We bought our orange brick 1950s ranch-style house in Seattle six years ago. When I first shared the before photos, many readers had trouble picturing how this house could become the cozy, seaside-inspired home I imagined. I understood—on the surface it didn’t match my “cottage by the sea” dreams. But with time and a clear plan, small changes began to transform it.
With our modest budget we couldn’t afford a full exterior overhaul. Most online examples of ranch remodels showed dramatic renovations that left little of the original house intact. I quickly realized that if you don’t have unlimited funds or a design team, the key is to pace yourself and choose practical, high-impact updates.
We focused on things we could accomplish: paint and a new front door. Those were baby steps, but they mattered. If you’re in a similar position, pick a few changes you can manage now and start there.
This photo above shows where we began.
About five years ago we painted the brick white (Reserved White by Sherwin-Williams) and later installed Dutch doors—actually two Dutch doors. The first time we painted the front door we picked a soft gray because we weren’t ready for a bold color. This year, though, I decided a stronger choice was right: a vibrant blue door felt like the perfect way to anchor the look and add character.
The new door color was partly inspired by the blue hydrangeas we planted out front and by the coastal feel I wanted for the home. Even though the architecture isn’t entirely what I’d always pictured, the door itself became the defining element. A cheerful blue Dutch door created a welcoming focal point and set the tone for the rest of the house.
We absolutely love the color—Blue Suede Shoes by Benjamin Moore—and it exceeded our expectations. My husband and I find ourselves stepping outside just to admire it, day and night. The neighbors probably think we’re a little obsessed, but the new door truly transformed the house and made us fall in love with the exterior all over again.
There’s still more to do: we want to paint the porch, continue landscaping, add architectural details like a trellis over the garage, and update the front windows. These are plans for the future, and I’ll share updates as we make progress. For now, this bold door is a meaningful step toward the cottage character I’ve been dreaming about.
Today I’m celebrating the joy of creating a home you truly love. No matter your budget, style, or limitations, small changes can make a big difference. Embrace baby steps, the power of paint, and the simple delight of a new front door.
I also love our playful bunny door knocker. That quirky detail makes the house feel like me. We have real bunnies hopping around our yard, so the knocker fits perfectly and adds personality. Small, personal touches like this help a house become a home.
One more look at the before and after!
Check out more of our home makeovers and before-and-afters HERE!
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