When we first moved into our home in 1996, it was in desperate need of renovation. Over the years, our home renovation before and after journey has been nothing short of transformative. Situated in the woods across from a small private lake, our 900-square-foot caretaker’s cottage was in desperate need of love and care. Seven months before our daughter, Savannah, was born, we took on this massive renovation project with little money, little time, and a lot of determination.
The house, which had originally served as a caretaker’s cottage for a large home next door, had no heat (just two wood-burning fireplaces) and was in need of a complete gut job. We had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a lot of potential—but also a lot of work ahead. At just 23 years old and pregnant, I had no idea where to begin, but I did know one thing: I wanted to make this house our own.
That’s where My Sweet Savannah came in. This blog started as a way to document our journey, our home renovation before and after. Today I am sharing how we tackled DIY projects on a tight budget, how we transformed our space with simple tricks to get that high-end look we were after, and how we slowly built the home we wanted, one project at a time. Fast forward 25 years, and our home has evolved with our changing tastes, our growing family, and our passion for creating a space that truly reflects who we are.
Today, I’m excited to share our home’s transformation, from the before-and-after photos of each room to the small details that have made a big impact. Welcome to our updated version of “our home,” and if you’re new here, feel free to explore and join the journey by subscribing to the blog and following along on Instagram.
Home Renovation Before and After: The Exterior Transformation
When we first moved in, the exterior of our home was simple and unassuming. While it had charm, it lacked the curb appeal we envisioned. The space was overgrown with trees and brush, and there was little to distinguish it from the surrounding woods.
Before:
The exterior was a classic cottage style, but it felt disconnected from the natural beauty of the lake. The front of the house had a modest appearance, with little landscaping to speak of.
After:
Over the years, we worked hard to make the outside of our home as inviting as the inside. We’ve added new windows, painted the exterior in a soft, neutral palette that complements the natural surroundings, and built out a beautiful deck that sits off our main living area. We’ve carefully curated the landscaping with native plants and trees to make sure the house blends seamlessly into the woods, creating a peaceful oasis by the lake. We also built a firepit area and outdoor kitchen that makes summer entertaining a breeze.
Shop Our Home’s Exterior:
For those looking to replicate some of our exterior updates, check out my LTK page where I’ve curated a selection of outdoor furniture, lighting, and accessories that we love and stand behind.
The Living Room: A Cozy, Yet Elegant Space
One of the most significant changes to our home was the transformation of the living room. It had a good foundation, but the space needed to be opened up and given a fresh look to reflect our style.
Before:
When we moved in, the living room had a small, cramped feel. The wood-burning fireplace gave it character, but was very dated. The space lacked warmth and was very traditional in design.
After:
Today, the living room is one of our favorite spots to unwind. We opened up the space and added large doors that lead to our deck. A modern, yet rustic design now defines the room, with a mix of plush seating, neutral tones, and natural textures. The fireplace was kept as a focal point but were updated with a custom mantel and new stone. I love how cozy and elegant this room feels—perfect for hosting guests or spending quiet evenings by the fire.
  
Shop Our Living Room:
Check out my LTK page for shoppable pieces that give our living room its cozy, sophisticated vibe.
Home Renovation Before and After: Kitchen Overhaul
The home renovation before and after photos of our kitchen truly showcase how far we’ve come. The outdated space was completely reimagined with modern finishes and a more functional layout. With just two small bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small living area, this room needed a serious update to make it more functional for our family.
Before:
The original kitchen was outdated, with old cabinetry and appliances. It was cramped and didn’t have enough storage space to accommodate our growing family. The layout was inefficient, and there was a distinct lack of personality.
After:
Now, the kitchen is bright, airy, and beautifully designed with an open layout that makes it perfect for cooking and entertaining. We added modern cabinetry, marble and granite countertops, and a statement island that is both functional and stylish. New appliances have made cooking easier, and we added plenty of cabinets and storage to keep everything organized. It’s a space that truly feels like the heart of our home.
Shop Our Kitchen:
On my LTK page, you’ll find some of the kitchen pieces we love, from cookware to barstools and lighting that brings the space to life.
Home Renovation Before and After: Guest Bathroom Updates
The guest bathroom had been largely neglected during our early years in the home. It was functional but definitely lacked the modern touches we wanted.
Before:
The bathroom was small, with outdated fixtures and a very basic design. It was far from the inviting, spa-like space we envisioned for our guests.
After:
Our guest bathroom is now a serene retreat, with a modern, minimalist design. We replaced the dated fixtures with sleek, contemporary ones, and the space was updated with calming colors and higher-end materials. It’s a small room, but it feels luxurious and welcoming for any visitors we have.
Shop Our Guest Bathroom:
If you’re inspired by our bathroom transformation, head over to my LTK page for bathroom essentials and design inspiration!
The Basement: A Cozy Entertainment Area
The basement was another area that needed significant work when we moved in. While it had potential, it was dark, damp, and lacked a clear purpose. It was actually not even a basement at all, but an enclosed carport!
Before:
The basement was essentially a forgotten space—uninviting and underused. We saw it as an opportunity to create something functional and enjoyable for our family and friends.
After:
Today, the basement is a cozy, finished area where we can entertain or relax. We turned it into a fun, comfortable space with plenty of storage for all of our sports gear. The walls are painted in warm, neutral tones, and we added custom shelving for storage and display. You can check out the most recent transformation here.Â
Shop Our Basement:
Check out my LTK page to shop some of the pieces we’ve used in our basement, from furniture to decor.
Home Sweet Home: A Family of 4 and Our Fur Babies
Over the years, our family has grown and changed. We now have two adult children who are preparing to leave the nest, and our three labs—Hunter, Harley, and Cash—are always by our side. Our home is where we’ve celebrated life’s milestones, hosted countless gatherings, and spent quiet moments enjoying the beauty of nature.
We love to entertain year-round, especially in the summer when we can take guests paddleboarding, canoeing, or BBQing in the backyard. With a firepit area, outdoor kitchen, and office space for our business, Thompson Design Build, right on the property, we’re able to create lasting memories with friends and family in our own little slice of paradise.
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I’m so excited to share this updated journey with you, and if you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more home renovation tips, DIY projects, and design inspiration. You can find the subscribe button on my sidebar. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks into our life and home.
Please note that the photos featured in this post were taken at different times over the course of our 25-year renovation journey. As our style and decor have evolved, you’ll notice some differences in the furnishings and design choices from room to room. These photos capture the transformation at various stages, showcasing how our home has changed and grown alongside us. It’s all part of the process, and we’re excited to share the full journey with you!
Here’s to 25 years of memories, renovations, and the home we’ve made our own!
