“Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy, and some are exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter has in store for you.”
Many of you have been asking “what’s going on?”after seeing some hints on Facebook and Instagram. I wanted to wait until everything was official before making the announcement, and now it’s time to let you know that we have sold our home and we’re moving back South!
For a little over a year, hubby and I have felt such a strong pull to be closer to our children. Life goes so quickly, and we feel like we are missing out on so much. For many months we’ve prayed about moving closer to our children, feeling like that was where we were supposed to be. We’ve prayed that if this was God’s plan, He would open the doors for us to walk through, and He has! While we are going to miss this home that we’ve poured so much of our time and energy into, we are so excited about this new chapter and all of the wonderful possibilities!
As we’ve been packing up each room, I’ve been taking my own “walk down memory lane”, remembering the before and after’s of each room. I thought it would be fun to take a look back with you and reminisce about where we started with our vintage beauty.
This has turned into a long post, so I hope you will bear with me!
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The first room we tackled in our 1970’s time warp was the kitchen and breakfast room.
Here’s a few before and after pictures showing what it looked like when we bought the home.
We took down walls, removed the tile and installed wood floors, planked the popcorn ceiling, installed new appliances, Carrara marble countertops, a farmhouse sink, and painted everything!
From start to finish, it took us approximately eight months to finish the kitchen and breakfast room, doing all of the work ourselves.
Now for the “after” photos. This is what the kitchen and breakfast room looks like today.
It’s quite a change, don’t you think?
Here’s the after of the breakfast room:
To see more details from the kitchen transformation, click HERE.
After renovating the kitchen, the rest of the rooms seemed like a piece of cake!
Next on the list was the family room.
Before:
We added built in bookcases, replaced the old carpet with hardwood floors, painted the fireplace, and scraped the popcorn ceiling.
Here’s the after:
To see more of the family room transformation, click HERE.
After the family room renovation, we started renovating the formal dining room. In here, we were dealing with flocked avocado green wallpaper and the ever present popcorn ceiling. However, it had great bones. The original things that I loved about the room were the brick wall with the arched doorway, the built in china cabinet, the original wood parquet floors, the beautiful arched stained glass window, and the original French chandelier.
Here’s the “before”.
And now the “after”.
The master bedroom was next in line, and it took us quite awhile to finish it.
There was pink shag carpet, pink foil wallpaper, and of course, the popcorn ceiling.
The master bedroom is such a large room which I love, and I was so glad when the transformation was finally completed!
Don’t you think the “after” is so much better?!?
The foyer with it’s grand curved staircase is what made me fall in love with this house.
It’s such a beautiful space, and I couldn’t wait to transform it.
The two story walls were wallpapered in old wallpaper, old carpet on the stairs, and the original green tile on the floor. It was a bit daunting, but we tackled it, one project at a time.
This is what it looked like originally.
This is what it looks like now after the renovation was complete.
After the foyer was finished, we started on the study. I love this space so much. It has paneled walls, and the original parquet floors, beautiful built in bookcases, amazing mullioned windows, and a gorgeous French chandelier that is original to the home.
Here’s the before.
This is what the study looks like today.
The formal living room was a pretty simple makeover. It always amazes me at the transformation one can achieve with just paint and new flooring.
The before:
And the way it is today:
We finally got around to renovating the first floor guest room. After we stripped the old wallpaper, we wrote blessings on the walls and floor before we painted and installed flooring.
The before:
Here’s the after:
The last two rooms we renovated were the laundry room and the powder room.
Here’s the before of the laundry room:
And here’s the after:
I love this sweet little powder room just off of the kitchen and laundry room. It was so much fun to renovate and I’m obsessed with the wallpaper!
The before:
And the after:
There’s still a bedroom and a couple of bathrooms that we didn’t get to. But I know the new owners will probably renovate those and put their own mark on the home. I pray that they will love this home as much as we have.
I want to thank all of you that kept us in your prayers as we struggled with this decision. We feel at peace that we have made the right one, and while it’s a little bittersweet to leave our home, we are excited about this new chapter. It will be so much decorating a new space and searching for new furniture and treasures to fill it!
Most importantly, our blog and shop won’t be going anywhere!
We have plans for lots of new projects that we’ll be sharing with all of you, and bringing lots of new vintage treasures to our online shop!
I hope you will follow along!
Cheers, Cindy
Cindy – Another designer from Washington state joining the conversation here… I so look forward to reading your posts and seeing what projects you and hubby have tackled. The transformation of your home has been amazing to say the least and the courage to dive in and do the work yourselves is certainly admirable. I love all things “French” as you do, so I feel we are kindred spirits. We will all be anxiously awaiting photos of your new project. A sincere thank you for all the time and effort you invest in the blog. Wishing you many blessings in your new home and at this very special holiday season.
Thank you so much, Kathy! Happy Thanksgiving!
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you transform this house. I came here after having searched for options on the dreaded popcorn ceilings. So much of what you started with in your 70’s house is much of what I found in my own time warp home. I, however, don’t have the vision of what could be. Your ideas and results are a wonderful map of what I could do to my house. Thank you for all the time and information you have put out about the remodeling.
Best wishes and much happiness to you in the move and finding a new home.
Thank you so much, Darlene!
Congratulations, Cindy, on the sale of your home and the chance to move close to your children and grand children! I can imagine all the thought, worry, prayer and hope that went into your decision. It will be wonderful for you and your husband to be near your family, if a bit bittersweet to leave the home you renovated so beautifully and made your own. You are starting an exciting, happy new chapter in your lives, and I am very pleased for you that you will soon realize your dream! You will find a new home that you love as much, and will enjoy having your sons and their families near by, ready to share time with you.Many blessings to you and your family, Cindy, much joy and happiness as you begin this new adventure! I am so happy for you!
Thank you so much, Anita!
Cindy,
your renovations on this house have been inspiring and a bench mark for our house!
So happy your moving close to family. Hope your new homes has new renovations to Share!
Thank you, Gaylin!
You have taught me so much as I have followed you as you and your husband did your magic. I am sure the woman who had this house built is smiling down at the beauty you have created.
Family is important . So happy for you that you’ll be closer to your children and more readily available to share in their lives .
Safe travels. Looking forward to the before and afters and most importantly the steps you will take to transform another home.
Sincerely,
Michele Burchfiel
Thank you so much, Michele!
It’s a beautiful home Cindy. Y’all have worked wonders with your sweat equity. My favorite thing has always been the unique round floor brick in the breakfast room. I’m glad you kept it. I was shocked when I read your house was on the market, but moving close to children is a good thing.
So happy for you and your new chapter in life. I just hope Miss Ruby Lou will be happy in her new home! Our, Schnauzer, Harry Potter, is still truamatized by our complete house remodel! If he sees Denis come in from the garage with so much as a screw drver in hand,he runs behind me! lol I hold him and then he is fine, but I know he is glad we are done ( well mostly;-) Are yu moving before Christmas?
Yes, we are moving on Dec. 4th. I’m not sure a Christmas tree will be put up this year!
CONGRATULATIONS ON SELLING YOUR GORGEOUS HOME YOU REMODELED! I’m sad but excited for you to move back home to be with family. Family and happiness is more important. And I know you will fix another GORGEOUS house. Looking forward to another amazing remodel!
Thank you, Nancy!
I can only imagine how bittersweet this must be for you and your husband! The new owners have just won the lottery as far as I’m concerned! When we sold our home.. I too, wrote blessing on the walls when I repainted! When we were shopping for new houses, I fell in love with one in particular.. it needed a lot of work and it soon became obvious that it was not the right house for us. The last time we went to the house, I laid my hands upon the walls and prayed a silent prayer that if we didn’t buy the house, whoever did would be blessed and have a happy life in it. A week later, still searching for the perfect house, we finally found ours and we are in love with it ! Your rooms serve as my inspiration in so much…if you could see it, you’d recognize which pieces of yours I love the most ! Many blessings to you and your family and happy Thanksgiving!
Aw, such sweet words, Jessie! Thank you so much! You have touched my heart.
Somehow in *my* travels, I missed this post about *your* upcoming travels! Here’s wishing you a smooth transition. How lovely to be moving closer to family! I know you will make your next home as beautiful as this one. Bon Voyage!
Gods Blessing, protection, and guidance on this new journey.
A wise decision to move closer to your children… your prayers
Were answered. Amen!
So glad the store and blog will continue they both are so inspiring.
Enjoy every minute with your family and looking forward to your
Updates!
Thank you so much, Darlene!
So very happy for you Cindy! You have been my inspiration as I transformed our home into the French home I now love! You must be so excited to move and start new adventures with your family. I love the song, “He’s an On Time God”, because his timing is always right!! His plans are the best. I cannot wait to see what you transform next!!!
Thank you, Teresa! Blessings to you!
I know you must be attached to the beautiful home you have put so much love and time into, but what a blessing that God has give you the opportunity to be close to your family! I will definitely be following along with you and looking forward to your posts as you begin this new chapter in your life.
Thank you so much, Lurlie!
You are making the right decision to move closer to your family. Blessings to you on this new adventure as God leads!❤️ Ruth B.
Dearest Cindy, I have so enjoyed following along with you during each and every one of your transformations in this glorious house! You and your husband have worked MAGIC in every space and they are all equally beautiful. I am so thrilled, however, that you are moving to be near your precious family. How wonderful for you all!!! It is such a blessing to have such closeness with one’s family! I cannot wait to see the wonderful new home you will call yours!! Take care , sweet friend! I anxiously await the new chapter!! 🙂 Always, Adele
Thank you sweet friend!
Cindy, taking this trip down memory lane made me realize how long I have been following you. I so loved this renovation….and the accompanying photos, especially those with the famous RubyLou posing like the model she is! I very much look forward to following along as you embark on your next chapter and wish you only the best!!! oxoxox
Thank you, Susan!
So nice you will be close to family, and I will.enjoy following your new home and the beauty and charm you will bring to it.
Thanks for keeping us “posted.” 😉 Having just downsized a little over a year ago (remember we used the same wood flooring as you!?) I can attest to the joy and fun of a new adventure with the Lord. Downsizing allows for great purges and re-organizing. Can’t wait to see your new home. Also so happy that you will be close to family. ALL of ours moved back to their (and our) home town after college and it is such a blessing to watch the fourth generation enjoy the benefits of our sweet town- Ocala, FL, and our amazingly historic area.
So happy for you. Can’t wait to see what amazing things you do with a new home.
Thanks for sharing all the before and after photos. I enjoy your blog so much and am looking forward to reading about your new adventures in Alabama. My husband and I lived in Huntsville, AL for about 3 years and absolutely loved it. Been to Fairhope a couple of times and it’s a lovely place! Congratulations on your move!
Michele Magalassi
Wow! What an amazing job you did renovating your home. Best wishes on your move and look forward to seeing your new digs!
You did an amazing transformation on that home. Such hard work. You must be very proud of the results. Incredible.
Where down south? We live in Fairhope, Al. just love it here! Lots of French inspiration in some great shops!
Hi Sandra! We are leasing a home in Fairhope for a year to give us time to find the right home.
With happy tears, thank you for the memories. I’ve learned so much from your blog about cost-cutting ideas such as the bead board ceilings and drop-cloth draperies…Brilliant! I do believe in new beginnings, or entering a new chapter in life, and I just want to say that the abundance of happiness and joy is with you on your new journey.
Thank you, Carrie! I hope you will continue to follow along as we start new projects!
I’m so excited to follow along with the next chapter! But, I have to be honest, THIS house is my very favorite home make-over EVER!!
Thank you, Nicole! It is a special home indeed.
I’ve watched the restoration every step of the way. I am envious of the lucky buyer who will get this incredible house. Now, I wish you the very best of luck in your new endeavor and hope you will keep your readers up to date with your next chapter. God Speed!!!
Thank you, Mary!
My heart fluttered like a butterfly every time I browsed through all photos of your beautiful home and home decors. What a thrilling, great inspiration to me! Now that your house is being sold, the “butterfly” is leaving from my heart and I’m saddened, yet praying and hoping that you will continue to do more beautiful ideas and decorations in your new home. That way you will recruit more colorful “butterflies” back to my heart again. Sacrifice your heavenly home to be close to your family and grandchildren will pay it off big time. Wish you all the best!
I’m an interior designer in Washington state and I’ve so enjoyed following you. I look forward to soaking up all your lovely images with a quiet cup of coffee before I head out to the world. Can’t wait to see what you share next. Blessings on your journey and thank you for creating beauty.
Thank you so much, Susan!
I have enjoyed watching your amazing renovations. I checked frequently to see what you had accomplished. I You have a talent for putting all the right elements together to achieve your signature look which is so elegant and full of historical references. Much luck to you on your new adventure. Having family near will be a blessing.
Just think… you’ll be closer to your fav auction!!! Lol. I have sooo enjoyed your journey with this
House…. hanging on and drooling on each room,
Each decision, each word of your blog!! A huge
Thank you and Gods blessing on your next chapter!!!!!
Fabulous renovations! Good luck with your next move!
Thank you so much, Adele!
What amazing memories you’ll take with you! You are going to be missed here, but I’m so excited for your family and all the new in this coming chapter. Stay in touch! And I’ll be calling when I make it to your area. Love you guys and have so enjoyed our friendship.
Xoxo
Aw, thank you so much Debbie! I feel the same way about you! I will get our new information to you!
I know you will find the best home and wish you all the best. I live close to my daughter, our son & his family are in the military in Georgia. We live in Texas & my daughter is 1.15 hrs away through lots of traffic on the other side of Fort Worth & actually don’t see her all that much. Where in the south are you moving? We’ve thought of Mississippi & others.
We are moving to Fairhope, AL which is on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. It’s a beautiful area. We’ll be leasing a home there to give us time to figure out exactly where we want to buy.
Wonderful! We yo have thought of Alabama. My husband has a friend in Huntsville.
Wow! To the quick sale of the home, congratulations. I can only guess at the tumult going on in your heart and mind. You are bequeathing a beauty to some lucky woman. We all wish we could be there at your moving sale. I hope you find (or have found) the perfect nest for the next chapter. Enjoy the process.
Thank you, Jo Ann!
We moved to be closer to our children and grandchildren a year ago (after moving AWAY the year before that) and I don’t regret it. Prices are a lot higher where we moved TO – but family is priceless. So happy to watch you on your journey and to see what you do next!
Thank you so much, Jacki!
We live in Illinois and several years ago was going to move to North Carolina but didn’t. The one thing you haven’t shown is the outside of your home and your back area! Good luck on your move!
Thank you, Mary. We’ve shown the exterior a couple of times on the blog.
Best of luck with your move! Even though your home is absolutely beautiful, being close to family is truly the greatest joy in this world. I lost my husband a little over a year ago, and I, too, am moving South, to Texas to be with my children and grandchildren. I sold the beautiful home and farm that we have worked on and lived in for the past twenty years, so I know the great emotional pull that is attached.
Have a wonderful journey, and I hope your new chapter will bring you much joy.
Thank you Joan! And to you, as well!
Sweet Cindy ! Congratulations ! What excitement awaits you and John ! And being close to your boys will bring you such joy and contentment, not to mention the excitement and exhiliration of finding and decorating a new home ! So much joy coming your way, all more than well deserved ! I have prayed right along with you and I am thrilled that our wonderful Father has shown you the way … just as He always does when you put your faith and trust in Him. I can’t wait to see your new home and all the wonderful transformations that you will bring to it. You’re God-given talent is truly something to behold and brings so much joy to those of us who follow you faithfully. I wish you many more blessings to come, sweet friend, today and always! Much love ! xxx
Thank you so much, my sweet friend! Your kindness has always meant so much to me, and many times lifted my spirits at just the times that I needed it most. Blessings and love to you always!
Ditto dear friend, ditto. You mean a lot to me and you and yours are always in my heart and in my prayers.
I’m so happy and excited for you! What fun it will be for you to be near your children and to find your next project. The shopping and DIY’s will be fun for us to watch!
Good luck!
Thank you, Shelley!
Cindy, your house is so elegant and beautiful. God has gifted you with incredible talent. I really enjoyed viewing the before and after pictures. I struggle with simply trying to buy new furniture and curtains for our living room and you re designed an entire house. Wow! May God bless you and your family in your new adventure and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you for your sweet words, Susan!
So beautiful, blessings to you as you begin your next chapter!
Thank you, Diana!
Absolutely love everything y’all did to make this home so beautiful. Wow!! Welcome back to the south. I have lived in Alabama my whole life. Blessings on your new adventure. Can’t wait to see what you do.
Thank you, Cindy! We are so excited!
What an incredible vision and talent you have. This transformation is amazing. I am exhausted just imagining how much work that must have been. You really deserve an award for turning that old dated house into such a beauty. I am positive you will turn your new house into a beauty. Enjoy the next beautiful chapter and creative chapter.
Thank you for your sweet words, Deborah!
Thank you for sharing your transformation adventure at this house. I am looking forward to see how you make your new place your home. You will be so thankful that you made the decision to move closer to your family!
Thank you so much, Amy! We are so excited about making new memories with our family!
Congratulations, on selling your house…I know that you will find another house to make it as beautiful as you did this house.
The fact that you can be closer to your children/family is wonderful and I know you are excited. God is showing you the way and you are being obedient, just like you prayed.
I will be looking forward to seeing the new house become a beautiful home. Blessings to you and your family during this move and through out the holidays.
Thank you so much, Daphne!
Wow, good luck on your move. More great things to come I am certain.
Thank you so much, Lydia!