Greetings again from Panera (there’s no internet at home yet – so we stop in, get hot chocolate, and slap together a post or two for you guys whenever we have a spare moment thanks to their free WiFi). We know you’re anxiously awaiting interior shots of our new house all empty and move in ready from yesterday (can’t believe it’s really ours!). So here they are. I ran around quickly, which resulted in some less than perfect shots (our friends and family were outside in the snow waiting to start bringing things in so I made it snappy and didn’t have a chance to record a video so that’ll have to come later). But anyway, this is the blank slate that we can’t wait to start having fun with. Paneling? Check. A yellow and beige bathroom? Check. Dark wood trim? Check. Many different floor choices? Check. Brick that we’re dying to paint? Check. Off-centered windows? Check. Small box-like rooms? Check. Walls to knock down? Check. A sink in the master bedroom? Check.
In other words, we’re insanely excited to get in there and start making our new house feel like it’s really ours. Which usually doesn’t happen until the paint brushes and the hammers come out. And we have to send a huge shout out to the former owners for allowing us to be the lucky new residents of their pride and joy. They even hosted a party to welcome us to the neighborhood a few weeks back and listened with excitement as we mentioned what colors we wanted to paint things and what walls we couldn’t wait to knock down. It has been an absolute pleasure to buy their house.
But enough jibber jabber. You guys are all probably all thinking “just get to the pictures” (if you haven’t skipped this intro entirely and scrolled down already) so here they are. Oh and check out this post for a floor plan description that will probably make a lot more sense of the flow, some of our future plans, etc.
Here’s the exterior in that blanket of surprise snow courtesy of mother nature:
And here’s the room that has us at hello. It’s actually a formal living room with a dining room behind those built-ins, but we’ll be converting the formal living room part into an entryway/dining room with a huge opening on the left wall that leads into the large eat-in kitchen. And that back room that was once the dining room will become our home office thanks to the addition of some pretty french doors.
Here’s a look from the other direction back at the door.
And here’s the long eat-in kitchen we mentioned. Lots of paneling to paint! We’re also planning to paint the cabinets (not sure what color or colors yet) and add a giant island. The opening to the new dining room in the front of the house will be on the right wall in the picture below. We’re hoping to get at least a 5′ pass through so it feels really airy and inviting.
Here it is from the other direction. Another thing we loved about this house from the get go were the wide doorways that it already had. You know we’re suckers for the whole open flow thing.
Here’s another one of those nice wide doorways that leads down the hall (this was taken with my back to the master bedroom facing the front door). Burger likie.
Here’s the room where we’ll do all of our living (when we’re not in the kitchen, since everyone seems to end up there anyway). We realized we never used our formal living room nearly as much as our family room in the old house, so we longed for a bigger all-in-one room to gather (that could accommodate a lot of our large family and a sectional along with some other larger furnishings) instead of having two smaller sitting rooms that were half as functional.
We love that it feels airy and spacious thanks to the generous size and the awesome sliding doors (one leads out onto a raised patio and one leads out into the sunroom).
Here’s the view looking towards the kitchen with your back to that big square window in the picture that’s two images up. We’re planning to make that fireplace a double-sided one so we can enjoy it from the kitchen and from the living room- and we also want to widen that doorway to make the kitchen feel even more connected to both rooms that are on either side of it.
Here’s the sunroom that was added on a while later. The challenge here will be making it feel more integrated with the rest of the house since it feels so modern and new when compared to the rest of the house, most of which was built half a century before.
The other side of the sunroom has an off centered window and some dark brick that we can’t wait to transform.
Here’s the master bedroom. It’s a really generously sized room, and the reclaimed pine floors (with super wide-planks!) are pretty special, so we can’t wait to show them some love.
Here’s the sink in the far side of the room (with a shower and a toilet in a room to the right and a walk-in closet to the left). It’ll definitely be a challenge to make that sink feel integrated since it’s visible from the bed (romantic!) but we have lots of ideas when it comes to getting ‘er done.
Here’s the hall bath that’s back near the other three bedrooms. We love that it’s so similar to the original full bath in our old house (and the tile is luckily in much better shape).
Here’s Clara’s new nursery (it’s almost exactly the same size as her old one):
And here’s the middle bedroom that we’re calling the playroom (it’ll become another kids bedroom when our clan grows someday):
Here’s the guest bedroom that we can’t wait to offer up to family and friends stopping through. Of course we need a bed first…
And here’s they funny little yellow-beige bathroom suite (that room used to be the master before they added the new one along with that spacious living room behind the kitchen, so it has its own bathroom).
Can’t wait to redo this baby.
And here’s the little laundry room that we want to pack with storage and function to create a mini mudroom as well.
We love the lines of the back of the house (and hope to upgrade the exterior up front someday to match…).
Doesn’t the snow make our backyard look so charming? We’re in love.
So there it is. It was totally love at first sight for us. And we’re still so thankful for our buyers agent who convinced us to go look at the house (we snubbed our nose at it because it had a carport, and later learned that the owners were offering a full credit to pay for the conversion from carport to garage so it wouldn’t cost us a dime). Seriously, it makes us crazy to think that we might have missed out on this beauty because we were anti carport. But the (real estate) world works in mysterious ways.
Anyway, we hope you guys enjoy the first of many pics of our new place. Please bear with us when it comes to questions (since we don’t have internet access, and want to spend more time at the new house than Panera, we might not be able to answer a ton of new house q’s). You have our word that we’ll share more details about what will go where and what projects we want to take on as things unfold. We’re all about the whole real-time blog-as-we-go thing. Especially since we have so many new projects to tackle! Thankfully we have nothing but time (at least 4.5 years, since that’s how long the last house took us) to settle in and share every detail with you guys. You know we’re chronic over-sharers, so don’t worry about us sparing any detail. Stay tuned for diary-like updates as we tackle transformations both big and small. Until then, come on in and make yourself comfy in our new home! So glad to have you guys along for the ride.
Psst- You can check out our new BabyCenter post all about Clara’s new room here.
Anna says
Oh Youngsters, I’m so excited for you!!! I’m a longtime reader of the blog and so, so stoked for this new chapter (and all the improvements that come with it).
What really got my attention about your plans for the new digs is the brick you’d like to paint. My own little ranch house is a red brick / light yellow vinyl siding combo that I would love to transform into the same consistent yellow color. I’m sure a professional would be more than happy to take some money off of my hands and do the job for me, but the mister and I would love to tackle it ourselves (but are worried our eyes are bigger than our paintbrushes). I know the brick you’re eyeing is technically not exterior since it’s now enclosed in the sunroom, but I’m interested to see how it turns out!
Long story short, CONGRATS! I can’t wait to follow along for the next three years… four years… forever? :)
p.s. Our little aforementioned ranch is in Charlotte… heading to fabric-shop at Mary Jo’s anytime soon?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Anna,
Uh oh, you might be sad. We meant the brick in the sunroom that we were dying to paint. And the brick fireplace in the kitchen. We’re still undecided about painting or liming the exterior brick (or leaving it the heck alone). Time will tell…
xoxo,
s
Sarah says
I have enjoyed following your house sale/purchase because we are in the midst of the same thing. I can totally relate! We’ll be seriously house hunting in the spring. This place has so much potential, and is so you! How much fun is this?? I’d like to offer a suggestion… What if you took out the separate sink in your bedroom and put your washer/dryer there? The water is already there, the sink isn’t very functional without a mirror anyway, and having the laundry so close to the closet would be very convenient, not to mention freeing up the current laundry area for a bigger mudroom. Trust me, when your kids start school and have backpacks, shoes, coats, etc, you’ll love that extra room! Granted, it’s about as romantic as a sink, but I’m thinking more about function. Add some pocket doors and you’ll never notice it!
YoungHouseLove says
Then we wouldn’t have a sink in our master though. And we have a mirror idea! Not to worry! We also have serious plans for that tiny laundry room/mudroom of ours…
xo,
s
Tina says
Sherry and John, the new house looks gorrrrrgeous! So exciting and so many rooms! We just moved into our new house in early August and we’re still pinching ourselves! :)
Nancy says
Congratulations! I think your yellow bathroom is very cute although perhaps it doesn’t look quite as good in real life.
tia says
Love the parquet in the halls. We are all going to have so much fun following as you make this awesome house your own. Way to keep things fresh YHL!
Katie says
Congrats on your new home! I am so excited to watch all your home improvement projects unfold. I get so much inspiration from your blog! Just one question and no rush to answer, I know you’re trying to unpack :) What kind of, if any, energy-saving improvements will you be making to the house? I know you try to live a very “green” life so just curious about appliances, windows, even fun things like rain barrels! Congrats again!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katie,
We’ll definitely introduce a rain barrel and at least two compost bins just like we had at our old house. It already has some updated windows, but we might eventually get low-E ones in other rooms with the original windows (depending how drafty the originals are, since creating waste from the old windows is only worth it if they’re no longer efficient). And we’ll definitely get Energy Star appliances (and craigslist the existing ones whenever we find a good sale for the replacements).
xo,
s
Kristin says
I see I’m not the only one who thinks that light fixture is beautiful… feel free to email it to me if you decide not to use it ;)
Michelle says
A co-worker introduced me to your sight just this week. I have to say I am very happy I caught you right at the beginning of your new house. Congratulations! It is gorgeous! I can’t wait for the real-time news.
A new loyal reader,
Michelle
Esther says
I don’t know why, but I was convinced there would be a lot of ugly old flowery wallpapers throughout the house.
Anyway, good luck with the new house! It’s very exciting to see you starting new projects.
Valerie says
Hi – Since you mentioned you were going to do some landscaping I thought I’d share my family tradition.
We bought live Christmas trees (for environmental reasons my parents were against chopping down a tree). Each year one of us would pick a tree, we would decorate it for December and after Christmas it would get planted in the yard. It was fun seeing how much “my tree” had grown as I grew in the house too.
Also, leaving your new owners of house #1 with all your environmentally conscious updates is wonderful!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Congratulations! What a beautiful house. I can’t wait to see how you guys transform it.
Naomi says
A quick note to say congrats on your new home, and the successful move. I’ve just recently discovered (and become addicted to) your blog, and am thoroughly looking forward to following the transformation of your lovely new place. Bring on the paint and the ‘real-time’ updates!
Anissa says
I LOVE the fireplace in the kitchen!!!! I love lots about the new place, and I’m so excited to ride along (interwebz style) while you work your magic!
Best of luck!
Emma says
Hi guys – long time reader of your blog, very exciting with your new house! We have also just recently moved into a 1950’s abode and have similar dark wood trim – are you going to keep yours? Sand and re-stain? Totally paint? We have big wide skirting boards which I love but in two bedrooms they have been painted white, do you think it would be hard to bring them back to wood? Also have a LOT of plywood panelling which we were going to remove and replace with plasterboard, but you say you are going to paint??
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Emma,
We’re pretty sure we’ll be painting the dark trim (we just love how a glossy coat or two can lighten things up) but it’s really a personal preference thing. Stripping boards that have already been painted hopefully won’t be that hard (try sanding before chemical stripping agents since it can be more reliable and less fume-filled). And yes, we definitely believe in painting paneling (we did it in the last house too, and it was a huuuuge bang for nearly no bucks (and it only took an afternoon of work).
xo,
s
pandus13 says
Congrats.
I guess you will have to get used to call this one “HOME”.
Since Clara is growing (and she’s a girl) i suggest being really careful about hard corners when she starts crawling (coming soon to your house….) and for a lot of continuous space when she starts cruising (mine started around 10 months).
That may skew your house decorating/beautifying process, but you’ll have less headaches/bumps/aoooi/cry/boobah in the process.
Thanks for a lot of inspiration and “I can do it” moments.
tony and the girls
Lauren says
Congratulations! I really love that light fixture in the hallway. Are you keeping it?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re pretty sure we’ll keep it but might move it. We’ll keep you posted every step of the way- not to worry!
xo,
s
Natalie says
Oh wow, I love it!! It feels like like your old house, just more…I don’t know, grown up maybe? Such a gem! Congrats, and I can’t wait to see what you do with this beautiful new home! God bless! :)
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Hey, John &Sherry! Big congrats on the new house. Wow, that is one beautiful place with SO much potential. I can see why you fell in love, great bones & features. Once you 2 get your hands on it, it will transform into a masterpiece. Excited for your new place and all the new projects you’ll be diving into. Have fun!
Debra says
What a wonderful Christmas present and so much to look forward to. I can’t wait to see the transformation. The property size is great and it looks so nice in snow. I wish you three the best holiday ever!!!
Ally says
Wow, there’s a lot of ceiling fans. Your new house is definitely ready for lift-off! :)
Many warm congratulations on your exciting new endeavour :)
Heather says
I can NOT wait for all of the projects to come!!!! I see so much potential and just look at those beams on the ceiling… Woo hoo!!!!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I’m ridiculously excited about your new house. Looks like it has tons of space and potential. Yay! So happy for you guys. Congrats!! :-)
Amanda says
So exciting! Your new house has amazing potential and I can’t wait to see how you improve it!
Lindsay says
Congratulations new homeowners!! What a lovely new home.
Cristina says
huuuuuuuuge potential there!
Casa molto bella!!!
:-D
Miriam says
Thanks, I cant’t wait… it looks like 2011 will be a very entertaining year :)
Zinna says
Sooo awesome! It’s beautiful! Can’t wait to see how you decorate and change it around!!!
Congrats!!! (can I put any more exclamation points in this post?)
Sara says
I am a long time reader of your blog, but don’t think I’ve ever left a comment before – just had to say I am SO in love with your new house!! Can’t wait to see what you do with that kitchen, and I really love the idea of making the fireplace two sided. I have always wanted a kitchen/eating area fireplace. Can you think of a cozier place to have a coffee or breakfast on a cold morning? Lovely! Enjoy making this space your own and giving it that YHL style of yours. Congratulations!
Jessica says
Love the new house! It has so many details that you can’t find in new construction. I can’t wait to see what you guys do to make it even better. And what a great deal it seems you have gotten!
The parallels in our lives continue to amaze me! You guys got married within weeks of us, our babies are a month apart, we both did a ton of DIY improvements to our “old” houses, and, get this: we both moved into our “new” houses on the EXACT. SAME. DAY. How do you like those apples? We are so “right there”!
I’m excited to begin working on our new place as you two begin work on yours. You are right– moving right now might now have reaped the most profit, but it definitely made some great homes/areas attainable that would otherwise have been much more expensive in a better market. Two thumbs up for taking the plunge.
Even if it means unpacking with a little one under foot.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s crazy Jessica! Talk about parallel lives. Happy unpacking!
xo,
s
Jen says
I am in LOVE! Can’t wait to see your new chapter{s} unfold! Congrats, it’s a beauty!
xoxo,
Jen
katie says
I hope you guys are planning on sanding and refinishing the parkay floors, they are just gorgeous!
Susan says
Love the pictures of your new home. I can hardly wait to see all of your ideas. This year has truly been a blessed one. Enjoy!
Sarah says
Beautiful place! And it’s funny how it has some similarities, like the bathroom, to the other house. Can’t wait to see how it progresses as you guys add your magic touch!
Maggie says
What a beautiful home! And so big! I’m especially excited because the living/dining floor plan is so similar to my new/old house :) I can’t wait to learn from you guys!
megan @ a life's design says
Welcome Home!!! Your new homes has great bones and details! Looking forward to watching the transformation!
Stephany says
OMG, this sounds so creepy, but I have been waiting for this day for sooooo long!!!
The new house is beautiful, and LOVE the living room/soon-to-be dining room and the sunroom! The whole house is great, or will be once you both make it your own!
I cannot wait to see all the renovations! I’m so excited!!! I can’t add enough exclamations! (Okay, I can).
Sarah@StyleandCenstability says
Can’t wait to see the magic you two do!!
What great space- I am a sucker for an airy ranch. I have the ranch- still working on the airy part!
Congrats!
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/
Erin says
I love it! I’m so excited to live vicariously through you as you make your new house into your home. I actually feel giddy with anticipation :-)
Izabela says
Your new house is absolutely beautiful :) I thought some of the pics you posted were already magazine worthy, especially the one with Burger in the hallway. Very nice. Good luck with unpacking.
Layla says
YAY! So excited for you guys!
Congratulations on the new house. Have fun with it!
:-)
Layla
Erika says
Great house, can’t wait for the new projects. I love the parquet floors!
Lane says
I have that exact same yellow-beige tile bathroom in my house! I’d like to get rid of the tile but in the meantime, do you have ANY idea what color walls would work?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lane,
We haven’t even begun to think about that yet. But we’ll keep you posted the second we start considering colors for that room and pick up a paint brush!
xo,
s
diane says
Congratulations guys…a great house for your young family and I am looking forward to all the changes. If you need really affordable fabric stop by our site and enjoy our blog posts as well. I have enjoyed your blog this year, especially pics of the luttle one and the dog (dont you just lovve chihuahuas!?) Have a wonderful holiday in your new digs.
Anna says
Don’t change the yellow tile!
http://savethepinkbathrooms.com/