Prepare yourselves, because the journey we’re about to share is incredibly exciting! Even amidst a few technological hiccups this morning, our enthusiasm for revealing this transformation remains absolutely unwavering. This is more than just a house; it’s the unfolding of a dream, and we’re thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on our incredible Florida home renovation.
We’ve been eager to get these details out into the world, so let the pictures mostly speak for themselves, but we’ll guide you through every thoughtful change. Let’s rewind to February, when we first made an offer on this property. True to our tradition of house hunting in less-than-ideal weather, it was a particularly rainy and overcast two-day stretch when we first explored it. You can delve deeper into that initial “before” tour here. Despite the gloomy skies, the potential—and our excitement—was undeniable, as captured in this early snapshot:
And now, fast forward to yesterday morning, when we snapped these “after” photos with just our phone. Isn’t she absolutely captivating?
A Dramatic Exterior Transformation: Modernizing Our Florida Home
The exterior of our Florida house has undergone a breathtaking metamorphosis, designed to enhance both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. This progress shot highlights some of the key improvements we implemented. One significant change was the reframing of the side porch, transforming it from a “choppy” space cluttered with numerous wooden slats into a more open and inviting area. We also introduced a sleek, modern horizontal railing system to both the top deck and the side porch. This contemporary design choice feels far more congruent with the house’s inherent style, lending it a fresh, updated look that complements its coastal surroundings.
Furthermore, we widened the front steps, creating a grander and more welcoming entrance, and meticulously removed what we affectionately dubbed the “random old backwards-4 arch.” Scrolling back to the “before” photo reveals just how much this seemingly minor alteration impacts the overall facade. During these structural enhancements, we seized the opportunity to replace all the deteriorating deck boards with Trex composite decking. Having used it at our duplex in a different color, we were already familiar with its exceptional durability and low-maintenance qualities. For this house, we chose “Havana Gold,” a warm and inviting hue that perfectly complements the refreshed exterior palette.
The Power of Paint: Sherwin Williams Moderne White
Beyond structural changes, the impact of a fresh coat of paint cannot be overstated. We addressed any problematic cedar siding planks identified during the inspection, replacing them to ensure the long-term integrity of the house. This led to the decision to paint the entire exterior, a choice that yielded a truly monumental difference. Our selection, Sherwin Williams Moderne White, proved to be absolute perfection. It’s astonishing how this single change transformed the entire property, a sentiment echoed by our wonderfully supportive neighbors. They’ve been incredibly kind, sharing how much they’ve enjoyed observing this outdoor evolution over the past few months. The stark white now allows the architectural details, particularly the windows, to truly pop.
Embracing Original Charm: Black-Framed Windows & Abundant Natural Light
One of the most frequent questions we receive, especially after sharing sneak peeks on Instagram stories, concerns the striking black windows and expansive glass doors. Many wonder if they are new additions, but the exciting truth is: they are ALL original! Their presence was less noticeable in the “before” photos, as the previous brown exterior paint didn’t accentuate the black frames nearly as effectively as the crisp white paint does now. While some foggy window panes required replacement or reglazing, the integrity and charm of these three-decade-old features remain perfectly intact, looking remarkably new.
We’re absolutely thrilled with them. Despite initially thinking we might opt for a different style, these thin black metal-framed windows, each with a single vertical spine, are exquisitely suited to the house’s character. Moreover, after spending our first week living here, we’ve definitively concluded that this is the most light-filled house we have ever inhabited! Twelve large glass exterior doors are thoughtfully placed throughout the home, complemented by generously sized windows, flooding every space with glorious sunshine.
This abundance of natural light is particularly amusing given our initial apprehensions. Having only seen the house twice in February during those overcast and rainy days, we genuinely worried it might be the darkest home we’d ever owned. However, the prime location—its proximity to the beach, shops, and the beautiful wooded lot—ultimately captivated us. Our thinking was, “We’ll just add plenty of can lights, lamps, and chandeliers; it’ll be fine! The ability to walk to bookstores, restaurants, and the Gulf of Mexico is a trade-off we’re willing to make.” So, imagine our sheer, house-squealing delight when we arrived on a sunny day and discovered this home is absolutely bathed in magnificent natural light!
The Joy of Outdoor Living: Porches, Pups, and Personal Touches
Our beloved dog, Burger, has quickly claimed the porch as his domain. He relishes sniffing around and observing the world go by from his favorite spot. Sometimes, I can’t resist holding him like a human baby, an honor he bestows upon me alone, likely due to our deep bond.
Remember those fantastic secondhand chairs I stumbled upon in Richmond years ago? I practically begged a woman selling driftwood on Facebook Marketplace to sell them to me when I spotted them in the background of her ad. They are an absolute perfect match for this house, beautifully complementing the thin black metal windows. It’s details like these that truly make a house feel like home.
Responding to popular demand from our Instagram sneak peeks, here are direct links to some of the specific items that have caught your eye. The elegant planters add a touch of greenery, while the sophisticated brass porch light casts a warm, inviting glow. We also installed this beautiful door handle and coordinating deadbolt throughout the house. We are so pleased we chose brass for this residence; its rich tone looks stunning against the Moderne White siding and the striking black-framed windows, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel.
Just for fun, take a look at our enchanting view from the front porch. In this area, traditional grassy lawns are uncommon; instead, properties are characterized by beautiful pine straw mulch and an abundance of magnificent trees. It truly feels like living within a serene forest, with the added benefit of never having to mow a yard! More time for beach adventures, I always say.
Addressing Practicalities: The Side Porch & Mosquito Solutions
This “before” picture vividly illustrates the original side porch’s “choppy” aesthetic when we first acquired the house. Notice the state of the screens, with actual green growth accumulating on them—a clear sign of neglect and inefficiency.
And here we are now! The transformation is stark. While we eventually envision adding more substantial front columns and painting the entire underside of the roof a soothing soft blue, the current improvements represent a monumental leap forward in both aesthetics and usability.
We anticipate the inevitable question, having received it countless times on Instagram: “What about the bugs and mosquitoes in Florida?” Rest assured, we are well aware! We experienced them in humid Richmond, and they don’t mess around. However, at our previous home, we had a large back porch without screens, which we effectively managed by installing overhead fans. Mosquitoes dislike flying into moving air, and this simple solution completely resolved the issue for us.
Similarly, at our beach house, where Cape Charles mosquitoes are affectionately nicknamed the “state bird,” we lived on our back patio for an entire summer without issues. Our secret? Planting citronella and peppermint plants in pots around the perimeter. The scents deterred the bugs, leading to a completely pest-free outdoor experience. So, while we are fully cognizant of Florida’s insect population, screens are never our initial approach. We first implement fans and strategic planting; if those measures prove insufficient, we are not opposed to screens, but we prefer not to rush into them. For the record, we’ve spent approximately 20 hours outdoors during our first week here, and none of us have a single bite yet. While the bugs may still arrive, we’re currently 100% comfortable, even before our planned fan and plant installations are complete. Double proactive measures in action—and already working!
This “before” angle truly showcases a night-and-day difference. This was February:
And this is the stunning “now”!
As mentioned, Burger is quite possibly the happiest dog on Earth. We always knew he’d thrive in Florida, but if this blissful sleep-smile I captured doesn’t adequately convey his level of euphoria, I’m not sure what would!
Strategic Structural Adjustments: Enhancing Safety and Flow
This is another rather dramatic angle of the house, capturing the side that faces our cross street on this prominent corner lot.
And here it is now! Please forgive the slight difference in angle; our POD delivery was parked precisely where I needed to stand for an identical shot. Or, as I might playfully put it, “my aPODgodies!” Apologies for that quintessential “mom joke.”
Before diving into the more prominent changes, like the removal of the second-floor deck stairs, many have inquired about storage for yard tools or beach chairs. We are delighted to confirm that this house features a super handy lean-to shed tucked discreetly on the side! If you refer back to the “before” picture two photos ago, you can precisely locate its position relative to the entire house.
Now, back to the significant alterations on this side, specifically the removal of the exterior stairs. In the “before” image, you can observe how steep they were, leading directly up to the second-floor deck. These stairs felt unnecessary and presented several concerns. From a security standpoint, it was less than ideal for anyone to have easy access to the second-floor door, which is less visible than the downstairs entrances. We also harbored safety worries about people potentially tripping on these steeper outdoor stairs, especially compared to the shallower interior ones. Consequently, we chose to remove them entirely. This decision has been fantastic; the front porch is now accessed solely from the ground floor, and the upstairs deck is reached via the interior. Absolutely no regrets!
The first-floor room on this side of the house will eventually become our primary bedroom, and our long-term vision includes creating a private outdoor “hangout zone” for John and me, complete with wine and string lights once the kids are tucked into bed. This future plan further reinforces why stairs leading from a public space directly into our private patio would not be ideal. Last but not least, the area currently behind where the steps were will ultimately house our bathroom and closet. We much prefer a window looking out onto the scenic trees rather than the backside of a staircase.
So, here’s how it looks now. Aren’t the twisting live oak trees and magnolias absolutely magical, adding to the serene ambiance?
Another subtle but impactful change can be noticed when observing the steps leading out from our bedroom (which, again, will eventually open onto our private patio). In the “before” photo, four railings visually segmented the stairs. We opted for railings only on the exterior sides of the steps, creating a much more open and expansive feel. Importantly, all the modifications we’ve made to this house, including this railing change, fully comply with local building codes. While it’s a detail I sometimes overlook mentioning, the frequency of “does X meet code?” questions reminds me it’s worth stating!
And, for a truly heartwarming glimpse, I captured this photo from inside to showcase the incredible view from our “bed” (which, for now, means our mattress on the floor). It genuinely brings happy tears to my eyes every morning when I throw open the “blackout curtains” (currently packing blankets pinned up—a temporary solution, but proper blackout curtains are definitely on the way!).
Upper Deck Enhancements: Opening Up Space and Adding Curb Appeal
Returning outside, let’s focus on the second-floor deck. Notice that exceptionally tall chimney in the “before” shot? It was unfortunately leaking into our bedroom, and we had already planned to convert our bedroom fireplace to a gas insert. This presented a perfect opportunity: we removed the leaky chimney entirely and properly patched the leak while the decks were being redone with Trex. This change dramatically opens up the deck space and significantly enhances the home’s overall curb appeal. Another subtle but effective modification was concealing the stilts on which the house rests (visible to the left of the steps in the “before” photo).
Planking this area provides a beautifully clean and finished look. We also integrated an access door, allowing us to easily get underneath whenever necessary. Our contractor mentioned that many people utilize this space for storing yard tools and other items. So, despite having our side shed, this additional outdoor storage is a welcome bonus.
You can also spot another significant development in the picture above: between the time we made an offer on our house and our move-in day, the previously empty lot next door was purchased and cleared. A new house is now under construction there! It’s incredibly entertaining for the kids to watch the large trucks from the window, and frankly, it’s quite fun for us too. We’re accustomed to being the ones with the dumpster and all the renovation mess on the street, so it’s a refreshing change to watch someone else take on that baton, if you know what I mean.
Next up, a playful moment. John playfully instructed, “Go up on the top deck and strike a ‘housewives pose’.” Nailed it!
You may have seen the “before” shot of this area in this previous post, which is packed with more before-and-progress photos of the house (do check it out if you missed it!). But once again, here’s what we started with up here:
A few months later, we reached this point, captured in an almost-finished progress shot sent by our contractor.
Sidenote: For those who’ve inquired about the safety of horizontal railings with children potentially using them as a ladder, we absolutely gave this careful consideration. Our children are 6 and 10, and they are fully aware they are not permitted to even step on the bottom rung. Much like teaching them not to touch a hot stove, we teach them not to climb over second-floor railings. Some also voiced concerns about toddlers needing constant supervision with such railings. Honestly, that’s precisely the goal regardless of railing type. I’ve heard countless nightmare stories of unsupervised young children pushing chairs to the edge of railings and falling. Therefore, regardless of the railing design, I advocate for constant supervision of young children in elevated spaces. John’s sister has a similar second-story deck setup with horizontal rails off the back of her house, and she enforces a strict rule that young children must be accompanied by adults. She has lived there for over a decade without any incidents, providing a testament to this approach. We hope this clarifies our perspective!
And here’s an updated shot we captured yesterday afternoon. The potential for more outdoor furniture is incredibly exciting to contemplate! We downsized from 14 rooms in our previous house to just 6 here, but these expansive outdoor “rooms” are truly thrilling for us. Every single evening since we moved in, we’ve enjoyed at least one meal up here, often just on beach towels spread across the deck. It has quickly become our absolute favorite spot. Imagine how incredible it will be once we have an actual dining table!
We actually attempted to transport our old outdoor table from Richmond in the POD, but upon retrieving it, two of the four legs had completely rotted, causing it to fall apart in our hands. Oops! So, a new dining table for both this upper deck and downstairs is definitely on our list.
Initially, we envisioned doing all our outdoor dining off the kitchen downstairs, but living here has taught us how much we adore being up here amidst the trees. Carrying plates and drinks up has been no bother at all; we’ve done it like clockwork every day this week. It just goes to show how initial plans are good, but truly living in a house and discovering its natural flow is always better.
Future Plans: Pool, Guest House, and Embracing the Florida Lifestyle
Another common inquiry revolves around the future placement of the pool and a small guest house. We were incredibly fortunate with this lot. While it’s significantly smaller than our Richmond property (we downsized from almost an acre to a tenth of an acre), the house is strategically positioned to one side. This leaves a wonderfully large area dedicated to accommodating both a future pool and a charming guest house.
We’ll share more details on those exciting plans as we progress further with the planning and design phases. For now, this image captures John visualizing the entire setup (while simultaneously keeping a watchful eye on Burger to ensure he didn’t actually catch the lizard he was so determinedly chasing). For the record, Burger has a perfect 0% success rate in catching anything he pursues, but that certainly doesn’t deter his enthusiasm!
So there you have it! A multitude of photos and, inevitably, many words, despite my best efforts to keep it concise—because, well, I’m still absolutely thrilled about it all! If you haven’t yet seen the initial dark & rainy “before” tour of our new house, explored the style-planning post about what’s inspiring us for this home, or caught up with the renovation progress post, those are excellent resources to get fully up to speed on our journey.
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