Never in a million years did I think I'd be writing the words "home renovation." I still can't believe we own a house, let alone one that we renovated!
Jeff and I started casually looking for houses around a year ago. We rented our first apartment together last July and I definitely was itching to have something of our own. We had chosen a less expensive and desirable apartment in order to save for a bigger move. I knew what I wanted more than anything a kitchen that made me excited to cook. I wanted to absolutely LOVE where we lived.
I had no intention of doing work on whatever house we found. No one in our families has experience with renovations. It's actually kind of funny how not handy we are. Luckily I had some contractor connections from Alchemy and friends who've renovated before.
We basically got our house off the market, meaning we got a good deal in a market that's been pretty insane. We were really lucky to have a friend that lived next door to the house we ended up buying who knew we were looking. The universe was working its magic!
We looked at a lot of homes that were redone, in more prime locations, and considerably more expensive. Looking back, I'm really glad we didn't go with a more updated house. This home feels so us. We've really put our hearts and souls into it. And by no means has it been easy! Renovating a home is frustrating, expensive, complicated, and insanely unpredictable.
I remember crying when a plumber told us we had over $10,000 in plumbing to fix. (Thank God he was lying.)
I remember when there were a zillion different kinds of bugs in our house and the exterminator had to come twice in three weeks.
I remember when our sewer line clogged a month after we moved in and the basement flooded.
I remember asking myself, "was this was a mistake?"
I remember buying fifteen boxes of the wrong kitchen flooring. And choosing the wrong sheen for the bathroom walls. And learning a little too late that I should've been more specific about the trim.
But frustrations of home ownership aside, what I remember burning in my soul more than anything was an overwhelming, tear-jerking, surreal sense of gratitude. It's pretty much all thanks to this blog that we were able to renovate and furnish this house. And pay down my student loan debt. I mentioned once before that I blogged for years before I made a dime. Now when I'm making coffee or cookies or chili in our kitchen that this blog helped finance, I feel like it's all come full circle. That all the years of hard work have been worth it.
Jeff and I didn't have much furniture, and what we did have was pretty old. We pretty much started from scratch in the furniture department and bought things like a nice couch and dining room table that'll actually last us a long time versus cheap furniture to get us by.
I'm really impulsive and don't leave things in my shopping cart for long, so I started virtually furnishing our house as soon as we closed. The coolest thing I learned throughout this whole process was how much I enjoy interior design. My mom and grandma have always had an impressive knack for decorating, so I guess it's in my blood!
Working on the house was a new creative outlet for me that I didn't see coming. It gave me something to be inspired about outside of work and food. Now that the downstairs is in good shape, I'm already itching to do the upstairs master bathroom. It's kind of addicting.
While we definitely put some money into this project, we also did a lot of things to save money. And luckily the house isn't huge by any means, at just under 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. It doesn't have a real laundry room or an accessible (let alone finished, ha!) basement to furnish.
I found all our gold cabinet hardware on Amazon for less than $60. I bought our sink and faucet on Amazon rather than from the retailer. I bought a lot of furniture on Wayfair using my business account (if you have an LLC, sign up for a business account to get awesome additional discounts).
I found decorative pieces like mirrors, blankets, pilllows, and wall art from Target. I used a buffet piece I found at a yard sale as the centerpiece of the dining room. I bought our kitchen rug on eBay. I found an amazing deal on painting our entire first floor after having several painters come give us quotes.
I had the cabinets painted white versus white buying all new ones. I got yellow tag deals on our stainless-steel appliances at Appliance Smart. I bought our white oak hardwood at Floor & Decor for a great price. I worked with a super affordable contractor for our hardwood floor installation and wall tear down/rebuild.
I did a lot of research ahead of time and I never jumped at the first quote, which saved us a ton of money in the long run. Long story short, ask a lot of questions. Take the kitchen floor demo and installation, for example. Who's buying the supplies? Does the rate include trim?
I spent more money on a few statement pieces to make our home feel more classy and high end, like our living room rug, our fixtures, and our countertops. Adding big patterned rugs and plants helped add the coziness factor.
Before we dive into the details, here are some epic before and after pictures:
Kitchen
Everything in the kitchen is new except the cabinets, which we painted. It totally transformed the space! I knew from the get go that I wanted a white kitchen with two tone cabinets and gold accents. The first thing we did a few days after we signed the papers was tear up the floor. (And when I saw we, I mean our contractors. We're not handy, remember?) We ditched the brown flooring for porcelain gray with white grout. The white grout isn't the easiest to keep clean, but it really lightened up the space.
Next up was installing the countertops. We went with calacatta verona quartz.
I knew I wanted a really deep sink, so I went with this Kraus stainless steel sink. It's sleek, modern, and almost industrial looking, which I love. The best part is how big it is so it can house my billion dirty dishes that Jeff loves to clean. I probably picked out our Delta champagne bronze faucet before we even closed on the home. It's such a statement piece!
After countertops, we had our new appliances delivered. We saved a ton of money by getting yellow tag stainless steel appliances at Appliance Smart. We got our fridge for an excellent price because it had a scratch you'd never notice on the side.
Next our contractor knocked down the cabinets where the old microwave was and put electric in a cabinet you can't see in this view so we could move the microwave and put up the new hood. Then he installed white subway tile with light gray grout. I'm glad I did gray grout versus white because as much as I enjoy white, I didn't want a stark white kitchen. Contrast is key!
P.S. We do have a refrigerator, a pantry area where we housed the microwave, a hidden washer and drier and another door on the other side of the kitchen that you can't see in these pictures.
Paint was what really fueled the transformation. I knew I wanted green for the bottom cabinets, specifically Evergreen Fog. We used High Reflective White for the rest of the cabinets and all the walls except the bathroom, which was an amazing shade of black called Tricorn Black. Next time I'll need to learn more about the proper sheens because some of our walls are getting scuffed up. We've learned sooo much from this project!
Once we finished painting, we screwed in the brush brass cabinet hardware that I found on Amazon for SUCH a steal. I had the hardware sitting in our old apartment two days after we signed the closing papers! Be sure to measure the distance between your existing holes before you buy.
I'd say my taste is a mix of mid-century modern and feminine glam. I wanted the fixtures to bring that femininity to the space, so I went with these glass pendants. So lovely! We got the Edison bulbs from Ikea.
I wanted a really bright, fun, and colorful vintage rug to contrast with the light kitchen. I found our Persian area rug on eBay but this one is really similar! Be sure to get a rug pad so you don't slip and fall on your tush.
Dining Room
Redoing the wood floors in our house made a huge difference. The old floors weren't level and one was original hardwood where the other was redone but in poor shape. They used to be a dark reddish and yellowish wood. We went with a medium panel white oak to lighten up the space. It worked wonders to brighten up the whole first floor. You can tell from the below picture that we're still waiting on the reducer piece!
We also knocked down the left wall where a closet used to bedroom between the dining room and TV room to create more of the open floor plan we wanted.
To be honest, we were a little nervous that it would look weird. When it was all said and done, it was one of the best decisions we made. There's a natural flow now that wasn't there before.
I fell hard for this tower dining table. It's a really soft wood so we're careful not to set too many things on it and to use place mats whenever we eat. To complete the look, I found this runner on sale for more than 50% off at West Elm plus this gorgeous globe centerpiece that I filled with white pillar candles.
I usually weave something green in between for a pop of color, like Trader Joe's eucalyptus or garland! Above the table hangs one of my favorite pieces, this glass cylinder chandelier. Again, such a statement piece.
I got a ton of our furniture on Wayfair to save money, including six of these dining chairs in gray. Rugs were huge for me to cozy up the space, and this 6'7 x 9ft gray and cream rug compliments the darker tones beautifully.
To keep the mid century modern vibe, we went with these swivel bar stools in gray. They're super comfy, too!
Let's talk bar carts! We pretty much walked into World Market and chose this one in like seven seconds. We got a bunch of glassware there too like these gold rimmed bubble glasses. Couldn't resist.
I found this amazing chest at a yard sale in German Village over a year ago hoping that someday it would fit in our house. Voila! We decorated it with a bunch of plants and hung a round mirror set. We have this Columbus skyline painting coming this week to fill in more wall space.
TV Room
We found our two piece sectional on super sale at Macy's and it's the BEST. Modern but super comfy and functional. We got all our throw pillows at Target, duh.
Next up was this gold glass end table where we put a plant, a candle, and a lamp we had at our old place. We will be getting a new coffee table to replace the one in the photo!
How amazing is this tyley chair? I snagged it on sale from World Market (on sale for $110 off!)and couldn't resist this white shag throw to snuggle with it. This black floor lamp totally made the nook. I'm obsessed with this black throw pillow, wire basket for blankets, and black and white wall art. I found soooo much at Target!
Plants definitely brought this place to life. We got all of ours at Oakland Nursery. Love this modern ceramic and wood planter!
We're still looking for a good coffee table, but right now we're using our old one from Target. If it ain't broke! As you can see, we went with a black and white theme for this room. This is the black wall hanging we just hung between the plants and the couch. Our black and white patterned wool rug is sold out, but this one is similar.
Bedroom
Cheers to finally having a king size bed! We got almost everything for our bed for amazing prices on Wayfair. Our dark wood headboard is sold out, but this one is similar. We got this mattress, bed frame, box spring, bed skirt, and down comforter on Wayfair as well. They have amazing customer service in case you're worried about having trouble with ordering online. I found our gray end tables, Weston table lamps, and gold hanging mirror at Target.
And that's a wrap! Questions about furniture? Comments about my Target obsession? Wondering if Jeff and I still like each other after all this!? Leave a comment and let's chat!
Big thanks to Jeff for letting me post the pictures of us where we're not looking at the camera, which aren't his favorite. And even bigger thanks to Photo 243 for capturing the most beautiful pictures of our home!
William says
Hi, Alexis!!!! I love your home renovation idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Suhana Morgan says
I am so thankful for what you have shared about home renovation and looking gorgeous. From my point of view, I think I would focus on the kitchen as my priority. Tell me Why? Because I love cooking and I want my kids to enjoy their growing up stage. You really did a great job. Thanks again.
April Estor says
Oh my gosh! Your home looks amazing! Thank you for sharing this. It sure gave me some ideas on what kind of decoration and materials I can use when renovating my home. Anyways, lovely post! 🙂
Danava says
It is unbelievable that little change can make your home look so different. I love your before and after pictures, give me lots ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Lane says
Hey, During the reading your post I just saw your home picks which you have mentioned in the above post. Your house looks like my dream house and the color of a house are awesome ? Can you invite me to a dinner.
Jason Silverstein says
Love swapping out the microwave for range hood. But was wondering... where did you end up putting the microwave??? I want to do the same in my kitchen but have limited space and not sure the micro would go if not above range.
Alexis says
It’s in the cabinet we use as a pantry. We had to put electric in there but we like that it’s hidden! It’s much smaller than a range one, too.
linda says
Fantastic decoration dear. Your creativity is gorgeous. sweat home...
Paul Joyce says
Your initiative is great. I was looking for some renovation tips. I have got. Your information is essential. I just love your home renovation. I was very surprised to see your bedroom.
Thanks for sharing The excellent post.
Arthur says
I have a ciccus plant (I think that’s its name?) that’s currently dying…but for most of the plants, I water them once a week. Succulents are so easy–just a little water every 1-2 weeks. I keep the fiddleleaf tree and monstera right in the window because they love light. That’s really it–I’m far from an expert!
Eric Campbell says
I just loved your home renovation. Everything you did to the house looks absolutely stunning. I think it's a complete home renovation ideas. I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often. Can you inform me from where you bought it and how much you sped for this renovation? Thanks for the sharing your great article.
Lisset says
Have you blogged about blogging and how you made it profitable? Everything you did to the house looks absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis says
I have not, but that’s a good idea!!
Anderson says
It's very beautiful post. I love all-time your home renovation idea. Thank you for shear a great information.
Mike says
Wow amazing renovation sample i think we need to hire you
Ella James says
Its just FABULOUS!! I just loved your home renovation!!
Leah says
I just saw your home renovation on Apartment Therapy. It's absolutely gorgeous. It doesn't hurt that we both describe our taste as mid-century modern meets feminine glam! I love all the choices you made from paint colors to hardware to living/dining room furniture. I'm wondering why you decided to keep the brick column, next to the nook w/ the blue chair, unpainted. I find it looks a bit dated next to all the major improvements you've done. I too have exposed brick that I'm debating painting, so I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Alexis says
Hey Leah! I adore the brick—it adds so much warmth and character to the room. We live in a historic neighborhood and exposed brick is everything 🙂 I wish there was more!
Belle says
Wow! I love how you've combined green and white in your kitchen remodel. And the champagne faucet is absolutely gorgeous!
So glad to have discovered your blog 🙂
By the way, these are the remodeling projects we're working on this year, for anyone interested: https://www.thislifeisbelle.com/home/2018/01/22/this-life-is-belle-2018
Alexis says
Thank you so much, Belle!
Courtney says
Hi Alexis, I live in westerville and am looking for a contractor to remodel our kitchen. Do you mind telling me who you used? So far I've found there is a huge discrepancy of costs between the contractors we've contacted so far. I feel like I get haggled more because I'm female...
House Depot USA says
Really amazed at the design and architecture of your kitchen. your kitchen is just amazing. It's bright and light. Amazing stuff you got there.
online timer hourglass says
Hey there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
Anyhow, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Alyssa Winters says
Hello Alexis, I love your name “Alexis”. You have shared such a unique idea for a home renovated. Luckily, I found a nice post for helping me in renovating my home. Thanks and keep me updated with your thoughts.
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YandCconstruction says
Really amazed with the design and architecture of your kitchen. your kitchen is just amazing. It's bright and light. Amazing stuff you got there.
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
Your renovations look amazing!
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Adrian at ninjaDIY says
Hey Alexis, the house looks just amazing. Give yourself a pat on the back.
I've done a similar refurbishment job together with my wife last year. It was sooooo tiring but ... it was all worth it. I remember that some days we would have to go to the hotel down the road to have a shower due to the mess in which the house was of course.
But you should be proud of yourself as the place looks like a magazine home 🙂
Abbey says
Late to getting to this post but loving it all! I'm hoping to move to Cbus after finishing my masters degree 🙂
Ashley | Fit Mitten Kitchen says
GOALLSSS. Turned out incredible! We bought our house last May and the only thing we've entirely transformed in the house is my office. We painted some rooms but I am itching to get new furniture in the living room so I can officially decorate! And we also painted kitchen cabinets – it changes so much!
indrajeet says
Hi Alexis ,
Thanks for sharing your home renovation post , the pictures are very awesome , your house is looking very awesome , indoor design is awesome , if its possible , write an article about your outdoor house too,
Thanks alot
Dakwerken says
Your home looks so beautiful. Loved the renovation work you guys carried out.
Townsville new home builders says
Always contact and hire the best renovation contractors for your home to assure quality service.
Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says
I love this! Literally home goals! Especially love "The Nook." I think every house should have one 😉
Also how did you and Jeff agree on everything? I feel like there are so many decisions and contrasting tastes!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
This is an absolute dream Alexis!! Seriously you guys outdid yourself - everything looks so freakin cute and so you. I love the gold accents and the kitchen is a dream. Also congratulations!! We just closed on our first home 2 weeks ago and I know the feeling of being overwhelmed, but into hr end it is so worth it. Ours is completely redone which I love, (I got my dream kitchen!), but seeing you redo yours is so cool. How long did it take you to furnish it? We are slowly buying stuff but it's expensive. Does Jeff have any input or just going with the flow? Also, how are you cleaning your kitchen counters? Ours are also white and I feel like I can see every little thing. The other night I was cookingveith turmeric and was so nervous haha!
PS - We are getting that same world market accent chair in rose and I'm checking out that couch!!
Alexis says
Yesss I just totally stalked your insta so I could peek and your house and it's SO lovely! Thanks so much for the warm congrats. I'm still buying little things here and there to decorate, but I'm super impulsive so it was furnished pretty quickly. I don't leave things in my shopping cart for long 🙂 It's also only 1500 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath. Jeff kind of went with the flow but certain fixtures and chairs he'd nix because they were "too modern," LOL. I clean our counters with Trader Joe's essential oil green spray cleaner. They told us not to use anything with acid on quartz so that fits the bill. We def don't leave stains on the counter like coffee or egg yolks because they'd stain for good. It's not nearly as tough as granite. Hope that helps!!
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
your home is absolutely STUNNING!!! so bright and airy, clean but also homey. i adore it. happy for you!!!!
Alexis says
Awww thank you SO much, Jordan! Sending you virtual hugs 🙂
Dana says
I want to hear all about your house plant care!! They are soo cute and look super healthy! I'm assuming they are real. 😀
Alexis says
Hahaha I have a ciccus plant (I think that's its name?) that's currently dying...but for most of the plants, I water them once a week. Succulents are so easy--just a little water every 1-2 weeks. I keep the fiddleleaf tree and monstera right in the window because they love light. That's really it--I'm far from an expert!!
Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says
Oh my gosh!! I am SO in love with this home!! It is beautiful! We bought our first home 2 years ago and have slowly been making renovations. I am in love with our home, but we have a 90's kitchen that definitely needs an upgrade. I love what you've done here! I want the same thing except maybe with gray instead of the green for us. Congratulations on your new space and I hope it brings you many years of inspiration!
Alexis says
Thank you, Amber! When the time is right you'll update the kitchen and be soooo in love. I adore the gray idea, too! XO
Ashley S. says
Also - how on earth do you keep all those plants alive!?
Alexis says
Hahaha I have a ciccus plant (I think that's its name?) that's currently dying...but for most of the plants, I water them once a week. Succulents are so easy--just a little water every 1-2 weeks. I keep the fiddleleaf tree and monstera right in the window because they love light. That's really it--I'm far from an expert!!
Kaci says
Love everything about this! CONGRATS on a job well-done! I love all of the tips on how to find so many adorable and affordable pieces! I actually bought the same rug but smaller as the one in your dining room but purchased mine on Overstock.com and am using it in my living room. Fun fact: I also just realized it is the same brand as the sofa & loveseat I just purchased on Wayfair (my first Wayfair purchase)! ha Hope you have a great day and get to have fun making dinner later in that kitchen! 😉
Alexis says
Yayyy thank you so much!! Overstock is the bomb, right?!
Kristine says
Thank you for such a detailed post!! I am in love with every room! I think I would give a slightly sad sigh as I walked out the door every morning for work because I'd never want to leave. 😉 haha. congrats on such a big life step- you've certainly worked hard for it and I love your blog content. <3
Alexis says
Hahaha it's a pretty great feeling being able to enjoy the fruits of our labor, that's for sure!
Trista Johnson says
I think Chip and Joanna would be proud!!! This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your process/tips for saving money and areas where you chose to splurge. I love the little book shelf on the end of the kitchen bar/peninsula.
Alexis says
The ULTIMATE compliment! My cabinets are filled with their new Magnolia dishes from Target. They rock!
Sarah says
Absolutely gorgeous! I love your color scheme, pinning for future reference 😉
Alexis says
Thanks lady!! Hope it inspires you in the future.
Ken Plank says
You did good !!!!!
Alexis says
Thank you, Ken!
Vihra says
Wau! Really beautiful. 😀
Alexis says
Eeee thanks dear!
Caitlin McGillicuddy says
Absolutely stunning!
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Caitlin. We love it!!
Pay Fair says
The renovation is beautiful, but boasting about haggling down your house cleaners is anything but. Cleaning homes is difficult, physical, and under-compensated work as it is - encouraging your readers to pay even less of a livable wage to the people literally cleaning up after them is really out of touch.
Alexis says
Hey there, I respect your thoughts regarding the cleaners comment and I removed that sentence. However, I don't appreciate you insinuating I was under-compensating anyone. That is far from the truth. Please know that I would never pay someone an unfair let alone "less than livable" wage. The rate I negotiated was more than fair and on par with several other cleaning services. I worked two jobs to put myself through college and I know what it's like to be scrambling to support myself. I respect all the people that are hustling to make a living. I've been there.
Pay Fair says
I appreciate the honest reply, and the quick removal. I was not insinuating that you personally underpaid your cleaners - but your original language noted that you refused to go forward with your alarm company unless they lowered their price, and that you "did the same thing with your cleaners". Service workers are compensated very differently than a national (or even local) security company. I stand by my comment that this was an inappropriate comparison to offer without providing the context you have since offered. Again, thank you for the reply and the clarification.
Alexis says
You're right--my language wasn't ideal. The overall message I was trying to get across here was one of encouragement to always ASK--something people don't always think of doing. The alarm gentleman was a salesman who vastly over-quoted us until I asked for a more fair, lower rate. Saving money here and there helped us afford what we did and my hope is that others will consider how can they save a little more for themselves, but of course not at the expense of people trying to earn the fair wage they very much deserve. I apologize if my language was insensitive. I absolutely adore my cleaners and I'd hate to think that I had insulted them in any way. I'm glad you commented so I could provide more context here. Thanks and have a lovely day!
Robyn says
Can I hire you?
Alexis says
DONE.
Kori says
As always, I greatly appreciate your transparency! Opening this amazing post by first stating how stressful it was rather than skip over that is very helpful. My husband and I are starting to look for a home to call our own, and he's pro-reno whereas it terrifies me. My twin and I inherited our lake house and property that required several updates before Matt and m wedding October 2016, and that taste alone was enough. Ha. But you have offered so many suggestions that I truly appreciate! Ideas that could spruce up a space for not much cost. My twin and her husband just bought a couch and love seat on Wayfair, and I'm so glad to hear they have fabulous products and customer service! Alexis, your home is incredible, and you deserve it with all of your hard work. It's so gorgeous and a wonderful blend of feminine touches with unique pieces throughout. Congratulations!
Alexis says
Thanks so much!! The process is far from glamorous, that's for sure. Best of luck with your own reno endeavors!
korie veidel says
What paint color did you use on the kitchen cabinets? Love it!
Alexis says
I linked to all the paint colors in the post!! It's Evergreen Fog. Enjoy 🙂
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
your space is absolutely gorgeous! you guys did a great job with decor. we kinda went through the similar situation and as much as it sounds frustrating, it is all worth it 🙂
Alexis says
Thank you so much 🙂 It's been fun looking back at everything!!
emily vardy says
It all looks so, so good!
Alexis says
Thank you my love!
Miss Polkadot says
Truth be told, I had to blink and look/reread twice to be sure that this is an actual, real, yes, not just existing house but -yours-. Not because I couldn't imagine you having a nice house but this is so ... perfect. Can you say dream house?! I can't imagine how excited you must have been moving into this fairytale of a house. Congratulations, Alexis!
Oh, and this ;): "Wondering if Jeff and I still like each other after all this!?" Well, I can imagine renovating a house together is a true test to any relationship. Hm ... I should ask my sister and her husband - currently in the process - about this ...
Alexis says
Hehehe I still have to pinch myself!! We're so so grateful. Sending you hugs!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
What is this magic? Your home looks absolutely lovely! ❤ Such a comfortable and beautiful setting for living in, I'm jealous beyond words! 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Alexis says
Awww thanks so much! All the magic 🙂
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