It’s been a year since we closed on our new-to-us house (yesterday). Hard to believe. Time has flown.
You can read about this HUD house here. On the day we closed. Kinda looked like a murder scene. Ick.
But it had lots of potential. Underneath there somewhere. It’s beginning to come out. It just took lots of money, tons of time and a boatload (or Ryanload) of work. Lots of work.
We did make some progress this week, but I didn’t get any photos. I’ll catch up soon. But, for the next few weeks, I’d like to share the year’s worth of progress that we’ve made.
Indulge me, will you?
Because sometimes you just need to pat yourself on the back. Renovating houses is kind of a crazy thing that we took on. We did it once for ourselves. Then we did it on a rental. And now we’re doing it again for ourselves.
It’s kind of a special thing, to love a house that’s been neglected. That’s been forgotten. That’s been traded in for something newer and bigger and “better.” It’s really time to bring a little beauty to the world. I know you get it. You all bring beauty to your corners of the world, too.
Ryan and I often look around and think, “Wow. We really did this. Ourselves.” It’s a pretty cool thing. It hasn’t been fast. Or easy. Or even always fun. But it’s ours.
So here’s where we’re at. Not done, but moving in the right direction. One year in. I’ll cover the downstairs this week and upstairs next week.
And here’s the master list. I love seeing all that red. Who would have thought? The NewlyWoodwards are almost there.
House List
What do you think?
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Amanda Fletcher says
Wow, your kitchen is a sight to senses. Kudos to you, for having such patience and constant persistence. Although, the same is not true for us, that is why we had to take professional help
Oonafey says
I think the stairway is my favorite. Not the first thing guests will notice, maybe, but I think the difference is amazing in that subtle, clean way. Gorgeous.
Oh, and the kitchen… *sigh* That kitchen is lovely…
Kiersten says
Congratulations! What a milestone. I’ve been following along all year and the transformation is really impressive. I’m looking forward to a recap of all the before and after shots, and then seeing how you’ll decorate once you move in!
Leigh says
If I was just looking at those photos for the first time, I wouldn’t believe it was the same house (and done by 2 people in 1 year).
*claire* says
awww! happy houseiversary! you really SHOULD be proud of yourselves! i think there must be so much more satisfaction in what you all have done than if you had run out and bought some fancy new house that needs nothing.
cornerofmain.com says
Wow! Your house is adorable! You guys definitely deserve a pat on the back. I love the plate rail in the dining room and the kitchen looks great! I can’t wait to get my house fixed up.
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
I simply cannot believe that it has been a year! Congratulations on the AMAZING progress. Your hard work is paying off about a million times over!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
Wow! You guys had quite the “to do” list. It must feel so good to be thisclose to the end. You guys give me inspiration that someday our house will be looking as good as yours.
Emily says
Happy 1st Reborn birthday, house! You’re getting more and more beautiful by the day!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
If anyone deserves to pat themselves on the back for a good job, it’s you guys! The house is looking SO GOOD! And I am still blown away by your staircase transformation!
Amanda Sevall says
It’s looking beautiful! How gratifying to be able to look back and watch your new house come to life!! Can’t wait to see you finish it!! 🙂
Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says
That is *quite* the list! And I’m with you, seeing all that red is a huge accomplishment!!! I love all the changes that you’ve made, that is absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
alexandjess says
Wow, after looking at that list I’d say you deserve a big drink! Congratulations on all that you’ve finished in a year. It is VERY impressive.
Danielle and Clint says
I have been following this reno since you had purchased it. I cannot get over everything you two have done! It looks amazing! Way better than a mcmansion! You brought life back into it!
Kristal says
Wow…just got finished looking at your flickr and you guys are AMAZING. The house is looking terrific…and I have to ask…where did you get the coffee table with the built in magazine rack? Love it!!! Also, I was wondering…any plans in the future to paint your fireplace?
Stephanie says
What a transformation! It’s so cool to see before and after pictures.
What program did you use to create your house list? I’ve been looking for a to-do list template that I can check items off like that.
threeacres says
Love! You guys have made a ton of changes in just one year. I can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished!
Chelsea says
Wow! Way to go! I find it’s healthy and keeps myself sane when we’re in the middle of a project-gone-wrong to go back occasionally and look upon our own progress. It makes you feel accomplished – even if you aren’t accomplishing much at that immediate moment in time. 😉
Keep it up,
~Chelsea
Emily @ thirtyeight20 says
Good job kids! It definitely helps to look back at how far you’ve come, and you’ve come a long way!!
Rebecca says
Wow!You’ve done incredibly well in such a small timeframe! Congratulations! Definitely time for a pat on the back! And your house is absolutely adorable from the front! Don’t even get me started on that gorgeous red barn, either!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Ok, so I love absolutely everything you’ve done with the house (really) but the dining room kills me. It is SO BEAUTIFUL!! Congrats on surviving the first year. I hear it’s the hardest. ; )
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
Seriously, you guys knock my socks off!! I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that y’all have done all of this BY YOURSELVES. I bow down, just amazing. There is no way I could ever do this!
Anne says
wow! wow! wow! the changes are amazing!!!!
Lucky Girl says
Just awesome Kim! I can’t wait until you get the chance to live there 🙂
Arizona Lainey says
What do we say? We say that you two are an inspiration to any DIY’r. We say that no parents could ever be prouder. We say that our prayers were answered when God gave you both to us. We are so proud Kimberly… you’ll just never know. We love you both so much! Congraulations on a job WELL DONE!
Miss Effie says
Inspirational! Amazing! Wonderful! I love it!!
So what’s next?? 😉
Biz says
Inspiring!
You have made a house a home and it’s absolutely splendid!
Enjoy checking those last few things off your list…
Biz
Mandi @ Southern Gnome says
You guys have come a long way. Everything is looking great!