Our Home’s Incredible 5-Year Transformation Tour

Step inside our brick colonial house for a captivating before-and-after home tour, marking five incredible years since we first moved in. This journey celebrates countless DIY home improvement projects and decorating transformations that have turned a house into our cherished family home.

It’s truly remarkable how swiftly five years have flown by since we embarked on this adventure. Yet, in many ways, it feels like we’ve been here much longer, pouring our hearts and hands into every corner. This tour isn’t just a showcase of completed projects; it’s a testament to the daily dedication, the small, consistent efforts that collectively create monumental change.

From painting a single door to replacing an outdated light fixture or unearthing a treasured secondhand find, each task, no matter how minor, has contributed to a massive transformation over time. While our home is undeniably filled with life’s beautiful messes and far from the curated perfection often seen in magazines, it’s authentically ours – a space that grows and evolves with our family.

Our Extensive Before and After Home Tour: Five Years of Transformation

Perhaps this should be titled a “before and progress” home tour, as the journey of creating our dream home is truly never-ending. When we first stepped into this brick colonial house in Rock Hill, South Carolina, our eldest, Olivia, was just four years old, and Robert commuted daily to Charlotte for work. Now, Olivia is nine, Regan is three, and Robert and I dedicate our time to sharing our DIY adventures and home transformations right here on this blog, full-time.

Not a single day passes without immense gratitude for this house we’ve painstakingly molded into our haven, and for the incredible community of readers who have supported and encouraged us every step of the way. We sincerely hope that the projects and stories we share inspire you as much as you inspire us. Considering we started this blog in 2013 with minimal home improvement knowledge, if we can navigate and master the DIY journey, we have absolute confidence that you can too.

The exterior of our home underwent one of its most dramatic transformations within the very first year. We applied a beautiful Romabio brick limewash to our formerly orange brick, instantly updating its aesthetic. This was complemented by painting the shutters, front doors, and gutters in a sophisticated satin Behr Cracked Pepper, creating a striking contrast that enhanced the home’s colonial charm.

Beyond the paint, we replaced the aging and rotting wood fence with a sleek, durable white vinyl Plygem fence, significantly improving both security and curb appeal. To further elevate the landscaping, we added elegant stone edging around our flower beds, defining the garden spaces beautifully. While I captured some “before” and “after” shots in November, I regret not having more recent photos from our latest front porch refresh. However, aside from the seasonal green foliage, the core elements of this stunning transformation remain unchanged, continually enhancing our home’s exterior appeal.

The foyer, our home’s front entryway, has always presented a design challenge due to its very limited natural light. However, by painting the previously yellow walls in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, we achieved a dramatically brighter and more open feel. The transformation has been truly remarkable, making the space far more inviting.

To further enhance the aesthetic, we installed a beautiful vintage-style glass light fixture, adding a touch of classic elegance. The staircase wall now proudly displays a gallery wall, thoughtfully curated with our favorite family photos, creating a warm and personal welcome. A stunning carved wood cabinet, a fortunate find on Facebook Marketplace, serves as a focal point, offering both style and practical surface space.

One of my favorite details is the captivating view peering into our dining room, which features Romabio Blue Ridge Parkway on the walls, providing a glimpse of another beautifully transformed space. While we’ve made significant progress, future plans for the foyer include painting the stair banister, replacing the balusters with more streamlined versions, and potentially adding a soft stair runner for comfort and style.

The elegant mirror strategically placed helps to bounce light from the transom window above our front door, visually expanding the entryway and creating a sense of greater space. I particularly adore how the mirror’s intricate carved details beautifully echo those on the cabinet below, adding a cohesive and refined touch.

Our home’s original hardwood floors, dating back to 1960, were expertly refinished before we moved in. Their rich, medium, neutral brown tone, closely matched to Minwax Provincial, avoids any strong gray, yellow, or red undertones, providing a timeless foundation for the entire space. Even now, I’m continually amazed by the dramatic before-and-after difference in this once-overlooked area.

Adjacent to the foyer, our home office offers a dedicated workspace where we can easily close the black French doors, enhanced with frosted window film, to neatly conceal any creative messes from view. The addition of custom closets and these elegant doors alone marked a monumental before-and-after transformation for this space, vastly improving both its functionality and appearance.

The IKEA cabinets, meticulously painted in the rich Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, provide essential decor storage for seasonal items and accent pieces we often use in various room makeovers for friends and clients. I particularly appreciate having this expansive work table, which comfortably accommodates large craft projects or allows Robert and me ample space to collaborate side-by-side.

We chose Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace for the walls, ensuring a bright and airy backdrop, while the doors were painted in Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron to provide a sophisticated contrast. The original chandelier was thoughtfully repurposed and gifted to a friend, making way for a more modern pendant light that better suited our refreshed aesthetic. To fill a large, blank wall with impactful art, Robert and I collaborated on a DIY project, creating oversized wall art from a shower curtain.

Robert and my brother Kevin skillfully constructed the built-in closets, providing much-needed larger storage solutions that keep the office organized and clutter-free. The rolling armchairs, while providing excellent mobility and function, are also significantly more comfortable than traditional office chairs, making long work sessions a pleasure.

Our dining room began its journey as a very neutral space, but it has since evolved into one of my absolute favorite “wow-factor” areas in our entire house! The transformation is truly breathtaking and speaks volumes about the power of thoughtful design choices. We infused the room with a deep, rich navy hue by painting the walls in our custom color, Romabio Blue Ridge Parkway, instantly adding a sense of drama and sophistication.

The real showstoppers, however, are the peel-and-stick murals that adorn the walls, bringing an incredible level of artistic flair and visual interest. To complement this bold backdrop, I sourced the perfect faux linen curtains from Amazon, adding softness and texture to the space. The crowning jewel is undoubtedly the leather and brass shaded chandelier, a fantastic find on Facebook Marketplace that I managed to acquire for an absolute steal, adding a touch of vintage charm and warm illumination.

The heirloom-quality dining table and accompanying dining chairs are not only beautifully designed but also incredibly well-made and sturdy, promising years of family gatherings. Furthermore, the indoor/outdoor rug beneath them makes food cleanup surprisingly simple, a practical consideration for a busy family. On the opposite side of the room, we customized and painted a secondhand buffet cabinet, skillfully cutting it down to perfectly fit the space and provide much-needed storage for serving ware and other essentials, blending functionality with exquisite style.

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (upper cabinets) | Sherwin Williams Billiard Green (lower cabinets)

Our kitchen, once among my least favorite rooms, has been transformed into a truly enjoyable and highly functional space through a series of thoughtful DIY projects. We found a harmonious balance by painting the lower cabinets in Sherwin Williams Billiard Green, a shade that beautifully complements our existing green and gray leathered granite countertops. This strategic color choice instantly elevated the room’s aesthetic, making it feel cohesive and inviting.

To update the backsplash without a complete overhaul, we covered the existing tiles with pressed tin paneling. This not only gave the kitchen a cleaner, more simplistic look but also better aligned with our evolving personal style. The impact of this subtle change was far greater than anticipated, adding a touch of unique character.

Working around the existing floor tile, we ingeniously laid down a floating LVP herringbone floor. This clever solution allowed us to achieve the sophisticated look of wood flooring without the need for demolition, something we absolutely adore. For much-needed pantry space, we assembled and painted IKEA Hemnes cabinets to match our lower cabinetry, creating a dedicated pantry where none existed before. The adjacent command center wall provides a practical drop zone for mail and helps keep our family organized, making daily routines much smoother.

While a full-scale kitchen renovation remains a long-term goal, all the small, deliberate changes we’ve implemented over the years have cumulatively created a space that we genuinely love and that authentically reflects our family’s personality and needs. It’s proof that big impact can come from consistent, smaller updates.

Our breakfast nook represents one of our most recent and rewarding room makeovers, which, admittedly, involved the significant undertaking of relocating a door. This bold move, however, proved essential for creating a much-improved traffic flow within this inherently small space, making it far more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

I was incredibly fortunate to discover the perfect banquette on Facebook Marketplace; it fit the corner of the room as if custom-made. We revitalized it with a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Southern Vines paint, giving it a vibrant and inviting appeal. To ensure the space still received some much-needed natural light from the adjacent laundry room, we installed a frosted glass bifold French door, which beautifully balances privacy with illumination.

We extended the LVP herringbone flooring from the kitchen into this area, creating a seamless and sophisticated look. The walls were painted in crisp Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, while the doors received a coat of Romabio Celtic Stone, adding a subtle touch of color. The addition of lattice strips to create charming batten walls brought an abundance of character to the nook, enhancing its cottagecore aesthetic.

Resourcefully, we constructed the bistro table by repurposing an IKEA countertop, a testament to our love for DIY. The dining chairs were another secondhand find, which I lovingly refinished to complement the new decor. The charming chandelier and vintage-style sconces serve as the perfect finishing touches, providing cozy and inviting lighting in this once-windowless corner, making it a truly delightful spot for family meals and gatherings.

When we first moved in, our laundry room was the epitome of basic, utterly devoid of character. To instantly infuse it with personality and a vibrant pop of color, we painted the walls in Sherwin Williams Slate Tile. This simple change alone created an astonishing before-and-after effect, proving the immense power of paint.

To address the uninspiring existing vinyl flooring, we opted for a quick yet stylish cosmetic upgrade: peel-and-stick floor tiles. These Moroccan-inspired tiles allowed us to completely transform the floor’s appearance without the mess and expense of ripping out the old vinyl, providing a dramatic visual impact with minimal effort. We also replaced the dated fluorescent light fixture with a more modern and appealing globe light, enhancing both the room’s ambiance and style.

A clever trick to conceal the unsightly electrical box was to mount free printable laundry art in picture frames, secured with magnets on the backs. This not only hid an eyesore but also added a charming, personalized touch. While these updates have made the space much more enjoyable, our long-term vision is to relocate the laundry room to a newly built addition, transforming this existing space into a functional butler’s pantry or scullery kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the main kitchen.

Our living room has undergone a myriad of changes throughout the years, and this current rendition is, by far, my absolute favorite. It embodies a perfect blend of comfort and sophisticated style, creating a truly inviting atmosphere. We painted the walls in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, a warm and welcoming off-white that beautifully contrasts with the deep charcoal of Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron on the windows and doors, adding a striking depth to the space.

A significant DIY project involved limewashing the brick fireplace in just an afternoon, instantly transforming it into a refined focal point. Recognizing its central role, we opted to hang a Samsung Frame TV above the mantel, cleverly disguising a television as a piece of art when not in use. This integration allows the fireplace to remain a beautiful anchor for the room, whether we are relaxing or entertaining.

The Pottery Barn York sofas are incredibly comfortable, offering a perfect spot for lounging, and they are beautifully complemented by the buttery soft leather recliners, providing ultimate relaxation. Our nesting end table and the exquisite marble-top coffee table were both incredible finds from Facebook Marketplace, proving that stunning pieces can be sourced affordably with a keen eye.

To strike a balance between a ceiling fan and a chandelier, we discovered the perfect solution: a fandelier, which I customized by painting it gold, adding a touch of glamorous functionality. For the back wall, near the entryway to the backyard, I curated a collection of free printable Audubon prints, creating an elegant gallery that adds a layer of classic charm. While I’ve contemplated adding architectural interest with ceiling treatments like planking or shallow beams, for now, the room’s current elegance holds its own.

The playroom has come an incredibly long way from its original bright yellow state. We painted the walls in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, extending the warm, inviting palette from the living room, ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the main living areas. The doors, transformed using my favorite French door painting trick, are now a sophisticated Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, adding a touch of elegant contrast.

Just like in the living room, we limewashed the brick fireplace in the playroom, giving it a fresh, updated look. To tackle toy storage effectively, we built custom cabinets using IKEA Billy bookcases, which we then painted in a serene Romabio Carolina Sky, adding a playful yet sophisticated hue. For a truly unique and whimsical vintage art piece, we hung a stunning tapestry, creating a focal point that sparks imagination. We further enhanced the whimsical lighting by crafting a sunburst light fixture from a repurposed mirror frame, casting a charming glow.

To ensure practicality and comfort, we brought in a durable, washable rug, perfect for active play. We also utilized versatile chairs and a rotating coffee table, which cleverly offers abundant hidden storage for toys and craft supplies, keeping clutter at bay. In one corner, a secondhand armoire has been ingeniously transformed into a Narnia-inspired reading nook, a magical hideout that our girls absolutely adore for their imaginative play and quiet time.

Looking ahead, I would love to incorporate even more storage solutions, perhaps with built-in shelves on some of the other walls, to create a comprehensive entertainment center. This would further enhance the room’s functionality, ensuring it remains a well-loved space as the girls grow.

This half bath powder room hasn’t seen any major new projects in four years, yet it continues to serve our family and guests exceptionally well. The changes we made were impactful and have stood the test of time, proving that sometimes, smart, smaller updates are all you need for lasting style. We began by painting the existing beadboard in a refreshing Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green, instantly brightening the space and adding a touch of subtle color.

To introduce a bold design element, I hung a striking black and white floral wallpaper (which, sadly, is now discontinued) above the beadboard, creating a dramatic and elegant backdrop. The previously plain beige tile floor was replaced with a chic faux marble hexagon tile, elevating the room’s sophistication without the high cost of real marble. I meticulously painted the cherry-stained vanity using my favorite faux wood finish technique, giving it a beautifully weathered gray look that perfectly complements the refreshed aesthetic.

The mirror frame also received an update, painted in a brushed black finish to tie in with the overall color scheme. The final touch was replacing all the fixtures with brushed brass, which added a much-needed warmth and a touch of luxury to the space. While I’ve occasionally considered replacing the vanity for one that better matches our evolving style (especially given the black granite countertop’s challenge to keep clean), for now, this refreshed half bath remains a functional and stylish corner of our home.

Ascending the stairs, you enter our hallway, a space we meticulously brightened by painting the walls in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, creating a crisp and expansive feel. The doors, providing a striking contrast, are painted in the elegant Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, adding a touch of modern sophistication to this transitional area.

While we harbor hopes of eventually removing the attic fan, even simple tasks like fixing the attic door and replacing its cumbersome string with a convenient hook have made a remarkable difference in daily functionality. To further illuminate and add character to the end of the hallway, I hung free printable landscape art, beautifully accented by a wireless picture light, which casts a warm and inviting glow.

To inject a dose of visual interest and warmth, we rolled out a charming runner rug, its patterns and colors drawing the eye down the length of the hall. Further enhancing the decor, additional art pieces and a carefully placed potted artificial tree complete the refreshed look, adding greenery and artistic flair without the fuss of live plants. The subtle charm of a bell light fixture provides an elegant touch, rounding out this thoughtfully updated space.

Olivia’s room has undergone several delightful transformations over the years, a testament to our philosophy of creating spaces that evolve with our children. When we first moved in, we built a DIY ballet barre for her to practice dance moves, reflecting her early passions. As she has grown, so has her space, transitioning to accommodate her changing interests and needs.

We’ve since incorporated a functional homework desk, encouraging her studies, and swapped her previous canopy bed for a stylish boho rattan headboard, infusing the room with a more mature yet playful aesthetic. The space is now adorned with personalized boho touches, such as a rock collection shadow box featuring treasures she unearthed during a gem mining adventure in the North Carolina mountains, celebrating her unique collections and interests.

We painted the walls in Behr My Sweetheart, a subtle blush tone that adds warmth without being overpowering. My mom and I collaborated to install a beautiful butterfly kaleidoscope wallpaper, creating a whimsical and eye-catching feature wall. Given Olivia’s growing tendency to feel warm, we also installed a modern ceiling fan, ensuring her comfort year-round.

Olivia has a wonderful passion for collecting, and we’ve made sure to provide ample space for her treasures. A memo board proudly displays her artwork, under-bed storage keeps her extensive book collection neatly organized, and a hurricane vase beautifully showcases her shell collection, allowing her personality to shine through every detail of her room.

Regan’s bedroom, now that she’s almost four, has also transitioned into its second delightful look, evolving from a nursery into a charming “big girl” bedroom. This transformation reflects her growing personality and our desire to create a space that inspires joy and comfort.

Understanding Olivia and Regan’s love for sleepovers with each other and with friends or cousins, we thoughtfully chose to incorporate twin beds with a convenient pull-out trundle underneath. This maximizes sleeping capacity without sacrificing valuable floor space, making it ideal for playdates and hosting guests. We also took the time to refinish the hardwood floors, restoring their natural beauty and providing a durable foundation for active play.

To add a unique touch, we painted the ceiling in Romabio Barefoot Dance, one of the beautiful colors from our custom paint collection, providing a subtle, soothing hue above. Years ago, we installed elegant picture frame molding, painted in Magnolia Home True White, which we recently updated with captivating chinoiserie wallpaper, creating a sophisticated and whimsical feature wall. The vintage-style metal headboards and soft bedding were sourced from Walmart, offering both charm and comfort, while a multicolored rug adds a playful touch of pattern and texture, tying the entire cottagecore aesthetic together.

For the remaining furniture, I had a stroke of luck finding this charming dresser and nightstand on Facebook Marketplace. With a bit of careful cleaning and restoration, I brought the wood back to life, making them look as good as new. These pieces add so much authentic vintage charm to this little whimsical space, perfectly complementing the cottagecore style we envisioned.

The guest bedroom initially presented a considerable design challenge due to its modest size and an awkwardly off-centered window, which happened to be in the only logical spot for a queen-sized bed. However, through creative problem-solving, we devised a solution that not only made the space functional but also incredibly stylish and inviting for our guests.

We achieved this by hanging floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains across the entire back wall, effectively camouflaging the off-center window and creating a cohesive backdrop. In front of this, we placed a secondhand cane headboard, ensuring that natural light wasn’t blocked while still maintaining a sense of elegance. This clever arrangement made the bedroom feel much more balanced and expansive. One of my favorite tricks for making this small bedroom feel significantly larger was to hang an oversized piece of art, which draws the eye and creates a focal point, distracting from the room’s dimensions.

Though we still plan to refinish the hardwood floors beneath the existing old carpet, adding a plush wool rug on top instantly elevates the space, providing warmth and texture. In front of the other window, I discovered a charming secondhand desk that serves wonderfully as a makeshift makeup vanity, offering guests a convenient spot to get ready. We take pleasure in ensuring our guests feel utterly at home, providing thoughtful amenities like extra toiletries, a fresh robe, and prominently displaying the Wi-Fi password in a stylish frame, making their stay as comfortable and seamless as possible.

When we first acquired this home, the shared bathroom in the hallway, designated for both the kids and guests, was an overwhelming sea of beige. Its lack of character called for a significant transformation. For the initial couple of years, we opted for a quick refresh, primarily utilizing paint to transform the tub, shower, sink, and countertop. I also meticulously freshened up the grout lines by painting them, adding a touch of crispness. We painted the walls a deep, vibrant teal called Magnolia Home Weekend, and I updated the bathroom cabinets with a fresh coat of paint, making a noticeable impact with minimal effort.

However, we eventually embarked on a massive remodel for this bathroom. Our goal was to embrace classic, timeless tile choices that would endure for decades. We selected retro hexagon tile for the floor, which instantly added a charming vintage appeal, and complemented it with artisan glazed subway tile on the walls, creating a clean and sophisticated backdrop.

We managed to stay within a reasonable budget by utilizing durable marble panels in the shower/tub combination, achieving a luxurious look without the high cost of solid marble. The walls were painted in Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, a serene and versatile shade, while the doors received a coat of Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron, providing a sophisticated contrast. The bathroom’s modest size and shallow depth presented a unique challenge, making a traditional vanity impractical. Our innovative solution was to repurpose a console table into a custom bathroom vanity, which not only fits perfectly but also adds a distinctive touch of style.

The beaded mirrors above the vanity infuse the space with a delicate feminine touch, perfectly suiting the girls’ aesthetic. For a whimsical and childlike nod, we hung captivating tightrope walker art, adding a playful element to the sophisticated design. This bathroom, once a beige blur, is now a testament to thoughtful design and resourceful renovation, a space that is both beautiful and highly functional for our family and guests.

Our primary bedroom has also seen a couple of design iterations before we made the bold decision a few years ago to paint the walls a striking black, using the color KILZ Rebel. This was undeniably a daring design choice, but it’s one we’ve never regretted; we genuinely have never slept better since transforming this space into a dark, cozy sanctuary!

To balance the intensity of the black walls and introduce visual lightness, we added elegant French bifold doors featuring antique mirror film, and painted them in Benjamin Moore Simply White to match the trim, creating a harmonious contrast. Further enhancing this balance, we incorporated luxurious white velvet curtains and blackout window shades in the color Bonaire Flaxen. These elements provide both airiness and texture, preventing the room from feeling too heavy, while also ensuring optimal light control for restful sleep.

Robert, being the “hot-natured” one in the house, made the addition of a black and brass ceiling fan an absolute necessity for comfort, blending functionality with sophisticated style.

We were incredibly fortunate to discover this upholstered wood poster bed at a local consignment shop five years ago, and it has been a beloved centerpiece of our room ever since. Placing a king-sized bed in this smaller bedroom presented a bit of a challenge in terms of space. To overcome this, we ingeniously opted for compact nightstands and installed wall-mounted swing arm lamps, effectively saving valuable floor space while providing convenient lighting.

I also implemented some of my favorite budget-friendly bedding tricks to achieve that extra fluffy and inviting look, ensuring our bed is always a luxurious retreat. Every element in this primary bedroom has been thoughtfully chosen to create a space that is both dramatically stylish and supremely comfortable, reflecting our personal aesthetic and prioritizing relaxation.

Our en suite bathroom also went through an initial refresh phase during our first couple of years, but a significant HVAC leak unexpectedly forced us into a full-scale renovation. While we certainly weren’t prepared for such a major undertaking, we couldn’t be happier with the stunning end result, which has transformed it into a luxurious spa-like sanctuary.

Choosing marble-look porcelain tile over real marble tile proved to be the right decision for us, offering both cost-effectiveness and significantly easier maintenance, a practical consideration for a busy home. However, we did splurge on a genuine marble countertop, allowing us to incorporate the dreamlike scalloped backsplash I had always envisioned, adding a custom, high-end touch. Despite its modest size, we consciously preserved the bathroom’s original footprint. By adding glossy white tiles and a seamless glass door to the small shower, we ingeniously created the illusion of a much larger, more open space, maximizing its visual appeal.

To introduce warmth amidst the pristine white palette, we incorporated a beautiful wood bathroom vanity, perfectly balanced with warm brass fixtures. The Venetian mirrors, while not our initial choice due to supply chain delays, turned out to be absolutely perfect for the space, adding an unexpected touch of old-world charm. We further elevated the traditional style by integrating elegant picture frame molding, enhancing the architectural interest of the walls. Given this bathroom’s compact size, creative storage solutions were paramount. The inclusion of a double hamper and cleverly designed hanging open shelving helped us maximize storage without compromising on style.

In an ideal world, we would have loved to include a separate toilet closet, but due to space constraints, we opted for a handsome wooden toilet seat, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal within the open layout. My absolute favorite finishing touch, however, is the exquisite glass knob on the shower door, a small detail that perfectly encapsulates the refined elegance of this newly renovated en suite.

This shed in our backyard, once a mere afterthought used for miscellaneous storage for years, underwent a truly inspiring transformation last year when Robert conceived the brilliant idea to repurpose it into a dedicated home gym! The outcome exceeded all our expectations, creating a functional and stylish fitness space right on our property.

To maximize the internal space and improve the aesthetic, we first ripped out the old ceiling and reinforced the roof, providing more headroom and structural integrity. Following this, we installed faux brick panel walls, adding a raw, industrial-chic vibe that perfectly suits a gym environment. To keep costs down and embrace sustainability, we ingeniously mixed together leftover cans of black and white paint from previous projects, reusing them on the ceiling and walls to create a cohesive and striking color scheme. The floor mats, a practical necessity for any gym, were another smart secondhand find by Robert on Facebook Marketplace, further contributing to our budget-friendly approach.

To ensure optimal air circulation during workouts, we installed an industrial-style retractable blade ceiling fan, a stylish and practical addition. Large black-framed mirrors were strategically hung to allow for proper form checking, an essential element for any effective home gym. Robert already owned most of the workout equipment, which he had diligently collected used over the years from secondhand sporting goods stores and online listings, further showcasing our commitment to budget-conscious and resourceful home improvement. This shed, once overlooked, is now a testament to creative repurposing and dedication to fitness.

On the opposite side of the gym, we added much-needed storage solutions to keep the space organized and functional. A practical cube shelf now holds essentials like gym rags, disinfecting wipes, and a mini fridge for quick hydration. A wall shelf provides a convenient spot for hanging resistance bands and neatly holding a Bluetooth speaker for motivating music, a clock for timing workouts, and various handheld equipment. The only piece of workout equipment we had to purchase brand new was this MYX cardio bike, a worthwhile investment for our comprehensive home fitness setup. Every detail has been considered to create an efficient and inspiring gym environment.

Our back porch was undeniably one of the most significant buying factors when we purchased this house. It’s a truly charming spot, perfect for gathering with friends for an evening drink or savoring a quiet cup of coffee on a bright, sunny morning. We embraced a beloved Southern tradition by painting the ceiling in Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, one of our favorite “haint blue” shades, known for its ability to deter pests and evoke a sense of open sky (if you’ve ever visited Charleston or Savannah, you’ll know exactly what I mean!).

Last year, we enhanced the comfort and functionality of the porch by adding a supremely comfortable day bed and a stylish resin wicker conversation set, creating distinct zones for relaxation and socializing. To add a personalized touch and visual interest, I transformed the plain outdoor rug with a vibrant floral block stencil pattern, infusing the space with color and charm. The strategically placed string lights cast a cozy, magical glow in the evenings, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Furthermore, the practical mosquito net curtains are invaluable in keeping bothersome bugs at bay during the warmer months, ensuring that our time spent on this beloved porch is always enjoyable and uninterrupted. This back porch has truly become an extension of our indoor living space, offering a serene and inviting retreat for our family and guests.

Our backyard swimming pool has been a truly massive undertaking, evolving into a spectacular oasis through numerous DIY projects spread out over several years. This dedicated, step-by-step approach has ultimately paid off, allowing us to create a personalized retreat perfect for summer enjoyment. We successfully replaced the old swimming pool liner, giving the pool a fresh, clean look that revitalized its entire appearance. The adjacent vinyl shed also received a major update, with a fresh coat of paint transforming its exterior and seamlessly integrating it into the refreshed backyard aesthetic.

One of the most impactful transformations was painting the concrete deck surrounding the pool, which instantly modernized the space and provided a cleaner, more inviting surface for lounging and play. To enhance our outdoor entertaining capabilities, we also added a modular outdoor kitchen, creating a convenient hub for poolside meals and gatherings. Each of these projects, tackled one at a time, contributed significantly to the overall stunning before-and-after transformation of our pool area.

To provide much-needed poolside shade, especially during the hot summer months, we constructed a beautiful DIY pergola cabana, adding both architectural interest and a comfortable retreat from the sun. We further enhanced the lounging and dining experience by incorporating outdoor sectional dining sets, which cleverly double as both comfortable lounge areas and practical patio dining spaces for meals al fresco. Recognizing the limited existing lighting in our backyard, we thoughtfully strung numerous string lights all over the area. These lights create a magical ambiance in the evenings, perfect for enjoying late-night swims and extending our outdoor enjoyment well into the night.

On the grassy side of our backyard, we undertook a major clearing project, removing copious amounts of snaky overgrowth and dense bushes. This effort was crucial for creating more expansive outdoor living space and providing ample room for the kids to run and play freely. The transformation from an unruly landscape to a well-defined, functional area was truly remarkable, significantly enhancing our family’s enjoyment of the outdoors.

To further diversify our outdoor amenities, we constructed a charming fire pit area, complete with a surrounding pea gravel zone for comfortable lounging, perfect for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows. We also built a fantastic DIY bocce ball court, ingeniously designed to convert into a horseshoe pit, offering versatile entertainment options for all ages. These additions have turned a previously underutilized area into a vibrant hub for recreation and relaxation, embodying our vision for a dynamic backyard.

Replacing the old, rotting wood fence with a new, pristine white fence made a massive visual and practical difference, instantly elevating the backyard’s aesthetic and enhancing privacy. In the side yard, we created a dedicated play area for the kids, featuring a playground and a trampoline, ensuring they have plenty of space for active outdoor fun. Over the years, our backyard parties have become even more enjoyable and memorable, thanks to these thoughtful enhancements. While it has undoubtedly been a journey of hard work and dedication, we are incredibly happy with how everything has come together, creating a beautiful and functional outdoor haven for our family and friends.

If you’re eager for more detailed information about any of the spaces in our home, you can explore all of our room reveals here. Each reveal includes comprehensive breakdowns of decor sources, furnishings, and step-by-step DIY tutorials, offering a wealth of inspiration and practical guidance.

We have absolutely no intention of moving anywhere anytime soon – or perhaps ever! – because we are so utterly in love with this house, especially after all the hard work, passion, and creativity we’ve poured into it. These before and after home tours never cease to amaze us each year, serving as a powerful celebration of every exhausting yet rewarding step along the way.

The “afters” are continually considered “progress” because I firmly believe in allowing a home to organically grow and change alongside us. Our needs evolve as the kids get older, and our family dynamics shift over time, and our home should reflect that journey. Here, we’re constantly making plenty of messes, embracing every moment, and navigating the non-picture-perfect days with joy. (Perhaps this calls for a “real life” messy home tour soon? It’s certainly overdue!).

There are still countless projects on the horizon for this house, as well as for friends’ and family members’ homes, and who knows where else our DIY adventures will take us. No matter where life’s journey leads, we are incredibly excited about what the next five years will bring, and we are profoundly thankful for each and every one of you who has been a part of this amazing journey with us.