Good morning Wednesday.
Nice to meet you.
I’m kind of excited about today. I think I’ve been on such a single-minded journey to make the house cute that I forgot to pause.
To look back.
To see how far this sweet house that I love has come.
Want to see a little before and after?
Oh good.
Me, too.
(total aside: prepare for room picture overload. I got a little carried away with the camera.) 🙂
Here’s where we started with the kitchen.
This is what it looked like a couple of days after we moved in.
(total aside: please go all where’s waldo with that black organizer on the counter. It shows up later in the tour spray painted silver.)
And after this.
And this.
Now the kitchen looks like this.
This picture was taken yesterday from the same angle as the very first before picture.
It looks different because the wall was taken down to make room for the bar.
Let’s take a 360 tour of the space.
Here’s the view from the hutch.
Here’s the view into the dining room.
Here’s a pull back of the space so you can see where the refrigerator went.
And the hutch from the farmhouse kitchen showed up to keep me company in Texas.
That room at the far end of the space is the family room.
I don’t have a before of this space, but picture paneling on the ceiling and laminate on the floor.
We extended the flooring from the kitchen into the space.
The door off the kitchen leads to the laundry room.
Here’s a close-up of the laundry room built-ins.
Across the hall is the downstairs office.
Here’s the before.
Just a few dark walls and that desk which was originally my dad’s.
And now?
Same angle.
New look.
It’s a little tricky space because you have the fireplace in the room.
I turned the rug on an angle and put two chairs in front of the television.
Here’s another view of the space from the fireplace.
Here’s the before of the view out of the office walking towards the bathroom and the kitchen.
And here’s the after.
Just a little paint, some measuring gauges and Buddy.
Here’s the before of the space when you walk into the hallway.
And now?
Here’s a view of the same space.
We just added the runner on the stairs.
You can see a better view of it here.
And here.
When you walk through that door you’re in the front room.
Here’s where we started.
And here’s where we are now.
Here’s the same angle pulled in a little as the before picture.
Here’s the other side of the room with the fireplace.
(total decorating aside: if you saw the videos from the book—this is the room that we rearranged with different furniture.)
Here’s the before of the dining room space.
And now?
Here’s the after.
Whew.
That was a lot.
If you are still here at the end of all those pictures we have to be friends.
I literally had no idea of how much it had changed until I sat down and looked at all the befores.
I’ve been so busy painting and rearranging and moving things around and shopping yard sales that I missed the big picture.
Isn’t it funny how different things look when you add a little perspective to the journey? Sometimes you never realize how far you’ve come until you take a look back.
Who knew?
#lifelessonsfromahouse
PS I think the house and I are taking a day off today.
Just in time to listen to this podcast. A giant shout out to my friends Karen and Zandra for having me on. So much laughter. So much fun.
It is bright and full of sunshine just like you KariAnne! I think the most important thing I've taken away from your book is that you really need to let your personality reflect in your home and not worry so much about the trends. That is what I've taken away and that is also what I see in your beautiful home!
Looks fantastic! You've outdone yourself in such a short period of time as well!! I'm the same way though – I instantly have to have everything perfect so I can relax. I think that's called OCD, ha ha.One question, and I may have missed a post regarding this – on the walls that are white(ish), is it just an optical illusion – or are your ceilings painted a slightly darker shade, maybe cream or off-white?
Michelle, The ceilings aren't painted. Some of them do look darker because the paint has kind of aged over time. :) Happy day friend! karianne
Love all the wall colors and flooring stain. The design of the house is lovely, I love old houses they have so much character.
WOW!! I can't believe you've gotten as much done as you have. Did you sleep at all?? And then you have your second book that has come out and all the tours. I'm worn out just looking. But, oh my, the house looks gorgeous and the love you've shown it is obvious!! I can't wait to have you help me do our new house. (We haven't found it yet but we will). Sending hugs!!
It looks fabulous! How wonderful to be in the house of your childhood with all of the memories and then come back and make it your own! I love it all and I especially love that you didn't run out and just buy all new stuff. You repurposed things from your farm and thrifted and painted and breathed new life into things. Thanks for the inspiration! P.S: How is Buddy feeling?
Buddy is doing AMAZING! Still has a slight cough, but the food is really working! Thanks for checking on him!
So so pretty, without being fussy. Perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Stunning!
Wow Karianne, I am speechless. So beautifully and professionally done. I can't believe how much you have accomplished in so little time.
Almost hard to believe. I'd be joining Buddy for a well-deserved nap in the sun. I really like what you've done. Just curious...how does your Mom feel about the transformation?
Teddee, She is super sweet about everything. I think she doesn't agree with everything, but she just smiles and lets me do my thing! karianne
Oh KariAnne, you have the BEST mom. What a blessing. I'm sure that overall she's delighted that you have poured yourself and all your love and memories back into the family homestead. AND she has the added benefit of seeing her grands growing up in it too. I can only imagine how proud she is of her VERY creative children and seeing her home become a canvas for that creative is pretty darn special. xoxo
I wondered how she felt about the changes. I live next door to my mom (in a housing tract) and we have the same model (floor plan). I made a lot of changes when we first bought the house and we have our homes decorated completely differently. Sometimes it feels very much the same and sometimes it just feels very weird.
Standing ovation in progress right now!!!! I think your office is my favorite. Have a beautiful day!
I love, love, love the way this house is a reflection of you, KariAnne. History and transformations and everything rolled up into one delightful bundle. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Nothing like a good before and after! I love seeing the updates you made to an already beautiful home. You have really made it your style. I am sure your whole family feels right at home! Shelley
Beautiful! Just have to know if the floor lamp in the sitting room is from Kirklands? I need that!
Tami, Yes! I just got it at Kirkland's. It is SO pretty in person! Happy day friend! karianne
It's all so lovely, however I think instead of "before and after" it should be named..."sweet and sweeter." Charming.
Hi Karri Anne, Your home is beautiful as was your Kentucky home, even though I rarely comment I want you to know that I am always watching what you do, and congrats on all that by the way. I enjoy reading things about the family and I am always looking for items you may have bought at one of my garage sales and took them home and turned them into something awesome and it is so fun when one will pop up. Wishing you all the best and sending a special hello to your two D"s.
I found the little carousel...very cute! So I need to know about the runner. We've been wanting to do something like that on our stairs to our basement but I can't find anything cute enough (or cheap enough) to do it. Also how you did the return on the landing would be great...we have one of those too! Great job girl...it's all just stunning. And I LOVE that you're living in your former home. That's awesome!
Karianne, your home is stunning! I'm in love with your kitchen. Well done!
Wow....you have given this home a new life! What a transformation! Beautiful in every way!
I LOVE your home, Karianne!! Everything is so beautiful and yet warm and inviting!! God Bless you with gazillions of happy memories in your new/old home!! I often wonder what the house I grew up in looks like now...it would be SO AMAZING to go back and redo it!! What a blessing you've had the chance to do this!! Take Care!
Good morning Karianne Beautiful beautiful home. I reminisced being at my grandparents with the grate on the floor. Do you still use that for your heat. I love everything Have a blessed day Much love, Rose 🌸
Gorgeous!!! You have come so far, and done so much, it is spot on amazing! Love the sneak peek of Buddy! Love all the pictures it was as if we were strolling around your house sharing Ice Tea and ahhing over all the progress!!!
What u have accomplished would take me years! Just one thought; that staircase wall needs something.. The framed sentiment is lovely but it just seems that this space is crying out for a punch of color. Or something textural. Might be something to play around with since you have almost finished your beautiful home!
Patti, I'm actually working on a gallery wall for the staircase! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy day! karianne
Love what you have done. A beautiful home!! Lots of great new memories will be made here with your family.
So beautiful. Love where you put the organizer (suitable for the room too :))! You have been on a marathon getting all this done in such a short time! Love your ideas and Buddy has obviously given his approval! Can't wait to see how the next room turns out!
I was so sad when I heard you left your stunning magical farm house. But so clearly it's more than the structure. You made this house a home and just as warm and charming. I'm so happy for you! May you all live in health and happiness in your "new" home. xoxoxo
I absolutely love this house and what you've done with it. It is amazing.
So BEAUTIFUL!!! A great transformation. It's just a wonderful house.
I found WALDO (organizer) in the office. Now, I'll go back and look at the pictures. HA~ just kidding. Stunningly perfect ~ love your vision.
Wow, Karanne, you have really transformed this home and made it your own (all over again). I love all the rustic touches. Everything is so "come on in and have a seat" kinda comfortable. You have an amazing eye for simple, elegant detail and your oh-so swift too. You've done more in such a short period of time than I've done in my own home in nearly 10-years-lol. I'm glad to see that you've settled in and I hope you and your family are enjoying the new/old home as much as you're loving it. Have a wonderful week.
Girl, you have wasted no time making your house gorgeous! I love your house...you have done a fantastic job.
It all looks beautiful! In the immortal words of Tina Fey: "I want to go to there." It's amazing all that you've accomplished in such a relatively short time.
Tears, just tears. I loved the other house so much and had taken a leave just before you moved. When I came back I was a little hesitant...I really loved the other house. Now i see what y'all have done to this home and well SIGH! Come and do my house!!! The poor thing looks as though a hoarder lives there. Overwhelmed in Indy!
I love a good before-and-after. I'm tired from thinking about all the work you have done. Maybe I'll take a nap in honor of my respect for your hard work. ;)
"You've come a long way, baby!!" Love the new/old house and all you've done!! xoxo
Its all good!!!
Love it all and am interested in the runner you chose for your staircase. Info,please? Thank you!
Jo, I got it through a local carpet installer here. I had it installed professionally because the corners were so tight! karianne
Everything is beautiful and white. I would like to know the name of your paint and brand. thanks! Enjoy your blog!
WOW... Love every single gorgeous square inch ..... love that you have your Dad's desk and do I need to even mention those curtains???... Just Beautiful.... so comfy cozy.. I think she is inviting us all in !!!!!!
KariAnne, I am a huge fan of your first book SO CLOSE TO AMAZING and pre-ordered the planner as well as we are preparing to relocate this fall. It has been so helpful and I have so enjoyed watching the videos! (Your hair looks super-cute by the way, And gray is your color.) Thank you for your passion for helping the rest of us and making it fun in the process!
Such a beautiful home you have. Every time I see it, it amazes me how awesome it is. Love it all. So clean and neat and decorated so country.
WOWZA!! It is amazing! There are soooooo many changes that I love. Where do I begin? I love your touches. Those wood pieces on the ceiling in the hall view of bathroom and kitchen made me swoon. I have no clue how you have gotten all of this accomplished with all on your plate. Speaking of plates—so glad you put up a new plate rack. And my heart was happy to see Buddy. You rocked it all, sweet friend!
Your home is STUNNING! One suggestion: in the family room where you have have the 8 framed prints behind the sofa, try taking away the ones on the bottom far left and right. In other words, let your lamps fill that space. You'd have 4 on the top and 2 in the middle with lamps filling in. You always ask for suggestions, and while I am hesitant to do so, here it is.
Everything is lovely...so home and so you. Could you share your paint colors. Thanks
You are such an inspiration to me!!! I live in a 101 year old home. I love every inch of it. I read your blog daily for my next idea! Thank you so much!
BEAUTIFUL!!! I just love everything you have done! I especially like your use of old with the new. You are a great decorator and an equally nice person! One question: How many of your plants are real? Neither of my thumbs is green. (I am hoping not all those plants are real.) Thank you for taking the time to blog and share your talents with us. I enjoy your Instagram posts but the blog lets us know the real you and see and learn so much more.
Your house is just about exactly what I would want my house to look like! Seeing it all at once like that really makes a statement! Beautiful!!
You've made it your own while still leaving the memories intact. Looks gorgeous!
So gorgeous! You can see how this house speaks to you and it's amazing!
It is huge!! A beautifully done work of art.What a blessing you have received.
Would you kindly give a rundown of wall & trim colors?
Love the metal wreaths on each side of the window. Went thru Hobby Lobby more than once looking for them and they must not be in Georgia stores. They are pretty.
It's funny how it all becomes a blur... How's Buddy, by the way?
Everything is beautiful. I do have a question: why are the curtains so droopy, puddling on the floor? I think they look messy. Just wondering.
Oh my goodness! Sheer perfection! I love every single room - I looked at each picture for several minutes taking in all the details. You have such a wonderful eye for design! Your home is beautiful, inviting, warm, like a hug from a wonderful friend! Thank you for sharing - PS - there is no such thing as too many pictures :-)
I LOVE everything about your house and your humor and writing style. I always look forward to reading your blog. It is definitely my favorite. It's great seeing your new old house come together! How wonderful to be able to live in the house you grew up in-what memories.... Where did you get the world map that is hanging on your wall? I would love to get that or something similar for my son. He has the travel bug and will take off at the drop of a hat!
I actually just got the map at Hobby Lobby! It is so pretty in person! Happy day friend! karianne
KariAnne, your new old house is stunning! It's still farmhouse but with a different kind of sophistication. I absolutely love how light it is. The kitchen is a beautiful sea of white! I love it all.
You amaze me. Dream home. I have just three more words...window frame calendar?????
KariAnne, All of your renovations are inspiring. Now I'm on a quest to ask for my dad's desk from my sister-in-law. And to declutter! Judith
What a beautiful tour. I want to start over in my house.
I also would love to know about the map. It looks like the land masses might be cut out and dimensional? If so, it's beautifully done ~ and I might guess your sweet brother, or even your twinkling eyes hubby, did the intricate work? But if not, I'd love to find one for a room where I am planning to use memorabilia from my Father-in-law's career as a decorated Air Force pilot. It would be perfect with some of the things I hope to display! This house has again become a sweet, loving home ~ you have worked wonders in a very short time (at least in MY world!)! to make it totally your family's home ... ! It's just lovely, KariAnne!
Kathleen, I actually just got the map at Hobby Lobby! It is so pretty in person! Happy day friend! karianne
Your home is stunning. I love how spacious the rooms are and you've made them warm and inviting. It must be such a joy to wind up in your childhood home, and now have your own children reside in it. It is truly the circle of life!
WOW! Is all I can say, it is beautiful....
It's come a long way. Brighter, fresher and looking good! It's all pretty amazing...my laundry room wants to grow up to be like yours. Thanks for the tour! It's so much fun to see the progress.
I say Wowza!!!!!!!! Girlfriend you have been a busy Momma. Your home looks absolutely beautiful. Such style and whimsy Ok you deserve to take a break.😆
I just love your taste, Karianne, and the confidence with which you approach redecorating. The only thing that jars, for me , is the angled rug in the office.. I need symmetry and balance to feel relaxed, strange person that I am, so would be straightening that rug quick smart! ;-) Apart from that minute detail, your home is glorious. Thanks for sharing its evolution.
Oh Karianne - so much refined beauty. You've designed the spaces with a lovely restraint and it shows as an elegant home, but not too "precious" or unable to be lived in comfortably. Kudos to you - you have really developed an eye for this style and in your childhood home, too! Love the wall color, the floor registers, the patina of the floors themselves, the kitchen remodel, light and bright everywhere, and ... Buddy. He fits in this home perfectly.
You have done such a great job with every room---KariAnne style!!! If there is anything I don't love...sorry, nothing I can think of. Kudos to you for making such a gorgeous, welcoming, creative, and cozy home for your family, and inspiration for all of us. Jane xxxx
Of course, it just looks lovely! And love where you put the makeovered (you know that's a word, right?) organizer... and the silver paint! Loved all the pics... and I'm just learnin' and learnin' by looking at them!
Wow! You’ve been very busy. Your home is beautiful! I love your style of decorating, everything looks so ‘fresh’. Thank you for sharing.
ummmmmm....wow! You had a beautiful house and you saw the potential. Now you have a beautiful home filled with love and things that make a house a home. All lovely and bright and welcoming, perfect. xo
I kind of feel like I do at the end of a good movie when everyone just can't help but stand and applaud. Well done, my friend, well done!!!
You and your house are my absolute favorite! The house is amazing! So full of love! And Buddy...I can't even!
I just love your beautiful home!
Oh Karianne, your old 'new' home is looking absolutely beautiful and I can't believe how quickly you are getting things done. I just love your decorating style and all your furniture finds and how you transform them to look so gorgeous!!!!!
Looks great! Thanks for the Your!
[…] I LOVE a great before + after, especially when it comes to a lovely old farmhouse renovation! […]
Absolutely stunning Karianne (oh and that’s my Goddaughter’s name too ❤️) so elegant! Where is your kitchen light fixture from that’s In your kitchen ? It’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing all this beauty! 🙂
KariAnne, it is all so beautiful! I am amazed at how much you accomplished in such a short time. My very favorite room is the office with your dad's desk. Would you please share your source for the desk chair? Cheers, PJ
My room must be on the second floor?
What paint color is that on the walls near the staircase?
Thank you for sharing your home. It is beautiful. We have also just moved and I️ am still living in box world love the world map wth wood and metal can you source it for me.
Hi Marianne, Obviously I don't know you as many of the other commenters do. I clicked on this link because I love looking at other people's homes and enjoy seeing the before and after of a house makeover. Your home is stunning, absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Apologies! I was sure I put Karianne. I see predictive text has been up to it's tiresome tricks again.
Amazing. so beautiful! where did you get your tall white bookcases in your front room? We have lots of books, & I would love to redo our home office/library. They look pretty cluttered, so I'm wondering if I should try to find some cabinets with glass doors or something to hide the clutter? :)
Beautiful home! can you tell me anything about the runner on the stairs? thanks