Arts & Crafts Bungalow Family Room Makeover — Before and After
When Erin and her husband Ben sent their before-and-after photos of their 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow family room, we were excited to share their transformation. Their home-based renovation blends respect for original details with thoughtful updates, creating a warm, livable space that stays true to the house’s character.
The Story
Erin wrote to tell us how they tackled the project over the course of a few months. They’d lived in the bungalow for nearly two years and worked on the home one room at a time. After three and a half months of concentrated effort—and about 70–80 hours of hands-on labor—they finished the first-floor family room. Their accomplishments include removing outdated built-ins and constructing new ones, stripping the original oak woodwork to reveal its natural beauty, and tiling the fireplace with ledgestone veneer. The result is a cohesive, welcoming family room that mixes original craftsmanship with contemporary comforts.
Before
Before the makeover, the room showed signs of its long history: original oak trim that had been layered with finishes over the years, built-ins that no longer fit the homeowners’ needs, and a fireplace that needed visual and structural updating. The original elements offered a rich foundation, but Erin and Ben wanted to rework the layout and finishes so the space felt brighter and more functional for modern family life.
After
The after photos reveal the thoughtful choices that turned the room into a welcoming family hub. The stripped oak woodwork now showcases its authentic grain and tone, complementing the new built-ins that provide both storage and display. The fireplace, finished in natural ledgestone veneer, becomes a tactile focal point that anchors the room. Overall, the palette and furnishings create a balanced mix of period-appropriate detail and contemporary comfort.
Materials and Sources
For readers interested in specifics, Erin shared a source list for the materials and furnishings they used. These choices supported the room’s cohesive look while keeping the project manageable for two homeowners. Highlights include:
- Fireplace ledgestone veneer: Dutch Quality Natural Blend Ledgestone (sourced from a local dealer)
- Paint: Valspar Martha Stewart Signature Barn Door Red and Valspar Churchill Hotel Wheat
- Window treatments: Levolor real wood blinds from Lowe’s; floral curtains from Pier 1
- Furniture and accents: Crate & Barrel sofa and coffee table; IKEA chairs and bookshelf lighting; red side table from Target
- Lighting: Two-Tier Round Chandelier from Restoration Hardware; additional bookshelf lighting from IKEA
- Rug: carpet remnant purchased at a local warehouse sale
- Pillows and smaller textiles: Crate & Barrel
DIY Approach and Practical Notes
Erin and Ben handled most of the work themselves, which included demolition of the old built-ins, construction of new storage and display units, refinishing the original oak trim, and installing the stone veneer on the fireplace. Their process demonstrates that careful planning, patience, and a willingness to learn can yield professional-looking results. They alternated tasks to balance design decisions with hands-on labor and allowed the project to stretch into a comfortable pace rather than rushing through it.
Why This Makeover Works
This makeover succeeds because it respects the home’s original character while introducing updated finishes and systems that support modern living. The restored oak trim preserves historical integrity, the new built-ins offer improved function, and the stone-clad fireplace adds texture and visual warmth. Thoughtful color choices and layered lighting complete the transformation, making the room inviting both for quiet family evenings and for entertaining guests.
Erin and Ben’s thoughtful renovation is a reminder that with effort and careful selection of materials, homeowners can revive older homes in ways that feel authentic and fresh. We thank them for sharing their before-and-after photos and hope they enjoy time relaxing in their beautifully transformed family room before tackling the next project.