When we bought our 1950s brick ranch in Seattle about five and a half years ago, it wasn’t my dream house. Although the structure was solid for its age, the style felt dated and in need of updates. That turned out to be a good thing: the house was a blank canvas we could gradually transform into the coastal cottage we’d always wanted.
With a mix of small, affordable changes and a few larger projects, we began reshaping the home to reflect our tastes. Simple updates like fresh paint, new hardware, and updated lighting made a huge visual difference. Other improvements—rebuilding the kitchen, adding a deck, and redoing exterior concrete—required more time and effort, but also had a major impact.
As the years passed, every room started to feel more like our home. We still have projects on the list, but looking back at before-and-after photos is a great reminder of how far we’ve come. Many of these images are progress shots taken across several seasons, so you may notice plants, decor, and furnishings changing from photo to photo. In some areas, we’re still refining the final look, so these images capture the evolution rather than a finished state.
I’ll share separate posts with inspiration for upcoming projects, but for now enjoy this tour through the changes we’ve made. Click the post links under each photo for more detail on specific projects.
Click the links below for posts on this space:
Painted Exterior Brick White
New outdoor lantern
Replaced front door with Dutch door
We removed the old side yard concrete and created a usable patio, added new porch posts, and installed updated lighting to brighten the entry.
Click the links below for posts on this space:
Trex Deck Before & After
Painted Exterior Brick White
Progress: painted the shed white
We installed a white picket garden gate and added landscaping to soften the yard and create curb appeal.
We removed a metal awning and replaced cracked driveway sections, adding a new lantern to update the exterior lighting.
After: painted concrete steps and patio
Progress
We refreshed the entry with paint, a new Dutch door, and updated barn-style lights to create a welcoming front facade.
Progress: refreshed with paint and new hardware
We swapped hardware and used a simple tension-rod curtain to separate the master bedroom from the bathroom while we finalize a permanent solution.
We gave cabinets a simple makeover with battery-operated sconces, new hardware, and removable shiplap wallpaper to refresh the hallway.
We created character by turning two square doorways into an archway and added shiplap in the dining area for texture and warmth.
Click the links below for posts on this space:
Painted our fireplace stone with gray chalk paint, then white
Installed a fireplace insert
We remodeled the entire kitchen, including replacing a square window with a round one, installing new cabinetry, and updating finishes to create a bright, functional space.
Click the links below for posts on this space:
Our Kitchen Remodel: Before & After
All kitchen details, sources, FAQ and ideas to get the look
We replaced the side door with a Dutch door to match the front and improve airflow and charm.
We updated the small guest room with new paint, lighting, and curtains to make it cozy and inviting.
Click the links below for posts on this space:
Painted Master Bedroom a dark plum color
Recent Master Bedroom Makeover
We installed plantation shutters throughout the house to add privacy and a classic cottage look.
Changing square doors to arches and adding wood detail in the dining room helped personalize the home and emphasize the cottage aesthetic.
We removed carpet from bedrooms, painted walls in calming tones, and updated flooring where needed. In the basement we created a new room for an office or guest space, installed laminate flooring, and repainted the staircase.
We also refreshed the basement bathroom with a painted vanity, a painted wall stencil, and new lights and fixtures to give the space a brighter, updated feel.
We feel great about our progress, but there’s still so much more on our list. I hope this post inspires you to see the potential in your own home. With time, paint, and thoughtful updates, any space can reflect your personality and style.
More on The Inspired Room:
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My Kitchen Remodel Sources and FAQ
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