Just a Year Ago...

**update**  We moved from this house to a new one (another fixer upper in September of 2012) so here's the story of our last home...  (No after pics of the new house yet ;) ;)


Today I'm joining the Poppies at Play Parade of Homes Tour!  So if this is your first time stopping by- welcome & thanks so much for coming!! 




...  Just a year ago we moved into our new {70s} home.  We've made so many changes to it that I thought a before& after post of the whole house would be fun.  I'll put links throughout the post to the specific rooms in the house so if you've got any questions, check those post for answers, sources, how to's, etc.  Also, the pics have been taken throughout the past year as we completed the projects which is why you'll see so many seasons in the different pics.


 

Our house had been vacant and on the market for about 4 years before we came along & bought it. (above) You can read the original post I did about it here.  I was totally IN LOVE even though it was a bit sad-looking.  We were told by numerous family members (and even one of our realtors!) what a mistake it would be to buy this house.  Well, my husband & I aren't known for listening to others (Sometimes to our detriment & sometimes to our benefit!)...  so we took the plunge anyway. 

We painted the cedar a dark gray and added a trellis with climbing jasmine and as many shrubs as we could afford.  (Still planning on adding more :)  Here's a photo I took "after" during one of the blizzards we had this year: 

The entrance (below) was in need of some loving:


...And here's what it looks like now (errr on Halloween ;):

{Bright orange front door, new lantern, rug, paint, etc.}

Our foyer was really bad.  I'm not even sure the photo below does it justice.  The linoleum floor was beaten up & grimy and the pendant cast a sickly yellow light in the space:
{Before}

I wanted something interesting and a little "off"...  and something that would have a big impact when you first walked in... so we hung a bunch of DaVinci sketches randomly along the walls:
{After: fresh paint, custom frames, new caged lantern, orange door & seagrass carpet}

The living room is one of my favorite parts of our house.  We're up in the trees and it feels like a treehouse, especially with all of the windows open and a breeze blowing through.  Here's a photo of it before with wall-to-wall carpet:


And here it is now (or last week; I've already rearranged since this pic, something I do all the time)..

{My husband, Dave, installed hardwood floors and we had a custom wool rug cut for a soft spot to play for our kids}

And here it is this week:  (I promise I don't have too much time on my hands!! ;) ;)



Here's a view of the side wall before:


And here it is now:


{photo by Helen Norman}

{We added an a mantle with a mirror for a focal point on the once bland wall.  Dave also did an awesome job stencilling the wall with an allover pattern... )

Here's the bookshelf we jam-packed with books & things we've collected over the years.  The 2 lower shelves house toy boxes:


The dining room is smaller than it looks and is open to the living room.  Here it is "before:"

And here is is now:

{After:  New chandelier, furniture, blown-up 15th Century Drawing  on wall...  For details on the dining room click here}

Our kitchen met with its end the second day after closing on the house...  Here it was before:



And here it is now:


{We removed the upper cabinets, added beadboard & shelving, painted the lowers, did hardwoods and painted out old fridge with chalkboard paint for fun}

Here's our little breakfast nook now:


{It's a great place to hang and I love our old-fashioned wallpaper...  For details on our kitchen redo, click here}

Ok, now onto the bedroom!  Here's our bedroom 'before' in all its glory:

{yum! yum!}

And here it is now:

{That's Ashby on the bed.  We found the brass headboard on the side of the road and it sort of guided the design of the room which is a mix of old & new, white and metallic.. for more details, go here  ...photo by Helen Norman.}

I hung up some of my jewelry on the wall & I wear it so much more than I used to:


...Like I said, things move around a lot...  Here's a view of my nightstand with the chair over there:

{photo by Helen Norman}

Our preschooler's (Christian's) bedroom is a tiny fun spot in the house:


We hung up pages of the Saggy Baggy Elephant on the walls (above) and turned his closet into a little play area with a chalkboard paint hill and a green vintage wallpaper lion:




We just finished decorating our new baby's (4 month old Justin) nursery.  We went dark & a little nutty in here:


The walls are a dark navy and we made the canopy out of a stencilled dropcloth.  we made sure to include a place for Christian to hang out in Justin's room so he feels included:

{Christian chillin in his reading nook}

Now onto the lower level.  (And I'm only showing you one room down here because the rest are still in progress and are NOT pretty) Here's the space before, planned to be a combination family room and office:

{lovely linoleum}

And here it is now:


I love having this huge table to spread projects out on.  We had wall-to-wall seagrass carpet installed and we love it.  (It can't be hurt!!) I wanted it to feel happy & airy down here so the panelling got a fresh coat of aqua paint. 

Before we moved in, there was a weird  fenced in elevated area with a drop ceiling.  Don't ask because I don't know why:


...So we knocked it all down & leveled it and it's now the TV/ seating/ play area:


Having a ton of hidden toy storage is key to keeping me feeling sane:


We've got an ever-growing collection of flea market paintings so up they go above the sofa:


And finally, here's another veiw of the family room before:

{Gotta love that 70s stone}

We debated & debated about what to do with the stone and the wood-burning stove but in the strangest way the stone started to grow on me and now I love it.  The wood-burning stove was awesome & so cozy in the snow storms, so it's definitely staying for now:



{Lanterm, Ikea  Chairs & Ikea ottoman with custom washable slipcover...  For details on the lowerl level redo, click here}

...And that's about it for now!!  We always have something going on over here so I hope you'll come back.  (And everyone who is always here, thanks for bearing with me for all the repeats!)

Anyway, thanks so much to Andy for inviting me to be a part of the blogger home tour!! I'm honored to be included!!  :)  I hope everyone  enjoyed it and now it's time to head on over to House 


xoxo,
lauren

151 comments:

Julie said...

*gasp*!

Olivia said...

LOOOOVE what you've done!!! I'm for sure going to come back to this post for some inspiration. I love the frames in your entry way!

Keaton Interiors said...

incredible. i am a designer too, and i'm speechless! before & afters are my favorite :)

http://blueprintsofasouthernbelle.blogspot.com

Kathysue said...

Lauren what a fun virtual tour of your wonderful home. You two have done so much in just one year. What a transformation and you had a baby. You are wonder woman for sure. It is all so lovel it would be hard to pick out a favorite. I am really liking your new work area. It is a really good place for you to be your creative self. Great job!! Kathysue

pve design said...

Purely no small feat...and you gave birth too. Truly, the sheer power and energy of pregnancy is awe inspiring and making a house a home during it all, deserves another level of some sort of trophy or award. I love all the changes that you made to put your stamp on your nest. I bestow upon you a crown of laurel wreath, and a torch to run behind you. You are like an Olympian of style in the home.
pve

Red Door Home said...

So enjoyed seeing your house tour. I have been happily following your blog fro a while and really liked seeing your entire house - in all its beauty! - in one post. Thanks for sharing your talent and ideas.

Anonymous said...

Stunning! You're style is flawless. I love it.

The Painted Home said...

I LOVE your home....I've been a follower for a while now, and I still go and check out your old posts! great job!

Alicia said...

WOW! I can't even believe what you have done - your home is beautiful!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Lauren- Amazing. I just love before and afters. Thanks for taking us on the complete tour! xo- brooke

Trish @TheOldPostRoad said...

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. When do you sleep????
-Trish

Pineapples and Pickles said...

your home is so dreamy! i love what you've done with it. definitely one of my faves.

Anonymous said...

Your home is absolutely fabulous! I love the mix of unique pieces and styles-it's so stylish. Your living room is one of my all time favorites and I would be one happy girl if I could take every piece home with me. :) The fireplace wall is gorgeous!
GREAT job!
Sarah :)

Andy Porter said...

Lauren,
You have such great taste!! I am also blown away with all that you've accomplished in a years time. Your house is simply amazing!!! Thanks so much for joining us on the parade!

Fargerike Dagny said...

you know you're amazing, don't you?? I've loved following you through this process :)

Unknown said...

Looks so beautiful! You did such a great job. Thanks for sharing. We moved into our house in Sept. and still have several rooms that I need to complete, including a nursery before we hit our one year anniversary in the house. Thanks for the inspiration!

Tracey @ My House of Giggles said...

wowwww!! You have done an absolutely amazing job remodeling your home! I love your style! Thanks so much for the great inspiration!!! I am drooling over your kitchen :) And bedroom! (mine needs a big makeover)

Annie said...

I was house 4 on the tour. I just want to say I adore your house! You have such a great eclectic funky style! The orange door, the big picture in the dining area, all the flea market finds - so unexpected - that's why it's so great!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That's just beautiful! There is so much soul in that home now.

Abby said...

what a wonderful job!! i have used your kitchen image in my recent post as inspiration! every room is perfect.
raeofpleasantries.blogspot.com

Karen said...

I think I speak for all of your loyal readers when I say that it's been a pleasure watching your home transform over the past year. I always look forward to seeing what you have come up with.

The Gimlet Eye said...

Amazing transformation! I love that you kept the bones of the home, too!
Looks incredible.

Teresa Meyer said...

I've been following you the whole time and I'm still speachless (A-maze-ing!).

Teresa

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love seeing before and afters, and you guys have definitely been busy!
-Lisa

Yolanda said...

I drooled just a bit when I happened upon your kitchen. I love everything about it. I can't believe you did ALL that in a year! I am impressed!
Thanks for sharing your home!

Tricia said...

I've enjoyed following the progress you've made on your home over the past year Lauren. You have quite a vision and I love your taste and style~ everything is incredible! You two make a great team!
T

Hey Laurel NM said...

Love your blog. Read it every day. Love the work you've done on your home and your great sense of style. Loving the virtual parade of homes. How fun.

Michelle Hughes said...

Your house is great! It goes to show you that any old house can become a beautiful home. You definitely saw the potential. Great job... you are quite inspiring!

Michelle

Becca said...

I am blown away at all you have done! I have a list a mile long and have been barely chipping away at it over three years! i feel so behind! Love your home! I'm house #5! Come on by for a visit!

~M^2 said...

you really are so talented! i have to show my fiance your place so he can see better how houses we maybe be looking at have more potential!

Pigtown*Design said...

You and David have worked miracles!!!

GranthamLynn said...

Oh my word. You guys are so smart. I want to know who comes up with the ideas? I looooooooovve the chalkboard fridge! What a great idea to deal with an old one! LOOOOOVEEE It! I'll definately be back to really look at all your smartness...I love this tour! Thanks for sharing.
Have a Blessed Day,
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Your home is gorgeous and truly inspiring...and it is comforting to know that even people like you have rooms you don't want others to see :)

Jennifer said...

I love seeing it all together! Ya'll have done such a great job giving that place personality and charm. I love the outdoor color, too.

I wish my living room furniture arrangement were more flexible! Or maybe it is and I just can't see it, haha.

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Oh, I remember seeing your home before. I love everything you've done with it. Just gorgeous!

Donene said...

I love when old houses are rejuvenated. Your home is beautiful!

Room to Inspire said...

Wow - the before and after shots are simply amazing. Your home truly belongs in a magazine - your rooms are just divine!

Chelsea

Unknown said...

thanks for the tour, Lauren. I've been seeing bits and pieces since i began following you a couple of months ago, so it's nice to see the global view. Very well done, edited and thoughtful. I think you have a lot of talent, girl!
www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com

Krystal said...

You have such a beautiful home and are such an inspiration! What I can't believe is that you have only been there for a year! You guys have been busy! Thanks for sharing!

Tammy@InStitches said...

That's a lot to accomplish in one year ! I love your home, it's so welcoming.

Debra Lea said...

You've done so many great things to your home, it's really beautiful!! Thanks for being so inspiring :0)

Emily said...

Wow, you have done some SERIOUSLY amazing things to your home and I love your style. You are one of my new favorite reads!!

nelya said...

I think I started reading your blog just as you were on the hunt for your new home. I have loved watching you transform it into this amazing, inviting, beautiful space for your family. It really is incredible the changes you have made in such a short time. As always, I applaud your creative genius. I think your kitchen is my favorite, no surely it is the orange door, but wait, there's the fabulous entry...oh, forget about it, I LOVE IT ALL! And the fact that such a wonderful family lives here is just icing on the cake!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

I'm #3 coming over to see todays' homes on parade. Yours is spectacular. Adore all the details! I especially love the corner placement of your chandy on your main level. Brilliant. Thanks for giving us a tour!

Melissa said...

UNBELIEVEABLE! I am truly awe struck!!! You are my design- idol!!! ha, ha ;) Don't know what to say that can truly justify the beauty in what you have accomplished.

carolyn said...

Your home is beautiful. I'm completely in awe and envious! I've put lots of your photos into my design file. Thank you for sharing.

Jill Seidner | Interior Design said...

Such a great post! I love the personable home tour and the story that goes along. It's always fascinating to see the before and after pictures too...transformations are truly amazing. You've done a fabulous job with your house!

Carolyn said...

I mean...your house is SO PRETTY. You've accomplished SO MUCH in a year. It's fab.

simply seleta said...

I'm pretty sure I just had a fainting spell. How in the world do you do it all? I'm agog. You're not just Wonder Woman, you're Design Wonder Woman. Are those cuff bracelets bullet proof??? ;-)

jvw home said...

you've done an amazing job....looks GREAT Lauren!
j

Barbie said...

Lauren, I think you're brilliant w/your talent--not to mention classy and adorable. Thanks for all the inspiration! I love the bright front door too...my house is dark grey with white trim. I might just have to part w/my black door if my blasted HOA will allow it.

Still waiting for your new header! Am in the process of starting up my own blog, and am starving for some inspiration!

Unknown said...

Oh my... I am in LOVE with your home. More specifically, what you have done with your home. Beautiful!

Unknown said...

The entire transformation is awe inspiring! I think my favorite areas though have to be the foyer (brilliant!) and the kitchen (more brilliance!). My older son's room is also in black and white with color - I'll post about it later this week, I hope you'll take a look!

Elizabeth said...

this looks great! wow.....honestly, if i would've looked at the house before i would've passed on buying it, but that's only b/c i dont have a creative eye and vision like you obviously do!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

You have done so many amazing things with your home! What vision you had when purchasing it. There is so much inspiration to draw from each room. Thanks for sharing!
Traci
(#2 on the home tour) :)

kayce hughes said...

Such a fun treat to see it all. I hope everyone has said they were sorry for telling you not to buy the house. You have really done a beautiful job.

Pam said...

You have a beautiful home.
A great transformation
Pam

vicki archer said...

Fantastic Lauren....a brilliant transformation, xv.

Dreamy Whites said...

Lauren, you are one talented girl. I love visiting your blog. I love what you have done to your home. It looks like it is straight out of the Domino Magazine.
Hope you are having a great week.
Take Care,
Maria

Things That Inspire said...

I never tire of looking at these beautiful pictures, especially your entry. So beautiful!

Your kitchen sink would have been perfect for my new post. Wish I had thought of it!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Your home is absolutely stunning. I am in love with the arrangement of pictures in your foyer. It was exactly the right thing to do with that space. I'm a new follower...

Sawdust Girl said...

Wow, super impressed! I love every single room transformation. I think my favorite is the kitchen. Beautiful home.

The How-To Gal said...

I too am very impressed with the transformations you have created! Thank you for sharing!

Krista@RustikChic said...

You are amazing! Loved seeing the before and afters...in awe!

Steph @ somewhatsimple said...

So fun! I love your home!

Shelly said...

WOW! What a great Home tour. It looks like a magazine. Good thing you and hubby have vision for the dimond in the rough. We moved in October and we bought our house because it needed nothing. And now we are starting to change things to fit our personality.

Emily A. Clark said...

Love seeing these before and afters in one post. Amazing what you've done in one year (and add having a new baby to that!). Wondeful job.

Lesley said...

Love, Love, Love your house and all of your special touches! I just found your blog through google reader recommendations. Look forward to reading in the future!

Windlost said...

Lauren, I should not be blogging at work but had to log in quickly to say (a) you are amazing (b) your house is amazing, airy, gorgeous, tranquil, peaceful and overall...BEAUTIFUL (like you) and (c) you are so talented and I want to live with you, or have you move here.

haha.
You are my hero. How gorgeous. I see your home and wonder how mine can look so bad!! :)

Adore it.

Congrats and love your airy office.

xo Terri

rosiecampbell said...

You did a beautiful job! Thank you for sharing the transformation with us!

Hamptontoes said...

Lauren,
You are truly talented. What a fun tour of your home. Absolutely wonderful!

Living It At Home said...

Always love touring your home. I have seen these pictures several times and never tire of them! What ever you do in your home -only keeps getting better. Your home is an inspiration!

Hope you are well
`
xojamilyn

Pink Wallpaper said...

look at all of the work you have done!! it looks fabulous!!

Lei said...

A truly amazing transformation! I am in awe!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Lauren, you have such incredible talent. I love seeing this all in on place. I recently learned we are relocating to Dallas and I've got to say your blog has inspired me to really look beyond cover and consider the potential.

Tina Schiefer said...

Wowsers! You guys sure have been busy!

We have a large 70's home we are face-lifting as well. Big job, but you've shown me it'll be worth the work and the wait!!!

Can't wait to finish and get to the decorating....Thanks for sharing.

Blayne Macauley said...

My goodness that is amazing. I cannot believe the foyer. I feel like I have seen this image over and over, but I am not sure I connected it to you. It is breathtaking! The orange door is perfect! The clear table in the family room is so cool. I also really like the chandelier that looks like it is hanging in the corner. How did you think of that? The black chandelier is so graphic! I love it! Such a statement. Of course the kitchen is perfect. What a cool thing you did with the refrigerator. I can't believe you get to sleep in that room! jealous!

Your are so talented!

I just wrote a post with a sort of similar before and after showing some amazing interior design. I would love for you to stop by and see it.

I'll be back soon!

-Blayne

Unknown said...

um, you are in the right business missy,. You took a really plain home and made it magazine worthy. True designer.. Beautiful.

Mandy Frehner said...

Wow. What vision. Talk about turning something totally ugly into something breathtaking.

Renée Finberg said...

omg.

you are the bomb.
great job.

xx

Wendy said...

I am at a loss for words. Wow...you had a vision and it is absolutly beautiful. I felt like I was looking at a designer magazine and photo's! Sometimes it is a good thing to not follow advise and follow your dreams and vision! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Wendy

Averill said...

Absolutely love what you've done with your home, especially all your lighting choices and how you've spruced up the exterior. That charcoal gray with the orange door is fantastic!

Jennifer said...

amazing transformation...loved seeing the before and after pictures. You have a beautiful home!

Katie said...

I love the table in your office area, where did you get it? I need something exactly like that for projects!

helenabelle said...

Lauren, That is one great transformation! You and your hubby have done an excellent job. I love everything about your home. :)
Fondly~
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel

Chic Coles said...

Your home is gorgeous! I cannot believe how you transformed it!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Gorgeous! Love your transformations especially love your entryway with the prints everywhere. Our moving truck will be there at 8am! :)

red ticking said...

what a FABULOUS home... great work and it looks like it is filled with lots of love... someday i will post my before and afters... you will die.. seriously. i die all over again when i see them! xx

Shelby said...

You have done AMAZING things in your home! What a gem you have turned it into! :)

JOE. D said...

it is so nice to see a great change like you have done. its actually fun to look at. congrats. your attention to detail is great .. if i had to pick my favourite room it would probably be your little ones room with the fabric draped over the cot (along with his little reading area). your light fittings are great. your little reading areas throughout. great. everything. GREAT

cindy hattersley design said...

You are a genius! Such an inspiration to all young couples that are trying to do it themselves on a budget. Many can take a house with character and give it style, but you took a house without and gave it style! I am forwarding this blog to both of my children and my nieces and nephews! Great job!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

You have made your house a stunning home. Love your sense of style! Thanks for sharing - Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Samantha said...

WoW! Amazing. I LOVE what you've done. What vision. I'm in awe.

Tiina said...

ah, I always love seeing these pictures! your home is so gorgeous!

Julie said...

Super-dramatic transformation. Great job!

Tracy Wills said...

The transformation on your house is amazing. I love it, every room is gorgeous!

LindsB said...

Your home before and after always continues to amaze me- you and Dave did such an amazing job!!
xoxo

Deepali Kalia Interior Design Blog Filling Spaces said...

You are a great designer lovely work lov ur website'
http://www.fillingspaces.com

Studio Eriksdotter said...

Wow! what an amazing transformation. Thank you for taking us on a ride! I LOVE your entry way! Absolutely beautiful. And thanks for sharing the idea of "adding" a fireplace! I had no idea you could do that but it makes perfect sense to anchor a livingroom!

Abby said...

I have been reading your blog for a while now and I am obsessed with your orange front door. My husband who usually chooses to have no input in the design of the house also loves your front door. I have painted two paint samples on the door one looks like a hunter "don't shoot me" orange and the other is a little darker and boring. Would you mind sharing with me what color you painted your front door so that I could try it out and see if it is the shade we want.

Kathy said...

I LOVE your blog, I am new here from V&L and so glad I came. I knew I needed something for a wall in my *apt* room that I want to re-do (I just posted about it this weekend) and I FOUND IT, you TV cabinet...Oh if only I could have that....if you have any time would you be able to let me know about it...I'm in total love and lust!

Courtney said...

this is stunning. I am amazed at the amount of work you've done in just two years. I've lived in my little cottage for almost seven years now and there are areas that still aren't "finished". I guess to a certain extent, we decorating types are never totally "finished", but still...you have great style that really resonates with me and I'm so glad I've found your blog.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Just read this post again and thought my readers would enjoy it as much as I did, so I'm linking to it from my blog today. Thanks, Lauren! Have a great weekend. :)

Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living said...

Love what you did with your fixer upper!

Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living said...

I love what you did with your fixer upper!

Http://chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous! You took this straight out of the 70s.

Can I ask what you used to hang your necklaces? Cup hooks?

Anonymous said...

Inspiring! I love it when someone can see past the surface and know they have a hidden gem. Your house is lovely!

Culley and Morgan said...

Love what you have done...you have wonderful vision! We at light fixtures for our new home and I was wondering if you had any information you could share about caged lantern in your foyer...I love it! Thanks!

N said...

Just moved into a new apartment and I don't even know where to begin decorating. There are soo many ways to go about designing it and I'm having a hard time committing to a scheme. With all the options out there how do you go about deciding how you want your rooms to look?

everything-under-my-sun@blogspot.com

christan perona said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the inspiration. We live in a split-level home... we wanted to live in a darling little community, and these were the homes in our price-range. You have motivated me to go beyond what anyone dreamed I could do with my place. I come back to your blog often. With great sincerity, thankyou.

Unknown said...

I LOVE your home!!! We also have a split-foyer home that was built in 1979. It's a challenging house to deal with sometimes, especially the foyer. I love seeing what you've done with yours. When you walk up the stairs, the main living areas are 100% open, which makes it a little tricky to decorate. But the absolute thorn in my side has been our lower level. I can never figure out what to do with it. Was it a requirement of this type of house to make it so difficult to deal with?? I agree with the feeling of being in a treehouse. Ours is in the woods also, and I like being up higher.. it's especially pretty in the winter time!

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Bravo!!! It is truly an amazing transformation...so much to take on! I actually had a picture of your entry in my inspiration pictures, but I had no idea where it came from! LOVE your orange door!

http://loveallthingsbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com

Brandi said...

Like Seriously, OMG! Your home is GORGEOUS! I am in love with every single room! I love that you went bold on the nursery! I love, love, love your home!

Jessica Wrasman said...

Wow! This is stunning! I love a good 'ol transformation!

Fantastic work and creativity. Thanks so much for sharing!

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

This was a really fun post to read. I love the fresh feeling you've evoked in your rooms. Thanks for sharing these great pictures.

Warmly, Michelle

Brookester said...

love your house!!! Esp the new kitchen...its perfect! How/where did u get the design for the stencil u did in your dining room? Its fab!

Unknown said...

Wowee...we have a very similar layout and you've inspired me to see beyond the limitations. Yours looks so great! What style! Ah, the dining room is so fantastic. I love it all. Great job!!!

island magnolia said...

Your home looks wonderful! You've done such an amazing job! :) Blessings.

Tricia said...

What an amazing and talented designer you are. I love your home. I have seen, (and saved,) photos of it from all over the web. What a treat it was to come across your blog today and get the whole house tour!

KeishaCory said...

I just stumbled across you blog and Im leaving very inspired! Im house hunting and I love what you have turned your home into! Thanks so much for sharing!!

Shauhncy said...

I am decorating a split foyer (very much like yours) at the moment, and I've decided to paint the top of it the dark gray color you chose. Can you share what color/brand paint you used on the exterior? I would greatly appreciate it. :)

Isabel said...

Hi, I own a little store in Brazil that sells embroidered linens, and I have a blog about it. the other day, I decided to do a post on how kitchens have changed in concept, in recent years, and I posted your kitchen. Please visit
http://www.linum.blog.br/2011/03/sobre-cozinhas-e-novos-tempos/

Unknown said...

It is one of the most amazing transformations I have ever seen. I love your new (old), redone gorgeous home! I hope you don't mind, but I posted it on my blog today. Thanks for a really great read and inspiration!
XOXO
Hooper Patterson
www.birdsofafeatherdesign.com

Liliana said...

Your house is exquisitely beautiful.

I look forward to reading your blog and being inspired by your ideas.

Best of luck.

Jenn said...

Basil and zinnias. Unexpected but totally successful combo! Love it!

Unknown said...

Could you please share where you purchased your green sofa in your living area. I love the color. I'm working with a custom sofa co in CA and I was hoping you could share the fabric manufacturer, type an dcolor so I can try to obtain a swatch and match as best as possible with the options I have available.
Thank you!
pothierchristine@hotmail.com

Christine Pothier

Laurie said...

Absolutely beautiful!! I love every room! Can you tell me what color paints you used? I am trying to find the perfect whites! Thanks Laurie

tapyourheels said...

I am so glad I found this blog! I bought a 1979 bi-level split home last year, and haven't seen a lot of redecorating/remodeling done on this style yet. I love what you've done.

Unknown said...

Hi Lauren, I like your blog and love your amazing "before and after" of your home, so I've made a post about it, and I published some of your pictures in my blog Estilo y decoración, I hope you don't mind.
Despite my blog is in Spanish I hope you can visit

http://estiloydecoracion.cafeversatil.com/

Janelle said...

I love your home. You've put so much work into it and it shows. Beautiful! I think this is the third or fourth time I've re-read this post. We're about to psint our home a gray and I'm wondering if you would mind sharing what color gray you chose for the exterior of your home? Thanks so much in advance.
Janelle
jfernstr@hotmail.com

Wendy said...

I was so thrilled to see your home featured in the Washington Post this past week! My husband and I bought a split foyer home in Clifton, VA 10 years ago, and since then I've been searching for improvement ideas - especially for the facade. How inspiring it is to see how beautifully you have transformed your home!

Derek said...

You may have been asked umpteen times, but did you photoshop the front of your house in the snow pic? There are 2 large mature trees in the pics that are not there in the before pic??

Just wonderin'...

RubberChickenGirl

Lauren said...

Nope- no photoshopping. The pics were just taken from two different angles. My pic after pic is straight on and the before (real estate photo) is taken from the right side

(ps- i dont have skills that good! ;)
-lauren

Kaththee said...

I love your home! It is just beautiful. I see you got your swing arm brass lamp and it looks perfect next to your lovely brass bed. I love-love-love the mid-century lamp with the 2 tiered fiberglass shades. I even love the rock wall which surprised me. You have such a great eye. Thank you for letting me "tour" your home. :)

MrsOgg said...

Wow! I just want to say thank you for your blog! I am relatively new to the blogosphere and am quickly discovering that it really is the best place for a SAHM like me to find inspiration for home decorating. Though I've been enjoying MANY diy and home blogs I've felt like they are either contemporary or (more often than not) totally girly shabby chic. I like and appreciate both but it just didn't feel right. Your home has inspired me anew bc it is the absolute closest to what I want to emulate in our little home. SO, thank you thank you and THANK YOU!

Val said...

You've done an incredible job. Your home is beautiful. I don't remember how I found your blog, but I happened upon it yesterday somehow and am glad I did. And I hope today is better for you. :)

Aedriel said...

absolutely stunning!! Your talent shines through in your home. Thanks for sharing!! :)

Onegirlruns said...

oh my gosh! a friend referred me here. this house is nothing short of beautiful and amazing. i'm so proud of you for all your hard work! i have to get the kids off to school but when i get back, i plan to spend some time catching up on your posts :) that's how addicting your site is!

Onegirlruns said...

may i ask a quick question? when you beadboarded your wall, how did you finish it off at the ceiling? i can't quite tell. is there some sort of molding that covers up the seams between end of bead board/beginning of ceiling?

Vanessa Stern said...

You did an amazing job, it's so airy and homey, yet stylish and comfortable at the same time! Love it!

Nancy@owensolivia said...

Hi Lauren. I have seen your entry way somewhere. Maybe House Beautiful? You have a lovely home, and thank you for sharing it with us.

Anonymous said...

I laughed out loud at the depth and scope of transformations each room went through. What a delight. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I laughed out loud at the scope and depth of transformations each room went through. What a delight. Keep up the good work.

bestbydesign said...

Hi Lauren,

I loved looking at the pictures of your home! You have fun eclectic style!
I noticed that you did white curtains in your rooms, which is a look I LOVE. I've been looking everywhere for white curtains for over a year and have yet to find ones that I like- there don't seem to be much out there. if you don't mind, would you be able to tell me where you got yours for the living room and bedroom (before and after pics). It would help me so much!
thanks and keep up the awesome decorating !

~stacey

bestbydesign said...

Hi Lauren,
I forgot to leave my email for the white curtain question, which is anahertrich@gmail.com

thank you ! stacey

Ashley Nicole Designs said...

I love that you're featuring your home today! It's so beautiful that I put together a post about it to show today as well! It is so beautiful that I had to share it on my humble blog.
mymulberrytree.blogspot.com

feel free to check it out and grab a featured button if you'd like!

Love your work.

Julie said...

I saw your house tour a few years ago and stumbled upon it again through pinterst. I just love what you envisioned and the afters are just beautiful. Is that a camel stool used as a foot rest? My father in law has one he bought in morocco years ago and I've never seen one used that way! Also the old fisherman with pipe portrait is perfect. Was that a flea it find?

janzi said...

Just seen your lovely h ouse before and after pics and amazing is the word,

Jackie Toye said...

Beautiful and awesome seeing the Transformation ... I was singing Rock the Boat (throwback) in my head the whole time. Feel good song for a Feel Good Styled Home. Great Job

Nelly@DGInnovations said...

Oh my GOSH! I love your style! It's alot of what I love...some old and new...lights and darks...purely eclectic!!
I MUST follow this blog:Heehee!
:)

Just Spiff It said...

I just found your wonderful blog. I enjoyed looking at all your before and after photos of your home. We also bought a house 2 yrs ago that needed much help and are almost finished. There will always be something to do tho! I love all of what you did in your home - you have a great talent with a big vision!