Inside Our Home Remodel Vision

Almost two years ago, we embarked on an exciting new chapter, purchasing our dream home in North Carolina with the eventual goal of relocating from Connecticut. What once felt like a distant future has, in a blink, become our vibrant present. Last week marked a significant milestone as we officially closed on our Connecticut residence, and just a few days later, the moving truck rolled into North Carolina, bringing with it the entirety of our belongings. Currently, our new North Carolina home is a delightful whirlwind of unpacked boxes and endless possibilities – a truly exhilarating chaos!

Transitioning from a meticulously remodeled home to a new canvas, ready for a fresh start, certainly presents its challenges. Yet, the overwhelming excitement of transforming this house into our unique sanctuary far outweighs any momentary difficulty. Today, I am thrilled to partner with Wayfair to share the intricate details of our remodeling journey. This includes showcasing some of our top picks from Wayfair’s incredible “Save Big, Give Back” event – items we are eager to integrate into our new North Carolina home’s design. This unique sales event is not only a fantastic opportunity to find a wide array of high-quality home furnishings at astonishing prices, with discounts up to 80% off, but it also carries a deeper purpose. Wayfair is generously donating 10% of its profits to Built for Zero, an organization dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to homelessness, ensuring everyone can experience the fundamental feeling of having a home. With every purchase you make, you’re not just saving big on home decor; you’re actively contributing to a vital cause and giving back to the community.

Let’s begin our home transformation tour with the heart of our new residence: the family room. This welcoming space is the first area you encounter upon entering and promises to be the central hub of our daily lives, where comfort meets style in our North Carolina abode. (Please note: this post contains affiliate links, and a full disclosure statement is available {here}.)

Family Room Remodel Plans: Creating a Welcoming Hub

Before the official move-in date, we meticulously tackled several critical items on our family room remodeling checklist, laying the groundwork for its new look. Our initial steps included painting the walls and ceiling in a fresh, luminous Benjamin Moore Simply White, instantly brightening the space. We also embarked on refinishing the existing white oak floors, a transformation that yielded a dramatic and incredibly impactful difference – more details on this particular project will be shared very soon! To modernize the room, we removed the outdated valance and vertical blinds, along with the four decorative columns that once framed the corners, which surprisingly opened up the space considerably. A subtle yet significant change involved wallpapering the back panels of the built-in bookcases, adding a touch of personalized elegance. Furthermore, we removed the old hearth and seamlessly wove new hardwoods into the existing flooring, creating a continuous and polished look. The brown marble and fireplace surround were also carefully removed in preparation for a complete fireplace remodel, promising a sophisticated focal point for the room. Here’s a glimpse of the family room’s current state, a testament to the progress we’ve already made:

In anticipation of the movers’ arrival, one crucial task was ensuring our new family room rug was rolled out and perfectly positioned. This foresight allowed us to set up our beloved sectional sofa immediately, providing a much-needed zone of comfort amidst the moving day hustle.

One of the immense advantages of removing the original decorative columns that once defined our family room was the significant increase in usable floor space. This thoughtful renovation allowed us to upgrade the size of our area rug, moving from an 8 x 10 to a more generous 9 x 12, creating a cozier and more defined seating area. For this central piece, I selected {this captivating blue and white rug}, which beautifully blends several shades of blue. Its intricate pattern and inviting texture instantly added depth and character to the room – I absolutely adore it! And to our immense relief and excitement, our large sectional sofa, a cherished piece from our Connecticut home, fit perfectly into the newly expanded space! We knew removing the columns was a crucial step, but there was still a slight apprehension that it might be just a touch too big. Its seamless integration into our North Carolina family room feels like a monumental win in our home renovation journey.

Which of these stunning light fixtures do you envision illuminating our family room? Beyond the lighting, our ever-evolving to-do list for this central space includes several exciting projects that will truly make it our own. This comprehensive plan ensures every detail contributes to a cohesive and comfortable design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in our new North Carolina home.

1. Built-in Shelving Upgrade: Our current built-in shelves are quite shallow, limiting their utility. My plan is to add deeper shelves, potentially using thick white oak instead of painted white, to maximize storage and introduce a natural texture. This will dramatically improve their functionality and visual appeal for displaying decor and books.

2. Complete Fireplace Remodel: The fireplace is slated for a full overhaul. I’ve already selected our new fireplace insert, but the waiting period for installation is a daunting six months – a true test of patience, but it will be worth it! This transformation will create a modern and inviting focal point.

3. Integrated Frameless TV: Above the remodeled fireplace, we plan to install a sleek, frameless television. This design choice will provide a clean, contemporary look, seamlessly blending technology with the room’s aesthetic.

4. Custom Drapes for Sliders: Adding a rod and elegant drapes over the sliding glass doors will introduce softness, privacy, and insulation, enhancing the room’s comfort and design.

5. Cabinet Hardware and Doors: We will replace the existing door hardware on the cabinets, giving them a fresh, updated look. Additionally, the missing cabinet doors, currently undergoing repairs, will be reinstalled to complete the built-in units.

If you’re wondering about the rest of our family room furniture, our coffee table and accent chair didn’t quite make it onto the moving truck – a true “joy of moving” experience! However, they are scheduled for delivery very soon, fingers crossed, and will complete our inviting family room setup.

Dining Room Remodel Plans: A Blank Canvas for Entertaining

Looking from our bustling family room into the dining room, here’s a peek at how things appeared when we first purchased our North Carolina house – a true before-and-after in the making:

Since taking ownership, we’ve implemented significant changes to create a more open and cohesive living space. The columns and archway that once separated the family and dining rooms have been removed, transforming them into one continuous, flowing area. This architectural modification instantly enhances the sense of spaciousness and encourages better flow between the two zones. Consistent with the family room, we also undertook the same floor refinishing and painting in the dining room, ensuring a harmonious aesthetic throughout. As we opted not to move our dining room furniture from Connecticut, this space now presents a completely blank slate – a designer’s dream, ready for a fresh vision! Currently, the primary “decor” consists of various piles of moving boxes, a temporary but charming testament to our ongoing transition into this beautiful North Carolina home.

Given the open-concept design where the family and dining rooms flow seamlessly into each other, selecting coordinating light fixtures is a particularly engaging design challenge. The choices for each space must complement one another, ensuring a harmonious aesthetic throughout. The remaining items on my dining room remodel to-do list include sourcing the perfect dining room table and chairs that balance style and functionality, finding a beautiful sideboard (I especially adore {this one}, though it’s a bit of an investment!), selecting an area rug that anchors the space, and curating an inviting collection of wall decor. As you can see, there’s an abundance of exciting decorating to tackle in this versatile and welcoming space!

Master Bedroom Remodel Plans: A Serene Retreat

Another significant project we prioritized before our official move was the complete replacement of the old, stained carpeting in all three bedrooms, including the master. This immediate upgrade instantly modernized and refreshed these private spaces. While the full room painting of the master bedroom is still on the to-do list, I strategically painted the accent wall where the bed would be positioned prior to its assembly. This clever move saved me from the arduous task of moving a king-sized upholstered bed once it was built – a small victory in the grand scheme of home renovations! This thoughtful planning ensures our master bedroom is already starting to take shape as a serene retreat in our North Carolina home.

If the luxurious king-sized upholstered bed in our new master bedroom looks familiar, it’s for a very good reason! It is the exact same upholstered bed we cherished in our Connecticut guest room, simply upgraded to a king size for our primary suite. This beloved piece brings a sense of continuity and familiar comfort to our new North Carolina abode.

I genuinely adore the sophisticated look and feel of this upholstered bed, and its price point remains exceptional, especially considering it includes sideboards and a footboard, along with the added bonus of free shipping! You can find this fantastic piece {HERE}. I deliberately chose the same fabric, Zuma White, as I did previously – it’s that perfect, nuanced shade that is neither too stark white nor too creamy, offering a versatile and elegant backdrop for any decor. For those considering this gorgeous bed, I highly recommend checking out my comprehensive Tilly Upholstered Bed Review for more in-depth details and insights.

In addition to ordering our new, perfectly sized nightstands, the master bedroom to-do list is packed with exciting projects to finalize this serene space. These steps will transform it into a truly cohesive and personalized retreat, reflecting our style in every detail within our new North Carolina home.

1. Complete Wall Painting: The final coats of Benjamin Moore Simply White will be applied to the remaining walls, ensuring a fresh, consistent, and bright foundation for the room’s decor.

2. Drape Replacement and Installation: New drapes are essential for both aesthetics and privacy. The challenge here lies in figuring out an elegant system for angled rods, a unique architectural feature we’re eager to work with.

3. Ceiling Fixture Upgrade: The current ceiling fan needs to go! There’s a friendly debate ongoing: Jeff’s preference is for a more updated ceiling fan, while my heart leans towards a beautiful chandelier. What is it with men and their ceiling fans, anyway? 😂 We’ll find a stylish compromise that blends functionality with elegance.

4. Artwork Above the Bed: Adding a significant piece of artwork above the bed will serve as a focal point, bringing personality, color, and depth to the master bedroom.

Hall Bathroom/Powder Room: An Unexpected Transformation

Initially, a major remodel of our hall bathroom wasn’t high on the immediate priority list. However, a crucial realization quickly shifted our plans: to properly refinish the floors, the existing toilet and pedestal sink needed to be removed. This presented an opportune moment to swap out these pieces, as any new fixtures would undoubtedly have a different footprint than the originals. Thus, what began as a minor task quickly evolved into a full-scale renovation project for this essential space. At this point, our hall bathroom stands largely empty, save for the charming (and abundant) floral wallpaper that awaits its transformation. It’s a blank slate ready for a fresh, modern update in our new North Carolina home!

Once the new vanity, mirror, and toilet are finalized, the remaining items on our hall bathroom to-do list will transform this space into a beautifully finished and highly functional powder room. Each step is designed to enhance both the aesthetic and practical aspects of this important area in our North Carolina home.

1. Wallpaper Removal and Wall Molding Design: We’ll carefully remove the existing floral wallpaper. The plan is to introduce a sophisticated wall molding design on the bottom third of the wall, creating architectural interest, and then apply a fresh, modern wallpaper to the top two-thirds for a stylish contrast.

2. Sconce Replacement: The sconces flanking the mirror will be replaced with new, contemporary fixtures that complement the chosen vanity and mirror, providing elegant and effective lighting.

3. Art or Shelving Above Toilet: To maximize space and add a decorative touch, we’ll either install artwork or functional shelving above the toilet, offering storage or a curated display area.

4. Towel Bar & TP Holder Replacement: The final touches will include replacing the towel bar and toilet paper holder with updated hardware that matches the room’s new aesthetic, ensuring every detail is cohesive and polished.

It’s worth noting that our master bathroom and kitchen are also in significant need of remodeling – you can see the “before” pictures of these spaces in {this post} if you haven’t already! Both of these areas will eventually receive their own dedicated blog posts detailing their full remodeling plans, as there are simply too many exciting details to share in a single update. Stay tuned for those dramatic transformations!

Other Favorite “Save Big, Give Back” Picks: Enhancing Every Corner

While none of the rooms in our new North Carolina home are entirely “finished” yet, two spaces are rapidly approaching completion: my girls’ room and the guest room. I enthusiastically took advantage of Wayfair’s exceptional “Save Big, Give Back” sale event to order {this elegant round mirror}, destined to hang above the dresser in my girls’ room. It comes in a variety of sizes and finish options, and I chose the sophisticated 32-inch brass option. The delivery was incredibly swift – I ordered it on the first day of the sale, and it arrived just three days later, allowing me to hang it up immediately and bring a touch of polished charm to their space!

Links to charming accessories for a girls’ room:  Rattan lamp  |  Llama planter  |  Beaded basket

As you might recall from our previous home, I have a deep affection for round mirrors. They are truly the perfect accent above dressers, as their curved lines introduce a lovely softness that beautifully contrasts with the dresser’s more rigid, hard angles. {This particular round mirror}, featuring charming pocket watch detailing at the top, made the journey with us from Connecticut. I’m delighted to share that it’s also part of Wayfair’s current sales event! Our plan is to essentially recreate this same elegant look in our new master bedroom here in North Carolina, bringing a familiar touch of sophisticated design to our personal retreat.

Another fantastic “Save Big, Give Back” sale item I managed to snag at the very beginning of the event is {this highly-rated cookware set}. With over 9,000 glowing reviews, its quality and value are undeniable, and it’s available in several appealing color options. My original intention was to purchase it for my daughter as she prepares for her first apartment. However, upon receiving it, I must confess it’s considerably nicer than the cookware I currently own! I might just have to pull a little “switcharoo” on her and keep it for our new North Carolina kitchen, enjoying its superior performance and stylish design myself. It’s too good to pass up!

Allow me to offer another excellent recommendation from Wayfair’s current sales event: {this innovative folding Adirondack chair}. My sister, who lives just a few weeks’ move ahead of us, proudly features these on her front porch. Amazingly, we now live within walking distance of each other in Wilmington, North Carolina – how wonderful is that for family proximity and shared porch lounging moments? If you look closely at the bottom left window in the image, you might even spot Cricket’s Cavalier King Charles cousin peeking out; she’s become Cricket’s new best friend, adding an extra layer of charm to our close-knit family life here.

What truly sets this particular Adirondack chair apart is its remarkable versatility and thoughtful design. Not only is it available in a wide array of color options, allowing it to seamlessly complement any outdoor aesthetic, but it also boasts a brilliant folding feature. This is a huge advantage for easy storage or transport, especially considering how traditionally large and often cumbersome these types of chairs can be to move. Its compact storage capability makes it an ideal choice for practical outdoor living in our North Carolina home.

Given Wilmington’s susceptibility to hurricanes, the ability to effortlessly fold up these chairs and store them compactly in the garage when needed is an enormous practical benefit and a significant peace of mind for maintaining our outdoor spaces.

Wayfair’s incredible “Save Big, Give Back” sale is drawing to a close very soon, so be sure to take advantage of these amazing deals and snag anything you’ve been eyeing either today or Monday! Beyond the fantastic savings on home furnishings, I highly encourage you to learn more about Built for Zero, especially if this remarkable organization is new to you, as it was for me until recently. You can delve into their inspiring mission and innovative approach to combating homelessness {here}. I am genuinely impressed by their strategy: they meticulously gather extensive data on homelessness, analyze it to identify effective, data-driven solutions, and then tackle one homeless population at a time through a community-based approach. Their commitment to making a tangible difference is truly admirable and a powerful reason to support Wayfair’s initiative.

Now, I’m off to dive back into the delightful chaos of unpacking more boxes! It often feels like for every single box I manage to unpack, ten more are magically waiting for me. But, little by little, we’ll get there, transforming this new North Carolina house into our cherished home, one unpacked box and one exciting renovation project at a time.

XO,