As the final week of closing on our new house unfolds, a whirlwind of emotions fills our days. There’s an undeniable buzz of excitement for the blank canvas that awaits us, but also a tender nostalgia for the cherished home we’re leaving behind. For years, we’ve documented countless DIY projects and home transformations on this blog, yet, remarkably, we’ve never shared a comprehensive home tour of our former residence. We touched upon it once in a home story with Homes.com, but never the full, intimate reveal. It feels like the perfect time to give this special house the farewell it deserves, offering a final look at the spaces where countless memories were forged, projects brought to life, and dreams nurtured over six wonderful years. Consider this a grand finale for our old abode before we embark on an exciting new chapter, ready to infuse our unique style and passion for renovation into our next dwelling. Because for us, a house is never just a house—it’s an evolving masterpiece.
Our journey with this home began six years ago. The exterior, as you see it now, reflects the care and vision we poured into it. While its core structure remained similar to when we first purchased it, we immediately set about making it our own. One of our first major outdoor projects involved a complete landscape overhaul, where we meticulously ripped out overgrown trees and meticulously replanted, crafting a more inviting and tailored curb appeal. Approximately two years ago, we gave the entire house a fresh coat of paint, a transformation that instantly breathed new life into its facade, making it feel brand new and vibrant once more. These exterior enhancements were not just about aesthetics; they were about creating a welcoming first impression and a true reflection of our evolving style, enhancing the charm and value of our beloved family home.
Venturing into the garage reveals a space that, while often a hive of activity and creative chaos, was already significantly decluttered for these photos! It’s funny how a “messy” garage for us was still half the size it typically was. As avid DIY enthusiasts, the garage frequently served as our workshop, storage area, and project staging ground. It was here that many of our home renovation ideas first took shape. Lessons learned from managing this busy space will undoubtedly inform our plans for the new house. Our ultimate goal for our next home is to design and build an even more organized, functional, and inspiring workshop and garage area, capable of supporting our ambitious future projects with greater ease and efficiency. This commitment to a better workspace reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and our passion for hands-on home transformation.
Stepping inside our former home, this was the captivating view that greeted visitors. The entryway flowed seamlessly into a versatile front room, which, for a significant period, proudly housed my brother-in-law’s pool table. He had moved into a smaller space, and we happily offered it a temporary home. Despite its large presence, the room still felt welcoming and provided a unique recreational element to our living space. We also appreciated the generously sized coat closet nestled within the entryway, a practical feature that managed to accommodate an impressive collection of outerwear – more than one might expect for residents of sunny Florida! The timing was perfect, as my brother-in-law fortunately found a larger home a few months before we decided to sell. This allowed us to return the pool table to its rightful owner just before Ryder’s birthday party, creating an interesting “before and after” dynamic for this space, which we’ll show you next.
And here’s the same space, transformed! This image captures the formal living room and entryway after the departure of the pool table. The difference was remarkable. The room instantly gained an immense sense of open space and elegance, ready to be repurposed for more formal gatherings or as a tranquil reading nook. It highlighted the incredible versatility of this area, demonstrating how removing a single large item could dramatically alter the entire feel and functionality of a room. This transformation underscored a valuable lesson in interior design: sometimes, less is truly more, especially when aiming to maximize perceived space and flow. It was a wonderful change just in time for showcasing the home to potential buyers, allowing them to envision their own possibilities within its spacious confines.
As you can see from these side-by-side glimpses, the room truly served two distinct purposes. With the pool table, it was a lively hub for entertainment and friendly competition, exuding a playful yet sophisticated vibe. The sheer size of the room accommodated the table comfortably, creating a dedicated game area without feeling cramped. However, once the pool table was relocated, the transformation was nothing short of dramatic. The absence of the table unveiled an expansive formal living room, appearing even more vast and elegant than before. This versatility was one of the many features we loved about this house, allowing us to adapt spaces as our needs and preferences evolved. It’s a testament to good home design that a single room could feel so complete and purposeful in two very different configurations, showcasing its potential for diverse lifestyles.
Passing through the elegant archway from the formal living area, you entered the heart of our home: a beautifully integrated main room featuring an informal living area, a cozy dining space, and our meticulously finished kitchen. This expansive open-concept floor plan was a dream, fostering connection and allowing for seamless flow between daily activities and entertaining. Our kitchen, in particular, was a labor of love and a true highlight. I’m genuinely saddened that I never managed to fully document its transformation in detail for the blog – pregnancy, as many can attest, often brings unexpected shifts in priorities! Nevertheless, we poured our hearts into making this kitchen uniquely ours, from the custom finishes to the thoughtful layout. It became a central gathering point, a place for culinary experiments, family meals, and late-night conversations. We sincerely hope the new owners find as much joy and functionality in this space as we did, cherishing every moment spent within its warm and inviting confines.
Here’s a closer look at our custom kitchen island, a piece we were particularly proud of. It featured a beautiful butcher block top, providing both a warm aesthetic and a highly functional surface for meal prep and casual dining. What made it even more special was the integrated bookcase on one side, a smart design choice that added character and practical storage for cookbooks or decorative items. This island wasn’t just a workspace; it was a central hub for family activity, from quick breakfasts to homework sessions and lively discussions. The butcher block added a rustic yet refined touch, perfectly complementing the overall design of our kitchen and enhancing its welcoming appeal. This detail exemplifies the thoughtful approach we took to every element of our home’s design, aiming for both beauty and utility.
Adjacent to the kitchen and seamlessly integrated into the open floor plan was our informal dining room. This space served as the backdrop for countless family dinners, holiday celebrations, and everyday moments. Designed for comfort and connection, it perfectly complemented the bustling energy of the kitchen while maintaining its own distinct, inviting atmosphere. The natural light that streamed in enhanced its warmth, making it a pleasant spot for both casual meals and more festive gatherings. The simplicity of its design allowed the focus to remain on the people gathered around the table, a testament to our belief that a home should facilitate connection and cherished memories above all else. This dining area truly embodied the spirit of togetherness we cultivated in our home.
From the vantage point of the kitchen, you could truly appreciate the expansive and inviting informal living room. This perspective underscored the genius of the open-concept design, allowing us to cook, entertain, and relax all within the same interconnected space. It meant that even when preparing meals, we were never truly separated from the conversations and activities happening in the living area. This layout was perfect for our family, facilitating a constant sense of togetherness and making everyday interactions feel more connected. The seamless flow encouraged easy movement and created a bright, airy atmosphere that was always welcoming, whether for a quiet evening at home or a lively gathering with friends. It was truly the hub of our daily life.
This older photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of our living room, capturing its look from many years ago, specifically around 2010. It showcases the bold painted stripes that adorned the walls for several years, a design choice that brought a distinct character to the space. After a period with the stripes, we transitioned to a vibrant green – unfortunately, a photograph of that phase eludes us! However, at the beginning of the year, as we prepared to list the house for sale, we made the conscious decision to return the walls to a more neutral and universally appealing beige. This final paint job refreshed the room and allowed potential buyers to more easily envision their own decor and style within the space, effectively presenting a versatile canvas for a new family. It’s a great example of how a room can transform over time to meet changing needs and tastes, from bold personal expression to a refined, market-ready aesthetic.
From the laundry room, which cleverly doubled as our guest bathroom, you could catch another perspective of the expansive living area. This efficient use of space was incredibly practical, particularly for a busy family. Our laundry closet, though compact, was highly functional. Before listing the house, we embarked on a major cleaning and decluttering mission, ensuring it presented its best, most organized self. We streamlined everything down to the bare essentials, maximizing the perception of space and tidiness. This detailed preparation was crucial for showing the home, as it allowed prospective buyers to see the potential for effortless organization even in these highly utilitarian areas. It’s amazing what a thorough clean-out and mindful arrangement can do to enhance the appeal of a practical space.
As mentioned, before we officially put our house on the market, we undertook a rigorous cleaning and decluttering of our laundry closet. The goal was to present an incredibly tidy and streamlined space, demonstrating efficient organization even in the most practical areas of the home. We stripped it down to just the bare essentials, ensuring that every item had its designated place and that the area felt spacious and airy. This meticulous preparation paid off, as it helped potential buyers envision a home where every corner was thoughtfully managed and easy to maintain. It’s a small detail, but these touches collectively contributed to the overall impression of a well-cared-for and ready-to-move-in residence.
Next on our home tour is a peek into our inviting guest bathroom. This was another space that benefited from a thoughtful DIY touch. Years ago, we gave it a charming mini makeover, transforming it from a standard builder-grade bathroom into a more personalized and stylish retreat for our visitors. Every detail, from the color palette to the functional fixtures, was chosen to create a refreshing and comfortable experience. If you’re curious about specific elements, like the unique bathroom art, we’ve actually shared a full tutorial on how to recreate it. These smaller projects demonstrate how impactful simple updates can be in elevating a space without a full-scale renovation, proving that even a guest bathroom can reflect a home’s overall character and attention to detail. It’s a testament to the power of creative DIY in enhancing every corner of your home.
Moving along to one of my favorite creative sanctuaries: my craft room. This space was truly an extension of my passion, a dedicated area where ideas came to life, projects took shape, and inspiration flowed freely. It was meticulously organized to house a vast array of supplies, tools, and materials, making it both functional and inspiring. From sewing to painting, scrapbooking to various DIY endeavors, this room saw countless hours of focused creativity. It was here that many of the projects featured on our blog were conceived and brought to fruition. For those eager to delve deeper into its design and organization, you can find the full tour of my craft room here, offering a comprehensive look at how I maximized its potential and created an environment conducive to artistic expression. It was a space I will truly miss, a testament to the importance of having a dedicated area for one’s hobbies.
Next, we open the door to a very special room filled with warmth and tender memories: Ryder’s Nursery. This charming space was designed with love, creating a serene and imaginative environment for our little one. We opted for an adorable whale-inspired theme, incorporating soft blues, grays, and playful oceanic elements that made the room feel both calming and engaging. Every detail, from the wall art to the custom bedding, was carefully selected to nurture a sense of wonder and comfort. It was a joy to watch Ryder grow and explore in this room, a place where many firsts unfolded. For those interested in the full design journey and a closer look at all the delightful details, you can explore more photos and discover links to the complete whale-inspired nursery here. It’s a space that truly encapsulates the magic of those early years and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Venturing across the house, past the dining room, you would find our master bedroom—a private sanctuary designed for comfort and tranquility. It was perfectly sized, offering ample space without ever feeling overly large or cavernous. Instead, it struck that ideal balance of being spacious enough to feel luxurious yet cozy enough to provide a true retreat from the day’s hustle. We meticulously designed this room to be a peaceful haven, incorporating elements that promoted relaxation and personal rejuvenation. It was a space where we could unwind, recharge, and enjoy quiet moments. The careful arrangement of furniture and the thoughtful color palette contributed to an atmosphere of calm, making it a beloved corner of our home where we always felt perfectly at ease.
From the opposite side of the master bedroom, this view reveals the entrance to our master closet. While not sprawling or excessively luxurious, our closet was incredibly functional and well-organized, serving its purpose efficiently. We ensured it had sufficient storage solutions to keep everything tidy and accessible, making morning routines a breeze. It’s a prime example of how thoughtful planning can make even a practical space highly effective. Adjacent to the closet, our master bathroom offered its own set of charming enhancements. We took pride in adding custom touches, such as framing out the window to give it a more finished and elegant look. Additionally, we added custom molding to the builder’s grade mirror, a simple yet impactful DIY project that instantly elevated the bathroom’s aesthetic. These small, deliberate updates truly personalized the space and showcased our knack for transforming everyday elements into something special, enhancing both the style and value of our master suite.
Here’s a clear shot of our master bathroom, a space where functionality met subtle style. As mentioned, it wasn’t about extravagant luxury, but rather smart, DIY-driven upgrades that made a significant difference. We channeled our creative energy into enhancing existing features, transforming basic builder elements into custom details. Notably, we framed out the window, adding architectural interest and a polished finish that truly elevated the room’s aesthetic. This simple yet effective project made the window feel more substantial and integrated. Furthermore, we took a standard builder’s grade mirror and gave it a custom look by adding decorative molding. These thoughtful touches not only enhanced the visual appeal of the bathroom but also added value, demonstrating how accessible and impactful DIY home improvements can be for personalizing and upgrading a space without a complete overhaul.
Stepping out onto our porch, this was the inviting vista that stretched out before us into our backyard. It truly felt like an extension of our living space, meticulously designed to be our personal outdoor sanctuary. From this perspective, you could appreciate the thoughtful landscaping and the key features that made our backyard so special, including the relaxing hot tub and the charming fireplace. We poured considerable effort into transforming this outdoor area into a functional and beautiful retreat, perfect for both quiet evenings and lively entertainment. It was a place where we could unwind under the stars, gather around a crackling fire, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature. Every element was chosen to create an atmosphere of comfort and escape, ensuring that our backyard was as much a part of our home’s character as its interior rooms.
Our backyard underwent several iterations of landscaping, and one memorable feature was the natural log pathway we initially installed. These unique wood stepping “stones” added a rustic charm and defined the walkways through our garden. However, as we prepared the house for sale, we decided to update this feature to a more universally appealing and low-maintenance option. We carefully removed the log pathway and replaced it with a fresh application of dark mulch. This change streamlined the landscaping, giving the backyard a cleaner, more contemporary look that highlighted the lush greenery and other features. It was a practical decision that enhanced the overall aesthetic for prospective buyers, demonstrating our commitment to presenting the home in its best possible light, from the interior to every corner of the exterior.
One of the most significant DIY projects in our backyard was the transformation of our hot tub area. When we acquired the hot tub, it was essentially a shell, a blank canvas waiting for our creative touch. It was Jon who took on the impressive task of building up its surround, meticulously crafting a custom structure that integrated it seamlessly into the landscape. This project was a testament to his skill and vision, turning a standalone unit into a luxurious, built-in feature that became a focal point of our outdoor oasis. The result was a stunning, cohesive design that enhanced both the aesthetics and functionality of our backyard. Before selling the house, we made sure to retain the sturdy and beautifully constructed frame, knowing that its craftsmanship was a key selling point and a source of great pride for us. This built-in hot tub truly elevated our backyard, providing countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment for our family and friends.
And finally, a comprehensive view of the back of the house, showcasing the full extent of our cherished outdoor space. This entire area was more than just a backyard; it was our tranquil oasis, a place where we unwound, entertained, and created countless beautiful memories under the Florida sun. From the meticulously designed hot tub area to the inviting seating zones and thoughtful landscaping, every element contributed to a sense of peace and relaxation. While I’ll deeply miss this personal sanctuary and all the joy it brought us, the excitement for our new home is palpable. We are incredibly eager to close on our new property and begin a fresh chapter, bringing our passion for DIY and home transformation to a brand-new canvas. This farewell tour is a celebration of our old home and the amazing journey it represents, as we look forward to sharing every step of our next adventure with you all.