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Our Home’s Two Year Evolution A Before and After Tour

Unveiling Our Home’s Two-Year DIY Transformation: A Modern Farmhouse Journey

Two exhilarating years! It feels simultaneously like a decade has passed and yet only yesterday since we first received the keys to our charming 1960 brick colonial. This house, a true testament to timeless architecture, captivated us from the start, despite my initial reservations. My husband, Robert, the adventurous spirit, had to gently coax me into embracing its potential, a familiar dance for us – he leaps, I consider all angles (you jump, I jump, right, Jack?).

My hesitation wasn’t due to a lack of beauty; this house possessed an undeniable charm even then. However, the prospect of an older home came with an inherent sense of risk. We had just left behind our three-year-old, builder-grade residence, a sanctuary of modern amenities where everything was predictably new and free from “surprises.” It was the sensible sedan of homes, reliable and straightforward, never leaving you with unexpected bills or roadside breakdowns.

Our 1960s colonial home's inviting front porch with summer decorations and string lights, showcasing the blend of modern and traditional styles.

This house, on the other hand, was more akin to a vintage Bel Air – brimming with character, albeit destined to require a few tweaks, tune-ups, and perhaps the occasional breakdown. Yet, we knew, deep down, it would be unequivocally worth every effort in the end. And it has been.

Our DIY journey hasn’t been without its share of trials. We’ve navigated home improvement fails, a week without hot water due to a water heater mishap, unwelcome encounters with critters like mice, spiders, and even snakes, roof leaks, and frustrating electrical snafus. There were moments of doubt, where we questioned our decision: “What have we truly gotten ourselves into?”

But then, there are the indelible memories: the joyful family reunions, the lively birthday pool parties, the heartwarming holiday dinners, the tranquil lazy Saturday mornings, the cheerful Friday playdates, and the leisurely Sunday strolls around our vibrant neighborhood. These moments serve as powerful reminders of why this place, our home, is worth every drop of sweat and every tear shed. It is undeniably our home, infused with our unique style, a harmonious blend of modern, traditional, and inviting farmhouse elements.

So, here we stand, two years into this incredible adventure, with countless more chapters yet to unfold. We still marvel at the fact that this beautiful space is ours, and our gratitude is boundless. Join us on a room-by-room tour of our transformation so far:

(For your convenience, some affiliate links to product sources are provided throughout, should you be inspired by our choices.)

Front Exterior Transformation: A Striking First Impression

Our home’s exterior now perfectly reflects the character within, thanks to a carefully planned transformation. The original brick, while classic, needed a fresh approach to align with our vision. The limewash treatment has given our 1960 colonial a stunning, aged aesthetic, enhancing its architectural details and creating an inviting curb appeal.

Before shot of our home's original brick exterior, showcasing its traditional colonial style.

After shot of our home's limewashed brick exterior, featuring a charming summer porch with string lights, enhancing its modern farmhouse appeal.

Delve into the comprehensive details of our brick limewash exterior makeover and its reveal here, where we share the process and products that brought this vision to life.

Foyer: Setting the Tone for Our Home

The foyer, often the first impression of a home, has been meticulously designed to reflect a serene yet stylish welcome. From its initial state, which felt somewhat dated, we envisioned a space that would bridge classic elegance with subtle modern touches.

Before shot of the foyer with traditional decor and warm lighting, awaiting its transformation.

After shot of our bright and airy foyer, featuring a wooden console table, decorative mirror, and potted plant, creating a welcoming entrance.

Close-up of the foyer's console table, featuring curated decorative items and botanical prints, highlighting the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

View from the foyer into the dining room, showcasing the open flow and harmonious color palette between the spaces.

The transformation involved a thoughtful selection of paint colors and carefully chosen decor that complement the home’s historic charm. The soft tones and classic furnishings create a sophisticated yet inviting entryway. Explore the full story of our foyer makeover here.

Foyer Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Dining Room: Elegance for Gatherings

Our dining room is a space designed for memorable meals and cherished gatherings. The goal was to create an atmosphere that feels both refined and comfortable, suitable for both formal occasions and casual family dinners. The initial state of the room, while functional, lacked the specific character and warmth we desired.

Before shot of the dining room with older furnishings and a neutral palette, awaiting its modern farmhouse refresh.

After shot of our dining room, featuring a large farmhouse table, modern chairs, and a striking chandelier, creating an elegant yet relaxed space.

Detailed view of the dining room's side buffet, styled with greenery and artwork, complementing the Kendall Charcoal walls.

Our budget-friendly approach focused on key elements that would make a significant impact. We introduced a striking color palette and curated decor pieces that seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern simplicity. Discover more about our dining room design choices and inspiration here.

Dining Room Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Kitchen: The Heart of Our Home Reimagined

The kitchen is, without a doubt, the bustling heart of our home. When we first moved in, the kitchen was functional but lacked the aesthetic appeal and contemporary efficiency we craved. Our vision was to create a bright, inviting, and highly practical space that would cater to family life while embodying our signature modern farmhouse style.

Before shot of our kitchen, featuring dated cabinetry and appliances, awaiting a modern budget refresh.

After shot of our refreshed kitchen, highlighting a light and airy design with painted cabinets, new hardware, and updated lighting.

Detailed view of the kitchen's lower cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams Billiard, contrasting beautifully with the upper white cabinets and subway tile backsplash.

Another perspective of the kitchen, showcasing the open shelving, decorative elements, and the seamless integration of modern and farmhouse styles.

A wide shot of the refreshed kitchen, emphasizing the bright wall color, stylish fixtures, and inviting atmosphere for cooking and gathering.

Our budget-conscious kitchen refresh focused on maximizing impact without a full overhaul. We opted for painted cabinets, updated hardware, and strategic styling to breathe new life into the space. The lower cabinets, painted in Sherwin Williams Billiard, introduce a sophisticated contrast, while the Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee walls maintain a bright and airy feel. Discover the complete details of our kitchen makeover here.

Kitchen Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Lower cabinet color: Sherwin Williams Billiard | Trim & upper cabinet color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Breakfast Nook: Casual Comfort and Charm

Adjacent to the kitchen, our breakfast nook provides a cozy and informal spot for morning coffee, family meals, and casual conversations. This space was designed to be bright, functional, and infused with Scandinavian-farmhouse charm, making it a beloved gathering point for our family.

Before shot of the breakfast nook, showing its original layout and decor before the Scandinavian-farmhouse transformation.

After shot of the bright breakfast nook, featuring a round dining table, minimalist chairs, and abundant natural light, creating a serene ambiance.

Close-up of the breakfast nook's corner, styled with a small bench, cozy pillows, and simple wall decor, enhancing its inviting feel.

The strategic use of lighting, comfortable seating, and minimalist decor has transformed this space into a harmonious extension of our kitchen. Read all about our breakfast nook and its journey to becoming one of our favorite spots.

Breakfast Nook Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Laundry Room: From Chore to Charm

The laundry room, often a purely utilitarian space, was one of our first targets for a creative overhaul. We wanted to elevate its functionality and aesthetics, turning a mundane chore area into a stylish and efficient part of our home. The initial room was unremarkable, lacking personality and practical organization.

Before shot of the plain laundry room with basic storage and white walls, prior to its high-contrast makeover.

After shot of the laundry room, featuring a striking vinyl patterned tile floor that adds a bold and stylish element.

Overview of the laundry room makeover, showcasing the new built-in shelving, organized storage, and the dark wall color.

Detailed view of the laundry room's organized shelves with stylish baskets and practical items, against the dark Slate Tile walls.

Before and after comparison of a laundry room corner, highlighting the dramatic change brought by new paint and decor.

The biggest impact came from the installation of a bold vinyl patterned tile floor and a dramatic color scheme. The rich Sherwin Williams Slate Tile walls provide a high-contrast backdrop, transforming the room into a vibrant and inspiring space for daily tasks. Get all the details of our laundry room makeover here.

Laundry Room Palette: Wall color: Sherwin Williams Slate Tile | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Powder Room: A Bold Statement in a Small Space

Our powder room offered a perfect opportunity to experiment with a more daring design. Often, small spaces allow for bolder choices, and we seized this chance to infuse personality and unexpected charm into what was once a very standard room. The original powder room was functional but entirely lacking in character.

Before shot of the powder room with plain walls and basic fixtures, awaiting its vibrant transformation.

After shot of the Aqua Meets Urban Powder Room, showcasing the unique beadboard color and stylish urban accents.

A square crop photo of the powder room, highlighting a decorative mirror and vanity area, perfectly blending Aqua and Urban styles.

Another view of the powder room, showing the elegant vanity, modern faucet, and how the colors complement each other.

We introduced beadboard painted in Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green, a refreshing and unexpected choice that adds depth and visual interest. Combined with sophisticated fixtures and artwork, the space now exudes an “Aqua Meets Urban” vibe. Find all the details of our powder room makeover here.

Powder Room Palette: Bead board color: Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Living Room: A Sanctuary of Style and Comfort

Our living room serves as a central hub for relaxation, entertainment, and cherished family time. The transformation of this space was driven by a desire to create an area that feels both invitingly cozy and elegantly styled, blending our love for modern, traditional, and farmhouse aesthetics. The room’s initial condition, while spacious, was a blank canvas awaiting our personal touch.

Before shot of the living room, showing its original layout and a neutral color scheme.

After shot of our living room, showcasing a harmonious blend of comfortable seating, stylish decor, and abundant natural light during a spring home tour.

Another perspective of the living room, highlighting the fireplace, built-in shelving, and curated art pieces that define the room's character.

Close-up of the spring mantel decor in the living room, featuring simple yet elegant accents that bring life to the space.

We carefully selected furniture and decor that contribute to both functionality and visual appeal. The soft wall color provides a serene backdrop, allowing decorative elements and textiles to add layers of texture and warmth. Learn more about the design and evolution of our living room here.

Living Room Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Playroom: Where Imagination Comes Alive

Creating a dedicated playroom was essential for our family, a space where creativity could flourish and fun could abound without encroaching on other living areas. Our goal was to design a bright, organized, and inspiring environment that was both practical for children and aesthetically pleasing. The initial room was underutilized and lacked the vibrant energy we envisioned.

Before shot of the empty and uninspired playroom space, waiting for its colorful and functional makeover.

After shot of the bright and organized playroom, featuring built-in shelving for toy storage and vibrant decor elements.

Wide view of the playroom showcasing a craft table, colorful seating, and various activity zones, designed for creative play.

Close-up of the playroom's built-in bookcase, filled with books and playful decor, emphasizing the Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow color.

Another detail shot of the playroom, focusing on a cozy reading nook and soft textures, encouraging comfort and imagination.

The playroom makeover involved clever storage solutions, durable furniture, and a playful color scheme, including a standout mantel and bookcase in Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow. This room is now a testament to thoughtful design that caters to both children’s needs and grown-up aesthetics. Explore the full details of our playroom makeover here.

Playroom Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Mantel / Bookcase color: Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow

Hallway: A Seamless Transition

Often overlooked, the hallway is a crucial transitional space that connects the various rooms of our home. Our objective was to transform this functional corridor into an inviting and cohesive part of our interior design, maintaining the flow and aesthetic established throughout the house. Initially, the hallway felt somewhat nondescript and lacked distinctive character.

Before shot of the long, narrow hallway with plain walls, showing its original, undecorated state.

After shot of the bright hallway, featuring architectural prints, a repurposed piano stool plant stand, and elegant light fixtures.

Another angle of the hallway, showcasing the subtle wall color and the cohesive design that connects different areas of the house.

Close-up of framed architectural printable art adorning the hallway walls, adding character and visual interest to the space.

With a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Classic Grey paint, carefully selected artwork, and thoughtful lighting, the hallway now feels bright, inviting, and effortlessly guides you through our home. Explore all the details of our hallway transformation and design inspiration.

Hallway Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Olivia’s Room: A Dreamy Butterfly Haven

Designing Olivia’s room was a joyful endeavor, aimed at creating a whimsical and comfortable sanctuary for our daughter. We wanted a space that reflected her personality while incorporating our signature blend of charming farmhouse and elegant traditional elements. The room’s original state was generic, lacking the personalized touch of a child’s imagination.

Before shot of Olivia's room, showing a basic setup with simple furniture and decor, prior to its butterfly-themed makeover.

After shot of Olivia's butterfly-themed little girl's bedroom, featuring soft pastel colors, whimsical wall decor, and cozy textiles.

Close-up of Olivia's bed area, adorned with butterfly garlands and soft bedding, creating a magical and comfortable sleeping space.

Another view of Olivia's room, showing a styled dresser with charming accessories and floral artwork, complementing the Behr My Sweetheart wall color.

The selection of Behr My Sweetheart for the walls created a soft, inviting backdrop, while playful butterfly accents and thoughtfully chosen furniture completed her dream room. Dive into all the enchanting details of Olivia’s room makeover here.

Olivia’s Room Palette: Wall color: Behr My Sweetheart | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Regan’s Nursery: A Serene Floral Escape

Designing Regan’s nursery was a labor of love, focusing on creating a serene, peaceful, and visually beautiful space for our newest family member. We envisioned a room that was both comforting for a baby and aesthetically pleasing for parents, blending soft textures with subtle floral elements. The room’s initial purpose was temporary, now fully dedicated to Regan.

Before shot of the room that would become Regan's nursery, showing its neutral state before the floral transformation.

After shot of Regan's white floral nursery, featuring a cozy crib, soft textiles, and delicate botanical wallpaper accents.

Detailed view of the nursery's changing station, styled with essentials, soft lighting, and gentle floral decor.

Another perspective of the floral nursery, showing a comfortable glider, thoughtful wall art, and the overall peaceful ambiance.

Close-up of nursery decor, including stuffed animals and framed prints, against the soft white walls.

Full view of the nursery, highlighting the delicate balance of white, soft grays, and natural wood tones for a tranquil environment.

With Magnolia Home True White walls and Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray on the door, the room feels bright yet grounded. Soft floral patterns and carefully chosen furniture create a gentle, inviting atmosphere. Discover all the inspiring details of Regan’s nursery makeover here.

Regan’s Nursery Palette: Wall color: Magnolia Home True White | Door color: Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

Kids’ Bathroom: Functional Style for Little Ones

The kids’ bathroom presented a unique challenge: how to create a space that is both highly functional and durable for children, yet stylish enough to blend seamlessly with our home’s overall aesthetic. Our budget-friendly refresh aimed to update the room significantly without a full renovation. The original bathroom was basic and needed a serious injection of personality and charm.

Before shot of the kids' bathroom, featuring older fixtures and a plain design, awaiting a vibrant refresh.

After shot of the refreshed kids' bathroom, showcasing a bold color on the vanity, updated mirror, and playful decor.

Another view of the kids' guest bathroom makeover, featuring bright white subway tiles, a new light fixture, and cohesive design elements.

By focusing on fresh paint, updated hardware, and a few strategic decor choices, we transformed this bathroom into a bright and cheerful space that delights our children and serves guests equally well. The Magnolia Home Weekend wall color adds a soothing touch, while the dark door creates a stylish contrast. Explore all the exciting details about our kids’ bathroom refresh here.

Kids’ Bathroom Palette: Wall color: Magnolia Home Weekend | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Master Bedroom: A Serene Retreat

Our master bedroom is designed to be a true sanctuary, a peaceful escape from the demands of daily life. The vision for this space was one of understated elegance and ultimate comfort, combining a minimalist aesthetic with warmth and inviting textures. When we first moved in, the bedroom was spacious but lacked the cohesive design and personal touches we desired.

Before shot of the master bedroom, showing an unadorned space with potential for a serene transformation.

After shot of the master bedroom, featuring a large upholstered headboard, soft bedding, and natural light, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Another view of the master bedroom, highlighting a stylish bench at the foot of the bed and framed art, enhancing the room's serene elegance.

The chosen paint color, Benjamin Moore Moonshine, provides a soft, calming foundation, complemented by the dark elegance of Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron on the door. Thoughtful decor, including plush textiles and personal touches, ensures this room is not only beautiful but also deeply relaxing. Discover more about the peaceful design of our master bedroom here.

Master Bedroom Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore Moonshine | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Master Bathroom: A Budget-Friendly Refresh

Our master bathroom, while functional, was in dire need of a style update. Instead of a full-scale renovation right away, we opted for a strategic budget refresh to maximize its potential with paint, new fixtures, and smart decor. The goal was to create a brighter, more cohesive, and spa-like atmosphere.

Before shot of the master bathroom, showcasing its dated vanity and fixtures before the budget refresh.

After shot of the master bathroom budget refresh, highlighting a new vanity color, updated hardware, and a cleaner aesthetic.

Another before perspective of the master bathroom, showing the shower area and floor tiles that would be revitalized.

Detailed view of the master bathroom's updated vanity, featuring fresh paint, modern faucets, and elegant lighting.

A corner of the master bathroom refresh, showcasing thoughtful towel placement, greenery, and the calming ambiance created.

The walls in Benjamin Moore White Dove provide a clean and bright foundation, while updated mirrors and lighting instantly modernized the space. This refresh demonstrates that significant impact can be achieved without breaking the bank. Uncover all the inspiring details of our master bathroom refresh here.

Master Bathroom Palette: Wall color: Benjamin Moore White Dove | Trim color: Benjamin Moore Simply White

Back Porch: Our Outdoor Oasis

Our back porch has been transformed into a delightful outdoor oasis, a perfect extension of our indoor living space for relaxation and entertaining. We wanted to create a welcoming environment that capitalized on our home’s exterior charm and provided a comfortable spot for enjoying the seasons. The porch, in its original state, was functional but lacked character and warmth.

Before shot of the back porch, showing its original state with basic features and no decorative elements.

After shot of the back porch, featuring comfortable outdoor seating, string lights, and potted plants, creating a cozy summer setting.

Detailed view of the summer back porch decor, including patterned pillows and a small outdoor table, adding color and texture.

Full view of the inviting back porch with modern farmhouse accents and ample seating for outdoor living and entertaining.

The “Haint Blue” ceiling, painted in Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, adds a traditional Southern charm, while comfortable outdoor furniture and ambient lighting create a relaxed atmosphere. This space now embodies the joy of outdoor living. Dive into all the details of our back porch here.

Back Porch Palette: Ceiling color: Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue | Trim color: Behr Ultra Pure White

Back Exterior: Complementing the Interior Charm

The back exterior of our home, much like the front, underwent a significant aesthetic upgrade to match the character and style we cultivated indoors. Our aim was to create a cohesive look that enhanced the outdoor living spaces and presented a polished image from every angle. The original back exterior was neat but lacked the distinct personality achieved through our DIY efforts.

Before shot of the back exterior of the house, showing its original landscaping and siding.

After shot of the back exterior, featuring improved landscaping and a view of the beautifully styled back porch.

A wider view of the back exterior, showcasing the overall coherence of the outdoor spaces, including the garden area.

What We Still Have to Tackle: Our Future DIY Horizons

Our home improvement journey is far from over. With each completed project, new dreams emerge, and our passion for enhancing this home continues to grow. Here’s a glimpse into the exciting transformations still awaiting our attention:

Office: Crafting a Dedicated Workspace

Our office space is slated for a significant overhaul, and we’re eagerly anticipating its transformation this summer. Currently, it serves as a functional area, but our vision is to create a truly inspiring and efficient workspace that aligns with the rest of our home’s aesthetic. We have a couple of massive renovations on our plate before we can fully dive into this one, but the plans are solid, and the progress is on the horizon!

Before shot of the office, showing its current state as a functional but unstyled room with potential.

Guest Bedroom: An Inviting Haven for Visitors

This room has seen a change of plans! Initially considered for Robert’s separate office, we’ve now decided to share a workspace and convert this area into a much-needed guest bedroom. With Regan occupying her beautiful nursery, having a comfortable and stylish space for visitors has become a priority. We’re contemplating a fall makeover, depending on our ambition and available time, to create a welcoming retreat for friends and family.

Before shot of the guest bedroom, featuring a neutral palette and basic furnishings, awaiting its transformation.

Pool and Pool Shed: The Ultimate Backyard Oasis

Our pool area is long overdue for a significant upgrade. The vinyl liner is nearing the end of its life, signaling the beginning of a major revitalization project. We have extensive plans to tackle the overgrown landscaping, replace the old fence, and transform the beige siding on the pool shed. Our grand vision includes converting the shed into a stylish outdoor bar and cabana area, creating the ultimate spot for summer entertaining. We’re taking this exciting project one step at a time, with significant progress expected in the coming months.

Before shot of the pool area, showing an older pool and beige pool shed surrounded by overgrown landscaping.

Backyard: A Landscape of Future Dreams

The backyard landscaping has been intentionally placed on the back burner as we prioritized the interior of our home. However, our dreams for this outdoor space are expansive. We plan to meticulously remove overgrown shrubs, install a new, more aesthetically pleasing fence, build a dedicated play area for the children, and potentially design a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings. This will likely be a multi-year project, but we are fully committed and ready for the exciting challenge of creating our ideal outdoor sanctuary.

Before shot of the backyard, illustrating its current state with mature trees and untouched landscaping.

Renovations Replacing Refreshes: Our Long-Term Vision

As we’ve mentioned throughout our journey, many of our initial makeovers were temporary refreshes, skillfully executed with paint and budget-friendly projects. These allowed us to live comfortably and beautifully while planning for larger, more comprehensive renovations. Our garage, for instance, requires a massive overhaul. We envision building a small addition to create a functional mudroom and an extra bathroom, conveniently accessible from the pool area. Furthermore, our master bathroom and kitchen are both earmarked for full gut jobs, allowing us to completely redesign their footprints to maximize every inch of space and enhance functionality. The longer we inhabit this home, the grander our dreams for it become. We often receive the question, “You’re almost out of rooms. Won’t you be ready to move soon?” To that, our emphatic answer is a resounding “nope!” We are nowhere near finished, as hard as that may be to believe, and our passion for this home and neighborhood grows stronger every day.

We are truly enamored with this house and its vibrant community, and we intend to cherish this gem for many years to come. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of you who have followed along, offered encouragement, and shared in our adventures. We are not professional designers or contractors; our transformations are fueled by pure passion and unwavering determination. It just goes to show that with a clear vision, hard work, and a heart full of inspiration, incredible things are possible.

Dream big. Work hard. And do more of what sets your soul on fire.

A decorative sign-off image, signifying the end of the home tour.