interiors & styling

Total Renovation Recap

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comToday we closed on a new house to renovate and are saying goodbye to our current home. Moving is always bittersweet for me. There is so much to look forward to, but there are also many memories and love attached to a home that are left behind. It always takes me a few weeks to adjust. In saying goodbye to this home, I wanted to recap the total renovation. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this place the past two and a half years. I hope it shows and I hope the next homeowners enjoy it as much as we have. Get ready for a long, heartfelt post with tons of crazy transformations!

I’ll start by saying, if you’re wondering about sources throughout this post, find them all here. I get TONS of questions about where things are from- and this page contains all of them!

I’m just going to share a bunch of before & after images and project lists for every room, so you can journey back in time if you wish to see the progress or save any specific DIY projects. You can also catch the renovation tour before we touched it in this post!

ENTRYWAY

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comPretty much immediately upon moving in, we replaced the front door, hardware, mailbox, house numbers, doormat, porch light, and added a planter. It made all the difference in terms of curb appeal! Here’s the view from the inside…

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comIt’s amazing what a new door will do for a home! If you’re interested, check out the following entryway projects:


LIVING ROOM

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comIn the living room, the biggest impact was replacing the window and reworking the fireplace. We also added built-ins, lots of millwork, and updated the lighting.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comCheck out the following living room projects:


HALLWAY

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comI knew I wanted to do something bold in the hallway. I had the idea to wallpaper the ceiling and color block the entire space. We also swapped the existing light fixture, added two more lights, replaced the doors, installed millwork, updated the doors, hardware, and rolled out a runner. The linen closet also got a total overhaul.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comHere are the hallway posts- there are some really good ones:


GUEST ROOM

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe guest room was the very first space we tackled in the house. We have lots of visitors and house guests, and this room was relatively “easy” in comparison to the rest of the house. We replaced the windows, doors, added millwork, installed window treatments, bedside sconces, and worked in a custom closet.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comIf you’re intrigued, check out the following guest room projects:


BATHROOM

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThis is our one and only bathroom in the house… for all of the years we’ve been married (even at our old house), we’ve shared a single bathroom. Spoiler alert- that changes tomorrow once we’re moved in! I digress… the bathroom was a total overhaul- we took that baby down to the studs and even replaced the floor joists. We installed tile, had the tub refinished, added a new vanity, toilet, gorgeous plumbing fixtures, and a medicine cabinet. I also used some design trickery to make the ceiling look much taller than it actually is. I painted the ceiling black, installed a ceiling mount shower curtain, and ran the carrara subway tile vertically instead of horizontally.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comQuite the difference, right? Here are all of the bathroom projects:


OFFICE

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe office was the very last room in the house we completed, and Emmett has promised me it will be different this time around. I have never been so productive! I work A LOT (7 days a week), so to say I have appreciated this space is the understatement of the year. This room got new windows, doors, hardware, millwork, updated lighting, a closet update, and my favorite- gorgeous built-ins.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comClick through the following office projects:


MASTER BEDROOM

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comI remember the day we finished the master bedroom. At bedtime that night, Emmett and I fell asleep talking about how happy we were with the space. The room got new windows, window treatments, a new ceiling fan, millwork, bedside sconces, and both closets were updated. I still love our vintage ski gallery wall- that will definitely reappear in our next home!

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comHere are the projects for the master bedroom- I loved reminiscing these:


KITCHEN

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe kitchen renovation was definitely a labor of love. We lived with the original kitchen for a year before beginning our laborious six month kitchen reno. I will say- it was all worth it in the end! We added custom cabinetry, a carrara marble mosaic backsplash, gorgeous patterned floor tile, soapstone countertops, a farmhouse sink, a smart faucet with matching pot fillers, new windows, window treatments, new appliances, and totally reworked the lighting.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThere is SO much good kitchen content and DIY posts. Find the kitchen projects below:


BREAKFAST NOOK

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comMuch like the kitchen, the breakfast nook received an overhaul. We added a custom banquette with plenty of closed storage, centered a new light over the dining table, swapped the window, added a bunch of millwork, installed a coffee bar, giant bar cabinets, and created a cozy nook to share meals. It’s one of my favorite spots in the house.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comCheck out the breakfast nook posts:


LAUNDRY ROOM

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe laundry room received new tile to compliment the kitchen, custom cabinetry, new laundry units, updated lighting, a new exterior door, millwork, an integrated dog kennel (which can also be used for closed storage by swapping the cabinet doors), and a custom outdoor rug.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comSee the laundry room projects below:


CARPORT

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe carport was another one of my crazy ideas. The space wasn’t very useful for us and we love entertaining, so I decided to convert it to a veranda or outdoor dining space. This space actually ended up getting a ton of use! We didn’t do much other than paint, and clean up the area, but it made a huge difference.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comI swear by black paint in an exterior setting. These are the carport / veranda projects:


BACKYARD

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comThe backyard was certainly the most challenging project we tackled. It took two month of blood, sweat, and tears, smack dab in the middle of a hot Utah summer. We added dirt to level the yard, a privacy fence, installed a paver patio, pergola, landscaping, smart sprinkler system, and even built a custom outdoor concrete sofa. I wish I had better before images upon moving in, but I guess my focus at that point in time was on the interior.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comYou’ll definitely want to check out the backyard projects- there are so many good DIY posts to save. It’s the spot I’m most proud of:


EXTERIOR

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comIn addition to replacing every single window and exterior door, we tackled some odd areas on the outside of the home… like the “side yard”. We made it look a lot better and it’s much more functional. We also added curb appeal with window flower boxes and updated exterior lighting.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comLastly, here are all of the exterior projects:

Well, if you stuck around to the very end of the post- THANK YOU! I hope the farewell tour did this home justice. I also have to say how thankful I am to be on this journey with Emmett. We support each other’s crazy ideas and in the end- our dreams come to fruition. He has grown leaps and bounds as a carpenter throughout this renovation. I can’t wait to see our skillset evolve in our next home.

Total Renovation Recap - roomfortuesday.comMy mom and step dad just arrived this morning and although we didn’t know our closing date at the time they booked their flights, it looks like they’ll be helping us move tomorrow. They’re actually pretty excited because that means they get to see both houses while they’re here- and of course, we’re thankful to have extra helping hands. I’ll share the new house in a blog post later this week, and as always- you can follow behind the scenes on Instagram as we move.

To our Millcreek rambler, you’ve been a delight. There were challenges, many mountains to climb, and hurdles to cross, but I hope we’ve restored you to your former glory- and then some. Every house deserves to be loved and taken care of.

Some of you were wondering if it’s difficult to leave? As I previously mentioned, it’s bittersweet. I wear a necklace with coordinates for each home we’ve renovated and they all hold a special place in my heart. Thank YOU for following our renovation journey these past couple years… I hope you’ll be just as excited to follow along on the next? And if you’ve been following since our Ohio home- giant thank you for sticking around! I can’t tell you how much it means. Stay tuned for lots of tours coming soon! We are VERY excited for the next chapter. 

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33 Comments

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    November 27, 2018 at 4:07 am

    Wonderful recap post! Congratulations! I love your work and vision. I look forward to seeing what you and Emmett have in store with your new home! Thanks so much for all the photos and detail you include in your posts.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:32 am

      Thank you so much Rebecca! I really appreciate you following along :) xox

  • Reply
    Peggi
    November 27, 2018 at 4:22 am

    A special and fitting recap! Your skill, style and loving attention shines in every space; who could pick a favorite? Here’s wishing you a smooth moving day and bon voyage on your next adventure! I’m excited to follow along!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:33 am

      Thank you Peggi! Your comment made my day :) can’t wait to give you a tour of the new place soon!

  • Reply
    Sally
    November 27, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Lovely roundup – you guys have achieved SO much! I’m looking forward to having a good virtual nose-around your new house! I just wish that I could find a house to buy that’s as well done as yours 😩

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:34 am

      Thank you so much Sally! House hunting is tough… hang in there! Or buy a place you can make amazing? Can’t wait to share the tour as soon as we get the keys! xo

  • Reply
    Kathy
    November 27, 2018 at 5:59 am

    The people who buy your home are very lucky! Cannot wait for the next one!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:34 am

      Thank you Kathy! I hope they love it :) xo

  • Reply
    Karen
    November 27, 2018 at 6:29 am

    How exciting! Bittersweet as well. You two must be so proud, you certainly improved this home greatly, in condition and style. I can’t believe the impact from all your millwork – makes me think my long, 1978 hallway with thin door trim galore has hope! Can’t wait to see the next reno chapter, and I’m glad to be here for the ride!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Definitely bittersweet! Millwork makes the biggest difference- I swear by it. Thanks for following along Karen- it means so much! xo

  • Reply
    Anne
    November 27, 2018 at 9:12 am

    Eeek! So excited for you (and me, hehe)! Congratulations!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Yay!!! Thank you Anne :)

  • Reply
    Monica
    November 27, 2018 at 11:49 am

    The work the 2 of you do, is just so amazing! I could not begin to pick a favorite room…they are all just so good!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you so much Monica! xo

  • Reply
    Danna
    November 27, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    You are both a very talented couple! Sarah, every room is beautiful and well done! Wish I lived in Utah so I could purchase this one! Waiting patiently for the new fixer upper.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you Danna! Best compliments ever…. your fixer upper will be worth the wait :) xo

  • Reply
    Michele
    November 27, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    I love your before and after pictures. As always your personal style and creative diy’s are so original, I like that your stay on point with your style and are not a copycat.
    Congratulations to you both, can’t wait to see what you have coming up next!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      That has always been my goal- originality! So happy that it shows :) Thank you for following along Michele! xo

  • Reply
    Brittany
    November 27, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    I love following along and seeing your projects, as well as gaining inspiration for our own reno! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see the new one! Xo!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      Thank you Brittany!! I can’t wait to share the house and the first project :)

  • Reply
    Angie Ortgea
    November 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing your journey to making a house a home… I find you so helpful at this this time in my life. Looking forward to to what comes next on your new projects. Best wishes for moving day.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 27, 2018 at 4:33 pm

      Awww so happy to hear that Angie! Thank you for following our journey :)

  • Reply
    Chrissy
    November 27, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Wonderful, beautiful post! Curious how you plan these unique, gorgeous renos while also keeping the value of neighboring houses in mind. I get nervous about over doing improvements and not seeing the return on investment later. Thx for sharing your beautiful spaces!!

  • Reply
    Chrissy
    November 28, 2018 at 2:27 am

    The photos are gorgeous…so impressive! Are you ever concerned that you price yourself out of the neighborhood compared to other houses in your area? When thinking about improvements I want to make to my home i worry about whether or not we will get our return on investment. Just curious on your thoughts… Thank you for sharing your beautiful home! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 28, 2018 at 8:07 am

      I just copied a link for you that I hope is super helpful in explaining that :) Thanks for following along Chrissy! xox

  • Reply
    Jaclyn Lorimer
    November 28, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Such a wonderful transformation! I’m sure you can’t wait to have an additional bathroom though. ;)

    BTW, where is that awesome cream sweater from?

    • Reply
      Sarah
      November 28, 2018 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you Jaclyn! I am so pumped for the bathroom, ha! You can find the sweater here (and it’s on sale!): http://bit.ly/2Q0QTSI

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    November 30, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    I honestly think the hallway is my favorite. It’s tailored. Well done you two.

  • Reply
    Karen
    December 5, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Love the recap and side by side images! You’re so talented. I’m excited for the next one :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      December 5, 2018 at 10:00 am

      Thanks so much Karen!! Hope you’re doing well :) xo

  • Reply
    Julie Vandenberghe
    February 13, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    Wow, this is such an organized blog! I am so glad I have found you! haha! You did a fantastic job on this house. How awesome for the person that bought it.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      February 17, 2020 at 11:00 am

      Thanks, Julie!! Best compliment ever. You are making my day. Ha! xo

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