Do you love a good Cinderella story? A before and then a happily ever after complete with a wave of a magic wand? Oh good. Because I have a few that I am going to be sharing over the next month or so. Starting with a peek at the living room in all of that ‘before’ glory from back in the day…
Do you have a junk drawer? One that has bits of random ‘junk’ that somehow seems to multiply while in there? And then before you know it- that handful of junk becomes a drawer full. Well, the good news is that junk drawer is a junk drawer no more.
And in other news- tucked inside that drawer I found several tidbits of treasures from the past. And even better- I found several rooms full of those before shots- including the little cottage bedroom- which you might not believe when you see it.
But today it is all about the Living Room.
You see the living room often here- it is a main room that we live in often and so, I am always styling it or grabbing a simple photo to share. And today- I am showing you what it looked like BEFORE the fairy Godmother and her magic wand came along… unfinished ceilings, broken windows, and single light bulbs on a wire & all.
Of course that magic wand looks like a lot more like elbow grease, blood, sweat and tears and years of work. And while the living room was not nearly as in disrepair as the rest of the house (the bathrooms were a full of things that make you shudder) it did have those same broken windows, water damaged hardwood floors and unfinished ceilings as the rest of the house.
But you know what… I didn’t see all of that. I mean, I did see it of course, I just looked past it and focused on the good points. The knotty pine walls. The hardwood floors. The huge fireplace. And the view outside those tiny windows that looked out to the back acreage of the property.
It is a good thing that I was able to focus on those good points- because now I know just how much work it was to get this basket case of a house to be livable and knowing that now- I might have paused before jumping in. Or maybe not. I do like a good diamond in the rough and tend to believe whole heartedly in something that just needs some love to shine.
So come on in and see the house as we saw it back in the day- minus all the broken old furniture that was in this room- which we removed right after we closed.
If you are new here- the house was a vacation home in the country and was never lived-in full time. When no one was here- it appears to have been vandalized over the 60 years it sat here.
The Front Door
We had two of them really.
One right next to the other on a different wall. One entered into the kitchen and had a padlock to keep it closed. The second was this door complete with carved ‘Crests’ on it that entered into the living room.
We affectionately have called it the Viking Door- because our realtor said ‘Nice door… if you are a viking’ when we first looked at the house. The viking door did not have a key and was not functional. You had to unlock the padlocked door and lock it back up when leaving until the front door was fixed.
The door was thick old wood- but heavily damaged and you could actually look right through some of the cracks and see inside. (trying to show close ups of details is not easy when you didn’t take close ups back.in.the.day.)
The Living Room Before
Once inside- you can see the room was full of old knotty pine walls and that lovely shade of orange stain. And no crown trim on that unfinished ceiling.
Which at first- we weren’t too concerned about living with until we could afford to buy all new trim for the house. Until a week after we moved in. We were sitting on the sofa with the kids watching t.v. one evening when a bat flew out from the attic through the cracks at the top of the boards- right from that corner over there behind the door. It flew round and round in the living room while I grabbed the kids and ran to the bathroom and locked us all in the shower until my husband could get it out of the house. Apparently I tend to believe that if you hide in the bathroom when a bat gets in the house – you are safe. I have no reasoning for that but I have done it twice now. We didn’t realize that the knotty pine boards simply stopped at the top- and there were small gaps above them and above the top sill boards – open to the attic space and the outside of the house.
We spent the better part of the rest of that night with allllll the lights in the house on -while we ‘stuffed’ all of the tops of those boards with newspaper and insulation – and yes, the new trim boards moved to the TOP of the list on things we were going to tackle first and were covered up immediately.
Fun fact- when we pulled the top trim off to see what was under that sheetrock ceiling many years later- we found that quick fix newspaper ‘insulation’ again. The ceiling was unfinished sheetrock- at the time we didn’t think much about the sheetrock either- but it was not in all the rooms- most of them had wood ceilings or an acoustic type ceiling tile. But it appears that someone along the way started to update a couple things.
Unfinished Ceilings & single bulbs
Along with that unfinished ceiling- came that lovely trademark that was in almost every one of the rooms. A single lightbulb hanging from a wire for the lighting. I have no reasoning for the thinking behind those light ‘fixtures’ either. haha. On the other side of the room- a large window and a small window on the end wall were all that was there. You can’t see from the photos too well but the flooring was quite water damaged unfortunately- and the bid to have it professionally refinished meant we were waiting a bit or tackling it ourselves. Another FUN project.
Really, though, as I mentioned- this room was in fairly decent shape compared to the rest of the house. Aside from the things that were unfinished and the broken windows- it was mostly functional and the fireplace and heater worked perfectly.
So it was a diamond in the rough- but not nearly as rough as the other rooms in the house. So what does the living room look like now? You are probably already very familiar with how it looks but I will show you a few comparisons to really show how much it changed. (some photos are from my book)
The Front Door
The viking door is now a dutch door- and is just a door to the front patio area. We have added an entry and french doors at the other end of the room where there used to be a small window.
Style Tip: A charming door like a dutch door is perfect for adding French farmhouse charm to your home.
The French Doors
This is the small window and air conditioner view-
now French doors and the dining room. We added two sets of French doors- one on each side of the fireplace that replaced two small windows. Aside from adding a ton of light- they are also wonderful for opening up the room and letting the breeze in.
Style Tip: French doors in place of windows are a good way to bring in more sunshine and light- and also connect the inside living spaces with the outdoor living spaces.
The Beams
That light bulb and unfinished ceiling? Now exposed beams and a chandelier. We uncovered the beams under that unfinished sheetrock and brought them back out into the open. The original ceiling area is 4″ wood pine planks that we painted Simply White.
Style Tip: Exposed beam ceilings are quintessential French style. Whether you have original beams, new beams or faux beams- adding those can make your room feel completely different. You can also use a ceiling finish such as planked wood, beaded board or even wallpaper and add that interest as well.
The Fireplace
The fireplace is the same- we did re-do some of the wood front back.in.the.day- but getting ready for a change there again.
Style Tip: A fireplace is a focal point in a room in addition to being something that brings ambiance and warmth. If you don’t have a wood burning fireplace- you can create a similar warmth and look with a mantel and logs & twinkle lights in the ‘fire box’.
And the view into the new entry-which was once a window-(that small peek of a window on the right side of this photo) is now a room filled with windows and French doors and a large opening flanked with antique doors.
Style Tip: Use Architectural elements like old antique doors – they add interest and a French flair even if they are merely decorative.
As I mentioned- we had to re-do the floors. They were quite gouged and damaged from water – we sanded them down and refinished them twice and are not able to sand down again- the individual hardwood pieces sit directly on the floor joists- no underlayment in the house.
The wrap up
All in all- this room was not too terrible in the overall of the house. Some of the rooms were absolutely downright what in the world happened here scary looking. With a bit of vision and a a few gallons of primer and paint- this room became what we thought it could be.
I love the old and original of this room and am so glad that we didn’t try to take it into the ‘modern’ look that everyone thought it needed to be beautiful. And I love that we were able to incorporate some of that ‘vintage and French style’ that I love so much with various elements and decor.
What do you think of how this room turned out? Stay tuned for the next installment of ‘Before & After’ and if you find that elusive magic wand anywhere- send it my way. We have a few fun projects coming up that would be great to wave a few sprinkles of magic and fairy dust on to wrap up. 🙂
You can see more of our living room and home in my books
FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE & my newest book FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE INSPIRED GATHERINGS
Unknown says
Love seeing the before and after! The transformation is so inspiring. It’s a story that never grows old, and the way it’s decorated, it’ll never look dated.
mariondee-designs says
Just beautiful.. I've always loved your decorating style!
Jo-Anne's Ramblings says
Bloody alwwesome, I like
Donna says
Gorgeous! Love everything about this room! Received your book last week, your house is beautiful, just love your style.
Linda B says
Absolutely gorgeous! Love seeing what can be done…an amazing change. An admirer – Linda Bishop
Unknown says
Favorite post. Would love to see the entry room. Thanks for posting.
Karen says
It's truly magical the vision you had to see through the damage and create the beautiful space you now have.
Karen
Unknown says
Amazing transformation. Would you share who made the sofas? Love the legs and bench seat. Looking forward to the next transformation.
Mary says
What is the brand of sofaS
Courtney says
Hi Mary, They are from Eloquence.
Unknown says
Cannot believe how much work you have done over the years, its amazing fabulous!! two questions,
How long have you lived in your home?
Do you ever feel the house is completed?
I ask because we have been doing up our home for 7 years, and feel we might be there now, as each room has been worked on. Of course the first room is now 7 years older but, I think we are at the time to enjoy the home and not keep on updating it, even though I sometimes want to!
What are your thoughts on the question, when is the time to stop??
I love looking at your website, and am in awe of your stamina.
Best wishes
Elaine Heron from the south coast in the UK X
mcasper10 says
So I want to hear the story about raising the ceiling, I hate our low ceilings in the home we are in now and yours are dreamy with the boards and beams!
Bev Kinley says
Ditto.
Miche Ortega says
Absolutely amazing and beautiful. I can't wait to see the other before and afters. Thank you so much for sharing.
MaeBelleMary says
Beautiful!!! I would love to see the "before" floorplan and the "now" floorplan to better understand your layout.
Unknown says
These photos are very inspirational. I particularly love the flower arrangements scattered around. Thank you
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Wow! I love seeing the befores Courtney! I've redone a couple houses in my time, and these photos represent A LOT of work! Congrats on doing it all and ending up with such a beautiful space! ????
French Ethereal says
Courtney, what you and your family have done to transform your home into the beautiful glass slipper it is now is amazing! Lots and lots of work but it is so pretty now!! I love all the French doors bring in so much light and the paneling painted white just makes this room glow… Beautiful!!! ????????
Loving your new series,
Barb ????????
Deborah says
Coirtney such a visionary. Wish i had that. It is so beautiful what you did to change a broken down structure To a gorgeous home. Love your style. And always looking forward to your posts!!!
Vikki says
This is the most amazing make-over I’ve ever seen! Simply BeautifUL!!!
Michele M. says
Have always absolutely adored your home and your cottage – and seeing the befores and afters is so inspiring.
your hard work has brought you to where you are now. huge congrats in every way.
Sandy Sickinger says
Courtney, I think you’ve got another book in the making. A before and after of the whole house and property. Would be such fun with a lot of beautiful, inspirational pictures and thoughts that you’re so good at doing.
Ivory says
I love all the Outstanding changes, they are breathtaking. I wish we could see the entire space. Thanks for sharing.
Katherine Alver says
i love your dutch door! I always have, always will love them! I enjoy following you as you share with us all your adventures in the before and after pictures and descriptions. when my husband passed, i needed a special project. i chose to redo just one room per year. sometimes we appreciate our efforts more if we spread them out rather than see them all at once!
Ivory says
Wonderful tips, and thought pr ideas. I love how eve turned out. Thank you for sharing The fa res
Patsy says
You are a bounty of inspiration!
I believe in my house but ugg. Long way to go. I am blessed though.
I love your series. Your rooms are beautiful!
Nancy says
I absolutely L.O.V.E your story and can’t wait to hear about the rest of your transformation! We also bought a diamond in the rough i have named acorn cottage, circa 1942. Peonies, daffodils. lilacs and wild roses in the garden. I’ve never looked back and still waving my magic wand!💖💫💐
Courtney says
Love that!
Rosalie says
EVERY THING ABOUT YOUR UPDATED LIVING ROOM IS BEAUTIFUL YOU HAVE SUCH A UNIQUE WAY OF USING TREASURED FINDS. iT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT YOU HAD A LOT OF PATIENCE TACKLING EACH PROJECT UNTIL YOU HAD JUST THE RIGHT LOOK AND FEELING YOU WANTED. yOU MUST BE SO HAPPY LIVING LIFE IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME. vERY INSPIRING INDEED.
Kim says
So HAppy you’re sharing your diamond inthe ruff with us!
Maxine says
A stunning finish! What a big reno; thanks for sharing.
Kay says
Your home is simply beautiful! I always enjoyed your blog. When you look at these pictures now, do you ever wonder why?
Pam says
Love see and read the befor and after, it looks AWESOME!!!
alexander says
Just an incredible result when you see the picture before. Such a result inspires me to start redesigning my house.
Jeanne bolubasZ says
New to your site but very inspireD by all you have aCComplisHeD. EveryThing is beyond lovely. Your flower prEsentations are timeless. Thanks so much!
Jill says
The transformation of your home is amazing! it almost seems impossible that it is the same home. I don’t even know how you saw the potential it had. It’s a lucky home to have you find it, love it, and make it beautiful!
Diane says
What a fabulous transformation Courtney! thanks so much for sharing on our inaugural Fabulous Friday!
Jayne @ Chalking Up Success says
I just found you through the ‘Fabulous Friday’ link party and I’m so glad I did! I absolutely love this room makeover, it’s hard to believe it’s the same space. Your style is beautiful – pinned!
Donna Allen says
Wow! what an amazing transformation! I just love everything about this room, it is so gorgeous! Your creative genius is inspiring! Have a lovely day, Donna
Sara says
wow! Amazing transformation!
Lynn says
Your home is just amazing! I’ve been a fan for a very long time and have your books next to my chair in my family room. i never tire of looking through it and getting inspired.
thank you so much for sharing your living room post on our first fabulous friday link party. you are so incredibly kind!
jULIE says
I love, love, love YOUR DECORATING STYLE! pLEASE TELL ME WHERE YOU PUT YOUR TV! i DON’T SEE tV’S IN THE DECORATING SHOWS.
jeeny Main says
Oh my gosh your home and Hubby show all your love. It is amazing and Courtney I have both your books. I never tire oh your blog. It was the first one I ever found and I love it all.
Deborah says
Courtney, i as well have both of your books and love your style and have used many of your ideas. My style is very similar. Years ago we bought s home that was built in 1920. We have little by little, refurbished our home as we could. I am also a lover of white in different tones with furniture, wall color and antiques which i have refinished. Please write another book of your before and after photos. It will be a best seller for us who love decorating. Thank you again Courtney for sharing your vision and decorating expertise. X❤️
Mona Turner says
Good Morning Courtney!
Your style truly speaks to me and inspires me so much. it is dreamy and has an ethereal like beauty, which i absolutely love. i recently started watercolour painting and open up my ” French country inspired gatherings” book for inspiration. it really is a fabulous treasure of a book. p.s. you look so young to have adult children and be a grandmother. have a lovely day!
anita says
Amazing! Would you share where you found the lighting? lighting is so hard to find now with everything being modern. Thank you! Anita
Ahrisha says
Courtney*** Your Christmas book arrived yesterday! I am looking forward to a cup of coffee and a good sit-down with it. It is lovely.
Mimi says
This was one of the most amazing Before and afters ive ever seen.Kudoes!