A complete before-and-after tour of two years of DIY home improvements and budget decorating—where modern, traditional, and farmhouse styles meet.
Two years in this 1960 brick colonial and it already feels like both a lifetime and a blink. When we first got the keys to this charming home, I was honestly intimidated. Robert, the spirited risk-taker, convinced me to go for it. I tend to be more cautious, but sometimes you need someone to nudge you toward the adventure.
It wasn’t that the house lacked character—it had plenty. But moving from a three-year-old builder-grade house meant trading predictability for potential surprises. We gave up modern convenience for vintage bones, and that felt risky. Think of it like swapping a dependable, basic sedan for a classic Bel Air: more personality, more quirks, and, yes, more work, but so worth it.
We’ve faced our share of challenges—home renovation fails, a week without hot water when the heater went out, roof leaks, pests, and electrical headaches. There were moments when we wondered what we’d gotten ourselves into. Yet the rewards have been just as real: family reunions, pool parties, holiday dinners, slow Saturday mornings, and neighborhood strolls. This house has become ours—worn, well-loved, and styled in our vision.
Two years later, we’re grateful every day. Below is a room-by-room tour of the improvements, refreshes, and projects we’ve completed so far, plus what’s still on our to-do list. If you’re curious about specific sources, a few affiliate links are available in the original posts—full disclosure is provided there.
Front Exterior
We transformed the brick with a limewash makeover that brightened the curb appeal while keeping the house’s original charm.
Foyer
The foyer got a fresh, welcoming update with paint and hardware choices that set the tone for the rest of the home. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey | Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White.
Dining Room
The dining room landed on a moody, elegant palette: Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal on the walls with crisp Simply White trim. The contrast adds depth while remaining classic.
Kitchen
We completed a budget-friendly kitchen refresh with new paint on cabinetry and hardware updates to modernize the space without a full gut. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee | Lower cabinets: Sherwin Williams Billiard | Upper cabinets and trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White.
Breakfast Nook
The cozy breakfast nook now flows with the kitchen updates and features the same warm neutrals—Swiss Coffee on the walls and Wrought Iron on the door to tie spaces together.
Laundry Room
High-contrast styling gives the laundry room personality and function. Wall color: Sherwin Williams Slate Tile | Door: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | Trim: Benjamin Moore Simply White.
Powder Room
A small room with a big statement—beadboard painted Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green paired with Wrought Iron doors keeps the powder room fresh and fun.
Living Room
Open and warm, the living room flows with neutral Swiss Coffee walls and bold accents in Wrought Iron to balance the farmhouse-traditional-modern mix.
Playroom
The playroom blends durability with design—Swiss Coffee walls, Wrought Iron doors, Simply White trim, and the mantel/bookcase painted Sherwin Williams Tree Swallow for a pop of color kids and adults both appreciate.
Hallway
Hallways set the flow of a home. We used Classic Grey on some walls and kept doors in Wrought Iron to create a cohesive, intentional look throughout.
Olivia’s Room
Sweet and playful, Olivia’s room uses Behr My Sweetheart on the walls with classic trim and accent colors to make it feel special and youthful.
Regan’s Nursery
The nursery stays light and serene—Magnolia Home True White on the walls with Coventry Gray on the door for a soft, calming contrast.
Kids’ Bathroom
Bright and cheerful updates in the kids’ bathroom use Magnolia Home Weekend to create a fresh, kid-friendly space.
Master Bedroom
Our master bedroom is calm and refined with Benjamin Moore Moonshine on the walls, Wrought Iron doors, and Simply White trim for a serene retreat.
Master Bathroom
The master bath received a budget refresh that brightened the room: Benjamin Moore White Dove on the walls with Simply White trim for a clean, spa-like feel.
Back Porch
A relaxed outdoor living area with Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue on the ceiling gives the porch classic Southern charm. We aim to make this space feel like an extension of our home.
Back Exterior
The back exterior improvements focused on tidying, trimming, and refreshing surfaces to complement our ongoing exterior updates.
What We Still Have to Tackle
Office
We hope to renovate our office this summer, but a couple of larger projects are ahead of it on the list. It’s a priority soon, though—stay tuned.
Guest Bedroom
Originally planned as a second office, this room will become our guest bedroom now that the nursery is occupied. A refresh here would be perfect for fall.
Pool, Pool Shed, and Backyard
The pool liner needs replacing, the pool shed’s siding could use an update, and the yard has overgrown shrubs that we’ll clear. Long-term plans include a new fence, a children’s play area, and possibly an outdoor bar or cabana conversion. Landscaping will be an ongoing multi-year project.
Renovations Replacing Refreshes
Many rooms have had temporary refreshes—mainly paint and budget updates—until we can take on larger renovations. Upcoming major projects include a garage overhaul, a small addition to create a mudroom and pool-accessible bathroom, and eventual full gut renovations for the master bathroom and kitchen to improve layouts and function.
People often ask if we’ll move once the rooms run out. Not a chance—we’re only getting started. The longer we live here, the bigger our renovation dreams become.
We love this home and the neighborhood, and we plan to keep improving and enjoying this place for years to come. Thank you for following along and encouraging us. We’re not professional designers or contractors—just passionate homeowners who work hard to bring a vision to life.
Dream big. Work hard. Do more of what fills your heart.
