Recently I was looking through the archives of our site, and ran across a post called 7 months in. It was from our previous home and showed the updates that we had made in 7 months. I remember feeling like they were DRASTIC...and, I guess the thing is they were. But nothing compared to the afters 6 years later. It really got me thinking about this house though. And how I never want this to be a before and after blog. I want this to be about the process and the time it takes to watch a house evolve, and to find your style and your groove and how many versions there are in between. So, in the spirit of progress and celebrating every step of the way--here's our house, 10 months in (!!!) with lots of progress, but with so much more to come.
THE ENTRY
I want to focus on the progress, so I don't want to go into too much of what still needs to be done, because a looottttt. But, I mentioned on Instagram last week that the doors are all getting replaced, but it's worth mentioning again here since that's usually the question we get the most of. I'd also love to disguise the coat closet door (or maybe even move it?) and rework the office entrance. One day, a new chandelier and stair sconces will make the biggest difference of all.
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams | Trim Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams | Floor: Ingrid by Stuga Studio | Railing
Credenza | Sconces | Rug | Mirror | Vase (similar) | Stems
THE OFFICE
The office was dark and odd when we moved in. The previous owners used it as a TV room/den which explains the lack of lighting and the speakers in the tray ceiling. It's much improved now but we'd still LOVE to add more natural light one day. 
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams | Floors: Ingrid by Stuga Studio | SMEG Fridge | Area Rug | Frame TV | Table | Chairs | Light Fixture | Credenza | Keurig | Black Bowl | Faux Fig Stems | 46″ Fig Stems | Wood Stand | Candle
Desks | Desk Chairs | Pendant Lighting | Creativity Takes Courage Flag | Black and Walnut Lounge Chair + Ottoman | Floor Lamp | Baskets | Crendenza | Bookcase | Black Vase | Gray Pots | Fiddle Leaf | Large Bowl | Wood Bowl | White Pot
Accent Wall Color: Downpipe by Farrow and Ball | Sofa | Ottomans | Wall Sconces | Logo: Dropcap Studio | Vase | Fig Stems | Paintings: Etu Home
HALLWAY/MUSIC ROOM
Remember those columns? Remember that double story space next to the columns??
Hallway Lights | Art | Pendant Light
LIVING ROOM
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams | Trim Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams | Floors: Ingrid by Stuga Studio | Windows: Pella | Navy Sofa | Neutral Sofa | Leather Sling Chairs | Rug | Floor Lamp | Vase | Faux Stems
BREAKFAST NOOK
Round Table | Dining Chairs | Pendant Light | Arched Cabinet
KITCHEN
I'm so grateful that we did a quick, cheap kitchen aesthetic makeover last year. It has served us over and over just by having a nice place to look at while cooking when everything else was in shambles. One day we'll renovate the whole thing (the layout is POOR!), but we're not sure if that will be this year anymore. We're just taking it day by day here and are, again, happy that we did a little refresh to tide us over to whenever that big renovation might happen.
Cabinet Color: Thunderous by Sherwin Williams | Runner | Vase | Eucalyptus | Stools | Pendants | Cream Smeg Toaster | Round Pizza Board | Wood Fruit Bowl (similar) | Black Bowl | Art (vintage) | Over the Counter Wood Cutting Board | Soap Set
Hardware Knobs | Hardware Pulls | Dinner Bell (old, similar) | Round Wood Footed Tray (old, similar) | Pepper Grinder | Marble | Spoon Rest | Marble Utensil Holder | Copper Tea Kettle | Pyramid Cheese Grater | Mortar & Pestle | Mini Copper Cocottes | Large Strainer Stock Pot | White Enamel Dutch Oven | Copper Kitchenaid Stand Mixer | Magnetic Knife Strips | Vertical tongue and groove paneling
PANTRY
Color: Sherwin Williams Van Dyke Brown | OXO POP Containers | Spice Jars | Baskets | Clear Bins | Turntable | Tiered Shelves
KIDS' WORK ROOM
We are so grateful for this room right now while we figure out homeschooling. We always envisioned it as their homework room, with the family computer in a prominent spot and a place to keep school papers and the printer. But now-a-days this room gets almost as much of a workout as the kitchen.
Couch | Rug | Chairs | Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig
DINING ROOM
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams | Trim Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams | Doors: Pella | Floors (Dark: Neuro, Light: Magnifica Calacatta Oro) | Table | Chairs | Pendant Lights | Sconces | Faux Stems | Vase | Wooden Bowl (similar)
MASTER BEDROOM
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams | Trim Color: Lamproom Gray by Farrow & Ball | Floors: Ingrid by Stuga Studio | Doors: Pella | DIY Over-Grouted Stone Fireplace | Canopy Bed | Rug | Nightstands (no longer available, similar) | Lamps | Olive Tree | Duvet | Sconces
MASTER CLOSET
This is the project we're currently working on!! See more here.
Rug | Arch Mirror
MASTER BATHROOM
I wasn't going to show the master bathroom, because we haven't touched it, but I often get asked if we have one--so here it is! We hope to tackle this this year!
Greta's Room
Beds | Duvet | Duvet Insert | Sheets | Quilt | Pillows (Target-old) | Nightstand (From Wayfair–no longer available) | Lamp (Vintage) | Wallpaper | Floating Fames | Carpet: Godfrey Hirst Wool Blend Carpet–Glen Abbey II in the color Thatch
Greta's Bathroom
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams Jasper in Low Lustre (Emerald Line) | Beadboard Color: Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter in Satin | Tile | Towel Hooks | Toilet Paper Holder | Towel Ring | Vanity Light | Blush Towel | Striped Hand Towel | Bath Mat | Soap dispenser | Toothbrush holder
Art (from top to bottom, left to right)
Time Stands Still (small landscape) | Braid | Masked Girl | Love & Be Happy framed prints (come in pair) | Floral Bouquet | Mask- Jennifer Ament
Polly's Room
Rug | Curtains | Curtain Rod | Crib | Glider | Dresser | Crib Tent
FAYE'S ROOM
I love so many things about Faye's room--the potential is there, but the shape is SO weird, I'm struggling with the layout. The ceiling vaults halfway into her room and I definitely want to move a chandelier into the vaulted space, but I can't figure out the best place for her bed.
Basement
Couch (in Vintage Plush Sisal) | Table (vintage)
Basement Guest Room
Almost since we have moved in, we have had someone staying with us. Siblings, Nephew, Friend. So I threw together a quick guest room (very rough) and then we all went on lock down and it's making me second guess everything. Would I rather have a home gym? Right now? Yes.
Rug | Headboard | Nightstand | Floor Mirror | Duvet
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Oh my, Faye’s room is awesome! I’d build in bookshelves around the window with a window seat. It would be high, but it could feel like a tower window with a few steps! The bed could go on the long wall opposite the door.
Hey! I'm curious if you could make a list of less expensive alternatives you'd recommend that would be similar to the leather sling chairs you have in your living room? I absolutely love those from McGee & Co but just need too many other pieces to spend that much on them! I'd love your recommendations. You guys are so inspiring and I absolutely love your decor style.
Can you tell me honestly how you like the Lulu and Georgia navy and green couches that you have? I've seen a few pictures online where the cushions look messy/cheap and like they don't hold their shape.
Also, what color is your Arhaus Kipton couch? The link pulls up a blue color.
Thank you!!!!!
Julia, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. You've come SO FAR in such a short amount of time. I know it feels like eons, but it really is impressive what you've accomplished. Celebrate all these fabulous wins!!
I love this tour! I can't remember your plan for the interior doors... can you remind me? Looks beautiful -- and very clean. I feel like I need to know your cleaning/clutter management routine!
Love everything you have touched! Could you tell me how wide your dining room is? We are soon to be building and our dining room will look similar to yours. It will be a connection between the kitchen and living room so it will be a major thoroughfare. I would like to compare our dimensions. Thank you!
Love, love, love this!!!! I look at these rooms daily! It’s so inspiring and literally brings me so much joy!!! I do have a question. What are your thoughts on textured walls. I really debate on knock down texture vs flat.
Love it! Y'all can do no wrong when it comes to design.
About the DownEast sofa, is it comfortable and holding up well? I'm interested in purchasing a crypton fabric sofa or something equivalent to it. The description says the fabric coating will eventually wear off so I'm weary!
Love it! Will you carry on the Ingrid flooring in the kitchen or have a tile?
Yes!!
Your basement preview is motivating me to finally pull the trigger on the Charly. I got the swatches, but am even more confused. How did you decide on the fabric? And did you get the reversible cushions? Wondering if they are worth it.
Julia, in one of the pictures above, I noticed your master bedroom entry door is at a different height than your new closet and balcony doors. In your have plans to replace your remaining wood doors, have you considered raising the height of your master entry & bathroom doors for uniformity and balance? Since the other bedroom doors are at the far end of the hall, it should be fine if the door to the master is a bit higher.
I love these progress pics. Thanks for sharing!
I would so love to hear how you are liking your breakfast nook table? Is it functional for everyday life with small kids? Are trivets and coasters a must? I love it and am debating getting it, but so curious what your thoughts are.
Is the vent in the foryer covered by the credenza? Just curious as I have some poorly placed vents in my house and wondering if there is a solution for furniture placement.
Omigosh, I have followed this whole life daily but to see it in one place is amazing!!! Y'all are so talented and everything you touch is beautiful.
Jeffrey Dungan posted a photo today on Instagram of a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and curtains/framing around the bed to "tuck" it into an oddly shaped corner... I immediately thought of Faye's room that you are struggling with (I actually thought you may have posted the photo as inspiration as soon as I saw it.) Something like that could be a really pretty way to take advantage of the space and make the bed location as it currently is feel more intentional and cozy! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Love the progress!
My opinion on Faye’s room, lean hard into the fairy castle vibe.
My vision would be to hang a canopy from the ceiling above her bed. Shear fabric so light filters through. Fairy lights draping down as night lights. Kids don’t need nightstands with storage so beyond a simple pedestal on one side, opt out of anything bulky. If you can’t hang a canopy from the ceiling then a very tall bed frame to fill that height and emphasize the grandeur.
I know I would have loved that as a kid! I feel like there is nothing more castle/cottage than a princess room! I know I’m stretching your cottage vibe at the moment but I’m really only taking a cue from how lovely your current bedroom looks when it’s filled out with the canopy bed.
I love the simple scenes right now in your house. Uncluttered and beautiful.
You guys are awesome
I was also wondering about the two Fabienne couches. Julia, why did you choose to do two of the same?
Julia, in one of the master bedroom pics above I was noticing the difference in door height between the entry, closet and balcony doors (and the unseen bathroom door). In planning the replacement of your bedroom doors, have you considered raising the height of the entry door on the master, for uniformity and balance? IMO, since the other bedrooms are on the far end of the hall, it shouldn't feel out of place to have the master bedroom door a bit higher.
So SO good. Love seeing progress posts!
The work done in 10 months is incredible and the home is so serene. Until you are ready to change the foyer chandelier and sconces, would just removing the crystals simplify their look for now to streamline a little more with the way you are going with everything else?
What about flipping Faye's bed to face the window? I'm not sure how big of a space the non vaulted ceiling area is, but you could possibly do a half wall behind the headboard, or some kind of desk situation, and break the room into two distinct areas. Electrical might be a challenge in that situation, but it would help the vaulted area to feel more like it's own room and give more symmetry. Interested to see how you handle it!
I love that idea! A half wall could solve the nightstand issue too if you build in sconces and a ledge or two!
It’s positively stunning. And these progress shots represent an incredible amount of work. Pat yourselves on the backs! For real!
I love everything you’ve done from the family room window to the fabulous dining room. I have to say my favorite is your master bedroom with that fabulous fireplace makeover ????
Sometimes the dining room looks centered on the room and other times it looks nearer to the windows. Does it move?
Hasn't moved! Probably just the angle of photography
Wowzer! You have done so much. I bet it’s nice to have a beautiful place that is your style to hunker down in during the quarantine. You wouldn’t want to be in the demo stage and have to be quarantined. It looks so good though. Can’t wait to see more transformations. Stay well.
Truly stunning. Your style is impeccable. Your dining room makes me drool. I am curious about the 2 Fabienne Velvet sofas. I have been eyeing and wanting the moss sofa. I'm curious if you've had to spot clean either of them yet? I have boys, which I guarantee are not as clean as your girls, and that is my only hesitation in purchasing it.
I was also wondering about the two Lula and Georgia sofas. Julia, what made you buy two of the same?
You have done SO much!
Amazing! I wouldn't believe it was the same house if I didn't watch it change day by day!
Wow, it's hard to believe you've accomplished all of this in 10 months! It looks so beautiful. I can't wait to watch the rest of the process!
I love this so much!!! Every room is a breathtaking transformation!! I also just love your style, and how you care about the details!
For Faye’s room, I love the unique ceiling and window. I’m not sure what the rest of the room looks like, but it would be fun to do built-in books shelves around the window with a built in reading space underneath!
LOVE the progress! I totally forgot about Greta's bathroom. It looks fantastic. My favorite is the homework room. I love that it's in the main area of the house, too.
I also wanted to mention that I have a hard time reading your blog on mobile. The ads are larger than the photos and blend in. I typically read on desktop, but I wanted to give that feedback since I remembered today why I avoid the mobile version.
I love seeing the transformation! Have you thought of built-ins in Faye's room around the window and making a window seat? I always loved window seats when I was younger!
Hi! I love seeing the pictures, thanks for sharing! The idea to use the bookshelves on top of the credenzas in your office is so smart and creates a ton of storage. Curious if you think you could add pillows on the credenzas without the bookshelves for some bench-like seating? Not sure how sturdy they are in person. Thank you!
For Faye’s Room it would be cool to have a reading nook by the window ????????♀️ But than again you wow us with every room.... so I’m sure what ever you guys pull out will be beautiful and perfect for your family.
Loved your post so Inspiring to me.
This is amazing progress in a short 10 months! Would you please be able to share with us your floor layout so we can better envision how all the rooms connect? Perhaps it's in another post and you can link it? Thanks so much.
Hey Anya, check out this post!
Thank you so much for showing everything! I love progress shots! You have come so far in so many spaces like the dining room, which has come so far, but I also loved seeing the computer room that feels so good even if its just flooring and paint and couch and chairs. Love it. There are some other finished elements in some spaces that I don't care for, but am curious to see how those spaces evolve, and if you end up keeping those elements or not. I've been following you for a long time, and I love watching you play with things, and sometimes if something doesn't quite feel right, maybe another change is coming to tie everything together. Or sometimes, you concede that it wasn't working, and change (like Greta's bathroom). Ultimately, I love that you keep us along for the ride!
Question- Does the DownEast sofa & the 2 chairs from World Mkt for the computers really match color wise? It's hard to tell from a computer screen.
Suggestion-- I know being older myself I like a comfy chair at the right height to get out of and you mentioned your folks like the leather chairs in livingroom but the chairs are perhaps too low. I suggest bringing in the World Mkt pair of chairs for when they visit or the chair from Polly's room. It makes them comfortable and a quick fix for you. Lovely roundup of all your amazing changes to your cottage.
The couch and the chairs are VERY close. Really not detectable differences there color wise.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home and all the changes you are making! New posts on your blog are always a bright spot in my day. (I get excited when I see a new one is up!) Like so many others, I'm astonished at what you have accomplished in such a short time. I can't wait to see what you do next. And can I just say how excited I am that you are doing your closet now? It's one of my favorite renovations to watch. I'm following along on Instagram.
The transformation is just amazing! The vision you had going in to the house... mad props to you guys! Sometimes it is so hard to see past the ugly and really get to the bones but man you guys are nailing it! I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for you guys.
I've been working on a mini makeover for our bedroom and have been obsessing over this Studio McGee Rug.... low and behold it's the exact same one you have in your master bedroom! I think it's a sign that I need to get it!!!
Could you move Faye’s bed to the left wall and make the curve into a big curved window from left to right with a large curved bench under it? That’s probably pricey lol. But I love that curve! Looks like a princess castle!
I know these are "just" progress photos, but the before and afters are truly jaw-dropping. In a time of so much anxiety, all I want to do is look at before and after CLJ photos all day long - so satisfying and so soothing :) You guys should be SO proud!
WOW. And six months later we are STILL working on our master bathroom...
It is amazing how the spaces you have transformed just let you breathe! So calming and beautiful. It is interesting how once you mentioned the entry, you can see how if that corner where your office door is was squared off - instead of that cut off angle - it would be so much better from an architectural standpoint. Totally a low priority change for just a cosmetic reason, but it's interesting how looking at architecture makes you value a right angle!
Holy guacamole Julia- this is SO MUCH. I mean I've been here for every minute but just to see it all in one spot, room after room... wow. And your choices are so very good. May I also say thank you for including people in several shots? I realized recently I don't have any desire to follow certain amazing design accounts because everything looks too perfect, too precision arranged. When you have your family casually lounging in these perfectly designed spaces it actually feels like a home and not a furniture catalog spread.
Totally random question: what purpose does the tent type item in the crib serve? We have a 19 mo old who is eh about her crib.. so super curious what it is!
It's called a crib tent and it helps climbers NOT be able to climb out of their crib. Polly climbed out one time and got really scared (luckily not very hurt besides a bruise) but she was about 18 months old and we weren't ready to transition her into a bed. So we got the tent and now every night she says ZIP IT UPPPP!!!! She really loves the security. I know we'll transition her into a bed later this year, but it's been such a great interim solution.
I love seeing these progress posts!
I'm so impressed every time you share pictures of the updated spaces - they truly look like they were meant to be that way/have been that way all along. Great work!
This was just what I needed this morning. Thank you!
Love seeing all the progress!! I come to the blog (and instagram) daily, so I thought I'd mention one thing that bothers me about the website. I get annoyed that the search bar stays at the top of the page when I'm scrolling. So, I never get to see the full image unobstructed by the search bar.
Just thought I'd mention it as someone that loves drooling over y'alls work!
What internet browser do you use? I use google chrome and don't have this problem. I don't know when the new site will come out, but until then this might be a quick fix! :)
So many amazing transformations! Great job! For Faye's room....I can't quite tell the scale and space of the room, but can you do a window seat in that window nook area with open storage below for books and toys. Then put the bed with the headboard against the long wall to the left in the photo?
Yes exactly!
I LOVE this post. So impactful to see everything side by side like this. Plus it makes me think about all the changes I've made at my home, as small as they might seem. Very inspired!
Wow!! So much progress. I love the idea of a separate kids work space. Does it double as a craft/computer play area as well? Also, I love Polly's cameo in the dining room 'before' shot
It doubles as everything, yes :) The girls have really made the MOST of this room.
After all you've accomplished (d.i.y. and with professionals) in ten months, I need to lie down and take a nap! Wowsers. Greta's carpet looked like it was alive and crawling across the floor. Now, so much of your home looks serene and very modern cottage. And what isn't done yet will give me great content to dream and drool over in the coming years.
PS I KNEW the entry chandelier and sconces would be history. So not CLJ.
Love it. I wonder if for Fayes room the bed needs shelves behind it to bring it more into the room? It could have built in side tables/storage.
I love the idea of a custom built-in behind or as part of Faye’s bed! The top of it would be a perfect shelf at window height. You guys always see the best potential in everything and your style is simply dreamy!
I lovvve watching all the progress you're making! It's so cool to see how what was already a beautiful home is so much more you and even more gorgeous now. I think my favorite is the double sided fireplace.
You have made so much progress in just 10 months! The fireplace makeover in your master bedroom gets me every time. I can't wait to see your other projects come to life!
Could you please tell me more about the Eames-like lounge chair in your office? I’ve wanted the real thing for ages, but this replica seems very nice...curious about your review...thank you.