To understand where you are, take a moment to look back at how far you’ve come. I truly believe that whether it’s our home, our relationships, or our lives, progress—big and small—is worth acknowledging and celebrating.
That’s why each April, since we moved into this house in 2017, I share a before-and-in-progress home tour. Is there ever a real “after”? Not really. Homes evolve as we do, and the process never really ends. Still, it’s meaningful to pause and celebrate the journey.
When Robert and I purchased this 60-year-old house four years ago (Olivia was four at the time), we were excited and overwhelmed. We’d come from a new builder-grade house and had mostly tackled small cosmetic projects. Moving into an older home meant learning the hard way: replacing HVAC systems, repairing a collapsed sewer line, and replacing an old water heater. It hasn’t always been glamorous, but it’s been real—and we’ve grown through it.
We’ve made mistakes, learned tough lessons, and added another little girl along the way. We’re so thankful for every part of this story and for you following along. We’re far from finished, but here’s what the house looks like now and what we’ve accomplished room by room.
Exterior
Paint:
Limewashed brick: Romabio Bianco White | Trim: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters & doors: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- Limewashed brick makeover
- DIY front flower beds
- Stenciled porch floor
Foyer
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Thrifted chest makeover
- Gallery wall on the stairway
Office
Paint:
Walls & trim: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace | Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Built-in closets
- Converted bi-folds to French doors
- Work table makeover
- IKEA cabinet makeover
- Oversized art from a shower curtain
Dining Room
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White
Projects:
- Thrifted dining table makeover
- DIY retrofitted wood tabletop
- Grasscloth buffet makeover
- Mirror gallery wall
Kitchen
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Upper cabinets & trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Lower cabinets: Sherwin Williams Billiard Green
Projects:
- Pressed tin-style backsplash
- Painted lower cabinets
- Tile grout refresh
- DIY pantry from IKEA Hemnes
- Full kitchen organization tour
- Preserving and framing handwritten recipes
- DIY vent cover and command center
Breakfast Nook
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Ruggable review
- Thrifted vase makeover
- Spray-painted chandelier makeover
Laundry Room
Paint:
Walls: Sherwin Williams Slate Tile | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Peel-and-stick vinyl floor
- Laundry room organization ideas
- Free printable laundry room art
Living Room
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Limewashed brick fireplace
- DIY window seat
- Decorative chain from air-dry clay
- Samsung Frame TV review & printable art
Powder Room
Paint:
Beadboard: Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Beginner’s wallpaper guide
- Painted vanity to look like wood
- Dry-brushed black mirror makeover
Playroom
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Mantel & bookcase: Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow
Projects:
- Limewashed fireplace makeover
- Tips for painting French doors
- Built-in shelves with IKEA bookcases
- DIY storybook art
- Narnia-inspired reading nook from a thrifted wardrobe
Kids’ Bathroom
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Console table turned into a vanity
- Faux marble shower surround
- Bathroom and linen closet organization
- Personalized step stools
Olivia’s Bedroom
Paint:
Walls: Behr My Sweetheart | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
Projects:
- Wallpaper installation
- Homework station makeover
- Thrifted dollhouse makeover
Regan’s Nursery
Paint:
Walls & trim: Magnolia Home True White | Door: Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
Projects:
- Picture frame molding
- Refinished hardwood floors
- How to paint interior doors
- Applique IKEA dresser hack
Guest Bedroom
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove | Trim & door: Benjamin Moore Winter Gates
Projects:
- Cane headboard makeover
- Vintage writing desk makeover
- Pressed flower art
- Turning old frames into antique mirrors
Master Bathroom
Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White | Cabinets: custom matched (closest: Benjamin Moore Newburg Green)
Projects:
- Installing sheet vinyl over tile
- Bathroom vanity organization
- DIY leaf silhouette art
Master Closets
Projects:
- Master closet makeover using IKEA bookcases
- Our closet declutter process
Master Bedroom
Paint:
Walls: KILZ Rebel | Trim & door: Benjamin Moore Simply White
Projects:
- Grid molding focal wall
- Mirrored French closet doors
- Tips to make your bed fluffy on a budget
Garage Exterior
Paint:
Limewashed brick: Romabio Bianco White | Trim: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters & doors: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- Limewashed brick
- Front flower beds
- Motion-sensored garage lighting
Back Porch
Paint:
Limewashed brick: Romabio Bianco White | Trim: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters & doors: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- Haint Blue porch ceiling
- DIY faux outdoor fireplace
- Ways to keep mosquitos away
Back Porch Exterior
Paint:
Limewashed brick: Romabio Bianco White | Trim: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters & doors: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- DIY fire pit
- Outdoor curtains and screened porch
- Favorite wireless/solar lights
Backyard
Paint:
Limewashed brick: Romabio Bianco White | Trim: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters & doors: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- DIY fire pit
- Hidden backyard beer garden
- Backyard grading and shrub removal progress
Pool
Paint:
Pool shed: Sherwin Williams VinylSafe Pepper Shake | Trim & door: Behr Ultra Pure White | Shutters: Behr Cracked Pepper
Projects:
- How to paint vinyl siding
- Pool liner makeover
- Painted concrete pool deck and patio
We still have many projects ahead. This summer we hope to build an outdoor kitchen and pool cabana, stamp new concrete, replace the fence, convert the shed into a workshop, renovate the garage, and move Regan into a “big girl” bed. We’ll continue to help friends and family with makeovers, and one day we hope to renovate the kitchen and master bathroom more extensively.
Homes don’t happen overnight. Often the best parts of the journey come from the messy middle—or from the anticipation of seeing a vision finally come together. Our houses deserve to be loved through every before, in-progress, and eventual after.
There were seasons when we had barely enough for groceries and even lived in my parents’ spare room with a baby. I never imagined we’d be where we are now. It’s taken hard work, and there were moments I wondered what we’d gotten ourselves into. Time and again, God has shown us He had a plan—and this blog is a part of that plan.
We’re so grateful you’re here, for your encouraging messages, and for every comment along the way. I hope this tour helps or inspires you in some small way—because you make it possible.
