I’ve been doing this blogging thing for over 5 years now. And we’ve been in this house for over 6 years.
This post is to show how far we’ve come and to emphasize that making your house a home doesn’t happen overnight– especially when you’re living with student loan debt that is almost the same monthly payment as your mortgage. Shoot, we’ve been here over half a decade, and we’re not done making changes to the house.
Let’s start with the kitchen.
Here’s what it looked like when we bought the house.
Here’s what it looked like after I painted it, and we got new appliances.
Yes, I chose that wall color.
And here’s what it looks like now.
We upgraded the countertops, sink, and faucet in early 2015. And hopefully we can tackle the lighting down the road. Peace out, overhead florescent light and bathroom fixture over the sink.
Moving along to the living room.
Here’s what it looked like in December of 2009. I remember being so proud of the house, so I took photos of all the rooms and posted them on Facebook. Hah.
I need to take some new photos of the living room because we got different couches in 2015, which is a very long story. And I’m now realizing I don’t have pulled back photos of the space.
I added more proportionate wall art.
And the dresser that I turned into a custom TV stand.
And the card catalog.
The dining room area still needs some work, but we’ve definitely made strides.
Then:
Now:
I refinished my late grandparents’ buffet and moved it into the dining room. And I hung my great grandparents’ mirror above the buffet.
Apparently I only take photos of the dining room area when it’s Christmastime.
I never blogged about the $130 dining table and chairs I painted and reupholstered because I hated painting them.
Now how about my home office? Here’s what it looked like when we moved in.
A day before we moved in, I painted it this purple color. Clearly, I went a little nuts with my paint color choices. But hey, I was excited because this was our first house.
This is what it looks like now. Well, kinda. It’s not nearly as tidy because Hurricane Chelsea has come through a few times in the three years it’s been since I made over the room.
Brad’s former man cave has come a long way. Now it’s Owen’s nursery. Sorry, Brad.
I updated our guest bedroom last spring in order to give it a more cohesive look. Plus, we had to move some Brad’s stuff into the room, mainly his guitars.
Before:
After:
The guest bathroom hasn’t really changed since I made it over in 2012. I’d like to update the vanity, mirror, and possibly the lighting one day.
I don’t think I’ve ever shared a photo of our master bedroom before. So here’s what it looked like from 2009-2014. The bedroom furniture looks black in these photos, but it’s really a dark brown, espresso color.
We upgraded to a king size bed in 2014 but kept the dresser and nightstands.
I painted the master bedroom in early 2016. The bedroom makeover is still a work in progress.
Want to see what the master bedroom looked like when the house was put on the market in 2004? It’s one of my favorite photos of all time. (Keep in mind we bought the house in 2009, so the room didn’t look like this when we bought the house.)
Sexy, right?
Want to see more photos of the house from when it was put on the market in 2004? Click here. It’s good. Trust me.
Let’s take things out back, shall we?
We added the patio furniture this summer, and I must say, we loved spending more time on the patio this past summer and fall.
We planted a maple tree in the backyard in the fall of 2013.
We’ve had our vegetable garden and DIY rain barrel for a few years.
It’s fun to take a look back and see how much the house has changed in six and a half years. So with that said, I’d like to reiterate, making a house your home doesn’t happen overnight. Or in a year or two for that matter.
Brenda B. says
Everything looks so good, but your office is STILL my favorite makeover part of your house! So much so, that I bought that identical wall shelf/cubbies thing only in black for my crochet room!! I love it–bought the matching small dresser in black too, and use it as a night stand in there next to the bed..
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks so much, Brenda! I loved making over that room. That’s awesome! It offers provides so much storage, doesn’t it? You must crochet a lot of amazing things!
Iryna @ RedBarberry.com says
Awesome! Love all the updates!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Iryna!
Colleen says
I love seeing the changes you’ve made! You guys have done a great job of updating in a way that works for you.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Colleen!
Kimmie M. says
Everything looks so beautiful! I love your decorating style! You should come decorate my house next. LOL 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks! Hah! If you don’t mind waiting 5-6 years for the decorating to be complete.
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
it’s so funny to look at some of my old photos too and think that was i THINKING i thought that was cute! your rooms are beautiful. i especially am jealous of your office space.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Right??? I was clearly an overly excited 24 year old.
carol says
Everything is so pretty. Would love to know your paint colors. Please?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Hey, Carol! I was just thinking the other day that I need to make a paint color page. The paint colors of the rooms (office, nursery, guest bedroom, guest bath, kitchen) are mentioned in the makeover posts, which I linked to (blue text) when I wrote about each room. I’ll let you know when I put up a paint color page.
carol says
I forgot to ask. Where did you get your photo ledges, -and do they stay put just leaning against the wall?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
I got the photo ledges at Ikea (https://www.twotwentyone.net/2013/01/picture-ledge/). They stay up, but I’m going to have to figure out a way to secure them once Owen is mobile.
Lori says
I love reading your posts because I love your humor! Your house is very pretty. I love the clean lines of everything.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Aw, thanks so much, Lori!
Lauren @ Life at Number Five says
Looks great Chelsea! It’s funny to see how much a space evolves over time as our lifestyles and tastes evolve. We’ve only been in our house just on two years and have only done a couple of small things but they make a big impact sometimes!!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Lauren! I totally agree– small projects can make a big impact!
Jordon says
Looks Great! I really love your office! 🙂
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Jordon! It’s one of my favorite rooms too!
Diana Mattson says
It looks so put together and flows from one room to the other. The office is my favorite! I am hoping this year we more out of our current home to a house with more space and an extra room just for me.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, Diana! Fingers crossed for you!
Brittaney says
OH my goodness this post is so inspiring. lol You are amazing. I can’t wait to see what you do with your master bedroom!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks, lady! I can’t wait to see what I do with the master bedroom either. Hah!
Jerilynn says
Happy Birthday !!!!! Thanks for sharing the pictures of your home. Your home is so beautiful ! Love your office and so organized. I can tell you love your home and really proud of what you have accomplished. Home is my favorite to be. Have a fun day!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Thanks so much, Jerilynn!
Camila says
Sua casa está ficando linda! Owen crescerá muito feliz nela ♥
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Obrigado, Camila!
Sandra says
The kitchen cabinets look like they go all the way to the ceiling in the second picture. You can really see the difference in the door size over the microwave. Did you replace the top cabinets? Kitchen look great!!!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
They do! We had toppers added so the cabinets extend to the ceiling. Here’s the post all about the kitchen cabinet makeover: https://www.twotwentyone.net/2013/11/kitchen-cabinet-makeover-reveal/
jasmine says
Is the bedspread in the before blue and pure white? Do you recall where you got it?
Rikki says
I love your style, your office is definitely my favorite part of the house. I love that storage unit! It’s funny we bought our house in March of 2013 so not that long ago and I’m already regretting some of our decor and paint choices in that short time. I think first time homeowners just get so excited to own a home we make crazy decisions! We are starting the remodeling, redecorating process in our house and I’m really excited to get it all done.