Our Beach House Downstairs: Before and After

A Two-Year Beach House Transformation: A Downstairs Before & After Reveal

I can genuinely say I’ve never been this eager to share before and after photos in my entire life! Last month marked a significant milestone: the two-year anniversary of us acquiring our beloved beach house. While we always shy away from declaring any home truly “done,” this property has undergone such an incredible metamorphosis that it feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect on the immense journey we’ve traversed, and document the exciting chapters that still lie ahead.

To truly capture the essence of this coastal home transformation, we’ve unearthed dozens of “before” photographs, including many that have never graced our blog before! We’ve meticulously tried to match these with “after” shots taken from identical or very similar angles, allowing for a side-by-side comparison that truly tells a story. Given the sheer volume of areas to showcase and the depth of detail we want to cover, today we’re focusing exclusively on the downstairs. But don’t worry, we’ll soon follow up with an equally comprehensive “before and after” feature for the upstairs, as soon as we can capture those final photos and organize another grand reveal!

Throughout this post, we’ll link to some of the key items and resources in each “after” photo. However, always remember that you can visit our dedicated Shop Our Beach House page for a complete breakdown of paint colors, decor sources, and other essential information for every room. This invaluable resource is conveniently linked in our menu bar, just under our blog header. Before we dive into the stunning visuals, we highly recommend you treat yourself to a nostalgic stroll down memory lane with our original “before” video tour of the house. It truly sets the stage for the dramatic changes you’re about to witness.

(Note: If you’re viewing this post in a feed reader and the video doesn’t appear below, please click through to the full blog post to watch it. Trust us, seeing the initial state is worth it!)

The Exterior: From Neglected to Coastal Charm

Before we step inside and explore the downstairs, let’s take a crucial look at the very first impression our beach house makes: its exterior. This initial shot from the sidewalk captures the home as it appeared when we first purchased it. Do you even recall that “the pink house” once wore a drab “greenish-gray” facade? It was a picture of neglect, complete with dull cream trim, a motley collection of mismatched windows (some unceremoniously boarded up), and unwelcoming cinderblock steps. It hardly screamed “coastal dream home” at first glance.

Here’s a snapshot from a similar vantage point, taken this summer, revealing its stunning transformation. You can see the subtle changes in angle that bring us a little closer to its welcoming new face:

Another “before” shot further illustrates the extensive work needed. The crumbling cinderblock steps and sadly rotting siding were far from appealing. However, even amidst the decay, we recognized the incredible potential and cherished the home’s “good bones,” hinting at the character beneath the surface.

Thanks to a comprehensive renovation that included a brand new roof, fresh siding, energy-efficient windows, sturdy new steps, and a meticulously repointed brick foundation, the house now radiates happiness and renewed vitality. After much deliberation and even a whimsical inspiration from a takeout coffee cup, we daringly chose pink for its vibrant new color scheme – specifically, Sherwin Williams’ Mellow Coral, beautifully complemented by SW Snowbound for the trim. This bold choice has undeniably made it “the pink house” of our dreams, a beacon of cheerfulness along the coast.

Here’s yet another angle capturing the front of the house in its previous state. A fun (and slightly horrifying) fact: that aggressive vine had actually snaked its way not only across the porch but *into* the house, growing rampant indoors as well. This gave us a clear indication of the level of neglect and the need for a thorough structural overhaul.

During the renovation, we made a conscious effort to repaint both the porch ceiling and the floor to their original, charming colors, or at least the closest matches we could achieve. The ceiling now boasts a serene Sherwin Williams’ Breaktime, embodying the traditional “haint blue” hue often seen in Southern coastal homes, believed to ward off evil spirits and insects. The floor is adorned in Behr’s Pacific Fog, creating a calming foundation. The porch ceiling conveniently already had hooks for a classic porch swing, so we wasted no time in ordering one, hanging it up, and instantly elevating the curb appeal and inviting atmosphere.

While most of the ambitious landscaping and hardscaping plans for the side and backyard are still on our to-do list, we couldn’t resist sharing one last compelling angle of the exterior. Take a moment to recall just how utterly rotten this side of the house once was! This area was a former porch that had been improperly enclosed using interior wood floorboards instead of actual weather-proof siding. The damage was so severe that in many places, you could literally stick your fist clean through the siding and into the house itself. Clearly, there was nowhere for this section to go but up – a complete reconstruction was the only viable path.

Indeed, this specific side of the house demanded a complete tear-down and rebuild, a monumental task necessitated by a sinking foundation and extensive weather damage to the crucial support beams. At one point during the renovation, this entire section was entirely absent! This is precisely where the new mudroom, pantry, downstairs bathrooms, and the cozy bunk room are now situated. For reference, that exposed wall on the second floor, appearing completely black, is the exact location where our charming built-in bunk beds now proudly stand. It’s truly incredible to see how far this part of the house has come!

Today, this once-dilapidated side of the house presents a much more appealing picture, looking significantly better than its former self (minus that gigantic bush in the front, which we later discovered was actually a tree destined to grow taller than our entire house – a swift removal was necessary before it jeopardized our freshly repaired foundation). We still have ambitious plans to fully landscape this entire side and add a charming stone pathway leading guests to the outdoor shower, which is a beach house essential. But even without those final touches, it’s a profound improvement from our starting point, a testament to careful planning and dedicated hard work.

The Entryway: A Welcoming First Impression

Stepping inside, despite the crumbling plaster, unfinished drywall, and unmistakable signs of water damage, the view into the foyer immediately captivated us. It possessed an undeniable, albeit dusty, charm. That distinctive fireplace mantle, for instance, wasn’t original to the 1920s home; it was just one of many eclectic items the previous owner had collected over the years. The property was a treasure trove of forgotten things, including two old stoves, various rolls of paintable wallpaper, and even an old boat tucked away in the backyard shed. These quirky remnants hinted at the home’s long history and the stories it held.

This is the entryway now – a truly inviting space that sets the tone for the entire home. Like the rest of the house, it benefited from fresh drywall, a soothing coat of paint, painstakingly refinished floors, and a host of other thoughtful upgrades. We were incredibly fortunate to salvage enough of the home’s original trim, which we meticulously repaired and repurposed throughout the entire first floor. It was the subtle, original color of this trim in the foyer (visible in the “before” photo above, around the doorway) that inspired our decision to use non-white trim throughout the downstairs. This beautiful shade, Sherwin Williams’ Stone Isle, offers a sophisticated contrast. The walls throughout the entire house are painted a crisp Sherwin Williams’ White Heron, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. And the floors – oh, the floors! They are the original heart pine, meticulously refinished and sealed with a durable, water-based sealer that ensures long-lasting protection without the yellowing that can occur with traditional polyurethanes. It’s genuinely hard to believe these are the same floors given how rough they looked when we first acquired this coastal gem.

Elegant Foyer Mirror | Coastal-Inspired Pendant Light | Charming Accent Lamp | Stylish Entryway Dresser

It’s worth noting that we initially attempted to preserve the original wood of the staircase railing, hoping to stain it to perfectly match the newly refinished heart pine floors. However, this proved to be an impossible feat, as the railing was constructed from a different type of wood than the durable heart pine used for the floors and steps. Ultimately, we opted to paint it a slightly deeper gray than the surrounding trim. This choice not only creates a cohesive look but also allows the stunning natural beauty and warm tones of the heart pine floors to truly “sing” and remain the focal point, without competing with a discordant wood tone climbing the stairs.

The Kitchen, Dining Room, & Pantry: A Heart of the Home Transformation

Beyond the welcoming foyer lies what is now the largest and most vibrant room of the house, meticulously transformed into a cohesive kitchen and dining space – the true heart of our coastal home. When we first acquired it, this area was nothing short of a giant mess, a chaotic blend of debris and forgotten history. But rest assured, that beautiful, original light fixture you might spot in the “before” photos? We had it lovingly rewired and it now hangs proudly, illuminating our spacious pantry, a little piece of history preserved and given new life.

Before revealing the final “after” of this central space, I want to take you on a visual journey through its remarkable progression. This sequence of photos, all taken from a similar angle, beautifully illustrates the profound transformation this house underwent. Below, you see what the area looked like during the intense demolition phase. While much of the initial mess had been cleared, it was evident that a long and arduous path lay ahead before it would resemble a functional living space.

Next, we see it in the midst of its rebuilding process. Notice the area to the left, constructed entirely from new wood; this is the very section of the house that required a complete tear-down and reconstruction due to severe structural damage. Additionally, many of the original ceiling joists in the kitchen had to be extensively reinforced with new boards, ensuring the long-term integrity and safety of the entire structure.

I’ll spare you the numerous photos detailing the installation of all the new plumbing and electrical systems, which were completely overhauled, along with the integration of new HVAC throughout the entire house. Instead, let’s fast-forward to the drywall stage. At this point, after layers of hard work, the space finally began to resemble a habitable house again, a significant milestone in our journey.

And now, a dramatic leap forward to the present day! After considerable discussion and debate about the optimal floor plan, we ultimately decided to keep both the dining and kitchen functions in relatively the same general areas as they originally were. Let it be unequivocally stated: we absolutely adore this downstairs layout. In fact, if we could magically transpose this exact arrangement – complete with the charming back staircase – to our Richmond home, we would do so in a heartbeat. It’s not an enormous space, yet it feels wonderfully open and airy. When we spend time downstairs, everyone feels connected and close-knit, without ever feeling cramped, creating the perfect atmosphere for coastal living.

Modern Dining Chairs | Elegant Chandeliers | Stylish Sconces | Chic Kitchen Pendants | Comfortable Barstools

For a quick mental reset, here’s that pivotal “before” photo again, allowing you to clearly visualize the striking contrast and appreciate the extent of this beach house renovation:

Here’s another perspective of this evolving space from its past. You can clearly see the previous stove positioned next to the back door, a relic of a bygone era. And take special note of that curious pink beadboard running along the back wall. We honestly didn’t even register its presence until *long after* we had already painted the exterior of the house pink, and it serendipitously caught our eye in old photos from our initial walk-throughs. Sherry firmly believes the house was trying to send us signals all along, signaling its inherent desire to be pink – signals which, to our amusement, we completely missed until after the fact!

Now, behold that same view today – a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous restoration. Even though it presented a few more challenges in terms of floor planning, we were absolutely adamant about preserving the original placement of the back door and that charming back staircase (a unique feature that many of our neighbors with similar historic homes no longer possess). We are SO incredibly glad we held firm on this decision. While these original elements did somewhat limit the usable wall space for the kitchen itself, we cleverly shifted the doorway on the left (which originally led to the severely rotted side porch) to create ample room for the wall that now proudly hosts our iconic vintage pink stove– a true focal point and conversation starter in this coastal kitchen.

That aforementioned doorway was essentially moved about five feet further down the wall, closer to the dining area. It now gracefully leads to the highly functional laundry room/mudroom (which you access through the house’s side door), as well as a convenient full downstairs bathroom. This strategic re-planning significantly improved the flow and utility of these essential spaces, demonstrating how a small shift can yield immense practical benefits in a home renovation.

And that doorway you see nestled in the back-left corner of the kitchen now leads directly into our spacious and organized pantry. Remarkably, this room originally served as a full bathroom, complete with – you guessed it – pink trim! It truly seems like this house had a predilection for pink all along. In its former life, a plastic shower stall stood between those exposed studs, with a toilet discreetly tucked behind it, a far cry from the functional storage space it is today.

As you’ve seen, the full downstairs bathroom was cleverly relocated to the mudroom area, which thoughtfully freed up this valuable space for another supremely functional area that took some trial-and-error to design perfectly: our spacious walk-in pantry. We’ve even shared a comprehensive tutorial on how to build pantry shelves like these, if you’re feeling inspired to tackle a similar project. Also, proudly gracing the ceiling is the original light fixture that once hung in the kitchen – we had it meticulously rewired to ensure it’s not only safe but continues to add a touch of historic charm to its new home.

Sherry often declares this walk-in pantry her absolute favorite room in the entire house, especially during the colder months when she’ll stand on the floor vent to warm her feet while enjoying a snack. As delightfully quirky as it sounds to crown a pantry as one’s favorite room, I’m going to go one better. My personal favorite feature? The back stairs. I know, not technically a “room,” but hear me out! This is what they looked like when we first encountered them, a testament to rustic charm and structural compromise:

The old door situated on the third step up from the floor was certainly charming but no longer met current building codes; an essential landing would be required for safety when opening a door at that height. We also instinctively knew that the stairs would exude far more character and feel significantly more open if they were exposed. So, our solution was to reposition the doors to the *top* of the stairs instead. This clever design provides welcome privacy for anyone sleeping in the upstairs bedroom without obstructing the beautiful view of the stairs from the kitchen, maintaining an open and airy feel downstairs.

I know this is primarily a downstairs tour, but this quick peek upstairs will help clarify what I mean. Now, upon reaching the top of the stairs, there’s a small, functional landing complete with a cleverly built-in dresser. Crucially, these new pocket doors can be effortlessly closed to offer complete privacy to the upstairs bedroom, a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern functionality.

Alright, back to our downstairs tour! I absolutely adore these old stairs for two primary reasons: first, they are such a wonderfully quirky and authentic original detail that speaks to the home’s history. Second, and perhaps even more importantly, they are incredibly functional. We weren’t even sure how much we’d actually use them – we initially thought they might just be a fun, sneaky route for the kids. However, they’ve evolved into a kind of private, discreet entry into the upstairs bedroom for us, and I’ve become so thoroughly spoiled by their convenience that I now wish we had a similar setup in our Richmond house!

Here’s a view from the stairs themselves, providing a “before” angle that you’ve likely never seen (probably because it’s a bit blurry – ha!). This perspective looks directly towards where our vibrant pink stove now sits. The main detail to observe in this photo is that distinctive blue door, a humble yet intriguing element in the original chaos.

…And that very same blue door is the one we painstakingly preserved! After meticulously removing any flaking paint and carefully clear-sealing it with Safecoat Acrylacq (a process that completely encapsulates any old lead paint – you can read more about how to safely deal with lead here – always prioritize safety, guys!), it was rehung in the doorway to the mudroom. We intentionally leave it open approximately 95% of the time, only closing it when the laundry is running, as it introduces a wonderful dose of historic character and a pop of vibrant color into the room. This particular photo was taken before we finalized the backsplash, hence the missing finish piece across the top, but it certainly conveys the charming effect:

If amidst all this, you’re pondering, “Well, where exactly was the kitchen before?” allow me to shed some light. Since we acquired the house in the midst of an undetermined stage of demolition, we’re not entirely certain where appliances were precisely located. (It’s crucial to remember there was no functioning water meter connected to this house when we bought it, making it entirely plausible that it hadn’t had a functional kitchen in decades!) However, these clearly weren’t the original cabinets from 1920; they were cornered against a wall that the previous owner was in the process of dismantling. By the way, we thoughtfully donated all of the old cabinets and appliances to the local Habitat ReStore, which was an easy and environmentally conscious way to dispose of them without creating waste. They even provided a convenient pickup service, so this is definitely an excellent option if you’re undertaking a renovation – just call to schedule a collection!

And this is that same view today, completely transformed. I almost chuckled out loud when I saw this photo because, incredibly, the sink ended up in almost precisely the same spot – a delightful quirk of renovation and spatial destiny!

Stepping forward a bit more into this room, here’s another view of what was once the previous dining area. There’s quite a lot to visually process in this “before” shot: the gaping hole in the floor (visible in the lower right), the pervasive vine insidiously creeping through the window (lower left), that jarring hint of bright green trim (an inexplicable choice!), and the rather out-of-place second stove occupying a corner of the living room. It was a chaotic scene, highlighting the extensive nature of the renovation ahead.

But here we are today, in a dining area that exudes warmth and functionality. At some point, our beloved secondhand dining table will need a proper refinishing (the leaf, unfortunately, is a darker hue than the rest of the table), and we occasionally contemplate adding a soft rug beneath the table. However, we also genuinely appreciate the effortless ease of cleaning the room just as it is, which often sways us away from adding a rug. Either way, it’s undeniably a colossal improvement over its “before” state, a testament to thoughtful design and the power of renovation.

Comfortable Dining Chairs | Versatile Dining Benches | Stylish Chandeliers |Airy Curtains | Sleek Curtain Rods

The Living Room: A Bright & Inviting Retreat

If you were to step forward through the dining room doorway two years ago, this is the somewhat jarring view that would have greeted you. Again, there’s an abundance of disarray to take in: the perpetually damp couch, the stark maroon trim, and that infamous second stove awkwardly occupying the living room. Not visible in this particular shot were the new rolls of paintable wallpaper, optimistically piled in the corner – an ironic detail, as by the time we acquired the house, no amount of paintable wallpaper was going to salvage its dilapidated state. The room clearly needed a complete intervention.

Here’s how that very same angle appears in its current, luminous state. The fireplace mantel visible in the “before” photo was neither original nor correctly sized for the wall, actually overhanging the far corner by an inch or two. Recognizing this, we made the conscious decision to donate the ill-fitting mantel and, in doing so, uncovered and exposed the beautifully aged brick chimney that had been hidden behind layers of plaster. This reveal instantly added character and a touch of historic charm to the newly renovated living room.

In this “before” photo, you can somewhat better discern how the fireplace mantel was indeed too wide for the wall, extending awkwardly on the left side. While we didn’t rehang that particular door in its exact original spot, it represents one of many original wood doors that we carefully stripped down to their natural pine, clear-sealed to preserve their character, and then thoughtfully rehung throughout the house. I can’t recall the precise room where this exact door ended up, but you’ll catch a glimpse of one of its siblings in the downstairs bathroom in a moment. Remarkably, all of the interior doors in the house are original, and all exterior doors, save for a dinged-up 1950s metal side door, have also been lovingly preserved!

Observing this area today, one can truly appreciate how the newly exposed brick chimney effortlessly introduces a touch of historic age and intriguing texture to the room. The warm, inviting tones of the brick beautifully complement the rich heart pine floors, creating a cohesive and earthy foundation. This warmth is thoughtfully balanced by the cooler gray trim and other subtle cooler accents we’ve integrated into the space, such as the comfortable area rug and the sleek media cabinet, resulting in a perfectly harmonious and visually appealing coastal living room.

And if you thought having a second stove in the living room was peculiar, I managed to unearth this “before” photo from yet another angle, which astonishingly features a doorless refrigerator in there too! Truly a bizarre collection of appliances. And there, in the background, is all that optimistic, but ultimately futile, paintable wallpaper I mentioned earlier, waiting in vain to transform the space.

Here’s that same angle now, captured from the very doorway that once held the original wood door. This is one of the very first views that greets you upon entering the foyer (it’s immediately to your right as you step into the house), and we are absolutely delighted by how light-filled, bright, and utterly welcoming this room has become, a true sanctuary within our coastal home.

Here’s a similar vantage point from the living room, simply looking slightly back towards the dining area. This particular “before” shot must have been taken after closing, as the doorless fridge is thankfully gone (the seller removed that before we finalized the purchase). However, now you can clearly spot the open bag of concrete left haphazardly on the floor… which had completely hardened! I suppose I shouldn’t complain too much, as its solidified state probably made it less messy to clean up, but it certainly speaks to the unusual conditions we inherited.

Here’s an “after” shot from a similar point of view, showcasing the remarkable transformation. This room actually lacked an overhead light fixture entirely before, so we had new wiring installed and added a charming decorative medallion to gracefully balance out the modern chandelier. We’re also eagerly planning to swap out our trusty 7-year-old Ikea sectional sofa for the Mellow sofa from our very own furniture line, which we’ll transport whenever we bring a moving truck out for our next big project, the duplex. We can hardly wait for that upgrade!

Okay, just one final angle of the stove, I mean, the living room! This particular shot is taken from within the living room, looking back through into the integrated dining and kitchen area. It perfectly showcases the open flow and connectivity of these communal spaces before their transformation.

And here’s a similar view now, beautifully illustrating how the dining table ingeniously doubles as overflow seating for the living room. Someone can comfortably sit on the bench and easily face into the living room for conversation or relaxation. We absolutely adore how flexible and adaptable this layout is; it has allowed us to host large groups for casual meals with remarkable ease and comfort, truly embodying the spirit of coastal hospitality.

Soft Living Room Rug | Elegant Dining Chairs | Versatile Dining Benches | Stylish Chandeliers

The Mudroom & Bathroom: Essential & Hardworking Spaces

The final two rooms we’re showcasing downstairs are arguably some of the hardest working and most essential spaces in the entire house. The mudroom and the downstairs bathroom, along with the aforementioned pantry, were all situated within that severely compromised section of the house that, as you recall, had to be completely torn off and rebuilt from the ground up. Remember that extensively rotted exterior side of the house, where we could literally stick our fists through the siding? Well, this “before” photo shows the room that lay directly behind it, starkly illuminated by sunlight streaming in through the alarming gaps in the makeshift “siding.” It truly paints a vivid picture of the initial structural challenges.

I can’t quite position myself far enough back to capture that exact same wide angle today, primarily because we added a crucial wall to thoughtfully split the former expansive space into two distinct, highly functional rooms: the mudroom and the downstairs bathroom. However, the wall visible in the “before” image is now home to our efficient laundry area. And since this is the primary room you enter from the side door, it naturally functions as a versatile mudroom, thoughtfully equipped with an oversized wall hook rail, a sturdy bench for seating, and convenient baskets for storing shoes and sandy flip-flops. That tall Ikea cabinet ingeniously conceals our tankless water heater while also providing invaluable storage for brooms, our vacuum, and other essential cleaning supplies, maximizing every inch of space in this hardworking coastal home.

Turning around, this was the view of the other side of that same problematic room when we first acquired the property (standing roughly where the washer and dryer are now situated). It’s a little challenging to fully orient yourself given the significant layout changes we implemented, but just take note of the original locations of the door and window on the left side of the frame, which offer key reference points for its past configuration.

Now, looking from the perspective of the washer and dryer today, the original door and window have remarkably remained in their same positions – but a new wall now stands between them, cleverly creating the new downstairs bathroom (which now incorporates that very window). And in this photo, you can clearly see one of our beautifully restored original wood doors, having been stripped and meticulously resealed, proudly serving its purpose. Plus, notice that charming trio of framed photos? Those are “before” pictures that we had framed, serving as a constant reminder and a great conversation starter for anyone who visits, allowing them to truly appreciate just how far this coastal home has come.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the downstairs bathroom itself. I don’t really have truly comparable “before” photos for this specific space because it simply didn’t exist as a separate room in its current configuration prior to our renovation. However, in many thoughtful ways, its efficient and charming layout echoes the design of the original downstairs bathroom (which, as you know, is now our functional pantry), maintaining a sense of historical continuity despite being a new addition.

And here’s the view of the other side of that dividing wall, where you can see the beautifully appointed vanity area. Much like the picture frames artfully placed above the toilet, we deliberately selected a mirror with warm wood accents. This choice subtly echoes and ties into the restored original wood doors found throughout the house, creating a cohesive design narrative. This particular mirror was actually a more recent swap (we initially had a larger rectangular one there), and we find that this current piece suits the space and its coastal aesthetic much, much better, adding just the right touch of warmth and texture.

So, now that you’ve had the chance to journey through the entire downstairs, both in its raw “before” state and its breathtaking “after” transformation, I must end with a deep, dark confession. We had excitedly filmed a brand new video tour of the beach house just last weekend, right before it started to become completely overtaken with duplex materials – think towering piles of tile in the foyer and extra furniture and picture frames scattered everywhere. However, when we got home and reviewed the footage, the video was an unfortunate fail. I won’t bore you with the intricate details, but it was a focusing issue that I couldn’t detect until we had it uploaded and properly reviewed. So, rather than subject you to a blurry, imperfect tour, we’re going to try to capture a much better one in a few weeks. Stay tuned for that, AND for the equally dramatic before and after photos of the upstairs!

PS: If there’s any source or item you might have missed, you can almost certainly find it (or something very similar) on our comprehensive Shop Our Beach House page. You can also delve deeper into all of our beach house posts and projects right here, exploring every step of this incredible journey.

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