Our New Home: Unveiling the Before & Our Renovation Vision
Last month, we shared the exciting news that we had successfully sold our previous home, marking the beginning of a brand-new chapter for our family. Today, the wait is over! We’re thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and give you a comprehensive first look at our newly purchased home. We officially closed on the property a few weeks ago, and ever since, we’ve been completely immersed in the wonderful chaos of renovations. This isn’t just a house; it’s a blank canvas, and we’re pouring our hearts and souls into transforming it into our dream home.
The upcoming weekend is monumental for us, packed with an ambitious agenda of renovation tasks. Our moving date hinges entirely on our progress, and while I’m trying to remain optimistic, I anticipate we’ll be settling in the week before, or perhaps even on, Labor Day weekend. The logistical dance of moving is already underway, and I’m actively seeking quotes from various moving companies. My hope is to secure a reasonable price, allowing me to persuade Jon to hire a professional team. This would enable us to manage the move efficiently during the weekday, while he’s at work, easing the burden considerably. Fingers crossed we find the perfect solution to make our relocation as smooth as possible!
As is typical for Sew Woodsy, we simply couldn’t move in without putting our unique stamp on the place. There are quite a few projects already in motion, and many more on the horizon. The photos you’re about to see were predominantly captured on my iPhone just before the keys were officially ours, offering a genuine “before” perspective. Prepare to embark on this renovation journey with us as we unveil each room and share our exciting plans for its transformation.
A Grand Welcome: The Exterior & Entryway First Impressions
One of the features that truly captured our hearts from the moment we saw this house was its incredibly spacious front porch. This isn’t just any porch; it’s a generous expanse that promises countless hours of relaxation and creative seasonal decorating. Our previous home also boasted a front porch, but it was never quite large enough to accommodate a porch swing – a long-standing dream of ours. Here, we envision eventually building a magnificent, custom-designed porch swing, perfect for lazy afternoons. And yes, I’m already brimming with ideas for decorating it for Halloween! This porch is set to become a focal point for curb appeal and family gatherings, evolving with the seasons and our personal style.
Stepping Inside: The Entryway & Formal Living Areas
Upon stepping through the front door, you’re greeted by the main entryway, which immediately sets the tone for the home’s potential. This initial view is a testament to the character of the house, offering both challenges and exciting opportunities for personalized design.
One particular feature in the entryway, a rather conspicuous built-in, didn’t quite resonate with us from the start. To be frank, it still doesn’t! We’re currently scratching our heads over its purpose and how to best utilize the space. My initial instinct, and a strong contender for future plans, was to remove it entirely and replace it with a much-needed coat closet. Practicality often trumps aesthetics, especially in a high-traffic area like an entryway. It’s worth noting that, as part of our immediate renovation efforts, all the existing tile and wood flooring in this area has already been meticulously removed, clearing the way for a fresh, cohesive look that will flow throughout the main living spaces.
Just as in our previous residence, the formal living room and dining room seamlessly connect off the entryway. This traditional layout offers distinct zones for entertaining and family meals, a feature we truly appreciate. We envision these spaces as areas for both formal gatherings and cozy family moments, blending elegance with comfort.
We are particularly excited to finally have a dedicated formal dining room in this house, a space that truly accommodates our entertaining needs. Our current dark wood table and matching hutch will find their temporary home here, serving us beautifully until Jon can channel his woodworking expertise into crafting a magnificent, large farmhouse table. Our goal is a table that comfortably seats eight, becoming the heart of countless family dinners and celebrations. This room is an embodiment of our vision for gracious living and creating lasting memories.
A design dilemma we’re currently pondering revolves around the existing decorative columns. To keep them or not to keep them – that is indeed the question! While they offer a sense of grandeur, their style doesn’t quite align with the more rustic and modern farmhouse aesthetic we’re aiming for throughout the home. For the time being, they’ll remain in place. However, I’ve already scouted some stunning rustic column designs online, and I’m hopeful we can eventually replace the current ones with a style that truly complements our vision, creating a more cohesive and welcoming flow.
Functional Spaces: Laundry & Master Suite
Next on our tour is the laundry room. While it’s certainly functional, it’s undeniably compact and lacks any fancy frills. The existing tile will stay for now, but rest assured, this tiny laundry room is on our long-term renovation list. We envision a complete makeover, bringing in new, stylish tile, smart storage solutions, and a fresh coat of paint to maximize its potential and make laundry days a little less of a chore. Even the smallest spaces deserve a touch of thoughtful design!
Welcome to our master bedroom, a sanctuary that feels noticeably larger than our previous one. A delightful feature here is the elegant tray ceiling, adding depth and architectural interest. High ceilings, in general, are a recurring theme throughout this house, contributing to an airy and expansive feel. You might notice a couch in the corner; the previous owners placed it there to block off the double doors that originally led to the ensuite room, as they were using that space as another bedroom. Our plan is to remove those doors entirely and install a beautiful barn door on our side, creating a seamless and stylish entrance to the master bathroom. The other side of that space? It’s destined to become Ryder’s brand new playroom, a place for imagination and endless fun!
Our master bathroom is impressively spacious, offering a luxurious escape. We’re particularly thrilled about the jetted garden tub – perfect for unwinding after a long day of renovations! Surprisingly, I don’t mind the existing tile in this room; it has a classic appeal that we can work with for now. It’s always a pleasant surprise when a “before” feature doesn’t immediately demand a complete overhaul!
While the bathroom boasts great size and features, one element I’m eager to update eventually is the gold-framed shower door. We plan to replace it with a more modern, neutral-colored option that aligns better with our evolving aesthetic. Beyond the main space, the master suite also includes a private toilet room and a walk-in closet that is notably larger than our previous one, providing ample storage and convenience. These subtle upgrades will transform an already great space into a truly personalized and serene master retreat.
Kids’ Quarters & Creative Hub: Hallway to the Back Bedrooms
This hallway serves as the conduit to the remaining bedrooms, and it’s already seen a dramatic change! We’ve bravely knocked down the wall to the left, a decision that has instantly made the house feel significantly more expansive and open. If you’re following our journey on Instagram, you’ve likely already witnessed this transformative moment. It’s incredible how removing a single wall can completely alter the flow and perception of space, making the home feel much larger and more inviting.
The very first room off this newly opened hallway is Ryder’s future playroom. I am beyond excited about this space and brimming with grand plans for its design! We envision a vibrant, engaging environment where imagination can run wild. Think custom built-ins for toy storage, a cozy reading nook, and perhaps a wall mural to spark creativity. This room is going to be a haven for Ryder, perfectly tailored to his interests and providing endless opportunities for fun and learning. It’s truly thrilling to design a space specifically for his joy and development.
Next up, Ryder is keenly inspecting what will become his new bathroom, primarily used by guests but conveniently located near his main spaces. I’m already mapping out a subtle yet impactful makeover for this bathroom within the next year. Our plans include removing the existing tile and giving the vanity a fresh coat of paint. We’ll also either frame out the current mirror for a more polished look or replace it entirely, perhaps with something more contemporary. And who knows, we might even upgrade the countertop on the vanity to something more durable and aesthetically pleasing! There are so many exciting options to consider to transform this functional space into a stylish and inviting guest bathroom.
And here is Ryder’s future bedroom. I absolutely adore the low windows in this room; they remind me of our old home and offer a unique charm. They allow for abundant natural light and provide a wonderful connection to the outdoors, even for a little one. I think Ryder is quite fond of his view too, often peeking out to see what’s happening outside. We envision this room becoming a cozy, playful, and serene space for him to grow, learn, and dream, integrating his personality with practical design elements.
This is it – my future craft room! I’ve claimed the largest of the three extra bedrooms for this vital space, a strategic move to ensure I won’t outgrow it too quickly, as has happened in the past. My craft room is more than just a place for hobbies; it’s where creativity flourishes, where projects come to life, and where I find my focus. I envision ample storage, a large workspace, and plenty of natural light to inspire countless crafting adventures. This room will be a dedicated sanctuary for all things creative, designed to be both highly functional and beautifully inspiring.
The Heart of the Home: Kitchen & Family Spaces
Next up, the kitchen – the true heart of any home, and a space where I have undeniably BIG plans! We’ve already made significant progress by removing the old backsplash, leaving it as plain drywall for now. This interim stage gives us a clean slate while we meticulously plan for the full remodeling project, which we anticipate undertaking more extensively in the winter months. While the footprint of this kitchen isn’t dramatically larger than our last one, the pantry is a substantial upgrade, offering much more storage – a definite plus for any home chef!
I’m incredibly excited to dive into painting all the kitchen cabinets this week. Eeeeek! It’s a massive undertaking, so please wish me luck! This initial painting project will dramatically brighten the space and set the stage for our long-term vision. Eventually, we plan to upgrade the countertops, replacing them with a more durable and modern material. We also intend to remove the existing high bar, which tends to chop up the space, and replace it with a counter-height bar. This will create a more open, connected, and inviting atmosphere, perfect for casual meals and entertaining. Our kitchen is truly on its way to becoming a functional and beautiful culinary hub.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a built-in drywall entertainment center once dominated the family room. This feature, while perhaps functional for previous owners, didn’t align with our open-concept vision or modern media needs. I’m happy to report that it has already been completely ripped out, opening up the space and providing much more flexibility for furniture arrangement and future design choices. Removing these dated built-ins is often one of the most satisfying first steps in a renovation, instantly making a room feel more contemporary and spacious.
This image offers a fantastic view from the family room, a central gathering spot for our family. Beyond its comfortable layout, we’re also fortunate to have an informal dining area integrated into this open space. This dual dining setup—both formal and informal—provides incredible versatility, allowing us to host everything from elegant dinner parties to casual weeknight meals. The family room itself is where we envision countless evenings of relaxation, movie nights, and quality time together, designed to be both inviting and highly functional for our active family.
The Ultimate Oasis: Our Backyard & Poolside Paradise
And now, for what many might consider the most magical feature of our entire new home: the swimming pool! Words can barely capture the excitement we feel about having this incredible outdoor oasis. Just look at that breathtaking view! Our property backs onto a tranquil pond, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop that instantly elevates the entire outdoor living experience. Every single time I step into the house and catch a glimpse of this view, I’m still filled with a sense of disbelief and immense gratitude. It truly is gorgeous, and the thought of spending endless summer days lounging by the pool, enjoying the peaceful scenery, fills us with anticipation. Despite having closed a few weeks ago, we’ve yet to take our first dip, but that inaugural swim is definitely high on our priority list!
Embarking on Our Home Transformation Journey
So there you have it – a comprehensive first look at our new home, presented in its “before” state. We’ve given you a glimpse into each room, shared our initial impressions, and laid out the exciting plans we have for its transformation. This is more than just a renovation project; it’s a journey of creating a space that truly reflects our family, our style, and our dreams. We are beyond excited to bring you along for every step, from the demolition dust to the final decorative touches.
Stay tuned for regular updates as we tackle each room, making thoughtful design choices and bringing our vision to life. We can’t wait to share the progress, the challenges, and especially the dramatic “before and after” reveals as we work tirelessly to turn this house into our cherished home. Your support and excitement mean the world to us as we embark on this incredible home transformation adventure!