Hey friends! Welcome to another edition of the Before and After Party! This is our third month of celebrating progress, where we kick things off on the first Friday of each month with project ideas and then come together on the last Friday to showcase our transformations.
Even if you didn’t join the “before” phase earlier in the month, don’t worry—you’re still welcome to share any before-and-after journey! Whether it’s a home improvement project, a personal fitness goal, or learning a new skill, we celebrate all progress here at Shine Your Light! And speaking of inspiring journeys, a huge shoutout to my dear friend Suzanne, who is deep into training for a half-marathon. As per her plan, she’s out there conquering six miles this morning—go, Sue! You’re amazing!
I can’t wait to see the projects you’ve been working on and how they’ve evolved! You can link your progress at the end of this post, and if you don’t have a blog, feel free to send me your before-and-after photos via email—I’d love to feature your journey on Before & After Fridays!
March’s Project: Transforming My Mom’s House
This month, my primary project was helping my mom prepare her home for the market. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the house had already been updated, except for the lower level, which consisted of a family room, a combined bedroom/office, a laundry room, a bathroom, and an unfinished storage area. The entire space had been stuck in a 1970s time warp, complete with vintage carpeting from 1973 and dark wood paneling that had seen better days.
When my mom moved in eight years ago, we always had plans to renovate this level, but instead, it became a storage area filled with sentimental treasures—boxes packed with childhood trophies, school projects, and baby clothes from raising four kids.
But oh, the potential!
The Transformation Begins
One afternoon, when I couldn’t get to the house until later, my incredible niece Angela stepped in. She had a rare day off from her job as a dental hygienist, and she decided to tackle the toughest job—ripping out all the old carpeting. Armed with determination (and a pink protective mask), she single-handedly removed every last inch of it, including the stubborn underlayment, which was a mix of rubber and cement. It was a messy, dusty nightmare, but she conquered it all before I even arrived—what a lifesaver!
Huge thanks, Ang! You’re truly the best!
Since my mom had already invested heavily in the upstairs renovations, we decided to be budget-conscious with the lower level while still ensuring a fresh, inviting look. Our goal? To create a bright, functional space that would appeal to either a young family or empty nesters looking for a well-finished home.
With that in mind (and considering the current trend of planked walls), we opted to keep the existing wood paneling but gave it a major facelift with primer and fresh paint.
A Whole New Look
With the outdated carpet gone, the transformation was already underway. Thankfully, these rooms get plenty of natural light due to their street-level placement, which helped brighten things up even more. There were still a few ceiling tiles to replace, but we had already made significant progress.
Once the new carpet was installed, the real fun would begin—staging the space!
The small stove in the family room was on its way out, but we chose to keep the original wooden mantel for a touch of warmth and contrast. I loved how it turned out! There’s a similar fireplace upstairs, but that one has a fully white-painted mantel, so I wanted to create a different look downstairs.
Can’t you just picture this family room with a large white slipcovered sectional, a sleek flatscreen TV, and a gallery wall of family photos?
The Perfect Little Alcove
One of my favorite features in the lower level is a cozy alcove that’s perfect for a children’s play area. I’m already envisioning it staged with my kids’ little play table, which has been waiting in the garage for its moment to shine!
The Bedroom/Office Makeover
While technically not classified as a bedroom due to the absence of a closet, this space is ideal for a guest room or a home office.
Before: A dark, outdated room with wood-paneled walls.
After: A bright, inviting space with fresh paint and a cheerful atmosphere!
This transformation is proof that wood paneling doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker when house hunting! In fact, when styled right, it can add an appealing architectural element. Did anyone else catch Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect incorporating wood paneling in her stunning dining room? She actually bought paneling specifically for the look—and let me tell you, paneling is officially making a comeback!
The Unfinished Space: Laundry Room Revival
Now, let’s talk about the unfinished storage and laundry area. Here’s what we started with:
Imagine a dimly lit, outdated space, reminiscent of those older homes you might tour during house hunting. Think cobwebs, clutter, and an overall feeling of neglect.
Those ancient crutches leaning against the wall? Believe it or not, they had been around for about 25 years—my mom had brought them from her previous home just in case they were needed. Well, they finally made their exit!
The previous homeowners had once painted the cement floors in the garage, laundry, and storage areas. Over the years, the paint had faded and chipped away. To refresh the space, I applied a fresh coat of spring-inspired green flooring paint, and wow—what a transformation!
A Fresh Start for the Laundry Room
Here’s where we’re at so far: A much brighter and more functional laundry space!
The bathroom in the unfinished area also needed some attention. The wallpaper had a charming vintage appeal, but unfortunately, it was peeling off the walls. So, this little space is also in the middle of a much-needed update.
The Home Stretch
I can hardly believe how much has changed with just paint, effort, and a vision. This makeover has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I hope it serves as inspiration for anyone tackling an outdated home. A little creativity and determination can truly breathe new life into a space!
Once the carpet is fully installed, we’ll move on to staging the family room and bedroom, which will be an exciting final touch. I can’t wait to share those results with you!
Your Turn!
Now it’s time to celebrate all of your hard work! Share your before-and-after projects in the link-up below. Whether it’s a room makeover, a DIY project, or a personal transformation, we’d love to see it!
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out Evolutions of Style for more amazing home transformation stories.
Here’s to another successful March After Party!
