly, and perhaps even more proudly, John built this entire structure with his own bare, capable hands. The craftsmanship and dedication involved in creating such a substantial addition from scratch are truly remarkable, and it makes the space incredibly meaningful to us. My contribution, furnishing it to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor retreat, completed the vision.
While it’s already a fantastic spot, we still have plans to elevate it further. This includes staining and sealing the wood to protect it and enhance its appearance, along with addressing a few more aesthetic details out there. We aim to discreetly hide the utility box, hang some charming shutters, and paint the siding to ensure the entire exterior feels more balanced and cohesive. These future projects will only solidify its status as a favorite spot in our home.
The Basement, First House:
The Basement, Current House:
Winner: First house. This one is an easy call! The first house clearly wins because we obviously spent a significant amount of time and effort transforming its basement into a functional, finished living space. It offered valuable extra square footage, perfect for a recreational area, additional storage, or even a quiet retreat, making it a highly utilized part of the home. The satisfaction of taking an unfinished space and making it completely our own was immense.
Our current basement, on the other hand, is currently (and quite humorously) a chaotic pile of junk. It serves primarily as a storage area for tools, project supplies, and anything else that needs to be out of sight. While it’s functional in its own way as a dumping ground, it’s far from the polished, usable space we achieved in our first home. However, never say never! We have dreams and plans for what that space could become. You never know what future transformations await down there, as soon as we can tackle the daunting task of making it not resemble a landfill!
The Backyard, First House:
The Backyard, Current House:
Winner: First house. Our first house’s backyard holds a special place in our memories, and for good reason. We still profoundly miss that lovely, expansive flat grassy area, beautifully bordered by picturesque woods. It was an idyllic space for outdoor activities, perfect for casual gatherings, playing with Burger, and simply enjoying nature in a serene setting. The natural landscape felt established and inviting, providing a ready-made haven for relaxation and fun.
Our current backyard, while large and filled with potential, is still very much in its nascent stages. It requires significant landscaping and design work to reach the same level of charm and functionality. Our vision includes creating a designated grassy spot where Clara and Burger can freely romp and play, but this will require extensive effort, including a lot of transplanting and strategic planting. Until we transform it into that desired family-friendly oasis, the natural beauty and finished appeal of our first house’s backyard undeniably secure its victory in this category.
Final Tally and Reflections on Our Home Design Journey
So there you have it! The final tally stands at a close 10 to 8, with our current house just squeaking ahead by two points. It’s an interesting evolution from our previous comparison last year, where our first house garnered 9 points and our current one 8, primarily because the magnificent deck wasn’t yet in the mix. This revised score truly highlights the progress we’ve made and the increasing comfort we feel in our new surroundings.
It’s fascinating to observe how our design style has gradually matured and evolved over the years. We’ve certainly embraced more color, contrast, and a willingness to take greater design risks, moving away from some of the softer, more tone-on-tone aesthetics of our first home. However, we’ll always retain a deep fondness and soft spot for that first “baby” – our first house. It taught us so much about renovation, design, and what truly makes a house a home. Looking back, it’s clear that each home has been a stepping stone in our personal and design journey.
As for what’s still on the agenda for this place, you can always check out a big ol’ rundown that we shared a few months ago – the list is ever-growing! What do you guys think? Have you ever taken the time to compare photos of your current house next to those of a previous home? Isn’t it intriguing how a new house offers a chance for complete reinvention, yet often, because you’re working with existing furniture and cherished pieces, it still carries subtle “glances” and echoes of your first home’s style?
Psst- For a comprehensive look, find a full source list detailing nearly every item and paint color used in our first house here, and for our second house, you can explore its source list here.