Greetings again from Panera (there’s no internet at home yet – so we stop in, get hot chocolate, and slap together a post or two for you guys whenever we have a spare moment thanks to their free WiFi). We know you’re anxiously awaiting interior shots of our new house all empty and move in ready from yesterday (can’t believe it’s really ours!). So here they are. I ran around quickly, which resulted in some less than perfect shots (our friends and family were outside in the snow waiting to start bringing things in so I made it snappy and didn’t have a chance to record a video so that’ll have to come later). But anyway, this is the blank slate that we can’t wait to start having fun with. Paneling? Check. A yellow and beige bathroom? Check. Dark wood trim? Check. Many different floor choices? Check. Brick that we’re dying to paint? Check. Off-centered windows? Check. Small box-like rooms? Check. Walls to knock down? Check. A sink in the master bedroom? Check.
In other words, we’re insanely excited to get in there and start making our new house feel like it’s really ours. Which usually doesn’t happen until the paint brushes and the hammers come out. And we have to send a huge shout out to the former owners for allowing us to be the lucky new residents of their pride and joy. They even hosted a party to welcome us to the neighborhood a few weeks back and listened with excitement as we mentioned what colors we wanted to paint things and what walls we couldn’t wait to knock down. It has been an absolute pleasure to buy their house.
But enough jibber jabber. You guys are all probably all thinking “just get to the pictures” (if you haven’t skipped this intro entirely and scrolled down already) so here they are. Oh and check out this post for a floor plan description that will probably make a lot more sense of the flow, some of our future plans, etc.
Here’s the exterior in that blanket of surprise snow courtesy of mother nature:
And here’s the room that has us at hello. It’s actually a formal living room with a dining room behind those built-ins, but we’ll be converting the formal living room part into an entryway/dining room with a huge opening on the left wall that leads into the large eat-in kitchen. And that back room that was once the dining room will become our home office thanks to the addition of some pretty french doors.
Here’s a look from the other direction back at the door.
And here’s the long eat-in kitchen we mentioned. Lots of paneling to paint! We’re also planning to paint the cabinets (not sure what color or colors yet) and add a giant island. The opening to the new dining room in the front of the house will be on the right wall in the picture below. We’re hoping to get at least a 5′ pass through so it feels really airy and inviting.
Here it is from the other direction. Another thing we loved about this house from the get go were the wide doorways that it already had. You know we’re suckers for the whole open flow thing.
Here’s another one of those nice wide doorways that leads down the hall (this was taken with my back to the master bedroom facing the front door). Burger likie.
Here’s the room where we’ll do all of our living (when we’re not in the kitchen, since everyone seems to end up there anyway). We realized we never used our formal living room nearly as much as our family room in the old house, so we longed for a bigger all-in-one room to gather (that could accommodate a lot of our large family and a sectional along with some other larger furnishings) instead of having two smaller sitting rooms that were half as functional.
We love that it feels airy and spacious thanks to the generous size and the awesome sliding doors (one leads out onto a raised patio and one leads out into the sunroom).
Here’s the view looking towards the kitchen with your back to that big square window in the picture that’s two images up. We’re planning to make that fireplace a double-sided one so we can enjoy it from the kitchen and from the living room- and we also want to widen that doorway to make the kitchen feel even more connected to both rooms that are on either side of it.
Here’s the sunroom that was added on a while later. The challenge here will be making it feel more integrated with the rest of the house since it feels so modern and new when compared to the rest of the house, most of which was built half a century before.
The other side of the sunroom has an off centered window and some dark brick that we can’t wait to transform.
Here’s the master bedroom. It’s a really generously sized room, and the reclaimed pine floors (with super wide-planks!) are pretty special, so we can’t wait to show them some love.
Here’s the sink in the far side of the room (with a shower and a toilet in a room to the right and a walk-in closet to the left). It’ll definitely be a challenge to make that sink feel integrated since it’s visible from the bed (romantic!) but we have lots of ideas when it comes to getting ‘er done.
Here’s the hall bath that’s back near the other three bedrooms. We love that it’s so similar to the original full bath in our old house (and the tile is luckily in much better shape).
Here’s Clara’s new nursery (it’s almost exactly the same size as her old one):
And here’s the middle bedroom that we’re calling the playroom (it’ll become another kids bedroom when our clan grows someday):
Here’s the guest bedroom that we can’t wait to offer up to family and friends stopping through. Of course we need a bed first…
And here’s they funny little yellow-beige bathroom suite (that room used to be the master before they added the new one along with that spacious living room behind the kitchen, so it has its own bathroom).
Can’t wait to redo this baby.
And here’s the little laundry room that we want to pack with storage and function to create a mini mudroom as well.
We love the lines of the back of the house (and hope to upgrade the exterior up front someday to match…).
Doesn’t the snow make our backyard look so charming? We’re in love.
So there it is. It was totally love at first sight for us. And we’re still so thankful for our buyers agent who convinced us to go look at the house (we snubbed our nose at it because it had a carport, and later learned that the owners were offering a full credit to pay for the conversion from carport to garage so it wouldn’t cost us a dime). Seriously, it makes us crazy to think that we might have missed out on this beauty because we were anti carport. But the (real estate) world works in mysterious ways.
Anyway, we hope you guys enjoy the first of many pics of our new place. Please bear with us when it comes to questions (since we don’t have internet access, and want to spend more time at the new house than Panera, we might not be able to answer a ton of new house q’s). You have our word that we’ll share more details about what will go where and what projects we want to take on as things unfold. We’re all about the whole real-time blog-as-we-go thing. Especially since we have so many new projects to tackle! Thankfully we have nothing but time (at least 4.5 years, since that’s how long the last house took us) to settle in and share every detail with you guys. You know we’re chronic over-sharers, so don’t worry about us sparing any detail. Stay tuned for diary-like updates as we tackle transformations both big and small. Until then, come on in and make yourself comfy in our new home! So glad to have you guys along for the ride.
Psst- You can check out our new BabyCenter post all about Clara’s new room here.
Kim at Yellow Brick Home says
Holy AMAZING! Potential up the wazoo.
Congrats, you four!
Gina @ Temporary Nest says
OH Yes!! I see it now!! I was so sad for a minute I LOVEEEEE you’re displays you do above the fireplaces! (That christmas video from last year <3) But now I'm SUPER excited to see a double sided fireplace!
Mizden Medina says
Congratulations guys!!…had a chance today to catch up with december and most of november post and how exciting to live with you this new change…seriously…I have no idea how you see so many chances of change in every space…God sure give us to each and everyone one of us a gift and yours (among others I’m sure) is home improvement!
Loved that Clara shoot…I think one of the best things about the photos of Clara is that you have clever ideas to celebrate a important occasion..
I just want to say Good Luck! and let the force be with you cause you sure will need it to tackle all of the things you want to do in the house, plus the pooch and the baby girl..
Can’t wait to keep reading the updates!
xx
Mich says
Congratulations!!! The house looks awesome!! Can’t wait to see what you do with it…
Megan Elizabeth says
Those built in bookshelves are gorgeous! You must be beyond excited!
Melissa says
I was just wondering why you didn’t decide to use the yellow-beige bathroom suite as the guest bedroom? I guess I was just thinking that is the room I would make a guest room because I hate staying at someone’s house and having to worry about not interfering with their bathroom schedule when I am getting ready. Anyways, I am so excited for you guys and can’t wait to see what you do with the place.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Melissa,
We did! The guest room is the room with the yellow-beige bathroom for exactly the reasons you describe (plus Clara needs a bathtub so shell use the hall bath and has no need for the yellow-beige shower stall).
xo,
s
Amanda says
Oh my god! This place is in so much better shape then your old house was (like a completely dark den, etc, etc). I mean, there’s clearly help needed (hello … kitchen paneling! I can’t wait to see that painted up) I am swooning (again) over that sun room of yours and have also added a “sun room” to a must-have when I purchase a house (in ten years! most likely :P)
I love how similar it is to your current house. Can’t wait to see that fire place become and double of its ownself; that will be a good tackle job — bring on the professionals eh?
Good luck with everything in the next few days (and getting internet) I still hope your “perma-smiling” (as Sherry would say) … which I’m sure you are! :)
Krystal says
Love the new digs! It’s so beautifully full of potential :)
Scrolling through the comments, I noticed that you said you’d upgrade the washer & dryer if there was a good sale, and I just wanted to let you know that February (typically around the Super Bowl and the second to last weekend) is when furniture and appliances are at their absolute lowest prices. We bought a 10 ft sectional for $399 at Harlem last year, and we got our Energy Star front loading washer and dryer set for about $500 at Lowes. And as I’m sure you probably already know, January is “White Month” and you’ll find the best deals on linens, curtains, etc. (My Momma raised me to be a bargain hunter!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Krystal,
Thanks so much for the heads up about those sales. $500 for a pair of front loaders is an amazing deal!
xo,
s
Tania says
Congratulations and best wishes in your new home! I can’t wait to see your beautiful transformations!
Caitlin says
Wowee! I’m fairly new to your blog, so I’ve missed you doing all the reno’s in your last home. Can’t wait to track your progress with this new beauty! Can’t wait to see the transformation begin to take place…
Shaundra says
Is it me or is the big brother to your old house! Congrats! I am so happy for the four of you. Cant wait to see the transformation.
Paige says
This is so awesome! I can’t wait to watch you guys transform this space. I’m 23 so I haven’t bought a house yet, but I’ve been on a few house tours and looked at lots of home listings on the internet. This is the kind of house that I would probably overlook because my brain couldn’t imagine how I could make it into something that reflected my style. But you guys can see these things and so I have no doubt that you will turn it into something very special. I can’t wait to watch the process and see how you deal with some of the difficulties (I’m especially keen to see your solution for the modern sunroom and the off-center windows!) Congratulations!
jen says
I am so excited that you are taking us along on your new journey! congrats!
Linda says
It’s such an adorable little house already, so I can’t wait to see all the great things you do with it! :) Congrats!
Minnesotamom says
Looks lovely! I can’t wait to see what you guys do to it. We just closed on our own home on November 30 and have been doing some renovations before we move in. It will be a work in progress, but we’re trying to do some major stuff prior to putting all the furniture in it. I’ll probably steal some YHL ideas!
Katie says
I remembered another question! Sorry!
Are you still planning on an overall moody/sophisticated/jewel tones type of palette for this house? I’m really excited to see what you do with that, as I love jewel tones and not many shelter bloggers seem to share that taste.
I’m closing on my first house in 3 weeks and I think I may be more excited about yours. How lame is that? (OK, that’s not true. I’m more excited about mine. But I’m counting on yours for inspiration!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katie,
Yes! We’re not sure where that direction will take us, but it’s definitely the vibe we’re going for!
xo,
s
Wanjiku says
Wow!!! now l understand why you fell in love with the house, its glorious!! Cant wait to see what you have in store for us.
Thank you for sharing your journey and inviting us into your home.
Warmest regards for the festive season….
Harinee says
I’m sure it’s been mentioned already, but the first thing I noticed in the first picture were the scallops! Maybe because I’ve been reading your archives lately…
Congratulations again, it’s a beautiful house and very livable too – seems like the new owners were as nice as you were to your buyers.
Jodi says
Congratulations on your move! I found your blog after you had completed most of the renovations to your first home and am looking forward to seeing what you do with your “new” young home. Thank you for letting us into your home and your lives!
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
Very cool! Looks like lots of fun projects ahead! :-) can’t wait to see more. Thanks so much for sharing with us while you have been SO busy!!
charlotte says
Congrats and thanks for sharing your journey with us! I found your blog earlier this year, and regret not seeing your first house transformed over time, but this new house will surely make up for that. I can’t wait, so excited…for you and for me!
Kristin (Aust) says
Wow, what an amazing house!!! Sooo much potential, like others, I’m just bursting for you to start the renos! :) What do you think you will do with those dark beams? Paint them or leave them dark? (I’d paint, but then I don’t have your vision, perhaps you have some spectacular way of making them look gorgeous!)
Great find anyway, can’t wait for the coming posts!! I’m too excited!!
Kristin x
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kristin,
We’re thinking we’ll paint them, but we’re toying with the idea of going a soft gray tone instead of glossy white. Who knows where we’ll end up!
xo,
s
Begoña says
I’m soooooo in love with this house (sorry for the old one), i can really see the potential you’ve seen. Cant wait to start seeing all the projects and ideas you’ve got. But I got say, I’m a little scared by the size of the rooms, since i’m a youngester too, ?i’m not used to this bigs rooms.
Anyway, love it!
Suzanne says
I’m not sure how all the other Aussie followers found this blog, but I discovered it when it was recommended by the amazing magazine “Real Living”. I love the blog and follow it daily. The only thing that frustrates me is the major envy I have on a daily basis about all the great shops and products that you have in the States and how affordable everything is in comparison to here. Keep up the great work and enjoy the new house!!
hi-d says
Oh yay! So great to see pictures. I think my favorite room so far would have to be the sunroom. The exterior is just beautiful as well!
osarah says
I’m so excited for you guys! Having not lived in a house in 9 years (and thus lived with white walls for nearly a decade), I think I’m living vicariously through you guys when it comes to home projects. I can’t wait to see how y’all transform this house into your home!
Carolyn says
I’m impressed – lovely home! and also impressed that you published two posts after moving…in the snow…with a baby! Where do you get your energy from?! I need some!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Carolyn,
You know when you get really excited and have to call a friend or relative to tell them all about it? You guys are like our friends/relatives and we’re just so hyper and excited to tell you all about everything!
xo,
s
Amina says
Wow….Love it:) Congratulations to you … I’m already waiting for how you guys are going to transform this house!!
Sevi says
I really wonder how the new owners of your old house (weird to say that after 1,5 years of following your blog and loving your house) will plan their rooms and stuff? Can we have a glimpse, just for like one second? :P
Barbara says
First time checking in since just before you moved, and holy cow – this place is fantastic!!! (or maybe petertastik? fantersik? There’s gotta be a way to make that work…) You must be absolutely salivating to get at things. I am in deep, DEEP love with fireplaces in kitchens! Can’t wait to see all the changes. Huge congratulations and thanks to you for allowing us along on your journey – it’s like a gift to us, your little internet groupies :) and we’re all totally thrilled for you.
Extra kisses to Clara and Burger for being such troopers! You guys are one awesome family.
Katie says
This house has boatloads of potential – I can’t WAIT to see what you pair do with it!! :)
Alisa D. says
Congratulations! You guys did good! Love all the space, the floors, the builtins, the fireplace in the kitchen area… You’re both very inspiring in the choices you make and your positive attitudes and I’m sure you’re helping a lot of people to see the potential when looking looking for future homes. Can’t wait to see the makeover!
Anna says
Ohmy! I can’t wait to see what ideas you put into play! Congrats!
Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker says
Woah. Lots of potential. But HUGE. I have no idea what I’d do with all that space!
Hana says
Wow…I think it’s beautiful already and has so much potential! What a great house! Can’t wait to see the transformation. Congrats guys…she’s awesome!
Dannielle says
LOVE this new house. It’s GORGEOUS. The potential is outstanding!! I can’t WAIT until you guys start (after some down time of unpacking and stuff – of course!)
Quick question, you said you’re going to be doing french doors from the dining room to the office, will you guys be doing that yourselves? If so, please know that i am BEYOND the moon since I’ve been trying to figure out if that’s something I’m going to do or not in my house.
Again, BEAUTIFUL!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Dannielle,
We’re not sure if it’s something we can DIY yet, but you know we’ll do some research and report back either way with a post all about the process!
xo,
s
Julie - On the Dot Creations says
Eeek! I’m SO excited to see your “before” pictures, John and Sherry! The house has such beautiful features already (I’m swooning over those floors!), and I know you’re so eager to make it your own.
Congrats!
Kelley says
I’m loving it right along with you. I think your readers are just about as excited to see you start working on the house as you are just to have moved in. We’re all in it for the long-haul! Now get to hammering! :) Congrats on your move.
Jolene says
Congrats on your new house!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it! I have a little confession to make, i’ve been checking your blog about 4 times a day, just to make sure I dont miss any new pics! LOL! Hope you have a great Christmas in your new place!
Natalia says
It looks great!!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it all!
You guys have really inspired me to take on more DIY projects in my own house, I’m just finishing up painting my kitchen cabinets this week! Thanks for making regular people without a huge fancy budget feel like they can live in a nicely decorated house!
Have a Merry Christmas, enjoy your first one with Clara, they only get more fun!
Ashley P says
I’m so excited to be a reader from the beginning of this house. My husband and I just bought a house in Florida that is remarkably similar to your new one (minus one guest room). I have to admit, I’m overwhelmed with all the projects we want to accomplish. I can’t wait to see how you guys transform your house – I’m sure I’ll be stealing ideas as you go! Good luck and congratulations!
Kate says
Congratulations! With the fresh snow, it’s so picturesque. I’m excited for you guys to get in there and start working your magic. It’s so impressive to see the before & afters from your first place. I’m sure you’ll cover this in a future post, but I wonder how you prioritize a project like this? It seems the house is completely functional, so how do you decide which room/ceiling/floor to tackle first? Cheers!
susan says
Welcome Home! The house is charming and spacious. I can see why you love it. susan
jodanders says
This house is great!! Are you planning on keeping the parquet floor? If so what are you going to do with it? We have yellowish parquet and are looking for ideas to refinish/stain, etc–and you two have the best ideas:)
CONGRATS!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jodandres,
Yup, it’s hardwood so we’ll probably refinish it (maybe a rich dark brown or ebony, but we’re not sure yet).
xo,
s
erin says
Glad you moved in before the second snow storm hits! My husband and I moved into our Richmond home during last year’s snow storm. The good news is, we got a lot accomplished indoors! I read your post at BabyCenter and was wondering where you got Clara’s rug. I’m looking for a nursery rug, but I’d like it to be as non-toxic as possible and affordable.
Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
We got it at a local place called the Decorating Outlet. It’s 100% wool and doesn’t have a rubber backing (which are both good pure choices since they’re natural and don’t off-gas).
xo,
s
Christine says
Thanks for the update from Paneradise! It’s exciting to see all the “before” pictures. You 2 are going to make that place really sing!
Janny A. says
Congratulations on your new home!! It looks nice and spacious!! Can’t wait for all your DIY and “before and after” pictures as projects come along!
Kimber says
LOVE THIS!! I remember emailing you guys WAY back when you were just wrapping up your old kitchen reno and we were just starting ours and considered using the same Pashmina granite as you had (we did, and it looks great!). We just bought a new house and are up to our eyeballs in renovations, so I thought I’d check out your blog for inspiration — HOLY MOLEY am I inspired! It’s amazing what you’ve built here! Can’t wait to see what you build in the real world with this new house! Cheers!
Jordan G says
I can’t wait to see what you do with this house! There is so much potential. I know that sun room looks new compared to the rest of the house, but it’s so dreamy with the snow outside. I wish I had a sunroom!!
Jenny says
I think you’ll love the elevated oven. With a 3 year old and a 1 year old at my house, it is so nice to not have to worry about them opening a hot oven!