Home Tour: Before & After
When we walked into our now home, it was clear that it was built and last styled in the early 2000s. Let’s call that style “contemporary.” Picture lots of mixed-matched chrome, bronze and satin nickel, blue/green carpet and angular light fixtures. The house had features we loved, which helped us look past the cosmetic issues: solid wood doors, wood trim and a screened in patio with a waterfront view of the town’s river. Ryan wanted the house the moment he saw the backyard. I couldn't deny the view but was hesitant about the updates needed to make this home feel like our home.
The first thing we did was update the paint in all the bedrooms and replaced the carpet. We ordered carpet in the color “Gentle Breeze” from Lowe’s. For the boy’s rooms and bathroom we chose the color “Repose Gray”(SW 7015) from Sherwin Williams. Then we updated their bathroom flooring with tile we found on sale at Lowes. We then added a framed San Diego Miramar Air Show poster and installed a new shower curtain from Target. Click the photos below to see out the BEFORE and AFTER.
For the master bedroom and bath we really went for it. We decided that above all, that space would get the most attention for design. It needed to feel like our oasis, our escape. With the help of my cousin and her design business, Asher Abode, we got to work. We chose to create an accent wall with a Board and Batten design. The paint we used were “Gauntlet Gray” (SW 7019) by Sherwin Williams and a Valspar Satin Perfect White for the accent wall. We used “On the Rocks” (SW 7671) by Sherwin Williams for the remaining walls and master bath walls. Ryan also took on the HUGE task of removing the popcorn plaster ceiling in the Master Bedroom. The process was messy, since it was “learn as you go” process. He wet the surface then manually scraped it, sanded the ceiling smooth and repainted. Click the photos below to see the entire process.
Next, my favorite part of the Master Bedroom: design. We didn’t purchase any new furniture, we only updated our bedding. I found our new comforter set and pillows (Oversized Square Quilted in Chambray 24x24, Center Stripes Tassel 18x18, and Tonal Macramé Trim 14x20) at Target. The throw blanket is from Restoration Hardware. I worked there when I was in college and bought this blanket for my first home. I have kept it unopened since 2011! It finally has a place in our new room. I love the color blue and decorated the space around my favorite art piece by Abbigail Craine. We also have our Birth Poster with the boy’s birth stats on the walls too. Click the photos below for the finished look:
Next: the master bathroom. This is probably my favorite transformation. The space was 100% builders grade. Our goal was to make the master bedroom and bathroom flow together. Again, my cousin Heather, is the mastermind behind the design of the bathroom. She wanted to honor the wood trim, colors throughout the house and our style rustic/industrial style. We painted the walls same color as the bedroom, “On the Rocks” (SW 7671). We found the mirrors, sconces, vanity, hardware and faucets at Wayfair. We used a Aries Home Improvement to install everything and create the redesign the tile and board & batten around the bath tub. They also did the flooring in the boys’ bathroom. We got the bath tub tile and flooring on sale at Lowes. The flooring is discontinued but it was called Light Brazilian Pecan Wood Tile. We opted for Charcoal grout. I was so nervous to go dark but I love it. This bathroom turned out better than I expected. Click the photos to see the the BEFORE and AFTER.
If you’ve ever done home renovations, I commend you. It’s not for the faint of hearts. I am so glad we are done with the major things. We still have a few smaller projects on our list but we are enjoying our space. This has been a huge learning experience, I’m not sure I want to do it all again! The wound of all the decision making, changed plans and money spent is still hurting. I’ll get back to you on if I want to take on projects like this again in the future. Also shout out to our realtor Meredith Wilson for helping us get our first home.
