You guys, I never thought this day would come. I think we have officially put our mark on every single space in our house… and it only took almost seven years! 😉 When you see the “before” photos that I have to show you today, I think you’ll understand why it took so long.
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
We bought our little 3 bedroom townhouse back in 2009, right after we had Connor, our first baby. It was in sad shape cosmetically, but the bones were good and we knew with a little TLC, it would be the perfect starter home for our family. The previous owner had passed away, and her children wanted the house off their hands, so we got it for a steal and have fixed it up little by little over the past several years.
Is it perfect? No. I don’t think I’ve ever called any house completely “done,” but we are at a place where the vast majority of improvements we’ve wanted to make are finished, and I kind of almost don’t believe it! 🙂 So I thought today I would take you on a little walk down memory lane and give you a before and after home tour!
I should warn you that most of the before photos are from our inspection day and were taken with a cheap point and shoot camera before I knew anything about photography, so I apologize in advance for the quality! Let’s start the tour!
Entry
The entry was probably one of the tamer areas of the house. It was pretty much a blank canvas, but we were able to make it our own. This area has changed a few times since we’ve lived in the house, but this is what it has looked like since our kitchen reno last summer.
{Bench, Basket, Shelf, Framed Wreath}
{Rug, Wall Color, Door Color}
{Gold Pillow, Blue Pillow- Target, old}
You can see the full entry reveal in this post.
Powder Room
The powder room is the tiniest room in the house, but some fresh paint and accessories made a big difference in the look and feel of the space. This is another room that took a few tries to get right, but I’m happy with its current state. 🙂
{Shelf, Basket- TJ Maxx, Towel}
I shared all of the details of our powder room makeover (which was less than $50!) in this post.
Kitchen
The kitchen was definitely my least favorite room in the house from the start, and it was one of the last projects that we tackled. Last summer, though, the time finally came, and we ripped everything out and put in a new IKEA kitchen. This room probably wins the award for most improved!
{Utensil Holder, Hexagon Tray, Pitcher, Flower Pot}
{Utensil Holder, Hexagon Tray, Cake Stand, Pitcher, Stool, Rug}
{That fruit backsplash though… eeek!}
See our full kitchen reveal in this post.
Dining Room
Oh, that light. And it wasn’t even real glass. It was plastic. Ick! And those walls really were pink (as were many others, along with some of the ceilings and baseboards)! Our whole downstairs got a fresh coat of paint, though, along with new flooring, and of course a new night fixture. 🙂 That weird window between the kitchen and the dining room was filled in when we did the kitchen reno as well.
{Hutch, Pitcher, Aqua Dishes- Kirkland’s, White Dishes, Pillows, Tobacco Baskets- Decor Steals}
Living Room
More pink walls + a green beam meant more painting projects for us! We got rid of the faux mantel, too, and placed the couch between the living and dining areas to create more separation.
{Couch, Rug, Chair- Target, old, Small Pillow, Checked Pillow Covers, Lamp}
{Paint Color, L Mug- Home Goods}
The Cs’ Toy Space
The dining room, living room, and the Cs’ toy area are all one big space, and they’ve all certainly evolved over time. One of my first priorities was to paint over the sponge painted leaves on the railing. 🙂 The Cs’ toys sit on one side of the long, narrow living room and our TV watching/hanging out area is on the other side.
{Storage Unit, Bins (Similar), Bookplates, Chair, Tool Bench, Floating Shelves}
I talked all about how I keep this space organized in this post.
Stairwell
Surprise, surprise– more pink! This stairwell was a challenge to paint because of its height, but we were determined! We added a new gallery wall and light fixture to update it a little more.
I talked about my 5 step strategy for putting together gallery walls in this post.
Master Bedroom
Our master bedroom has actually had two transformations since we’ve lived in our house… sometimes it takes a few tries before you get it right! The current look is light, airy, and relaxing, and I love falling into bed at the end of the day in this room.
{Floral Pillow, Aqua Pillows, Bedding, Lamp, Headboard, Board and Batten}
{Rug, Curtains, Accent Wall Color, Main Wall Color, Dresser Color}
{Mirror, Jewelry Stand, Dresser Color, Dresser Accent Color, Vanity Color}
You can see the full master bedroom reveal in this post.
Master Bathroom
Our master bathroom could have given the kitchen a run for its money in the “worst room in the house” competition. I mean look at that hideous accordion door! I had Donnie rip it out before we even moved in, and we used a shower curtain for a while. Then, in the longest project in the history of this house, we ripped this bathroom down to the studs and revamped the entire thing. And when I say “we” I of course mean that Donnie did almost all of the work while I supervised. 🙂 I did do the painting!!
{Towels- Target, Shower Curtain}
{Board and Batten Color, Wall Color}
We shared the full master bathroom reveal in this post.
Guest Bathroom
I once dubbed the guest bathroom “the least offensive room in the house” because it was just kind of bland and boring, and therefore we waited way too long to give it a little refresh. There was no major construction in this room. The original vanity, flooring, and tub surround stayed. I just painted and added a few accessories.
{Shower Curtain- Target, Towels, Rug}
You can see all of the details of the guest bathroom refresh in this post.
The Cs’ Room
My little Cs’ room is next! They originally had their own rooms, but when Caleb was ready for a big boy bed we got them bunk beds and moved them in together, and I am not exaggerating when I say that they absolutely love it. Caleb especially. I think he will be heart broken if Connor ever decides he wants his own room. They are the sweetest brothers, and I love that they love each other so much. {Remind me that I said that next time they are fighting like crazy! 😉 }
{Ladder Shelf- Built by Donnie, Curtains}
All of the details about the Cs’ room can be found in this post.
My Office
And finally, I saved the best for last. 🙂 My favorite room in the house is my girly getaway, my home office/craft room! This room has served many purposes since we moved in. It was originally Donnie’s office. Then when Caleb was born, Donnie got moved to the basement and this became the nursery. And finally, when we moved Con and Caleb in together, I got the room all to myself! Yippee!
{Silhouette, Laminator, Baskets (similar), Bins, Bookshelves, Cube Unit}
{Wall Color, Desk, Chair}
{Closet System, Storage Boxes, Scrapbook Paper Organizer, Clear Bins}
You can see my full home office in this post and my craft closet in this post.
So that’s the grand tour! I’d say it has changed just a little bit over the past 7 years! This post was so fun for me to write because it was like taking a trip down memory lane! Sometimes I don’t feel like we’re making any progress, and then I look back at the changes and see how far we’ve come and am amazed! I hope you enjoyed the tour! Have a wonderful and blessed Easter weekend, friends!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Donnie Lawson says
March 24, 2016 at 6:23 amWow! I forgot how bad it was before!
Jamie Worman says
March 24, 2016 at 7:05 amWow what a difference. It looks so bright and inviting now. Great job!
Brie says
March 24, 2016 at 7:14 amWow! So inspiring. What a transformation!
Becca says
March 24, 2016 at 7:58 amYour home is absolutely gorgeous!!
Ciara @ Favored Mom says
March 24, 2016 at 8:26 amWhoa! That is an amazing transformation!! I totally admire your creativity and vision. =) As, we are looking for another house right now, I try to look past some of the decor in pictures, but it is so hard! I would prefer to just walk in and everything be perfect. 😉 My husband is working on expanding my vision with that.. Haha On a side note, I had to laugh when I saw the rug in your boy’s rooms, because 3 feet in front of me is the same rug with a few of Eli’s toys! 🙂
Barb says
March 24, 2016 at 9:04 amAbby, looks like you’ll have to move into a new house so you can dazzle us some more.
Crystal Barton says
March 24, 2016 at 10:14 amWow Abby! You guys did an amazing job! You made all the rooms look bigger. I am sure that it helps that you are a great decorator. Great job. You have so much to be proud of.
[email protected] says
March 24, 2016 at 11:39 amJust stunning! That is so amazing how you stayed committed to the big picture and kept chipping away at it. And, your hard work and patience paid off! Many congrats to you and your sweet family 🙂
Whimsies of a Nerd Girl says
March 24, 2016 at 12:26 pmIt looks amazing! We have been in the process of updating the house we just bought almost a year ago, we’re almost finished. So I understand how expensive it is along with how much time and effort goes into it. You guys did a great job! It’s so beautiful and bright! I love it. <3
kaylataylor44 says
March 24, 2016 at 1:58 pmI love your home! So fresh, light, and blue (my favorite)!
LessThisMess says
March 24, 2016 at 2:29 pmI love reading your Blob Abby! Your house is beautiful, what a great job you’ve done with the renos!
Emily @ Small Stuff Counts says
March 24, 2016 at 3:17 pmWow! This was so much fun to tour your room by room before and afters. I always say that paint can do wonders to a house, and it’s really evident in yours. It’s amazing how a bright coat of paint and some fun accessories can totally change the look of a room. Thanks for the tour!
natashainanutshell says
March 24, 2016 at 3:30 pmBeautiful job Abby! I love how you’ve been able to make each space your own… the after pictures are just stunning! And I am absolutely in love with your kitchen! We plan on using Ikea cabinets when the time comes as well! Seriously, wonderful job!
Sadie says
March 24, 2016 at 5:20 pmOh my goodness I love this! I love your style! I can’t wait to have a house someday to decorate it to exactly to my liking, just as you have done with yours! I love all of the white decor in your house, because it really brightens up the space! Great job! It looks amazing!
Karen L Ploransky says
March 24, 2016 at 6:31 pmBeautiful job Donnie & Abby. Love you color choices. You have a lovely home!
asmazhee says
March 24, 2016 at 6:35 pmsuper super amazing!!!! lovely eye candy 🙂
Richa says
March 24, 2016 at 8:45 pmWow! Superb! Astonishing! I am speechless
Anne says
March 24, 2016 at 10:55 pmSerious inspiration. We have owned our home for almost two years and it seems endless of all the things I would like to do to it. I can’t wait to accomplish every piece of it and what it must feel like…ahhh! So proud of you and your family!
justagirlabby says
March 28, 2016 at 4:01 pmYou are too sweet, Anne! Thank you! It does seem so overwhelming at first, but so worth it when it’s finished! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Erina says
March 24, 2016 at 11:31 pmAbby, it’s wonderful to see your house before and after. What a big difference! It’s amazing how you turned something boring into something stunning. I wonder if I could do that not to mention the DIY parts… seem like big projects! Pink is my favorite color but I can’t even stand the whole house in pink 🙂 Another thing I learn from this post is that you made the changes little by little and feel like not making any progress. This applies to many other things in life. I feel the same and can’t wait to see the end results. But once in while, isn’t it nice to stop and look back because things are indeed moving forward? Thank you for sharing!
misskayd says
March 25, 2016 at 11:57 amIt’s so beautiful!
Polyglot Jot says
March 25, 2016 at 1:18 pmwow! this looks sooo amazing! 🙂
katieemmabeauty says
March 26, 2016 at 5:42 amYour house is stunning. I felt like I was scrolling through Pinterest! You should be really proud 🙂
Dale says
March 26, 2016 at 8:19 amBeautiful…!! Your personality shows through in every room. Congrats to you and your husband for achieving such a grand transformation. Thanks for sharing.
Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says
March 26, 2016 at 8:22 amThanks for sharing Abby! Wonderful job updating your home. I love great before and after pictures. I’ll bet it feels great to see how far you’ve come.
karenschravemade says
March 26, 2016 at 9:39 amBeautiful, girl!! I love before and after photos – what a great tribute to all your hard work! It’s so fresh and light and bright now, and I love all the special touches you’ve added to make your house into a home. xo
littlevintagecottage says
March 26, 2016 at 10:05 amBeautiful transformation Abby and Donnie! My favorite room is the kitchen, I just love how cozy it looks! Personally I don’t care for large kitchens, love the smaller ones the best :o)
Tania
Judy Brehmer says
March 26, 2016 at 10:49 amWOW! What a difference, You and Hubby worked wonders. You are a great Decorator.
Michelle says
March 26, 2016 at 12:00 pmI LOVE your home. So beautiful!
Tiffany (@TiffanyDownLane) says
March 26, 2016 at 12:51 pmI love all of the changes you’ve made, Abby! Your home is so bright, and I like looking for all of the thoughtful details you’re so good at adding. And can I just say that the tile in the kitchen is ah-mazing! Thanks for sharing the before and afters. It’s so much more dramatic that way! 😉
Leslie says
March 26, 2016 at 1:44 pmWhat a beautiful and comfortable home y’all have created for your family!
christykjames says
March 26, 2016 at 1:44 pmI’ve already seen every transformation here, but it was so fun to see them again and all in one place! Your home is so beautiful now. What was that on the stair railing before anyway lol?
Tianah Lynn Rose says
March 26, 2016 at 3:51 pmWow! What an amazing transformation! You and your husband make such a great team! I love your style and vision. 🙂 I wonder what your home would be worth now and if you would get some of your money back, if you were to sell it one day. 🙂
katespurlock says
March 26, 2016 at 7:40 pmI just love this post for soo many reasons!! Congrats on the awesome renovations! Thanks for the home tour!
Jennifer says
March 26, 2016 at 8:57 pmWhat a fun tour! It is so neat to see how you put your personal touch in each room on a budget and totally transformed the space! Very inspiring! Happy Easter to you and your family!
Penelope says
March 26, 2016 at 8:59 pmThanks for sharing your home’s transformation. I love the updates and how your choice of paint and organizing talent gave your home a fresh, bright and updated look. Congratulations on a job well done.
Reena says
March 27, 2016 at 2:16 amI love your tour and all the inspiring changes. Bu the way, did you create your the blog signature? Which font is it? Love it, very artistic
justagirlabby says
April 13, 2016 at 12:31 pmHi, Reena! A designer created my signature, but the font is called Carolyna Pro. I hope this helps! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Maria says
March 27, 2016 at 9:27 pmBeautiful transformation! Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas and great taste!
Mommy Blogger Cebu says
March 28, 2016 at 9:06 pmVery impressive home transformation! I wish I can do that as well, our house as of now is, well, let me say full of clatter with a 3 year-old kid who loves adventures at home! And then we have another baby coming two months from now, thank God! so maybe I can just start dreaming of that clatter-free home at least 5 years from now!!!!
Roseann says
March 28, 2016 at 10:26 pmYou have a beautiful home. Well done on the excellent renovations! 🙂
Stephaney says
March 29, 2016 at 4:31 pmLooks awesome Abby! Can’t wait for the day I can do a post like this about my own home. It is a huge accomplishment, and it is so nice to just LOVE a space that you’ve done! Keep up the great work. I enjoy your posts very much. 🙂
justagirlabby says
March 31, 2016 at 8:16 pmYou are too sweet! Thanks, Stephaney! Have a great weekend!
~Abby =)
Rachel says
March 29, 2016 at 5:35 pmI have that chandelier that you have over your table. I love it!
Leonie says
June 16, 2016 at 6:18 amHi Abby,
The transformation is incredible!
I love the pastel colours and how spacious and crisp it looks.
Best wishes,
Leonie
justagirlabby says
June 16, 2016 at 8:40 amThanks so much, Leonie!
~Abby =)
Jay says
July 9, 2016 at 6:00 pmCongratulations on your renovations! A beautiful home.
Lenore says
August 16, 2016 at 5:17 pmHI, First off, your home is gorgeous! The color palette is beautiful. Well done…applause!
I am planning on painting my entire condo pale gray. I have south facing rooms that get full sunlight all day but am having difficulty finding a gray that doesn’t skew purple or baby blue. I am thinking of painting either Gray Shimmer or Silver City. I painted a GS tester on foam core board and sometimes it looks slightly violet sometimes slightly blue. I like the color but I am nervous that once the paint is on the walls/ a more expansive space it might read differently and skew the dreaded purple/baby blue. On my monitor the Silver City in your bathroom looks like it has a slight brown undertone. What are the differences/ undertones between SC and GS? Would you mind telling me how the colors react in your space? What direction do your windows/rooms face? What kind of lighting is your bathroom; incandescent, LED, fluorescent, etc.
I know this is asking a lot but my hair is going gray trying to find the perfect gray, and I would much rather see it on the walls than my head ; ).
Thanks so much!
justagirlabby says
August 16, 2016 at 9:42 pmHi, Lenore! Gray shimmer definitely pulls blue in some light. Our living room was south facing. Silver City is more of a true gray, and it is my favorite. Our bedroom was north facing. I take all of my photos with natural light. Hope this helps!
~Abby =)
Lenore says
August 16, 2016 at 5:39 pmoh, I should mention that I am trying to achieve a pale cooool gray, : )
Mel says
September 24, 2016 at 8:56 amL.O.V.E. your blog!! I’ll be returning for a lot more visits.
justagirlabby says
September 27, 2016 at 5:40 pmAw, thanks so much, Mel! Glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
paola says
November 15, 2016 at 10:35 amBeautiful, I love how big and spacious it looks now!
justagirlabby says
November 15, 2016 at 10:44 amThank you, Paola! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Loi Thai Tone on Tone says
December 18, 2016 at 4:31 pmOh my gosh – your kitchen transformation!!!! Stunning! That hex marble backsplash is divine.
justagirlabby says
December 19, 2016 at 12:24 pmThank you so much, Loi! That really means a lot! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Allie Langley says
February 2, 2017 at 10:00 amWow! Your house is gorgeous, and exactly the direction I want to take our new home. I love how that tiffany blue color carries into each room; it really ties it all together. Good job!
justagirlabby says
February 2, 2017 at 2:50 pmAw, thanks so much, Allie! <3
~Abby =)
Kara says
March 24, 2017 at 1:31 pmYou did a great job! Your home is beautiful and calming. I really like it!
justagirlabby says
March 27, 2017 at 10:19 amThanks so much, Kara! <3
~Abby =)
Junitta says
November 15, 2017 at 2:30 amBeautiful home, Full of love it seems 🙂
justagirlabby says
November 15, 2017 at 10:33 amAw, thanks so much, Junitta! It is! <3
~Abby =)
Emily says
February 18, 2019 at 4:07 pmAHHH I love seeing before and afters and this is AMAZING. It’s tricky b/c we’ve lived in our house for 8 years now and it’s hard to see what “could be” when I’m so used to how things are. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
justagirlabby says
February 18, 2019 at 7:16 pmSo glad it was helpful for you, Emily! I love seeing before and after photos too! 🙂
~Abby =)