Home Renovation: Before Photos & Early Design Ideas
Over the next several weeks we’ll be slowly moving into our new Southern colonial home while beginning to plan the renovation. Right now the house is still mostly empty as we transition between homes, so this felt like the perfect time to document the starting point. We’ll likely be settling in gradually over the next six weeks, but in the meantime I’ve started gathering inspiration and thinking through how we want to approach updating different spaces.
Today I’m sharing some of the original before photos of the house along with a few early concept ideas as we begin imagining what each space could become. The images shown throughout this post are the original listing photos from when the property was on the market. I’m sharing them here to document the starting point of the home before any renovation work begins. Alongside the listing photos, you’ll also see a few visual concept images I’ve been experimenting with. These are AI-generated images that help illustrate the general direction I’m considering for some spaces. They are not final renderings or exact plans, but simply concept ideas to help visualize possibilities as we start planning the renovation.
spaces we’re planning
Below are a few of the spaces I shared in the empty house tour along with some early ideas for each one. As we continue planning, I’ll also start linking products and materials I’m considering for each room.
foyer & entryway
The foyer is the first space you see when entering the home, so we’d like it to feel classic and welcoming while highlighting the existing architecture.
Decor pieces I’m eyeing for this space
formal living room & parlor
It feels like it was originally intended to function as a more formal sitting room or parlor, and we’d love to keep that feeling while making it slightly more relaxed and comfortable.
Items I’m considering for this space
primary bedroom
The goal for the primary bedroom is to create a calm and restful space using soft neutrals and natural textures. We’re thinking about incorporating subtle architectural details like wall paneling to add character and depth, along with layered bedding and warm lighting to make the room feel relaxed and timeless. We’ll also be updating the lighting fixtures and removing the existing cabinet so the space feels more open, with plans to paint the room in a softer, neutral tone.
Products I am using to decorate
primary bathroom
The primary bathroom will likely see one of the larger updates during the renovation. We’re leaning toward something that feels classic and spa-like, using simple materials that fit the traditional style of the house.
Elements I’m considering
living room
If you watched the house tour, you probably remember what we’ve been calling the red room. This space will become our family room, so the goal here is to create something comfortable and inviting for everyday living.
Design ideas I’m loving
Our goal with this renovation is to preserve the charm and character of the home while thoughtfully updating it to better suit our family’s needs. This post is also a continuation of the empty house tour I recently shared on YouTube, where I walked through the home shortly after we purchased it.
There’s still a lot to figure out, but it’s been fun starting to imagine the possibilities for each space. I’ll continue sharing updates, inspiration, and sources as we settle in over the next several weeks and begin planning the renovation.
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