Dear House: Two Years of Memories and Makeovers

Dear house,

We moved in exactly two years ago, and it still feels like yesterday. From the moment we first saw you, we were smitten. Looking back at that first exterior photo now, it’s funny to remember how little we knew — and how much we loved you anyway.

You won us over right away, even with quirks that would have put off a less optimistic pair. The living room greeted us with a strange shelf divider, a stained-glass square, and a faux-stone linoleum landing that belonged in another era. Instead of running from it, we pictured the possibilities: paint, polish, and personality. Those imperfect details became the starting point for change.

The dining room’s dated wallpaper and the kitchen’s ancient cabinetry—both with a bemused “this was once fashionable” air—were more charming than discouraging. We saw them as projects rather than problems. The kitchen’s heavy wood and oversized hardware seemed to whisper, “Make me new,” and that invitation excited us. Each small renovation would be a step toward a home that felt like ours.

The master bedroom was understated and simple, but it became a cozy retreat after we painted it a pale blue-gray — our first color choice in the house and the only one we didn’t change within those first two years. That soft hue helped the room feel calm and newly intentional in a house full of character.

The den felt like a smoky lodge when we first walked in — dark paneling, heavy beams, and furniture that looked like it had been in a dorm forever. Still, we could see the potential: lighter paint, better furnishings, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves. We signed the mortgage papers with excitement and a long to-do list, determined to transform each room bit by bit.

The sunroom might as well have sealed the deal. Despite carpet that once smelled unpleasant, its light, layout, and potential for season-round use made it irresistible. We tackled stains and wear, and slowly it became one of our favorite spaces for morning coffee and late-afternoon reading.

We also loved the house’s quirks: five dusty ceiling fans, two fireplaces begging for attention, and a front porch that felt rare in the neighborhood. Small inconveniences, like the lack of electrical outlets in the bathrooms, were easily outshone by features we adored. Most of all, it was the vintage cow weather vane on the roof that made us smile and feel certain: this was the home for us.

Over the past 731 days we have shared laughter, hard work, mishaps, and small victories in every room. You’ve taught us patience and creativity, and you’ve given us a canvas for countless improvements and fond memories. Thank you for the lessons, the challenges, and the joy of transforming a house into a true home.

Here’s to many more years, renovations, and quiet mornings together.