See the before-and-after photos of this traditional Cape Cod–style home. Most changes were cosmetic, but they made a big difference.
Our anniversary of moving into this house passed back in December, and though the holidays tend to derail home projects, I wanted to share what we accomplished over the past year. I prefer careful, budget-conscious updates rather than rushing big renovations, so progress here has been steady and intentional.
When we bought the house, it felt very much like a late-90s model home: many rooms painted yellow or hunter green. The previous owners updated the kitchen counters, painted the cabinets white and refinished the hardwoods, but much of the home still needed a fresh, modern look.
My two priorities from day one were simple: paint everything and update the lighting. Paint changes the mood of a room more than almost anything, and new fixtures deliver an immediate style refresh—often without the expense of a full renovation.
2020 Projects — Before & After Highlights
Most updates in 2020 were cosmetic. We focused on paint, lighting, organization and a few stylish finishing touches while saving for a larger bathroom renovation down the road.
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1. The Pantry Makeover
I started the year by overhauling the pantry, and it turned out to be one of the most practical projects. I emptied everything, measured the shelves, and bought baskets, bins and lazy Susans to create zones for baking, snacks, canned goods and everyday staples. Labels made a big difference—now groceries get put away quickly and family members know exactly where things belong.
This space has been a true workhorse. If your pantry feels chaotic, tackle it once: clear it, plan zones, add containers and label everything. It will save time and reduce stress in your kitchen.
2. My Office
The home office needed to be both functional and inspiring since it’s the hub for my work and household planning. I prioritized this room early so I could plan the rest of the house from a space I loved. The makeover included new paint, furniture updates and decorative touches that made the room feel cohesive and energizing. A few items arrived late due to backorders, but the result is a fresh, productive workspace.
I even decorated the office for the holidays and loved how it felt. If you want a room that supports productivity, focus on lighting, storage, and a palette that makes you feel calm and focused.
More Office Posts
- Blush & Brass Feminine Office Mood Board
- Floral Curtains for the Office
- Simple Formulas for Styling Bookshelf Decor
3. The Living Room
The living room became my favorite makeover. It started as a deep yellow room with a large wall of windows, built-ins and a fireplace. Once I selected the right curtains and anchored the space with our sectional and the Samsung Frame TV, everything came together. There are still a few items to swap—like an outdated ceiling fan—but the first phase is complete and already much more inviting.
More Living Room Posts
- Navy Living Room Mood Board
- How to Hang an Extra-Long Curtain Rod
- How to Choose and Arrange Throw Pillows
- How to Hide TV Cords Behind the Wall
4. Girls’ Bedroom & Bathroom
Midway through the year, the girls asked for a room refresh. Their bedroom and adjoining bathroom had been painted lime green, and they wanted something brighter and more personal. We installed a loft bed and painted the bedroom a soft pink, and I experimented with wallpaper in the bathroom. The wallpaper held up beautifully and completely changed the feel of the space. The bedroom still has a few finishing touches to go, but the girls love the new look.
More Girls’ Room Posts
- White & Blush Girls’ Bedroom Mood Board
- Bedding Ideas for Loft and Bunk Beds
- How to Hang Wallpaper — Beginner Tutorial
I also began makeovers for the kitchen and master bedroom in 2020. The kitchen will get a traditional, coastal update, and the master bedroom refresh is planned to be complete by summer. I’ll share more detailed goals and timelines in an upcoming Home Goals 2021 post.
Honorable Mentions — Paint, Lighting & Finishing Touches
Two of the most impactful and budget-friendly updates are paint and lighting. Paint changes the entire tone of a room, while new fixtures modernize a space quickly. In 2020 we painted nearly every wall—replacing the greens and yellows with calm neutrals and a few accent hues—and replaced several dated light fixtures throughout the house.
What I Painted in 2020
Here are some of the paint colors we used:
- Edgecomb Gray (Benjamin Moore) – kitchen, powder room, main hallways and stairwell
- Shoji White (Sherwin Williams) – office
- Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) – dining room
- Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) – master bedroom
- Sea Salt (Sherwin Williams) – master bathroom
- Pink Ground (Farrow & Ball) – girls’ bedroom
- Baby Aqua (Behr) – girls’ toilet room
Updated Lighting
We replaced fixtures in the kitchen, entryway, stairwell, powder room, girls’ spaces and butler’s pantry. Swapping outdated 90s fixtures for traditional or modern alternatives gave each room a refreshed look without a major remodel.
Custom Dishwasher Panel
A small custom detail I love is the custom cabinet-style panel we made for the Bosch dishwasher. It helps the appliance blend seamlessly with the cabinetry for a high-end, cohesive look.
Thanks for taking a look back at our 2020 updates. I’m excited to continue these projects in 2021 and to share more progress next year. If you enjoyed this roundup, here are a few more posts you might like:
- How to Hang Plates on a Wall
- Cheap Flooring Ideas: Update Your Floors on a Budget
- Trash to Treasure: Peacock Framed Art
- Free Valentine’s Day Printable
- Benjamin Moore Classic Gray