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September 3rd, 2009
before & after: jennifer’s home

livingroombefore
our final before & after of the day (stay tuned for a new “we like it wild” post next!) is a large scale home makeover project. and the best part? the home owners, jennifer grey of the old painted cottage and her husband, did almost everything with their own two hands. the final results are really spectacular and prove that with a little willpower and free time on the weekends, a lot can be accomplished. great work, jennifer!

[have a before & after you'd like to share on d*s? just send me an email here with your pictures!]

livingafter
livingopbefore
livingopafter

CLICK HERE for the rest of the before & after (6 more pictures) after the jump!

facingkitchenbefore
facingkitchenafter
kitchenbefore
kitchenafter
kitchenleftafter
diningcornerbefore

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135 comments
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:08 pm

OMG, this is so gorgeous. You guys did an amazing job and the reno and the decorating. I would love to live in this space.

Suzi said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:09 pm

WOW. Love this. I want to go home and decorate! And redo my kitchen.

Sasha K. said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:09 pm

Wow, that is incredible. Love the color of the front door (among other things)!

Staci said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:10 pm

WOW! Those before/after pics are stunning! They have given me some inspiration! We are moving in a couple weeks and the BEFORE is going to be pretty ugly! Hopefully I am able to add my personal touch and make something beautiful!

Amanda said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:12 pm

WOW! This is beautiful. What a transformation!

Celia said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:13 pm

THUD! Oops…that’s the sound of my jaw dropping to the floor. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Good job!

Alyson said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:15 pm

WOW My husband and I just bought a fixer-upper and are going through much of the same “weekend warrior” makeover work – this is SO inspiring!!! Absolutely beautiful “afters”!

Amy said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:15 pm

Great job — a lot of tchotchkes, though…feels very busy.

Alix said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:19 pm

Jennifer, now that your home’s completed, perhaps you’d like to do my apartment? Come over ANY TIME!!!!!

Kat said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:20 pm

Gorgeous, guys. And thank goodness. There isn’t anything I like less than faux finishing. I moved out of an apartment last year because they wouldn’t let me paint over it. So 90s.

Thinking about it still gives me the willies.

MARii said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:20 pm

H E L L O! this is absolutetly gorgeous. I’m so impressed.

p.s. WOW!

September 3rd, 2009 - 12:20 pm

Looks great! Nice job. I think I’d like it even more if the accessories were scaled down just a tiny bit.

I feel like my husband and I aren’t going to get anywhere on our new house since we never have days off together. It would be so much more fun if we did! And things would be much more doable with another person to bounce ideas back and forth with.

Courtney said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:22 pm

Beautiful.

I love the birdcages with the pictures; where did you find those?

claire said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:22 pm

oh my this is stunning. i am now convinced that all my wooden furniture needs to be painted white

September 3rd, 2009 - 12:24 pm

Wowsers! I’ve found my next design inspiration. :) Definitely adding this one to my delicious page!

Tara said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:26 pm

I can’t even get past the state of the before pictures! Who on earth…?

September 3rd, 2009 - 12:28 pm

Amazing work, guys. I love the way the chandeliers are hung on both sides of the large mirror (second pic). What is the wire covered with?

Jennifer said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:30 pm

So lovely! I love how everything has been transformed!!!

Mikaela said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:34 pm

Beautiful transformation!

jess said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:34 pm

Oh my, most beautiful before and after ever!

And also, wtf with the before walls? I have no idea how you could see past those, so double my compliments.

james said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:36 pm

wow…

Vanessa said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:36 pm

Stunning Job. What a transformation.. I love love it. I will be showing this to my husband!

Sarah said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:38 pm

The birdcages turned picture frames are great. I always think about buying a vintage birdcage whenever I see one at the flea market but end up passing it up because I can’t imagine what I’d do with it…until now. Would be great to see a tutorial for them!

janelle said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:39 pm

Gorgeous work! Love the use of the bird cages and chalkboard in the space.

Erin said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:40 pm

This is SO lovely. Its wonderful how each room feels unique and yet the entire house is cohesive.

Beth said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:40 pm

OMG – it’s beautiful! I want to move right in :) btw, what was up with the goopy-wavy lines and whitewashing in the before pictures? yikes!

Michelle said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:40 pm

I absolutely would love to live there. Not sure where my husband would live, but I would be very content. Fabulous job!

Jenna said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:42 pm

This looks wonderful. I’d like it more if there was just a little less stuff…seems a bit crowded.

Krissy said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:45 pm

To echo the general sentiment: WOW. I’m amazed at the turn-around!

christine said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:46 pm

That’s an incredible transformation!

Our house began with faux/sponge painted walls (ALL of them except for 1 room that was stenciled) and it’s incredible what just a fresh coat of solid paint can do.

The work you did in the kitchen was huge! I love every bit of your house. and hope ours turns out half this gorgeous in the end. Great work!

kim said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:46 pm

lovely, but a little too much stuff for my taste….

Marnie said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:48 pm

Inspiring and really, really well done – efficient use of space and light!

Wendy said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:56 pm

I’m confused by the kitchen cabinets in the before picture. What was that? Primer over dark cabinets? I hope so, otherwise all I can say is, “Huh?”

Madeline said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:57 pm

Amazing job! I’m astounded you were able to see the potential in the hideous “before”! I’m sad someone spent so much time doing those faux effects with the paint….ick. Love the birdcages too.

Shelley said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 12:57 pm

Their home is beautiful. I love how clean the place looks!

photomonica said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:01 pm

WOW! One of the most beautiful homes I’ve seen in a while. Not that I don’t like more contemporary or eclectic homes myself (I own one of them), but this one has soo much soul, warmth and heart in a neutral palette of color throughout the house. Remarkable. I’m sure they’re so proud of it. I would be; its breath-taking.

Alena said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:02 pm

Wow what an absolutely STUNNING transformation!! The house is just GORGEOUS!!!! I love everything about it. Beautiful and stunning choices were made throughout. It makes me want to live there.

Amber said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:06 pm

Wow, beautiful transformation! I can’t believe how AWFUL it was before! Someone actually lived there with those crazy walls?? Great work!

Beth said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:15 pm

Okay, I love that chest w/ the blankets in it beneath the mirror. Where did you find that ? I’ve been looking for something for my foyer, & that would be perfect!

September 3rd, 2009 - 1:17 pm

Whoa. Those are some of the worst before shots I have ever seen! Downright vomit-ous. They make the afters look even better!

September 3rd, 2009 - 1:17 pm

Absolutely gorgeous..and full of lessons when i just take it apart piece by piece!

diana said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:17 pm

the before is…well incredible… Especially laughing my head off about the light fixtures in the “before” kitchen. What on earth are they for??
You did an amazing job – must have been tons of white paint you used there! ;)

September 3rd, 2009 - 1:20 pm

This is pretty close to my exact dream house! Great Job, it looks fabulous! It has such a great french charm to it

Loora said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:22 pm

The before is as ugly as the after is great !

This gives me some hope… we just got the keys to our first home and let’s just say there’s almost as much work to do…

Amy said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:27 pm

wow, by far the best home transformation i’ve ever seen on this site! Jennifer is definitely talented and a visionary

robin said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:30 pm

oh my gosh! amazing job!!! and incredible photos. did they just paint the tile on the fireplace? is it really that easy to fix that problem? absolutely stunning transformation.

Silvia said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:30 pm

Very nice taste…!
But, may be… a little of excess, too much furniture and decor elements (it must to exist also free space to live!).

September 3rd, 2009 - 1:32 pm

It looks like she LIVES in Anthropologie. Gorgeous.

Kate said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:45 pm

Beautiful! I love, love, love it! Who knew white could be so amazing.

Lynzee said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 1:47 pm

Wow. Just wow. I’m so impressed. That is talent right there.

Paulette said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:06 pm

I love how the white pulls everything together and gives a sense of space, despite all of the many many treasures. I also love how they used mirrors and glass in the space to bring sparkle and light. Definitely an inspiration home!

September 3rd, 2009 - 2:12 pm

i think i’ve fallen in love. sighhhh.

sarah said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:17 pm

My favorite part is the refrigerator doors- so cute.

LeilaMac said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:18 pm

Amazing! I can’t believe the paint job in the “befores”, ick. The fridge door idea is fantastic!

Suzanne said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:26 pm

The first before and after pictures are mind blowing.. I literally gasped. Oh and the kitchen – love the counters and the construction and that beautiful window. The best thing about this redesign, I think, is that it looks like any old tract home and then it is transformed into something amazing.

Marie said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:29 pm

This is really, really beautiful. It must have been so much hard work, but very rewarding. I admire all the careful thinking and consideration that went into it–even if it’s a little more girly than my own style (I can’t quite picture me living with my boyfriend in a place that style.)

Kerbee said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:31 pm

Is that your fridge with the iron handles? If so, tell me where you found that.

September 3rd, 2009 - 2:51 pm

Hi! I’m the owner of this home, and I wanted to thank you guys for all of your comments. I can see so many of you have so many questions about how I did everything. Over time I’ll be posting on tutorials as well as the make-over process on my blog. (my blog link was provided in the article above). I’m an antique dealer and an avid collector, hence the enjoyment of being surrounded with the things I love. Thank you for looking at my home!

Jennifer Grey
The Old Painted Cottage

Tanya said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:53 pm

Can I live here? Please?

Kim said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 2:57 pm

Wow. Such a change from that hideous faux-painting. It’s now absolutely lovely.

kate said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:03 pm

‘Before’ was an eyesore, so congratulations for seeing its potential and picking such a pretty and refined color palette. However the after feels very twee and overly cluttered to me because the scale and period of the furnishings does not in any way match the scale and period of the house. Sorry.

Sara said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:12 pm

before + after is definitely my favorite section of this site… and this is total overload on it. I LOVE IT

Gillian said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:21 pm

That new kitchen makes my heart sing!

I am not a granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances kind of gal. White everything and butcher block counters are the way.

love. Love. LOVE the kitchen. Le sigh.

Brandi said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:37 pm

Wow! This is my dream house. I love everything about it-the light airy feel of the kitchen and the gorgeous white couches.

Sarah said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:42 pm

This is so inspiring. Thank you.

Laura said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 3:55 pm

that is my dream home right there! love that old french country interior look…what an improvement from sponge painted walls!!

Susan VH said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 4:25 pm

So light, airy and uplifting! You have a great talent for pulling all of these elements together.

Would you be willing to share some of the off white paint color info?

:::blush::: I used to faux paint my walls back in the 90’s. I’m ashamed how gross it can really look. bleck!

Bex said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 4:25 pm

This home is INCREDIBLE!

It reminds me of what my dear Mama wants her house to look like! All shades of white and cream … just beautiful.

Loietta said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 4:35 pm

I’m in the middle of a remod. and love the ideas that have been used here,I can see so many of the things I have that are in the think I’ll try that stage that would look wonderful painted..

Stacy said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 4:38 pm

It’s BEAUTIFUL. But she needs to edit.

Kassandra Jordan said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 4:43 pm

Really incredible work..BEAUTIFUL

Dottie said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 5:00 pm

WOW – amazing! Gorgeous transformation.

Jeanne said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 5:18 pm

This home is beautiful! The funny thing is, the floor plan is almost identical to our previous home. Love the color scheme…simply gorgeous!
xo
jeanne

Renee said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 6:04 pm

gorgeous!! i love the oversized chalkboard in the kitchen!

christi said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 6:05 pm

I’m so glad that someone with insanely detailed and tailored taste came in to take care of the misguided sponge painting that had happened to that house.

It’s unbelievable, looks like a posh boutique or a magazine spread, positively dreamy.

September 3rd, 2009 - 6:31 pm

The before and after shots are an excellent way to show people your expertise!

Found said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 7:03 pm

oh i just LOVE before and after shots! why are they so satisfying? This is quite the transformation. -T

Buda said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 7:59 pm

The redecorating is lovely but the excess of decorative pieces makes it look like a boutique shop rather than a home.

Rebekah said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 8:06 pm

seriously you guys are amazing – thank you for sharing this inspiring space it is perfect!

September 3rd, 2009 - 8:10 pm

Sooooooooooo amazing.

hannah Goldberg said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 8:13 pm

i feel like there is too much accessorizing going on here. dont get me wrong its a hige transformation but i think you could pair it down. ie: kitchen counter (too much stuff), dining corner left table, dining corner. theres a fine line between too decorated and livabke/functional. I feel like a lot of the accessories make you feel like you have no where to just put your purse or newspaper down at the end of the day. be careful with that.

Angie said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 9:03 pm

Gorgeous!! Amazing before and after…so warm and inviting…

Tia said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 9:09 pm

Just bought my first home. I am having fun thinking of fun diy design/remodel plans now… your home is such an inspiration at the perfect time for me to see this! Thank you. Do you have any advise? How long did this take you? Just trying to get an idea of what all this beauty takes!

alice said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 10:26 pm

To me, this looks like a shop where you’d buy nice soaps while worrying about knocking over knicknacks. What is interesting to me is that so many people LOVE it. Clearly, the old “de gustibus” cliche is true true true.

jen said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 10:54 pm

absolutely amazing how much character and charm you brought to a space that looked beyond hope. doesn’t even matter that the after is not MY style, i can the totally appreciate your vision and this amazing transformation. makes me think ANYTHING is possible!

Marna said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 11:19 pm

J’ador-able….i love all the different colors of whites and creamas well as the subway tiles in the kitchen. I also love all the birdcages and light fixtures galore. beautiful!

Breana said:
September 3rd, 2009 - 11:59 pm

“Visionary” was dead on, Amy! This place truly took that! I love love love it!

especially the couch-combo. It really works, modern / vintage. Bravo! My place is even smaller, but I’m going to study this for ideas!

Abigail said:
September 4th, 2009 - 2:22 am

Must agree with what several others have said, that while it’s a remarkable transformation, it’s just WAY too busy. Edit, edit, edit! Less is more!

Hilary said:
September 4th, 2009 - 2:24 am

I love the wall color. It’s subtle yet great. Reminds me a of a French Grey that I saw recently.

alice said:
September 4th, 2009 - 3:03 am

very charming. must be extra rewarding since you guys did it all yourselves. that is amazing. i like the ikea kitchen a lot!

susan said:
September 4th, 2009 - 7:40 am

wow…! so many people would have looked right past what it was and you saw what it could be…what the world needs now is vision!

September 4th, 2009 - 8:17 am

Love, love, love this ‘before & after’ post. It is always inspiring to see what creative people can produce.

Tricia

Kristen said:
September 4th, 2009 - 9:32 am

Absolutely gorgeous. I wish I had Jennifer’s vision — I want to steal her decorating style. This is my favorite “before & after”!

Belinda said:
September 4th, 2009 - 9:52 am

They should be so proud. Their house looks beautiful and so comfortable. This is my favorite “before & after” too!

September 4th, 2009 - 10:05 am

Amazing transformation! I would have run as fast as I could if I saw this house with my realtor! Very inspiring.

rachel said:
September 4th, 2009 - 10:06 am

that was very impressive! what was going on in that home before they bought it?! Dd

Caroline said:
September 4th, 2009 - 10:09 am

I am so excited and inspired… I am about to move into a home that needs as much tender loving care as this one did…thanks for showing me it CAN be done!

September 4th, 2009 - 10:42 am

i agree with all these comments: GORGEOUS. i am sad there is no story telling to go along with this beauty! would love to hear more

Paris said:
September 4th, 2009 - 11:30 am

Since cabinetry is my business I want to say what a fantastic job you did with your kitchen. You’ve really created a warm and inviting home.

Lainey said:
September 4th, 2009 - 11:38 am

oh my gosh, favorite house EVER!

Jenni said:
September 4th, 2009 - 11:54 am

I LOVE the color of paint in the living areas, its so pretty! Any chance of finding out what it is?!?!

Shelley said:
September 4th, 2009 - 12:00 pm

It’s beautiful and perfect! I can’t imagine why someone would presume to tell you to edit – or get rid of your precious things after you were gracious enough to share your lovely space with us. Thanks for the inspiration.

Jaclyn said:
September 4th, 2009 - 12:04 pm

Wow. This is the best home I’ve seen. Really awesome. If my place is at least 5% as pretty as this, I’d be SO happy.

susan said:
September 4th, 2009 - 12:10 pm

LOVE! Usually, I prefer less rather than more, but here, it really works for me. Each object is lovely and adds to the ambiance of the room. There is soul present rather than a tragically sterile skeleton.

Amber Jo said:
September 4th, 2009 - 12:26 pm

lovely!!!!!

Sara(Mrs.B.) said:
September 4th, 2009 - 1:12 pm

Perfect.

Julianna said:
September 4th, 2009 - 1:33 pm

Stunning and very inspirational for my new home as I have been leaning towards a similar style! Thanks for posting and keep up the great work!

Julianna said:
September 4th, 2009 - 1:35 pm

Oh… and where did you get the Spoon Artwork in the kitchen… can you say FABULOUS?!?!

September 4th, 2009 - 1:53 pm

Fantastic!!

September 4th, 2009 - 1:58 pm

Reading the comments, I see many of you have questions about my paint color, how long this remodel took, how we did it, etc…please visit my blog for the whole story on our remodel:

http://www.theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Grey
The Old Painted Cottage

Betty said:
September 4th, 2009 - 2:54 pm

Ms. Grey obviously has a great eye, but I agree with Buda. All the loveliness can stand to be pared down.

Debbie said:
September 4th, 2009 - 4:11 pm

I think the result is wonderful and I would not remove a thing despite Buda and Betty’s comments.

September 4th, 2009 - 8:13 pm

Jennifer I think you and your husband did an AMAZING job! You have a great eye for design!

caroladas said:
September 5th, 2009 - 2:37 am

Extraordinary before-after. Incredible change. You have an special good taste. Congratulations.

e : for envious said:
September 5th, 2009 - 3:14 am

Beautiful work! Looks like it cost a fortune though… may I ask what the damage was?

untay said:
September 5th, 2009 - 12:24 pm

Wow great job…..

manette said:
September 5th, 2009 - 1:16 pm

What an inspiration! Love what you did to the kitches, fridge and the classic pendant lights over the island in the kitchen.

September 5th, 2009 - 2:50 pm

This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! My heart skipped a beat!

Connie said:
September 5th, 2009 - 3:25 pm

Wow! Truly impressed.

rhondarella said:
September 5th, 2009 - 3:56 pm

Have you ever seen a house smile…I have now! ;)

gisele said:
September 5th, 2009 - 4:39 pm

This is by far one of the best renovations I have ever seen. It’s a completely brand new space. How wonderful to look beyond the surface of a house, recognize its potential, create something beautiful and turn into your home. Bravo!

Katy said:
September 5th, 2009 - 7:52 pm

i love the renovation. you gave it a much needed face lift. those wall finishes were UGLY. i love the hardwood. and the kitchen is beautiful. big and airy, but still so cozy.
however, as a few others have said, way too much stuff. if it was me, i’d cut down on the shabby-chic accessories. there just seems to be too much and a lighter hand would do wonders. and maybe a less neutral shade of beige/cream. but, i think that’s just because i’ve been living with that color myself for a while and i’m starting to get tired of it! again, this is my opinion. overall, amazing transformation.

Anna See said:
September 5th, 2009 - 10:20 pm

I am drooling right now. This is so soothing and lovely.

Kira said:
September 5th, 2009 - 11:03 pm

Waaaay too many accessories. It looks more like a retail store than a home. You’ve gotten too carried away with all the tchotchkes all over the place. All that stuff detracts from the good work you did. Aside from that, you have certainly improved the house greatly.

elle said:
September 5th, 2009 - 11:29 pm

the before is hideous. the after looks good, but there’s so much junk in the house. purge.

September 6th, 2009 - 4:39 pm

So beautiful and inspiring!

Laurel J said:
September 7th, 2009 - 6:25 am

Double-u Oh double-u. I am in awe. And inspired to at least vacuum my dirty house. Please excuse me while I try to make my house look exactly like yours.

Rachel said:
September 7th, 2009 - 9:27 am

Oh, wow. That’s like my perfect house. I would personally put a more more colours here and there but I absolutely love it. And what a change from the original! Must have taken so long, what determination. Really inspiring, when I get my own house (one day… ) I hope it’s just like this!

Amanda said:
September 7th, 2009 - 4:53 pm

AMAZING!!! I could not love it more!!!

Wow… is she s designer?? Ibetter go back and re-read everything.

God bless!
Amanda

Stephanie said:
September 11th, 2009 - 3:48 pm

I am awe inspired. I have just purchased a 1951 “ranch & 1/2″ as my husband calls it, and it is the most design challenged thing – if you want to call avocado green carpet and eggplant purple walls – designed challeged – oh, wait, the yellow walls and tile….

Yours and Layla’s visions have helped me believe that is HOPE.

Please keep up the AMAZING work and can’t wait to see what is next.

Anna said:
September 12th, 2009 - 4:07 am

I love EVERYTHING about this house. It’s very soft and light. LOVE!

Brandi R said:
September 14th, 2009 - 6:45 pm

This house is gorgeous! I couldn’t stop looking at these pictures! Now I’m looking around my house trying to figure out where to start!

Maddy said:
November 21st, 2009 - 8:20 pm

INCREDIBLE! I love the entire house! Definitely my favourite before and after so far!

mela said:
December 4th, 2009 - 1:19 pm

This is really beautiful and stunning! I totally do not agree at all that this place is cluttered or looks like a store! It’s gorgeous! It looks airy and I could totally enjoy being surrounded by it all!

Katherine Duvigneau said:
December 23rd, 2009 - 1:50 pm

Stunning. What an incredible job. Just beautiful.

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