5-Year Home Transformation: Before and After Tour

A before-and-after home tour of our brick Colonial five years after moving in, with recaps of countless DIY projects and decorating tutorials.

It’s hard to believe five years have already passed since we moved into this house. Some days progress feels slow—painting a door, swapping a light fixture, or finding a secondhand table—but those small updates add up to a dramatic transformation over time.

Life here is real and messy; our home is far from picture-perfect. Still, we’re proud of how much has changed and hopeful these projects inspire you to tackle your own.

limewashed brick front porch stoop on a colonial house with boxwood topiaries

Our Before and After Home Tour

We call this a before-and-after tour, but it’s more of an ongoing progress tour—this house is still evolving. When we moved into this brick Colonial in Rock Hill, South Carolina, our oldest was only four. Now our family, projects, and the blog have grown, and we’ve learned a lot about home improvement along the way.

Every small change has mattered: paint choices, lighting, secondhand furniture, and patient DIY work have created a home we love. Below are the highlights room by room, with paint colors and project notes to help you recreate similar results.

House Exterior

Before and After

white limewashed brick colonial house with black shutters and black doors and white vinyl fence

Paint Colors | Romabio Bianco White Limewash (brick) | Behr Cracked Pepper (doors, shutters, gutters) | Behr Ultra Pure White (trim)

Exterior Projects & Tips

How we limewashed the brick and refreshed curb appeal
Replacing a rotting wood fence with a low-maintenance white vinyl fence
Stone edging and simple landscaping to elevate foundation beds
Budget-friendly porch and entry upgrades

In our first year we dramatically changed the exterior with a Romabio limewash over orange brick, painted shutters and doors in a deep satin black, installed a white vinyl fence, and edged beds with stone. The result completely transformed curb appeal.

Foyer

Before and After

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (front door) | Romabio Blue Ridge Parkway (dining room visible from foyer)

Our foyer had very little natural light, so painting the warm yellow walls a bright Chantilly Lace opened the space immediately. We added a vintage-style glass light fixture, a family photo gallery wall, and a carved wood entry cabinet found on Facebook Marketplace. A strategically placed mirror bounces light and visually expands the entry.

before and after foyer front entryway and stairs with white walls and carved wood cabinet with ornate gold mirror

Future plans include painting the stair banister, updating balusters, and possibly adding a stair runner for cohesion and durability.

Home Office

Before and After

home office for two with work table and rolling arm chairs, white walls, navy blue storage cabinets, and black French doors

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (cabinets) | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls & trim) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (doors)

We turned a small, dim room into a functional two-person office by installing closets, French doors with frosted film, and navy-painted IKEA cabinets for stored décor and seasonal pieces. A large work table provides ample workspace for creative projects.

home office for two with work table and rolling arm chairs, white walls, navy blue storage cabinets, oversized art, and black French doors

Dining Room

Before and After

navy blue dining room with mural walls in picture frame molding, linen curtains, shaded chandelier, wood oval dining table, linen head chairs, and black dining chairs

Paint Colors | Romabio Blue Ridge Parkway (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (ceiling)

We transformed a neutral room into a dramatic dining space with deep navy paint, peel-and-stick murals within picture-frame molding, faux-linen curtains, and a leather-and-brass shaded chandelier. A durable indoor/outdoor rug keeps the room practical for family meals while retaining heirloom-quality furniture for timeless style.

Kitchen

Before and After

white and green kitchen cabinets with herringbone wood floors, brass faucet, brass pendant light, and brass hardware for cottagecore style

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

We refreshed the kitchen by painting the lower cabinets a deep green to coordinate with existing leathered granite. To simplify the backsplash, we installed pressed tin panels and added a floating herringbone LVP floor over the existing tile. An assembled IKEA Hemnes pantry complements storage and organization in a layout that anticipates a future full remodel.

family command center with calendar, memo board, and mail drop zone beside IKEA pantry cabinets

Breakfast Nook

Before and After

cottagecore breakfast nook with banquette, shaded chandelier, bifold French door, herringbone floor, and marble bistro table

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls) | Romabio Celtic Stone (doors) | Benjamin Moore Southern Vines (banquette)

We moved a door to improve flow, added a corner banquette found secondhand and painted to match, installed a frosted bifold French door to admit light, and continued the LVP herringbone floor. Simple built details—lattice battening and a repurposed IKEA countertop bistro table—made a cozy, functional nook.

Laundry Room

Before and After

navy blue laundry room with black and white moroccan peel and stick tile floors

Paint Colors | Sherwin Williams Slate Tile (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (ceiling & cabinets) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (door)

We swapped fluorescent lighting for a globe fixture, painted the walls a bold slate, and installed peel-and-stick Moroccan tile for a dramatic, budget-friendly update. A few decorative tweaks—framed printable art to hide the electrical box and tidy storage solutions—made a big difference.

Living Room

Before and After

white living room with limewashed brick fireplace, gold fandelier, white Pottery Barn sofas, leather recliners, art TV, and black French doors

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim & ceiling) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (doors & windows) | Romabio Avorio White Limewash (fireplace)

After many iterations, this is our favorite living room version. Warm Swiss Coffee paint layers beautifully with dark charcoal trim, a limewashed brick fireplace, and comfortable seating sourced secondhand or from Pottery Barn. A painted fandelier blends chandelier elegance with fan function.

Playroom

Before and After

white playroom with light blue mantel and toy storage cabinets, William Morris tapestry, and storage furniture

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (walls) | Romabio Carolina Sky (cabinets & mantel) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (doors)

The playroom moved from bright yellow to a calming Swiss Coffee base with painted toy cabinetry in Carolina Sky. We built storage from IKEA bookcases, created whimsical lighting from a repurposed mirror frame, and added a tapestry for a playful focal point. A Narnia-style reading nook from a thrifted armoire is a beloved hideaway for the kids.

Half Bath

Before and After

mint green beadboard in a half bath with black and white floral wallpaper, faux marble hexagon tile floor, and wood vanity

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green (beadboard) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (crown & ceiling) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (door)

The powder room remains a favorite—mint beadboard, dramatic black-and-white floral wallpaper, faux-marble hex tile, and a faux-wood-finished vanity create a cheerful, classic space. Brushed brass fixtures add warmth.

Hallway

Before and After

white hallway with black doors, vintage runner rug, brass light, and landscape art

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls & trim) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (doors)

Bright Chantilly Lace paint, a runner rug, thoughtfully placed art, and contrast trim make the upstairs hallway inviting. Small fixes—repairing the attic door and swapping an attic pull cord—have a noticeable impact.

Girls’ Bedrooms

Olivia’s Bedroom

Before and After

blush pink girl's room with cream rug, white homework desk, rattan bed, and boho decor

Paint Colors | Behr My Sweetheart (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim & ceiling)

Olivia’s room has evolved as she’s grown—ballet barre, homework desk, boho rattan headboard, and display areas for her collections. A butterfly kaleidoscope wallpaper and soft blush paint keep the room cozy and age-appropriate.

Regan’s Bedroom

Before and After

cottagecore girl's bedroom with blush pink ceiling, chinoiserie wallpaper, vintage twin beds, wood furniture, and picture frame molding

Paint Colors | Romabio Barefoot Dance (ceiling) | Magnolia Home True White (walls & trim) | Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (doors)

Regan’s room moved from nursery to a whimsical “big girl” bedroom with twin beds, a blush-painted ceiling, chinoiserie wallpaper framed with molding, and vintage-style furnishings sourced secondhand.

Guest Bedroom

Before and After

guest bedroom with blue curtains, bed in front of off center window, and oversized floral art painting

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (walls) | Benjamin Moore Winter Gates (trim) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (doors)

A small, awkwardly windowed guest room was made to work with full-width velvet curtains, a cane headboard placed to avoid blocking light, oversized art to visually enlarge the wall, and a secondhand desk that doubles as a vanity for guests.

Shared Bathroom

Before and After

gray, black and white bathroom with console table converted into a bathroom vanity, subway tile walls, and black and white retro tile floor

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (ceiling & trim) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (door)

This shared bath went from beige to a timeless remodel using retro hexagon floor tile, artisan-glazed subway walls, marble-look shower panels, and a repurposed console table turned vanity. Beaded mirrors, playful art, and tailored storage make it functional and kid-friendly.

Primary Bedroom

Before and After

black bedroom with white curtains, mirrored closet doors, ceiling fan, and upholstered wood bed

Paint Colors | KILZ Rebel (walls) | Benjamin Moore Simply White (trim, doors, ceiling)

We embraced dark drama in the primary bedroom with KILZ Rebel walls balanced by white trim, mirrored closet doors with antique mirror film, white velvet curtains, and a black-and-brass ceiling fan. Space-saving nightstands and wall-mounted lamps keep the layout functional while luxe bedding makes it cozy.

En Suite Bathroom

Before and After

white bathroom with marble shower and frameless glass shower door

Paint Colors | Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (walls, trim & ceiling) | Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (door)

An unexpected HVAC leak led to a full en suite renovation. We chose marble-look porcelain tile for durability, a real marble countertop for the scalloped backsplash, glossy white tile to reflect light, and frameless glass to visually enlarge the shower. Warm wood cabinetry and brass finishes balance the bright tile for a spa-like feel.

Home Gym Shed

Before and After

Home Gym Notes

Reinforced roof and vaulted ceiling for space
Faux brick paneling and a dark painted ceiling for drama
Secondhand mats and equipment to save budget
Large mirrors and retractable industrial fan for function

What was a storage shed became a full home gym: ceiling work, faux brick walls, black painted surfaces, secondhand floor mats, and thoughtful storage gave us a functional workout space on a budget.

Back Porch

Before and After

back porch after with mosquito net curtains, string lights, outdoor day bed, outdoor conversation set, and floral block outdoor rug

Paint Colors | Behr Ultra Pure White (trim & railings) | Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (ceiling)

This porch was a major selling point for us. We painted the ceiling a traditional “haint blue,” added a daybed, wicker conversation set, string lights, mosquito net curtains, and painted a floral-stencil outdoor rug. It’s now a favorite spot for mornings and evenings alike.

Swimming Pool

Before and After

Over time we replaced the pool liner, painted the shed and concrete deck, added a modular outdoor kitchen, built a DIY pergola cabana, and installed string lighting for evening ambiance. These layered DIY projects turned a basic yard into a backyard entertaining oasis.

Backyard

Before and After

limewashed brick house, backyard fire pit, bocce ball court, white fence, back porch, and string lights

Backyard Highlights

Clearing overgrown areas to create usable lawn and play zones
DIY fire pit with a pea gravel lounge area
DIY bocce ball court that doubles as a horseshoe pit
Replaced rotting fence and added playground and trampoline

We removed invasive overgrowth, installed a fire pit and bocce court, replaced the fence, and added play areas. It’s become a favorite place for family gatherings and backyard parties.

If you need more information about any room, see our room reveal posts for tutorials, decor sources, and furniture breakdowns.

We have no plans to move. This house is a work in progress we love—each “after” feeds into the next phase of projects. We’re still making messes, living in the moment, and learning as we go. Thanks for following along with us over these five years; we’re excited to see where the next five take us.

limewashed brick colonial house with solar spotlights

The “after” photos are really snapshots of ongoing progress. A home should evolve with the family who lives in it, and we’re grateful to share our imperfect, real-life journey—triumphs, lessons, and all.