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Emily A. Clark

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Our Colonial Home: The “Before” Tour

August 25, 2015 86 Comments

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.

Our colonial home tour  (the "before" photos)

 

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.)

 

formal living room

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.

 

dining 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.

 

living room

Colonial house living room

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.

 

screened sun porch

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!

 

kitchen before

kitchen

breakfast nook

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.

 

colonial home master bedroom

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.

 

bathroom before

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 :)

 

landing

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.

 

bedroom

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.

 

angled ceilings

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.

 

trees

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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Filed Under: Colonial house, our home Tagged With: colonial, home tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Genny says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:17 am

    I can see why you fell in love with this house! It has great bones! And with your talent, it will be lovely!

    Reply
  2. Lisa Schott says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Your new home is wonderful! I can’t wait to see all the fabulous changes you make!!!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Beautiful house! And there is no beating that yard!! Best of luck with the changes – I’m excited to follow along!

    Reply
  4. Kate says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:28 am

    It 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!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Congratulations 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.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Hi Jordan, Glad you guys found a house!

      Reply
  6. Hannah says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:33 am

    love 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!

    Reply
  7. julia-tagandtibby says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:35 am

    it is beautiful! you are going to love the screened porch. my husband and I sit outside in ours every night!

    Reply
  8. Laurie says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:35 am

    So cute Emily! I’m looking forward to following along as you change, update, decorate, and organize your new home!

    Reply
  9. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:36 am

    It’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!

    Reply
  10. Erin @ whalingcitycottage says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:54 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  11. Trish says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:08 am

    Can’t wait to see what you do with it! Looks amazing and a much better layout for 5 kids!

    Reply
  12. Julie @ Creating This Life says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:13 am

    So 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!

    Reply
  13. Darcel says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:41 am

    I 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.

    Reply
  14. Holly says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:44 am

    So 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!

    Reply
  15. Jessica Horton says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:46 am

    LOVE!!!! 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!

    Reply
  16. Whitney says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:53 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  17. Kris {Driven by Décor} says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:56 am

    I’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!

    Reply
  18. Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:00 am

    You’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!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:04 am

      Yes, and I’m not quite sure about the lamp situation yet. We’ll both figure this out!

      Reply
  19. Cheryl says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:07 am

    I 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.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:16 am

      I totally agree. Everybody needs to “cocoon” every now and then!

      Reply
  20. KATHYSUE says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Emily! 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

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:15 am

      I 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 :)

      Reply
  21. barbara says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:12 am

    So 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!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 10:14 am

      Oh, I love that!

      Reply
  22. Kristin says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:50 am

    My 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.

    Reply
  23. Rachel Schultz says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Congrats 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!

    Reply
  24. Laurie says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:05 am

    It 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!!!

    Reply
  25. Nicki says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:05 am

    I 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?

    Reply
  26. Dannette says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:11 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  27. Meagan Claire says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    I love it.

    Reply
  28. Ritu says

    August 25, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Love 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.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks, Ritu! Appreciate you reading for so long :)

      Reply
  29. Lora says

    August 25, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    It looks great, Emily! I can’t wait to see how you transform it into a new space :)

    Reply
  30. Kelley Lively says

    August 25, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I love it! So cozy…like a dream! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

    Reply
  31. Lauren R. says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    Love the house and can see why it grabbed you. Can’t wait to see you put your EK design stamp all over it! Congrats!

    Reply
  32. Gwen, The Makerista says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    So much potential! I love that porch. I can’t wait to see more! And text me if you need popcorn scraping tips.

    Reply
  33. Kelly says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    I love a colonial house! So much potential. I am so excited to see what you do with each room!

    Reply
  34. Pam says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    What 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.

    Reply
  35. MK says

    August 25, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    So 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!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:17 pm

      Just looked it up. Amazing!! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  36. Sarah says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I love it! There is so much potential, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

    Reply
  37. Chelsea says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Congratulations 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!

    Reply
  38. Holly Irwin says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    What 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

    Reply
  39. Donnamae says

    August 25, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Such 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! ;)

    Reply
  40. Crystal says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Looking 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.

    Reply
  41. Brenda A. says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    This is going to be fun. Happy for you and your family. Lots of good memories to be made in that house.

    Reply
  42. René says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    Happy for you Emily! I’ll be staying tuned as you put your amazing touch on things.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:16 pm

      I’ve been studying your posts on the small foyer :)

      Reply
  43. Natalie says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    I’m giddy for you! I know you will make it lovely for your family. Looking forward to see what you do!

    Reply
  44. Amy G. says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:41 pm

    Love 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!

    Reply
  45. Julie Blanner says

    August 25, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    The 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.

    Reply
  46. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    August 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    I think its just right. So very lovely, y’all will be so happy there!

    Reply
  47. Dawn says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    I love new houses! Congratulations, it’s beautiful and will shine with your touches.

    Reply
  48. Juli Thomas says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 25, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      Hi 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.

      Reply
  49. Marisa says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  50. Sally says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    This is a lovely house and I can’t wait to see it become your home. It definitely will welcome your touch!! Enjoy the journey…..

    Reply
  51. [email protected] Stroll Thru Life says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Looks like a fabulous house and wonderful place to raise a family.

    Reply
  52. Robin says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Since 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!

    Reply
  53. Donna says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Classic, 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.

    Reply
  54. Julie says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    Congratulations! It looks like a beautiful house to raise your family in :)

    Reply
  55. Jenn says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    So 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!

    Reply
  56. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    August 26, 2015 at 12:49 am

    Seeing the potential with you and LOVING imagining everything you can do here. :-) Can’t wait to come along on the journey with you!

    Reply
  57. Erin says

    August 26, 2015 at 2:01 am

    I 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!

    Reply
  58. Maria says

    August 26, 2015 at 7:54 am

    It’s lovely, you are going to have lots of happy years in this house!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      August 26, 2015 at 7:57 am

      Also, 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.

      Reply
      • Emily Clark says

        August 26, 2015 at 8:09 am

        Yes, a little different. I have some thoughts :)

        Reply
  59. Karen T. says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Wow! I love your new home and I’m swooning over that screened in porch. Can’t wait to follow (slowly!) along. :)

    Reply
  60. Sarah says

    August 26, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Our 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.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 26, 2015 at 9:35 am

      Thanks for the paint suggestions. I’ve been reading a lot about paint and light before I make a decision.

      Reply
  61. Caitlin- The Picket Fence Projects says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:16 am

    So much potential! You must be so excited to slowly start making this great house a home. Excited to see what you do!

    Reply
  62. Lolin Melo says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Best of luck Emily, I can’t wait to see the transformation, that house hit the jackpot! Your going to make it shine?✨?

    Reply
  63. Stephanie @ The Styled Soul says

    August 27, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Congratulations on your new home! It’s beautiful, can’t wait to see what you do with it.

    Reply
  64. Jen @ RamblingRenovators says

    August 27, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    It’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.

    Reply
  65. stylemelauren says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    So 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

    Reply
  66. Kristina says

    August 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks 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!

    Reply
  67. Mila says

    August 30, 2015 at 12:16 am

    And what was wrong with the previous house?

    Reply
  68. Maria M. says

    August 30, 2015 at 12:38 am

    Oh 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!

    Reply
  69. Si says

    August 31, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    This 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!

    Reply
  70. sherry hart says

    September 6, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Well….this place ought to keep you busy for a while! So many rooms….so darn much decorating and DYI to accomplish:)

    Reply
  71. Heather says

    March 20, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  72. Lauren says

    August 26, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Beautiful home 🏡 Would you mind please sharing where your black flower pots are from in your first picture of your front door?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:28 am

      I can’t remember if it was Home Depot or Lowes but one of the two several years ago.

      Reply
  73. Nancy says

    January 30, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    I 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!

    Reply

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