When Erin and her husband Ben shared the incredible transformation of their family room, we knew we had to bring their story to you. This is not just a renovation; it’s a testament to dedication, design foresight, and the power of DIY. Their journey from a charming yet dated space to a meticulously refreshed living area truly offers a feast for the eyes and a dose of inspiration for any homeowner looking to embark on their own renovation adventure. Get ready to witness a stunning before-and-after that breathes new life into a classic Arts & Crafts bungalow.
Erin, an avid reader of our blog, reached out to share the details of their project. Her passion for style, thriftiness, and a touch of wit shines through in her account of making their 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow truly their own, one room at a time. After nearly two years of living in their character-filled home, it was the family room’s turn for a major overhaul. This wasn’t a quick refresh; it was a comprehensive renovation that spanned three and a half months, turning their entire first floor into a temporary construction zone. The dust, the disruption, and the constant decision-making were all part of the process, culminating in a space they are immensely proud to call their own.
A Vision for Transformation: Erin & Ben’s Family Room Journey
Erin and Ben’s family room project was ambitious, focused on blending the bungalow’s original charm with modern functionality and a fresh aesthetic. Their vision involved several key structural and cosmetic changes that would redefine the room’s character and usability. The couple tackled each challenge with remarkable handiwork and perseverance, demonstrating what can be achieved with a clear plan and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves.
The Challenge of Dated Built-Ins and the Solution of Custom Craftsmanship
One of the primary undertakings was the removal of the old built-in units. While built-ins are often a beloved feature in older homes, sometimes their design or condition no longer serves modern needs or aesthetic preferences. Erin and Ben decided to meticulously remove these existing structures to make way for new, custom-designed built-ins. This decision was pivotal in enhancing the room’s storage capacity and display potential, ensuring that the new units would seamlessly integrate with the room’s revised design. Building new built-ins from scratch allowed them to tailor the dimensions, shelving, and overall look to perfectly complement their personal style and the architectural integrity of their 1925 home, offering a sophisticated and practical solution for books, media, and decorative items. This careful planning ensured that the new built-ins not only provided essential functionality but also served as beautiful, integrated architectural features that enhanced the room’s overall aesthetic.
Restoring Original Oak Woodwork: A Labor of Love
Another significant aspect of their renovation was the stripping of all the original oak woodwork. This task, often underestimated in its labor-intensity, is a true testament to their commitment to preserving the home’s historical character. Over decades, original woodwork can accumulate layers of paint, varnish, or even damage, obscuring its natural beauty. By carefully stripping the oak, Erin and Ben revealed the rich grain and warmth of the original wood, allowing it to become a prominent feature once again. This painstaking process not only restores the woodwork to its former glory but also contributes significantly to the authenticity and period charm of the Arts & Crafts bungalow, creating a harmonious blend with the updated elements of the room. The natural luster of the restored oak now adds an irreplaceable touch of heritage and craftsmanship that elevates the entire space.
The Fireplace Facelift: A Stunning Ledgestone Transformation
Perhaps the most visually striking transformation in the family room is the fireplace. Erin and Ben took on the monumental task of tiling the entire fireplace with ledgestone veneer. This choice immediately elevates the room’s focal point, introducing texture, depth, and a touch of rustic elegance. The Dutch Quality Natural Blend Ledgestone creates a dramatic and inviting centerpiece, transforming what might have been a dated or unremarkable fireplace into a breathtaking architectural statement. The process of applying ledgestone veneer, piece by piece, requires precision, patience, and a keen eye for detail – skills Erin and Ben clearly possess. This impressive undertaking alone likely accounted for a significant portion of the estimated 70-80 hours they poured into the project (they admit to losing count after a while!). The result is a fireplace that anchors the room with its majestic presence, radiating warmth and style, and serving as a true testament to their DIY prowess.
After three and a half long months of dedicated work, the couple finally reached the finish line for their family room. The transformation is not just superficial; it’s a complete reimagining of the space, making it more functional, more beautiful, and perfectly aligned with their lifestyle. They are truly thrilled to finally relax in their new sanctuary, taking a well-deserved break before embarking on their next big project, already brimming with new ideas and inspiration.
Before the Magic: A Glimpse of the Past
To truly appreciate the incredible scope of Erin and Ben’s renovation, it’s essential to see where they started. The “before” picture reveals a room with good bones, characteristic of a 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow, but one that was undeniably in need of a modern update. The existing built-ins, while functional, likely felt heavy or outmoded, failing to maximize the room’s potential for light and openness. Their design might have inadvertently made the room feel smaller or less dynamic. The fireplace, though central, may have lacked the visual impact desired for a contemporary living space, appearing understated or dated against the room’s potential. While charming in its own right, the original room might have felt less cohesive, awaiting a clear vision to unlock its full potential. The transformation isn’t just about cosmetic changes; it’s about optimizing flow, enhancing light, and creating a more inviting, aesthetically pleasing, and highly functional atmosphere for modern living within a historical context.
After the Transformation: A Modern Arts & Crafts Oasis
And here it is now, a breathtaking “after” revelation that showcases the power of thoughtful design and dedicated DIY. The room has been completely revitalized, emerging as a sophisticated and cozy haven. Every element, from the custom built-ins that now frame the space with elegant precision to the majestic ledgestone fireplace, works in harmony to create a space that feels both luxurious and genuinely welcoming. The meticulous stripping and restoration of the original oak woodwork now beautifully frames the room, adding a layer of historical authenticity that grounds the more contemporary updates. The interplay of rich textures, carefully chosen paint colors, and strategic lighting transforms the space into an ideal setting for relaxation, entertainment, and everyday living. The entire room exudes an inviting warmth and a refined sense of style, making it the perfect retreat within their charming bungalow.
Curated Comfort: A Detailed Look at the Design Elements
For those eager to delve into the specifics of this remarkable makeover, here’s a comprehensive look at the thoughtfully selected components that brought Erin and Ben’s vision to life. Each item contributes to the overall aesthetic, balancing functionality with style and creating a harmonious environment that is both elegant and inviting. The careful selection of materials and furnishings highlights their commitment to quality and cohesive design, proving that a stunning room is often the sum of its well-considered parts.
- Fireplace Ledgestone Veneer: The show-stopping centerpiece is adorned with Dutch Quality Natural Blend Ledgestone, sourced from a trusted local dealer. This choice infuses the room with an organic, rustic elegance, creating a striking focal point that draws the eye and anchors the entire design. The textured stone provides a beautiful contrast to the smooth walls and refined furnishings, creating a visually rich and inviting atmosphere.
- Paint Colors: The walls boast a sophisticated palette with Valspar Martha Stewart Signature Barn Door Red, likely used as a bold accent wall, creating warmth and depth that adds significant character. This is beautifully complemented by Valspar Churchill Hotel Wheat, a versatile neutral that provides a serene backdrop and allows the architectural features and decor to truly pop, ensuring a harmonious balance throughout the room.
- New Blinds: Levolar Real Wood Blinds from Lowe’s introduce a classic touch, offering essential privacy and precise light control while seamlessly maintaining the traditional charm inherent in an Arts & Crafts home. Their natural wood finish adds warmth and texture, integrating perfectly with the restored oak woodwork.
- Floral Curtains: From Pier 1, these curtains add a touch of softness and an elegant pattern, perfectly complementing the color scheme and enhancing the room’s inviting atmosphere. They contribute to the layered look, adding visual interest and a sophisticated flair that softens the architectural lines.
- Leaning Media Center: A chic and functional piece from Crate & Barrel, this media center offers modern storage and display solutions, seamlessly integrating entertainment needs without overwhelming the space. Its contemporary design provides a pleasing contrast to the home’s historic details, ensuring functionality meets modern aesthetics.
- Overhead Lighting: The Two-Tier Round Chandelier from Restoration Hardware provides elegant ambient lighting, acting as a stunning design element in itself. Its classic design elevates the room, adding a touch of timeless sophistication and ensuring the space is beautifully illuminated for any occasion.
- Bookshelf Lighting: Cleverly integrated lighting from IKEA illuminates the new built-in bookshelves, highlighting decorative items and books, and adding a cozy glow that enhances the room’s inviting ambiance. This strategic lighting adds depth, functionality, and a touch of warmth to the custom cabinetry.
- Sofa: A comfortable and stylish sofa from Crate & Barrel serves as the primary seating, inviting relaxation and conversation. Its clean lines, plush upholstery, and generous proportions contribute significantly to the room’s refined comfort, making it the perfect spot to unwind.
- Chairs: Complementary chairs from IKEA provide additional seating, combining affordability with modern design and offering versatility. They help define conversation areas within the open layout, ensuring ample comfortable seating for family and guests alike.
- Coffee Table: Another sophisticated piece from Crate & Barrel, the coffee table serves as a central gathering point, offering both functionality for beverages and decor, and a polished aesthetic that anchors the main seating area.
- Red Side Table: A vibrant pop of color is introduced with a stylish red side table from Target, adding personality, a contemporary touch, and a practical surface for drinks or reading materials, breaking up the room’s more neutral tones.
- Rug: A plush carpet remnant, cleverly sourced from a local warehouse sale, grounds the seating area, adding significant warmth, texture, and defining the primary zone of comfort. This thrifty find perfectly illustrates Erin’s appreciation for value without compromising on the overall luxurious feel and style of the room.
- Pillows: All the decorative pillows, also from Crate & Barrel, tie the entire color scheme together, adding layers of comfort, texture, and visual interest, making the space feel exquisitely finished and cohesively designed.
An Inspiring DIY Feat: The Heart of Home Transformation
Is that not a truly stunning transformation? The dedication and skill Erin and Ben demonstrated in undertaking such a comprehensive renovation are genuinely awe-inspiring. The fact that they accomplished most of this remarkable work with their own two hands, especially the intricate and breathtaking stone fireplace, speaks volumes about their commitment and capabilities. This project is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential that lies within DIY home renovation – not only to save on costs but to imbue a space with personal meaning and craftsmanship that money alone cannot buy. It’s a testament to the idea that with vision, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, homeowners can achieve professional-grade results.
Their journey showcases how thoughtful planning, combined with sheer hard work, can transform a beloved older home into a modern sanctuary while honoring its historical roots. The blend of custom-built elements, carefully chosen finishes, and well-curated furnishings has resulted in a family room that is both highly functional and aesthetically captivating. It’s a testament to creating a home that reflects one’s style, comfort needs, and values, all while adding significant value and character to the property. This project stands as a shining example of how personal touch can elevate a house into a truly cherished home.
A huge thank you to Erin and Ben for sharing their unbelievable before and after pictures and their story with us. Their detailed account and the stunning visuals provide invaluable inspiration for anyone contemplating a home renovation, especially those with an older, character-filled property. We truly hope they find ample time to relax and create lasting memories in their beautiful new room, before they inevitably move on to making over the next exciting space in their charming bungalow. Their success story is a beacon for all aspiring DIY renovators, proving that with vision and elbow grease, dreams can indeed become reality, one room transformation at a time.