We finally updated our House Tour page with progress photos, and realized we haven’t shared a full update on the new house since our posts from Day One and Day Fifteen. So here’s a snapshot of where we are at roughly three months in (about Day 101).
On moving day this was the formal living room looking into the original dining room. We decided to convert that space into an entryway and dining room that opens to a home office — a layout that fits how we actually live.
Now you can see the dining room looking into the converted office, after we arranged the built-ins and painted them (seriously, an inexpensive paint job changed everything). We also brought in a 70″ table that will seat eight once we add chairs.
From the opposite direction, here’s a before view of the future dining room/entryway. And below is how that same area looks now. So far the biggest addition is the table, but we’re excited to create a 6’ opening in the wall on the right to better connect the dining area with the kitchen. That should also allow us to define a proper entryway behind the table so people aren’t stepping directly into the dining space from the front door.
The long eat-in kitchen looked like this on move-in day. Our plan includes painting the paneling and cabinets, and adding a large island that takes advantage of the fireplace. The pass-through to the new dining area will be on the right wall; we hope a 6’ opening will make the rooms feel airy and open.
Today the kitchen is primarily the same but messier — and temporarily hosting a small table where the future island will go. We’re saving funds and energy for the big changes, so for now it’s a holding pattern.
The hallway used to feel bare. We’ve since added a gallery of frames on the left side (as you face the bedroom), which makes the space feel intentional. The right side is still waiting — paper templates hang where art will go — but it’s coming together.
You can also view the hallway through the wide kitchen doorway. That view now includes the framed gallery and a console table, creating a nicer sightline from the kitchen to the rest of the house.
On move-in day the living room felt dated. Since then we’ve painted the walls and trim, refreshed the beams, removed ceiling fans, hung art, and added a larger area rug. Still on the list: a console behind the sectional, curtains for the windows and sliding doors, new lamps and fixtures, a bigger media cabinet, and someday refinishing the parquet floors.
The sunroom was an addition from about 15 years ago and felt disconnected from the rest of the house. We’ve placed existing furniture there for now and plan to paint the brick, ceiling, and walls to unify the space. Light window treatments and art will help balance the awkward, off-centered window that looks into the kitchen.
The master bedroom has improved since move-in. We purchased a new bed and duvet, added no-sew curtains, swapped the light fixture, and introduced a fresh rug. We’re still deciding on art above the bed, and want to add built-ins to the niche beside the bed plus a bench at the foot.
The attached sink nook was visible from the bed and felt out of place. We removed bi-fold doors, demo’d the backsplash, and replaced an awkward medicine cabinet with a mirror hung over the window. It now reads less like a bathroom and more like furniture, though we still have plans to refine the vanity.
The master bathroom hasn’t changed much beyond a higher shower curtain, but it’s on the list for future updates.
The hall bath reminded us of the full bath in our first house. We removed an off-centered bar below the window, added trim for balance, and raised the shower curtain to give height. We’re excited to add color, art, a DIY window shade, and accessories next.
Clara’s nursery is nearly the same size as her old room. We painted it a soft lavender-pinky-gray and hung her art, which made the space feel cozy and finished.
The middle room, which we call the playroom, became a dumping ground after the move. It will eventually be another kids’ bedroom, but for now it stores extra bedding, art, and odds and ends. Once we pare down and organize, it should be great.
The guest bedroom arrived without a bed. We painted it a bold peacock blue, added curtains, bedding, accessories, and a DIY luggage-rack side table. Still left to do: crown molding and art.
The attached guest bathroom had a dated yellow-beige look. We swapped the old medicine cabinet for a mirror, added towel hooks, hung art, and brought in a bright shower curtain and hotel-style bath mat. The vintage tile remains a feature we want to work with to remove the dingy vibe.
The tiny laundry room looked empty on move-in day. We added energy-efficient front loaders and plan to install built-in storage to make it function as a small mudroom as well as a laundry space.
The basement was nearly empty at first. Now it’s full of stored items — including a few things we’re holding for family — so getting it organized will be a big project. Luckily the out-of-sight mess is easy to ignore for a while.
We’re surprised at how much we’ve accomplished in a little over three months. Renovation always comes in waves: bursts of fast progress followed by slow stretches, burnout, and budget pauses. We expect this project to take years — our first house took four and a half — and that’s fine. It’ll be an unpredictable, sometimes messy, and often fun process. Thanks for following along on this wild, delightful ride.
Psst — here’s a floor plan to help visualize the layout, and an old video house tour if you want a walkthrough.