HHello! I’m Kylee, and I’m excited to share more of our new home with you. We recently moved into a charming Cape Cod–style house, and it still feels a little surreal that it’s ours. After years in a townhouse, having no shared walls, a yard to care for, and more rooms than I’m used to feels like a milestone. There’s a lot to learn—how to choose a lawnmower, when to prune shrubs—but I’m enjoying every step of it.
I shared a few glimpses of the house previously, but today I’ll walk you through a fuller empty-house tour so you can see the layout and features that made us fall for it.
(Update 2022: I’ve added more photos since we’ve settled in—more on that later.)
One of the things I love most is the long driveway that leads to a setback detached garage. It gives the property a classic feel and a sense of privacy.
You enter right into the living room, so my first design challenge is creating an entry area that feels like its own welcoming space within the room.
I can’t wait for cooler weather so we can use the gas fireplace. We had one in our previous home and love the cozy atmosphere it creates.
From the living room you can see into the dining room and kitchen. After years of eating at a kitchen island, we realized we need a proper dining table again. The double arches between rooms are one of my favorite architectural details—they give openness while keeping rooms distinct and cozy.
I’m still amazed our kitchen is so beautifully remodeled. During our house search we saw many homes with renovations that didn’t suit our taste, so this kitchen felt like a lucky find. After months of looking and losing out on houses, we were prepared to remodel, but this house checked so many boxes already.
We actually spotted this house when it first listed and it went pending right away. A few weeks later we were visiting Portland and noticed the sale had fallen through—so we popped into the open house and instantly fell in love. We weren’t the only bidders, but our offer was accepted, and that’s how we became homeowners of this place.
The kitchen is a favorite space: marble counters, a butcher-block island, thoughtful paint choices, and beautiful natural light. I cook a lot, so this room has quickly become one of my daily joys. I may tweak the light above the sink or add pendants over the island eventually, but for now it’s wonderful. I also shared a post about styling the glass-front cabinets and included some sources for the kitchen details.
The house has three bathrooms, and each one was finished with care. This main-floor bathroom between two bedrooms stands out for its lovely tile work. The bedrooms themselves are simple boxes for now—one will become a home office and the other a guest room once we furnish them.
Downstairs is a finished basement. The staircase leads to a hallway with a well-done bathroom on the left and a bedroom on the right.
The basement bedroom includes a pull-down Murphy bed, making it a flexible guest space. I imagine the upstairs guest room will host shorter stays while this room could be ideal for longer visits or guests with pets.
There’s a large open area in the basement with a fireplace and TV space. It’s not our immediate priority, but eventually we’d like new flooring and fresh paint down here—maybe a big sectional for cozy movie nights.
Opposite the open area is a wet bar and mini kitchen. We’re still figuring out the best use for that space, so it’s a little TBD for now.
One luxury compared to our townhouse is a full laundry room. Where I once had a laundry closet, this roomy area feels like a small upgrade. I’m already imagining wallpaper or a few small touches to make it joyful and efficient.
Finally, the primary suite occupies the entire upstairs/converted attic. It’s a generous, private retreat and feels like a special part of the home.
We plan to install new hardwood floors upstairs soon. Like many current projects, some supply delays are possible, but we hope to have that done in the next few weeks.
I’m still deciding on paint colors for the primary suite. I’m leaning toward something darker to create a moody, cozy atmosphere that suits the attic space.
The primary bathroom is a dream: herringbone floors, a double vanity, and thoughtful finishes. We may swap a few fixtures like lights or hardware to personalize it, but for now we’re enjoying it as-is.
And then there’s the shower—so good. Behind the shower is a little nook that feels underused; I’m considering turning it into a small vanity space for makeup. To the left of the bathroom is an enormous walk-in closet—practically more storage than we need, and I’m not complaining.
Thanks for joining this house tour! We’ve started decorating and settling in, so I’ll share updates as the rooms come together. If you follow my Instagram, I post progress and behind-the-scenes looks as we make this house into our home.
(Update 2022: I’ve shared more photos since we’ve settled in.)
If you’re catching up, here are a few related posts about our move and the house:
Kylee Moving Home Again
Kylee’s Home Buying Story
Kylee’s Cape Cod Style House (first photos)
Styling Glass Kitchen Cabinets (Kylee’s House Update)
Changes and Empty Nester Life