Today I’m sharing updated before-and-after photos from projects we completed in the entry and living room. The “before” images are from when we moved in nearly three years ago — we actually bought the house furnished — and the progress since then has been gradual but meaningful.
During last year’s renovation we made several visible and subtle changes: we cased the openings between rooms, replaced flooring and stair carpet, moved the doorbell, and swapped out an unattractive return air vent. I’ll walk through the updates and show the transformations we’ve completed so far.
This isn’t the final “after” — we’ll continue refining details and furniture selections — but I hope you enjoy seeing the progress we’ve made.
One of the things I loved about this beach cottage when we first toured it was the feeling it gave — warm, welcoming and cozy. Even the small entry and living room felt instantly like home. It was the kind of place you’d want to linger in, and that instinct proved true: we’re grateful it’s ours.
The home’s classic details and the character added by the previous owners matched the style we wanted: a house that already felt lived-in but left room for our personal touches. While replacing carpet and flooring was on our list from the start, the project grew to include a few extra refinements — which is how it often goes.
Below are some of the before-and-after transformations in this part of our home.
A cased-in opening
As part of the renovation we cased the opening between the entry and living room (and did similar work in other main-floor rooms). Previously it was just drywall; the new casing gives the opening a finished, refined look. We actually narrowed the opening slightly to accommodate the trim, but it’s barely noticeable — it just feels more intentional and polished now.
New hardwood floors and stair treads
We removed carpet from the staircase and installed hardwood treads. We’ve always preferred stairs without carpet — painted or wood steps feel cleaner and fresher — and while we may add a runner someday, we like the look for now.
Since we were installing European white oak engineered hardwood throughout the house, extending that same wood to the stair treads felt like the right choice. The tone we selected is timeless and echoes beach sand and driftwood — it brings light, casual warmth and a classic coastal vibe to the home.
In a smaller home you can focus on details, which I love. Small changes can make a big impact, and installing matching hardwoods is one of those changes that ties the space together.
Swapped the ceiling air register
A small but charming change we made last fall was replacing a plain ceiling return vent with a starburst-patterned register. It’s a detail you might miss in photos but we appreciate it every day — proof that even minor updates can elevate the overall look.
Changed the floor heat registers
After the wood flooring went down I didn’t want the typical metal registers on the main floor, so we installed wood heat registers that blend with the flooring. Our flooring contractor adjusted them to fit properly. They make the floor look more seamless, and I hope to match the upstairs registers in the future.
Wired-in sconce and moved the doorbell
We previously had a brass wall sconce with a battery-operated bulb; during the renovation we had an electrician hardwire it so it now works with a switch. We also swapped in a patterned lampshade. While the electricians were here, we moved the doorbell into the closet behind the wall so it no longer limits artwork placement above the bench.
The plan for the bench cushion
A built-in bench in the living room, added by the previous owners, is a favorite spot for extra seating and storage. For now we cover the cushion with a reversible blanket, which is practical with kids and pets. Eventually I’ll have the cushion professionally recovered in a coordinating fabric, but I’m taking my time to choose the right material.
Fresh paint
We had the entire lower level painted during the renovation. There were some hiccups that will require touch-ups in several rooms, and we expect those to be resolved this summer. Not every project goes perfectly, but we’re working with our contractor to make things right.
We also plan to repaint the inside (and possibly the outside) of our front door. Right now the interior door is white with dark paint samples visible in the mirror reflections — I’m considering a deep blue or green-blue for contrast, though the exterior will likely remain similar to what it is now.
Paint colors: Door: Wythe Blue (Benjamin Moore); Living room: Beach Glass (Benjamin Moore); White walls and trim: Classic Light Buff (Sherwin Williams); Entry walls: Neutral Ground (Sherwin Williams).
Other upcoming ideas and changes:
I found an item I’ve wanted for the entry through a friend and plan to collect it on my next trip to Portland — I’ll share more when I do. I’m also shopping for an entry rug; while I enjoy the simplicity of no rug in summer, a rug adds color, texture and helps catch rain and sand in cooler months.
The demilune entry table was here when we moved in and fits perfectly; I might paint it or eventually replace it. It has a small drawer that holds dog-walking bags, so it’s practical as well as pretty. We’re also taking our time selecting living room furniture so the room comes together thoughtfully.
Changes we made prior to the renovation
Before the renovation began we established the mood we wanted: a mix of classic traditional and fresh coastal casual. To set that tone we hung seascapes on the stair wall and installed a navy lantern in the entry for a classic statement piece. Small personal touches like these helped the house feel like ours from the start.
Home takes time. It’s rewarding to see steady progress and to plan future updates. We’re enjoying the journey of making this cottage our cozy, welcoming beach home.
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