As soon as I walked into this house, I loved it. It just felt like home to me. It wasn’t shiny and new with massive open spaces or most of the other things that are suppose to impress you. I just knew this was the place for our family.
You know I have plans, but all in due time. For now, I’m just going to show you what it initially looked like when we found it. (Most are the MLS pictures.)
This is the room you see when you first walk in, and although probably a formal living room, I plan to make it our dining room (and install overhead lighting). I love the idea of a dining room with French doors that open into the family room.
On the flip side of the entryway is the designated dining room, which I’m envisioning as a small, cozy den—and probably where our piano will go once it arrives.
The family room. I’m planning to lighten things up in here. The screened porch connects to this room so it doesn’t get a lot of natural light. We’ve never lived in a house with 8’ ceilings before. I know I’m probably suppose to dislike those, but they feel cozy to me.
And, speaking of the screened porch. . . I think this might be the room I’m most excited about. I’ve already started having my quiet time and coffee out there in the mornings. It’s where I’m writing this post from now. Heavenly!
We did lose some counter space in the kitchen, but I don’t feel like we lost much storage. I really like its location. This house isn’t a total open concept plan, and I’m enjoying that the heart of the house isn’t close to the kids’ bedrooms. It’s a new life to not have to try and make my morning coffee or load the dishwasher without making a sound.
I probably see a two-phase redesign for this area, which I’ll share with you soon. The kitchen already looks a bit different than what you see here. We were lucky that the previous owners gave us a head start with beautiful hardwoods throughout the downstairs and new appliances.
I’m keeping the same basic layout from our other house in the master bedroom. I’m adding a smaller desk between the windows, where I’ll probably end up working most of the time.
Master bath. It’s hard to see from this angle, but it’s a good size with a tall window, which I love. There’s also a bit of space beside of every toilet in the house for a little storage piece or a big basket, etc. It’s the little things that make me happy :)
This is the space at the top of the stairs. To the left is the laundry closet. To the right is the kids’ big (wallpapered-for-now) bathroom.
This is one of the kids’ rooms, just to show you an example. One thing that surprised us was the size of each room for a house built in the 80’s. And, a huge bonus is that each kid can have their own space—if the twins ever actually want to separate. . . For now, they’re sharing.
I’m always a sucker for a room with angled ceilings and this house has two of them. This one will be our “den/playroom/place where we exile the kids.”
There are also a few other little “quirky” things that make me happy, like a little window nook at the end of a narrow hallway. Potential for something adorable to happen! It also leads to a huge walk-up attic, which we dream about converting half of into a big den someday. I’ll show you more along the way. Trust me, there will be very few fast-moving projects.
And, finally, the other thing that sold us. A big yard with some great, huge trees.
It’s so different from our last house, but I hope you’re feeling the potential with me :) It’s there, I promise.
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Genny says
August 25, 2015 at 8:17 amI can see why you fell in love with this house! It has great bones! And with your talent, it will be lovely!
Lisa Schott says
August 25, 2015 at 8:22 amYour new home is wonderful! I can’t wait to see all the fabulous changes you make!!!
Elizabeth says
August 25, 2015 at 8:27 amBeautiful house! And there is no beating that yard!! Best of luck with the changes – I’m excited to follow along!
Kate says
August 25, 2015 at 8:28 amIt has so much potential! I can’t wait to see what you do with it. The outside reminds me of all the center entrance colonials in New England, where I live. My house is a Cape, so we have 7’6″ ceilings—what I would do for 8′ ceilings!
[email protected] says
August 25, 2015 at 8:31 amCongratulations on your new home this is so exciting. We did find a place in Charlotte and I can’t wait till we close and get to work making our house a home. I love your screen porch I would be out there all the time! Looking forward to following along and seeing the transformation.
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 12:59 pmHi Jordan, Glad you guys found a house!
Hannah says
August 25, 2015 at 8:33 amlove it! similar to the homes in my neighborhood. i can’t wait to see what you do with lighting for the 8′ ceilings! ours are 8′ also and it really limits your choices because i don’t want BOOB lights! ;) love the trees!
julia-tagandtibby says
August 25, 2015 at 8:35 amit is beautiful! you are going to love the screened porch. my husband and I sit outside in ours every night!
Laurie says
August 25, 2015 at 8:35 amSo cute Emily! I’m looking forward to following along as you change, update, decorate, and organize your new home!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
August 25, 2015 at 8:36 amIt’s lovely! Beautiful floors and light, and that screened in porch!!! Can’t wait to see how you make your newest house your family’s home, Emily!
Erin @ whalingcitycottage says
August 25, 2015 at 8:54 amI love it!!! So much potential. I’m so excited for you guys. We have 8 foot ceilings at our “new” house too and they’re kind of a bear when it comes to lighting. Can’t wait to see what you dig up. Congrats!
Trish says
August 25, 2015 at 9:08 amCan’t wait to see what you do with it! Looks amazing and a much better layout for 5 kids!
Julie @ Creating This Life says
August 25, 2015 at 9:13 amSo classic! I love it and you’re going to make it amazing. I love it when people make changes in their lives that excite them. Even better when they involve something you’re not “supposed” to want, like 8 foot ceilings. Congrats!
Darcel says
August 25, 2015 at 9:41 amI think it’s lovely. I can’t wait to see what beautiful designs and changes you have in store. I wish you and your family much happiness here. Congratulations.
Holly says
August 25, 2015 at 9:44 amSo exciting! I also love lower ceilings and the coziness they provide. I can’t wait to see what you do – it seems (in pictures at least) like a great fixer-upper. The bones are there, it just needs your magic!
Jessica Horton says
August 25, 2015 at 9:46 amLOVE!!!! I too don’t hate measly 8′ ceilings…. they ARE cozy! And hello… savings on not buying/making 100″ drapes! Our ‘new’ 55 year old home has them, and I’m loving them!
Whitney says
August 25, 2015 at 9:53 amI love it! I actually envy your non-open floor plan. They’re overrated! And we had 8′ ceilings for 10 years, and I never realized that they weren’t ideal….they were normal to me. Plus, I could easily paint the walls with only a chair. Now that we have 9′ ceilings, I need a ladder. Enjoy the nesting process!
Kris {Driven by Décor} says
August 25, 2015 at 9:56 amI’m so excited for you and can absolutely see why you fell in love with the house – I would have wanted it from the curb appeal alone but love the interior layout too. Can wait to see what you do with it!
Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says
August 25, 2015 at 10:00 amYou’ll make it beautiful Emily! It is funny, a lot of the spaces remind me of the house we just moved into. Looks like you have the same dark living room problem I have but I love all the wood floors. Can’t wait for updates!
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 10:04 amYes, and I’m not quite sure about the lamp situation yet. We’ll both figure this out!
Cheryl says
August 25, 2015 at 10:07 amI know this will be a beautiful love-filled home and “the potential” is already unfolding. I think the open concept will fade a bit as folks will discover they need to cocoon. I like the open space concept but I absolutely need she-shed spots in my home (like your porch, the desk in the master, the separate bedrooms from the central stations of the home). We have a “bonus room” that we are in a lot and I close the French doors. Maybe in your “new” dining room, you can have a chair or loveseat that you can sit in and enjoy that space all to yourself. And your husband or a child who needs some me-time.
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 10:16 amI totally agree. Everybody needs to “cocoon” every now and then!
KATHYSUE says
August 25, 2015 at 10:08 amEmily! this looks like a home your family can grow up in, the perfect family home. Great floor plan and wonderful bones, the flooring just glows!! We are moving into a brand new home which will probably be our last home in this life time so I can understand your excitement. You are at a wonderful stage of life and you will be making a family home that your children will have wonderful memories in. We lived in our home for 37 years and it was hard on all of our family for us to leave our family home, but the memories will forever be with us, as yours will in your new FAMILY HOME!!! Congratulations,
Kathysue
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 10:15 amI forgot to mention that we bought the home from the original owners who built the house in ’86. One of the daughters recently commented on my FB page and said this was the house she grew up in :)
barbara says
August 25, 2015 at 10:12 amSo much potential! With your eye for style – it will look amazing just with all your things in the space! We lived in a colonial like that when we lived in Virginia, and they swapped the dining room and family room as well. OUr dining room had a wood burning fireplace, which was so fun in the winter! Good luck settling in!
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 10:14 amOh, I love that!
Kristin says
August 25, 2015 at 10:50 amMy house is so similar it’s almost a little scary. Ours was also built in the 80s and we have huge trees in our yard. I can’t wait to see what you do in the family room. We fortunately have 2 very tall windows but it still feels dark due to the brick fireplace and screened in porch off the back.
Rachel Schultz says
August 25, 2015 at 10:58 amCongrats Emily! I have been a fan of your blog for a few months now. Your new home reminds me in some ways of the one we are working on right now. I will enjoy reading along and seeing what you do while we are working on ours!
Laurie says
August 25, 2015 at 11:05 amIt is so lovely and I just know your family will love it there! I sorta hate you for having a screened porch, it’s on my wish list for sure! I can’t wait to follow along!!!
Nicki says
August 25, 2015 at 11:05 amI was so excited to see this post on my facebook feed! :) I love it, and can’t wait to see your ideas come to life. Love what you said above in the comments about buying this from the original owners. It does seem that you can tell when a house has had love within its walls, doesn’t it?
Dannette says
August 25, 2015 at 11:11 amI just LOVE this! I also have a thing for more cozy spaces. I’m wondering if down the road people will start adding walls into their “one room living” type of homes. There’s nothing like a good traditional floor plan! I’m excited to follow along on your new adventure!
Meagan Claire says
August 25, 2015 at 12:29 pmI love it.
Ritu says
August 25, 2015 at 12:39 pmLove the house! I agree with you – it has so much potential and I see why you love it. Cannot wait to see all the updates you will make to this place. As a dedicated follower since 2009, I am a huge fan of your style and love seeing pictures of your updates around the home. Plus, I love seeing pictures of your adorable family on Instagram! Blessings on your new home.
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 12:58 pmThanks, Ritu! Appreciate you reading for so long :)
Lora says
August 25, 2015 at 1:55 pmIt looks great, Emily! I can’t wait to see how you transform it into a new space :)
Kelley Lively says
August 25, 2015 at 1:59 pmI love it! So cozy…like a dream! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Lauren R. says
August 25, 2015 at 2:08 pmLove the house and can see why it grabbed you. Can’t wait to see you put your EK design stamp all over it! Congrats!
Gwen, The Makerista says
August 25, 2015 at 2:46 pmSo much potential! I love that porch. I can’t wait to see more! And text me if you need popcorn scraping tips.
Kelly says
August 25, 2015 at 2:49 pmI love a colonial house! So much potential. I am so excited to see what you do with each room!
Pam says
August 25, 2015 at 2:51 pmWhat a beautiful home. I can see why it spoke to you. We have a similar home of similar era and I did the dining room switcharoo also. It seems the only time we use it is when we’re having a large group so it made sense to give it a larger space. I look forward to watching you make this lovely place your own.
MK says
August 25, 2015 at 2:56 pmSo happy for you! Not that you need any advice since you are so talented, but take a look at Amanda’s house (from Dixie Delights). I am guessing her house might be about the same age, and take a look at her BEYOND AMAZING screened-in porch!
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 4:17 pmJust looked it up. Amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
Sarah says
August 25, 2015 at 3:15 pmI love it! There is so much potential, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Chelsea says
August 25, 2015 at 3:27 pmCongratulations on the new house! We have a similar den/attic/playroom space with angled ceilings. I’m curious on your initial thoughts on how to paint it. Paint the walls and the ceiling the same color or use 2 colors to define the ceiling? Do something like the Makerista did in her son’s bedroom with the bold green and white (http://www.themakerista.com/2015/07/how-to-incorporate-kids-likes-in.html)? I also saw where Sarah Richardson took a room like this and added trim to the shorter walls and carried that trim across the window wall-a more traditional look but similar to what the Makerista did. I love your taste and I was just curious about what you were scheming. Thanks!
Holly Irwin says
August 25, 2015 at 3:32 pmWhat great curb appeal! I can’t wait to see what you do with it Emily! Blessings to your new home and to your family!
Holly
Donnamae says
August 25, 2015 at 3:50 pmSuch a wonderful canvass for you to make it into a beautiful family home! Lots of room for your family to grow…and that yard! We have a 70’s fixer that we’ve lived in for 32 years. It is a wonderful family home, and even though our kids have all moved on, we continue to enjoy living here. All the best to you and your family! I’m looking forward to seeing what changes you make! ;)
Crystal says
August 25, 2015 at 4:03 pmLooking forward to the changes. Also very jealous of the top of the stairs. Our hallway is so small and narrow we can’t add anything but pictures. Also we have low ceiling, I miss big grand light fixtures. But they do have some lovely flush mount fixtures now.
Brenda A. says
August 25, 2015 at 4:06 pmThis is going to be fun. Happy for you and your family. Lots of good memories to be made in that house.
René says
August 25, 2015 at 4:13 pmHappy for you Emily! I’ll be staying tuned as you put your amazing touch on things.
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 4:16 pmI’ve been studying your posts on the small foyer :)
Natalie says
August 25, 2015 at 4:17 pmI’m giddy for you! I know you will make it lovely for your family. Looking forward to see what you do!
Amy G. says
August 25, 2015 at 4:41 pmLove it! I see the potential – can’t wait to see what you do with it! We just moved into an 80’s colonial-esque house with similar ceiling heights and floor plans. I absolutely love it. After having an open concept house before, I am enjoying the cozy feel of this new home. I love that rooms are a bit separate and have their own feel/function. It will be fun to watch you transform this house into your own home!
Julie Blanner says
August 25, 2015 at 4:59 pmThe porch alone has captured my heart, but it has such great bones and a beautiful soul. I can’t wait to see what you do with it! You and your family are going to enjoy your wooded yard.
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
August 25, 2015 at 5:34 pmI think its just right. So very lovely, y’all will be so happy there!
Dawn says
August 25, 2015 at 7:13 pmI love new houses! Congratulations, it’s beautiful and will shine with your touches.
Juli Thomas says
August 25, 2015 at 8:55 pmI knew you’d have some great plans for your new house! I can’t wait to see them unfold. It was great to meet you the other day. I hope the kids have had a good start this week in school. Mine has! He LOVES the bus!
Emily Clark says
August 25, 2015 at 9:04 pmHi Juli! Yes, mine love the bus, too, but maybe not as much as I do :)
Hope you all are having a good week. See you soon.
Marisa says
August 25, 2015 at 9:27 pmI love your home and love your words” It wasn’t shiny and new with massive open spaces or most of the other things that are suppose to impress you. I just knew this was the place for our family.” We finally moved into a home of our own (after living the city/condo life for too many years) and I feel just as you do. It’s inviting and comfortable and absolutely perfect for our family. I look forward to watching along!
Sally says
August 25, 2015 at 9:29 pmThis is a lovely house and I can’t wait to see it become your home. It definitely will welcome your touch!! Enjoy the journey…..
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
August 25, 2015 at 9:34 pmLooks like a fabulous house and wonderful place to raise a family.
Robin says
August 25, 2015 at 10:51 pmSince we moved to North Carolina 10 years ago, I have declared that I will never live in a house that does not have a screen porch. We have the best weather here and the room is livable 9 months out of the year. You will continue to love it! Ours is by far my favorite room in our house and has a dining and lounging area.
I can’t wait to see what you do with this house!
Donna says
August 25, 2015 at 11:27 pmClassic, beautiful and I know this is going to be your best house ever since it sounds like your heart is truly into this one. I cannot wait until you start making it your own. Very anxious to watch as you tackle those 8′ ceilings as I, too, have those.
Julie says
August 25, 2015 at 11:29 pmCongratulations! It looks like a beautiful house to raise your family in :)
Jenn says
August 25, 2015 at 11:43 pmSo much potential in this house! I love a screened in porch (I’m in the midst of redecorating ours), but agree that it can limit natural light inside. Ours if off the master bedroom and to remedy that I tried to keep the colors light and bright so it doesn’t ever feel cave-like. Good luck and can’t wait to see the progress!
Katherine @ Grass Stains says
August 26, 2015 at 12:49 amSeeing the potential with you and LOVING imagining everything you can do here. :-) Can’t wait to come along on the journey with you!
Erin says
August 26, 2015 at 2:01 amI love this house and can’t wait to see it with your styling stamp on it! If it were mine, I’d already be dreaming of the Christmas season and that front porch all decked out for the holiday! It reminds me a bit of the Home Alone house!
Maria says
August 26, 2015 at 7:54 amIt’s lovely, you are going to have lots of happy years in this house!
Maria says
August 26, 2015 at 7:57 amAlso, I can’t wait to see what you are doing with the kitchen! It’s kind of an odd lay out, sin’t it? The fridge and the stove should probably trade places.
Emily Clark says
August 26, 2015 at 8:09 amYes, a little different. I have some thoughts :)
Karen T. says
August 26, 2015 at 8:26 amWow! I love your new home and I’m swooning over that screened in porch. Can’t wait to follow (slowly!) along. :)
Sarah says
August 26, 2015 at 8:54 amOur family room looked a lot like yours when we moved in – to the point where the lack of light was almost a deal breaker for me because of my Seasonal Affective Disorder. My husband talked me into the house because of the fabulous forested lot. But I found that after I painted the brick white and the walls a light, cool blue, that the room felt cool and shady instead of dark and dingy. That’s even without an overhead light. I used Valspar’s Fragile Blue on the walls. Now it’s my favorite place in our house.
Emily Clark says
August 26, 2015 at 9:35 amThanks for the paint suggestions. I’ve been reading a lot about paint and light before I make a decision.
Caitlin- The Picket Fence Projects says
August 26, 2015 at 10:16 amSo much potential! You must be so excited to slowly start making this great house a home. Excited to see what you do!
Lolin Melo says
August 26, 2015 at 10:21 amBest of luck Emily, I can’t wait to see the transformation, that house hit the jackpot! Your going to make it shine?✨?
Stephanie @ The Styled Soul says
August 27, 2015 at 6:52 amCongratulations on your new home! It’s beautiful, can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Jen @ RamblingRenovators says
August 27, 2015 at 9:40 pmIt’s a beautiful home Emily. There’s a serenity about it and it just seems made for family gatherings. I’m eager to see the transformation.
stylemelauren says
August 28, 2015 at 6:49 pmSo great that you captured these images to then compare to the after! Such a beautiful home…love the colonial feel! xo
ig: @stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
Kristina says
August 29, 2015 at 2:58 pmThanks for posting these! I am looking forward to seeing how you work with the main level space, since my home has almost this exact layout – no French doors, and the fireplace is catty-corner to where yours is. Also, I have six kids, so I need ideas for packing us in here!
Mila says
August 30, 2015 at 12:16 amAnd what was wrong with the previous house?
Maria M. says
August 30, 2015 at 12:38 amOh yeah, I’m feeling the potential!! It’s beautiful and it has so much charm. I can’t wait to see the way you decorate it and what your things look like inside the house!
Si says
August 31, 2015 at 12:15 pmThis house reminds me of the house we raised our kids in. Such great memories. Can hardly wait to see what you do with this place! Happy new house to you!
sherry hart says
September 6, 2015 at 11:08 amWell….this place ought to keep you busy for a while! So many rooms….so darn much decorating and DYI to accomplish:)
Heather says
March 20, 2016 at 9:41 pmI feel like you jumped into my life. We just bought a great little colonial and it’s our first time living with 8′ ceilings. I just loved this house with the great big back yard and tons of mature trees. The house warrants projects but nothing has to be done. Of course I have plenty of plans though and they will come with time. Good luck to you. I will definitely be following your progress.
Lauren says
August 26, 2017 at 1:48 pmBeautiful home 🏡 Would you mind please sharing where your black flower pots are from in your first picture of your front door?
Emily Clark says
August 28, 2017 at 9:28 amI can’t remember if it was Home Depot or Lowes but one of the two several years ago.
Nancy says
January 30, 2018 at 6:19 pmI am so encouraged that someone bought an older, solid home with plans to make it their own. I currently have a colonial home for sale in Indiana, built in ’90, and most looking, want it to be a “fixer upper” that is already fixed up!