Three months. It feels like just yesterday we unpacked our first box, yet simultaneously, it’s as if we’ve been living in our new home for an eternity. This whirlwind period has been packed with both monumental transformations and moments of quiet planning. We’re genuinely amazed by the sheer volume of projects we’ve tackled since moving in, from laying fresh upstairs flooring and executing a myriad of exterior upgrades to giving our half bathroom and foyer a much-needed facelift, not to mention refreshing our bedroom with new paint and reimagining the sunroom into a bright, airy space. Yet, amidst these accomplishments, several rooms remain untouched, their potential waiting to be unleashed, fueling our excitement for what’s next.
Join us on a journey through our home as we unveil a comprehensive “before and after” snapshot of our progress after just three months. This post serves as a living time capsule, capturing the essence of our home renovation adventure and showcasing how far we’ve come in such a short period. Get ready to explore the exciting changes and envision the future potential of each space!
The Front: A Welcoming First Impression
Our home’s exterior has undergone a significant transformation, setting a more inviting tone for arrivals. One of our initial and most crucial tasks involved addressing safety concerns: we successfully had several dangerous trees removed, a necessary step for both structural integrity and peace of mind. Following this, we undertook a vital upgrade by replacing the old, leaky roof, ensuring long-term protection and improving curb appeal. The house then received a fresh new look with a new coat of paint on its repaired siding and trim, significantly enhancing its visual appeal. To complete this exterior refresh, we painted the front door a vibrant, happy color, injecting personality and warmth. While these major structural and aesthetic improvements have made a dramatic difference, our vision for the front yard is still evolving. Currently, the lawn remains a work in progress, with sparse patches and persistent weeds. Our future plans include adding structured garden beds and a variety of new plantings to create a lush, welcoming landscape, transforming the current bareness into an inviting outdoor oasis. This ongoing commitment to the exterior ensures our home makes a lasting and beautiful first impression.
For a striking comparison, here’s how the front of our house looked before we began any renovations. The contrast truly highlights the significant impact of our initial projects.
The Portico: Enhancing the Entryway Experience
Our portico, the immediate transition from the outdoors to our home’s interior, has been thoughtfully refined to enhance both its aesthetic and functionality. We started by removing the outdated slatted screen door, which instantly opened up the space and allowed more light to filter through. To create a cohesive and bright look, we meticulously painted the cream-colored sidelights a crisp white, matching the existing trim, and complemented this with a fresh coat of paint on the front door itself. These changes immediately brightened the entry and offered a much more modern appeal. Looking ahead, our plans for the portico include adding a larger, more welcoming doormat to define the entrance further. We’re also eager to replace the existing light fixture with something more contemporary and inviting. A key design challenge is the flat triangle of plywood above the door; we envision framing it out with chunkier molding, which we believe will add architectural interest and give this often-overlooked area a more polished, substantial feel. Each small detail contributes to a grander welcoming experience.
The Garage: Functional Updates with Future Style
The garage, an essential but often utilitarian part of any home, has seen practical improvements with a clear vision for future aesthetic enhancements. The side of the house, which includes the garage area, benefited from essential maintenance: its siding was repaired and then repainted, ensuring structural integrity and a fresh, clean appearance. This immediately improved the overall curb appeal of this side of the property. While the siding is now pristine, the cream garage doors currently stand out. Our goal is to paint these a darker, more sophisticated color that complements the home’s updated exterior palette. We are considering either a deep charcoal, to tie in with the new roof, or a classic black, to match the existing shutters. This strategic color change will not only modernize the garage’s look but also integrate it more seamlessly into the overall design of the house, moving it beyond mere functionality to an integral part of our home’s style narrative. The aesthetic impact of these future changes will be substantial, transforming a practical space into a visually appealing one.
The Foyer: A Grand Entrance Reimagined
The foyer, serving as the first true impression inside our home, has undergone a remarkable transformation from its original dark and somewhat enclosed state to a bright, open, and inviting space. Our journey began by removing the restrictive dark wooden doors that previously blocked access to the kitchen, instantly creating a more fluid and welcoming floor plan. Next, we meticulously stripped away the old wallpaper, unveiling cleaner lines and a brighter canvas. The formerly distinctive blue trim, which dated the space, was then uniformly painted a crisp white, lending an air of sophistication and modern freshness. To complete the initial aesthetic overhaul, the walls received a fresh coat of paint, further brightening the area. Adding character and warmth, we carefully hung a stunning new light fixture and curated art pieces, which now serve as focal points upon entry. Despite these significant advancements, our renovation journey for the foyer is far from over. A major project on our horizon involves redoing the staircase railing, particularly addressing the blue spindles that currently remain. Moreover, the old carpeting on the stairs is slated for replacement with a fresh new runner, promising a softer, more updated look and feel. We’re also contemplating adding a subtle, perhaps light blue, color to the ceiling, which we believe will add an unexpected layer of depth and sophistication, transforming the foyer into a truly grand and memorable entrance.
To truly appreciate the transformation, here’s a look at the foyer before we embarked on our renovations, showcasing the dramatic change in atmosphere.
The Half Bathroom: Stylish Updates on a Budget
Our half bathroom, a small but essential space, has benefited from a series of smart, budget-friendly updates that have dramatically improved its look and feel. We initiated the refresh by stripping away the outdated wallpaper, immediately opening up the room and creating a cleaner aesthetic. Following this, we meticulously painted the walls and the trim, opting for colors that brightened the space and made it feel more modern. A new mirror was hung, instantly reflecting light and enhancing the room’s perceived size. The existing vanity, a key focal point, was revitalized through a process of priming and painting, giving it a fresh, contemporary finish without the expense of a full replacement. To complete these updates, we installed a charming secondhand light fixture and added carefully selected art pieces, infusing the room with personality and style. The final touch for this phase was upgrading the faucet, a small change that makes a big difference in both function and appearance. While we’ve achieved impressive results with these inexpensive upgrades, we envision a more intense, comprehensive makeover down the line, once we’ve had time to save and plan. This future transformation might include luxurious grasscloth wallpaper or a sophisticated tiled accent wall, elevating the space into a true design statement. For now, we are thoroughly enjoying the significant improvements these initial, cost-effective changes have brought.
To highlight the extent of our efforts, here’s the half bathroom as it appeared before our initial wave of renovations.
The Dining Room: Awaiting Its Grand Transformation
The dining room stands as one of the few spaces in our home that remains largely untouched since we moved in, representing a blank canvas filled with immense potential. Currently, it retains its original character, complete with the pervasive blue trim and an abundance of wallpaper, giving it a distinctly dated feel. Our only intervention so far has been to introduce our existing furniture, which, while functional, doesn’t yet fully integrate with the room’s dormant aesthetic. Looking ahead, our vision for the dining room is a complete overhaul. We are eager to update everything from the walls, which will receive a fresh coat of paint or perhaps new wallpaper, to the overhead light fixture, which will be replaced with something more contemporary and fitting for the space. A significant project on our wish list involves reimagining the built-ins located in each corner of the room. We envision transforming these into stylish, functional elements that enhance the room’s character while providing much-needed storage or display space. This future renovation promises to elevate the dining room from a functional area to a stunning centerpiece for entertaining and family gatherings, making it a true reflection of our home’s evolving style.
The Living Room: From Salmon to Serene
Our living room has already begun its remarkable journey from a dated, salmon-pink space to a more serene and inviting haven. So far, our efforts have focused on foundational changes that dramatically alter the room’s ambiance. We started by meticulously priming and painting the walls, instantly neutralizing the overpowering original color and providing a fresh, clean backdrop. A key feature of the room, the brick fireplace, received a modern update with a sophisticated whitewash treatment. This not only lightened the visual weight of the brick but also introduced a soft, contemporary texture that complements the new wall colors. This transformation was inspired by fond memories of our first house’s den, where painting brick, wood paneling, and trim had an incredibly transformative effect. Given the similar architectural elements in this room, our next significant project is to paint all of the existing wood trim a crisp, glossy white, which will further brighten the space and create a cohesive, updated look. Beyond these immediate plans, our wish list includes more ambitious enhancements: we dream of coffering the ceilings, adding architectural interest and grandeur, and integrating a soft blue tone up there to evoke a sense of calm and openness. Even though it’s far from its final form, the living room already feels significantly more like “home” compared to the vibrant salmon pink we inherited, truly embodying the progress of our renovation journey.
Witness the dramatic change by comparing it to the initial salmon pink living room that greeted us on moving day.
The Office: Cultivating a Productive & Stylish Workspace
The office, a crucial space for productivity and creativity, is still in its nascent stages of renovation, but our plans for it are ambitious and focused on both functionality and aesthetics. So far, our main intervention has been to strategically arrange some furniture and organize our existing bookcase, creating a foundational setup for work. However, the room currently features outdated blue trim, which is high on our list for a fresh coat of paint to modernize the space. Our vision extends much further, aiming to transform this room into a highly efficient and visually appealing workspace. We are excitedly planning to add custom built-ins, which will not only provide ample storage for books and office supplies but also enhance the room’s architectural character. A particularly exciting idea is the inclusion of a floating desk, which would maximize floor space and offer a sleek, contemporary work surface. We’re drawing inspiration from concepts like this, envisioning a design that blends seamlessly with the room’s evolving aesthetic. This thoughtful approach to the office renovation will ensure it becomes a dynamic and inspiring environment, perfectly suited for both focused work and creative pursuits.
The Kitchen: Awaiting Its Culinary Masterpiece Makeover
The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, remains largely untouched in terms of major renovations, reflecting our deliberate strategy to “live in it” before committing to a significant overhaul. Our philosophy dictates that for major gut-jobs, particularly in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s essential to inhabit the space for at least a year. This period allows us to truly understand its functionality, identify daily pain points, and observe how we naturally use the room. This invaluable insight prevents rushed decisions and ensures that any future renovation is precisely tailored to our lifestyle and needs, rather than being based on initial impressions alone. Consequently, we are diligently taking notes, meticulously observing traffic patterns, storage deficiencies, and areas that hinder workflow. Our ultimate vision for the kitchen is a complete transformation into a space that is not only open and bright but also dramatically more functional. We envision a layout that optimizes flow, integrates modern appliances, and provides ample, smart storage solutions. This patient approach guarantees that when the time comes for its grand makeover, our kitchen will evolve into a culinary masterpiece, perfectly aligned with our daily routines and entertaining aspirations, serving as a true hub of the home.
Our Bedroom: A Sanctuary of Style and Comfort
Our bedroom, a crucial space for rest and rejuvenation, has undergone several significant upgrades, transforming it into a comfortable and stylish sanctuary. One of the most impactful changes was addressing the old, threadbare carpeting that plagued all the upstairs rooms. In our bedroom, we meticulously painted the cream doors and trim a crisp, modern shade, instantly brightening the space and creating a fresh canvas. A major undertaking involved laying beautiful hardwood floors just before we officially moved in, replacing the dated carpet and adding a touch of timeless elegance and warmth. Later, we thoughtfully painted the walls a sophisticated color, further enhancing the room’s serene atmosphere. Despite these substantial improvements, our vision for the bedroom continues to evolve. We are particularly excited about adding custom built-ins behind the bed; this strategic addition is designed not only to provide practical storage but also to visually center the existing windows, creating a more balanced and harmonious focal point. Future plans also include hanging elegant window treatments to control light and add privacy, and thoughtfully shuffling furniture around to optimize the layout. Of course, no room is complete without personal touches, so hanging carefully selected art will further define our sanctuary. These ongoing projects will ensure our bedroom remains a perfect blend of functionality and personal style, truly a space to unwind and recharge.
To truly grasp the extent of the transformation, here’s a compelling before shot from when we first purchased the house, showcasing the original condition of our bedroom.
Our En-suite Bathroom: A Vision for Integrated Luxury
Our en-suite bathroom, currently characterized by a somewhat disjointed layout, is earmarked for a future transformation into a more integrated and luxurious space. While the sink nook remains untouched for now, we have made a crucial initial improvement: we efficiently removed the old glass shower doors. This simple change instantly opened up the shower area, making the bathroom feel less confined and more spacious. To further enhance this sense of openness, we hung a nice, high shower curtain, which not only provides privacy but also visually elevates the ceiling, contributing to a more expansive feel. Our long-term vision for this en-suite is much more ambitious. We aspire to undertake a significant remodel that will seamlessly combine the existing sink nook and the rest of the bathroom. The current layout, with a wall separating two single sinks, feels “chopped-up” and inefficient. Our ultimate goal is to remove this dividing wall entirely, creating a unified, expansive space. This integrated design will allow for the installation of a grand double vanity, providing abundant counter space and storage, and transforming the area into a truly luxurious and highly functional personal retreat. The remodel promises to address both aesthetic cohesion and practical utility, creating a bathroom that feels both spacious and sophisticated.
Our Closet: A Future Haven of Organization
Our closet, currently a practical space overflowing with belongings, is in dire need of a comprehensive organizational overhaul to unlock its full potential. While it serves its basic purpose, the existing setup is far from optimized for efficient storage and accessibility. A critical first step in its transformation will be the removal of the old carpet, which is not only dated but also impractical for a high-traffic area like a closet. Our grand vision for this space involves maximizing every inch with custom built-in drawers and shelves. These additions will dramatically increase storage capacity and introduce a structured system for clothing, accessories, and other essentials, effectively “packing it with function.” Furthermore, to create a sense of seamless flow and modern elegance, we plan to extend the tiling from the future bathroom renovation directly into the closet. This design choice will ensure that the entire “off-the-bedroom wing” boasts cohesive, elegant flooring, eliminating visual breaks and making the space feel less fragmented and more intentionally designed. This transformation will elevate our closet from a cluttered storage area to a beautifully organized, highly functional extension of our personal sanctuary, making daily routines smoother and more enjoyable.
Upstairs Hallway: From Carpet to Hardwood Elegance
The upstairs hallway has undergone one of the most significant and immediate transformations in our home, evolving from a dated, carpeted thoroughfare to a bright, elegant passage with new hardwood floors. In a determined dash before moving day, we efficiently ripped up all the old carpeting, instantly revealing the potential beneath. Following this, we diligently painted all the blue doors and trim a fresh, modern white, which immediately brightened the space and created a cohesive, contemporary feel. The most impactful change came with the installation of beautiful new hardwood floors, which lend an air of sophistication and warmth, replacing the worn-out carpet entirely. Despite these substantial advancements, our renovation journey for the hallway is not yet complete. The blue spokes on the bannister still await their transformation, slated for a fresh coat of paint to match the updated trim. Additionally, the walls and ceiling in the hallway are next on our list for painting, aiming to further enhance the brightness and overall aesthetic coherence of this central upstairs area. This ongoing commitment ensures that every detail contributes to a welcoming and beautifully designed home.
This space has truly come a long way. To appreciate the full scope of our progress, take a look at the “before” shot of the upstairs hallway.
Clara’s Room: A Canvas for Childhood Dreams
Clara’s room, a vibrant space destined to foster creativity and comfort, has already seen foundational changes that pave the way for its charming future. Our first step involved painting all of the blue trim, transforming it into a fresh, neutral backdrop that brightens the room and offers endless possibilities for decor. Following this, we meticulously laid new hardwood floors, replacing the old carpeting and providing a durable, elegant surface that will withstand years of play and growth. With these essential updates complete, we then moved in Clara’s beloved furniture from our previous house, instantly making the room feel more personal and welcoming. While these are significant strides, many exciting projects lie ahead. We can’t wait to paint the walls, selecting a color that will complement her personality and bring warmth to the space. Installing an overhead light fixture is also high on our list, ensuring adequate and appealing illumination. To truly personalize her room, we plan to hang carefully chosen art, reflecting her interests and adding visual delight. We also anticipate a delightful phase of tweaking and shifting furniture and decor, a natural part of settling in and discovering the perfect arrangement. This ongoing process ensures Clara’s room will evolve into a dynamic and cherished space, growing with her and reflecting her unique journey.
Like our own bedroom, Clara’s room originally featured old carpeting. This “before” photo was captured immediately after we removed it, highlighting the initial raw state of the space.
Spare Room / Future Nursery: Awaiting its Purpose
This versatile spare room holds immense potential, yet for now, it stands as a quiet canvas, patiently awaiting its definitive purpose. Our initial efforts focused on foundational improvements that brightened and modernized the space, preparing it for whatever its future may hold. We meticulously painted all of the mauve trim, replacing its dated hue with a fresh, neutral white that instantly opened up the room. Concurrently, we undertook the significant task of laying new hardwood floors, removing the old carpeting and providing a clean, elegant foundation. Beyond these essential structural and aesthetic upgrades, not much else has been done. We’ve simply placed a few random objects here, effectively treating it as a temporary holding zone. This deliberate pause reflects our commitment to making informed decisions: we have no plans to undertake further renovations until we are absolutely certain how this room will best serve our family. Should a new baby be on the horizon, this room will undoubtedly jump to the top of our renovation priority list, transforming into a serene nursery. However, until that point, it will continue to patiently await its destiny, a testament to our thoughtful and adaptive approach to home renovation.
To fully appreciate the transformation, this room originally started with old carpeting and distinctive pink trim and doors, as seen in this before photo.
The Guest Bedroom / Craft Room: A Dual-Purpose Retreat in Progress
Our guest bedroom, which also serves as a versatile craft room, is a space that has received foundational improvements with ongoing plans for its full potential. Like several other rooms upstairs, our initial focus was on critical structural and aesthetic upgrades. We meticulously painted the trim, transforming its outdated hue into a fresh, modern white that instantly brightened the entire room. Following this, we undertook the significant task of laying new hardwood floors, replacing the old, worn carpeting and providing a clean, durable surface that is perfect for both guests and creative endeavors. Once these core renovations were complete, we moved in our existing furniture, lending the room an immediate sense of functionality. To add a touch of warmth and make the room feel a little more “finished” for guests, we thoughtfully hung the curtains from our last house’s dining room, providing privacy and a pop of color. However, our vision for this dual-purpose retreat is still unfolding. We still need to address the stripey walls, which are slated for a fresh coat of paint to create a more cohesive and serene atmosphere. Furthermore, we are actively strategizing “long-term furniture things,” aiming to optimize the layout for both comfortable guest stays and efficient craft sessions. This ongoing process ensures the room will ultimately serve both its purposes beautifully, providing a welcoming haven for visitors and an inspiring space for creativity.
Here’s the before shot, illustrating the room’s original condition and emphasizing the extent of our progress.
The Hall Bathroom: Brightening and Beautifying with Simple Touches
The hall bathroom, a shared space for guests and family, has seen initial, impactful updates aimed at enhancing its brightness, privacy, and overall aesthetic appeal, even before a major renovation. So far, our efforts have focused on simple yet effective changes that have dramatically improved the room’s ambiance. We began by installing practical faux wood blinds, which provide essential privacy while adding a touch of natural texture and warmth to the windows. To inject immediate cheer and personality into the space, we strategically introduced a variety of bright accessories. These colorful accents instantly uplift the mood of the bathroom, making it feel more vibrant and welcoming. A particularly clever update involved hanging the shower curtain nice and high. This not only creates an illusion of greater ceiling height, making the bathroom feel more spacious, but it also serves a practical purpose by artfully concealing some of the existing broken shower tiles. While a full remodel is anticipated in the distant future, these thoughtful, budget-friendly touches have already transformed the hall bathroom into a far more pleasant and inviting space, demonstrating the power of smart design choices even in the interim.
Laundry Nook: From Functional to Fabulously Organized
Our laundry nook, a compact yet crucial utility space, has already seen foundational improvements, moving it closer to our vision of a beautifully organized and efficient area. The initial dated elements have been systematically addressed: the previously prominent blue trim is now a crisp, clean white, instantly modernizing the space. Crucially, the old, worn carpet has been replaced with elegant hardwood flooring, ensuring durability and a seamless aesthetic flow with the rest of the upstairs. While these are significant steps, our aspirations for the laundry nook are much grander. We are currently saving up for new, more energy-efficient appliances that will not only improve functionality but also update the overall look. Down the line, our design vision includes adding custom cabinetry to the nook, providing much-needed storage and creating a more polished, integrated appearance. Furthermore, to address practical concerns like noise, we’re contemplating the installation of frosted doors, which would effectively block sound while maintaining a soft, diffused light. And for an extra touch of style, we’re even considering a tiled accent wall at the back, transforming this utilitarian space into an unexpected design feature. This staged approach ensures that the laundry nook will ultimately become a highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and thoughtfully integrated part of our home.
The Sunroom: Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Outdoors
Our sunroom, once a somewhat neglected space, is rapidly transforming into a vibrant, seamless indoor-outdoor retreat, embodying a harmonious blend of nature and comfort. Since moving in, we’ve undertaken several key projects that have dramatically altered its character. We began by decisively stripping away the old, malodorous carpet, immediately refreshing the air and preparing the foundation for more significant changes. A truly transformative step involved removing the old, broken doors that once sealed off the sunroom from the deck. This strategic demolition has created an expansive, open-concept space that no longer fogs up or feels disconnected, instead inviting the outdoors in. Further enhancing the room’s airy feel, we successfully lofted the ceiling, increasing its height and adding an architectural element that amplifies the sense of space. Essential electrical work has also been completed (with more details to follow soon!), laying the groundwork for future lighting and comfort. Looking ahead, our vision for the sunroom is inspired by a desire to create a specific aesthetic – a vibe that is both relaxing and sophisticated. We are excited to add light blue beadboard to the newly lofted ceiling, which will introduce a coastal charm and soft color. Tiling the floor is next, ensuring durability and a clean, elegant finish. The ultimate dream, to fully blur the lines between inside and out, includes the possibility of an outdoor fireplace, creating a truly unique and inviting space for all seasons. This sunroom is poised to become a cherished oasis, perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
For a striking comparison, here’s the sunroom as it appeared when we first moved in, showcasing its original state and highlighting the extent of its transformation.
The Back Deck: Reclaiming Our Outdoor Oasis
Our back deck and yard have undergone a significant revival, transforming from an overgrown and dilapidated state to a reclaimed outdoor oasis perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The most crucial initial step involved addressing a major safety concern: we had to remove a dangerous tree. While we initially found its presence charming, both a professional inspector and an arborist friend strongly advised its removal due to safety risks, a decision we ultimately embraced. Following this, the siding and trim on the back of the house received a fresh coat of paint, seamlessly integrating the deck area with the home’s newly updated exterior. A remaining challenge from the tree removal was a large hole in the deck, which we diligently patched, restoring the deck’s integrity. To revitalize the entire surface, we undertook the laborious but rewarding process of stripping and then re-staining the deck. This treatment not only protected the wood but also brought back its natural beauty, making it inviting once again. The transformation is truly satisfying; reclaiming such a wonderful outdoor space, especially considering its rough condition when we bought the house, has added immense value to our home and lifestyle. This area is now set to become a favorite spot for al fresco dining and enjoying the fresh air.
It was in quite rough shape when we first acquired the house. Having reclaimed such a fantastic outdoor space is truly gratifying, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
And there you have it – a comprehensive tour of our home’s progress after just three months! While we might have dropped our monthly recap schedule after the move, creating posts like this is invaluable. They serve as tangible reminders, freezing time to capture the exhilarating, sometimes chaotic, reality of settling into a new home. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much has changed in such a short span – roughly 90 days of dedicated effort and countless decisions. Do you also document your home’s journey? Whether through photos, blog entries, or dedicated albums, capturing these moments allows us to reflect on the incredible transformation. Our House Tour page is constantly updated with new “progress” photos, and it’s these detailed, point-in-time posts that truly make us say, “Wow, remember when it looked like that?” It’s a powerful testament to the ongoing adventure of turning a house into a cherished home.