Last week I shared the exterior “before shots” of my “new-to-me” house in South Carolina. Thank you so much for all the comments you left me. XO They made me feel so much better and brightened my spirits and energy after having to deal with Shingles! I have read each and every one of them, but I am a little behind in responding since I was out of commission for a while and am now trying to get unpacked, settled and some Christmas shopping done.
Today, I am posting the interior photos of my house on Lake Murray.
The house was built in 1974 and is 2700 square feet. It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It has plenty of closet space and walk-in attic storage, which I love! The house is in good shape, it just needs lots of updating in the way of a new fixtures, lighting in all rooms, flooring, lots of paint and a new kitchen and 2 new bathrooms. The master bathroom was recently redone and we like it so one less room to have to take on.
When you enter the house from the street side you come through double front doors and land in a two-story foyer. This is the only room, besides the master bath that doesn’t have a water view.
This is looking into the foyer from the hallway to the master bedroom. I will be removing the carpet on the staircase and painting the risers and balusters white. My daughters are coming this week for the holidays so I tried to do a little Christmas decorating. See the sideboard that used to be in the foyer of my previous house? I used the same decorations I showed you last month. No mirror behind it, but everything else is the same. Trax the cat is enjoying having a new place to explore.
At the far point in the photo is a view into my studioffice. It has a pocket door so I can easily close it off when I make a creative mess.
This is the view of the foyer from the hallway to the kitchen. I love the brick floor. I hung the mirror that used to be above the sideboard in my foyer on the far wall, minus the top section that broke in the move. The yellow room in the distance is the master bedroom.
I would like to replace the exterior doors with 3/4 glass doors that will bring in more light. On each side of the doors are glass windows that are the same height as the doors.
The kitchen is functional and even though it is small, has a lot of storage. We love the floor, but will be gutting the kitchen since it is dark, worn and dated.
Popcorn ceilings in every room. They are nice and white, but not sure what we will do about them yet. ;-)
This view is of the seating area in the kitchen taken from the living room. We would like to make this doorway much wider to create a more open feel between the rooms.
This is taken from the back of the kitchen looking out to the water.
I don’t like this wall of cabinets at all. It blocks the visual flow. Will be glad to see it go when we redo the kitchen.
This is the living room. I will be removing the brown wood shelves on the brick wall and making a mantel around the fireplace. I am pretty sure I will be painting the brick white. Same for the walls.
Every room has a brown ceiling fan. I will be replacing them all with white fixtures. This is the south and it does get hot, hot, hot here in the summer. These fans are a necessity, especially for a windows-open-in-the-summer-fresh-air-loving girl like me.
The master bedroom has “His and Her” walk-in closets. Here is Ed’s…
…and mine. I can’t even fill this chest of drawers.
But have filled the shelves and rods with my clothes.
The master bedroom is a long room. I will be painting it a light blue soon.
The area near the sliding door will be Ed’s office.
Draperies are needed for sun control and these are very nice, but I will be replacing them with something lighter.
I realized I didn’t get any photos of the master bathroom. The following two are from the real estate listing, but will give you an idea of what the room looks like.
Glass enclosed marble shower.
Grey vanity and white, grey and brown granite countertop. These photos make it look dark, but it is a light and bright room.
This is the room in which I am creating my studioffice in. It is right off the kitchen. Ed has already removed the carpet and laid a vinyl plank floor. Our first DIY in the house. I will be posting about it once the holidays are over.
The laundry area is off the kitchen in the hallway that leads to a two-car garage and workshop.
I already removed the bar that the previous owner used for drying clothes.
Across the hall from the laundry is a powder room.
It needs updating all around. :-)
Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and one full bath. Each has access to an upper deck with seating for stellar lake viewing. This is bedroom #1.
Bedroom #2.
Bedroom #3 came with a pool table. We will be moving it to the back of the room and keeping it at least for awhile to see if we use it. I plan to turn the front part of the room into a fitness room. There are three big closets in the room that we are filling up fast!
The upstairs bath is light, bright and functional, but updating is needed.
Thats it for now. I hope you enjoyed the tour. I will post a lot more photos of the house and my plans for it after the holidays.
Norma cooper says
Had TV mounted above my fireplace and the workers left all the cords showing it really looks tacky would like to know who could I hire to clean the mess up it really does not look tasteful when entertaining guest in the living room 65 in TV with sound bar cords everywhere need the help of an professional: live in Detroit Michigan ; by the way my fireplace is real but I’m going to put a electric insert in instead of actually lighting it up. Can someone help me with my disaster .
Betsy Justis says
I haven’t been to your blog for a while! I always enjoy your site!!! So glad to see your new home – it’s a perfect place for You! You are so motivational to me. Looking forward to watching you transform it into a beauty, thanks for sharing.
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Betsy – The new house has given me a new energy and lots of new project ideas. I am looking forward to sharing it all on the blog.
Tamara @ Provident Home Design says
Wow, your new home has great bones and such a beautiful view! I know you will have fun working your DIY magic and making it yours! Congrats!!
Rosemary P. Costello says
Fabulous start and wonderful photos in spite of the move, shingles ( OUCH!), Christmas and company- Whew!!
It’s been a fast turnaround for you, but so exciting.
Love the house, the deck is fabulous, the palm tree is a native treat, and the potential for your touch is like a blank slate.
Welcome to SC!!
Look forward to hearing and seeing more about your journey.
Rosemary Costello
PS- I am hoping to paint out my brown ceiling fans. Will let you know if it’s a success.
Peggy says
Haven’t checked in a while and was hoping you had photos of the new house. You never disappoint! It is fabulous! I can’t wait to see your style on your “new” home!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Peggy – Now that the move is behind us and I am getting resettled, I am making new lists…fun ones filled with design ideas. Right now I am working on my studioffice and foyer. Will be posting about one of them next week.
Deana says
My family has a vacation home at Lake Murray. You will love it there!! Can’t wait to see your updates. We just finished about a 5 year MAJOR renovation well worth it to sit and enjoy coffee on a screened porch with that view!!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Deana – We are looking forward to making the house into our home. Lots of work ahead, but as you said, it will be well worth it when it is done. So far we have been enjoying the area and have been out exploring on the boat when we had the warm temps over the holidays. Do you have any favorite places we should check out?
Deana says
You have to visit Prosperity. Cute little town and they have an Ace Hardware! I’ve actually bought some really pretty antiques from this little town. I’m sure your mind hasn’t shut off since you moved in..can’t wait to see pictures!! Relax, breathe, and enjoy!!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Deana – Thanks for the tip. We looked at a house in Prosperity and I have driven through some parts of the area. I have been to the Ace in Chapin quite a few times. I will find the directions to the one in Prosperity and check it out. :-)
Patricia Wilson says
Diane, so excited to see your 12/21/15 post on this New Year’s Eve after having just returned from our annual trip from Connecticut to Michigan to see our grown-up kids and two grandchildren. Unfortunately, our daughter, Jessica, and her new husband were unable to travel from St. Louis to Michigan because they both work for MDOT and had to work because of the flooding.
Love your new home and can definitely see why you want to update some of the rooms within, like the kitchen. However, the view of your deck and the water outside your sliding glass door makes up for what your kitchen lacks with its worn cupboards, especially the one that blocks the view from the room next to it. Your first floor master bedroom ensures that you and Ed can live in this waterside home forever, and the master bath is breathtaking. When I saw the living room fireplace, my first reaction was “paint it white,” and that’s the next thing you said.
The hardwood floors and the brick entry are unique and beautiful. The fact that you’ll be able to have your very own first floor studio is another dream come true. I’m so looking forward, Diane, to see how you’ll address the “popcorn ceilings?” In my home, those popcorn ceiling were white as white could be, and the rest of our home was lovely, but over the years, I’ve found that not only do those ceilings become uncleanable, but they also lose whatever small integrity they might have had and begin to disintegrate in strips, not to mention the detritus upon your head, furniture, and flooring when trying to clean cobwebs. A vacuum, a broom, nor even a feather duster, since it’s more likely the feathers stick to the ceiling along with the cobwebs, work to clean the ceilings. What’s left is to repaint the ceilings, adhering the cobwebs and feathers to become a new layer to their already unattractive texture.
I can’t wait to see how you and Ed decide to address your very own popcorn ceilings. I’m trying to convince my husband, Scott, that the best and most economical way is to use wood planking. I see it more and more in shelter magazines and Pinterest. What do you think? (A rhetorical question, actually).
I’ve enjoyed your blog since I first discovered it, so I’d continue following it even if you hadn’t made your move to North Carolina. I must say, however, your having taken the leap of moving into your new/old house has me excited to follow you for the next few years, or longer, to see how you adapt it to “In My Own Style.”
Patricia Wilson
Columbia, CT
Judy says
Diane, You are now in my neck of the woods, so to speak. I live in the Upstate area of SC and lived on our county lake for 19 years. We bought a newer, one story house in 2013. I just LOVE your blog and your great eye for the cutest, money-saving ideas!! I so look forward to what all you do in your new home! I have “stolen” several of your ideas:)
Best wishes for the New Year and I can’t wait to see what you do to this house!
Judy H. says
Oh Diane, what a lovely home, I know you and Ed are going to be so happy there. The lake views from all of the bedrooms are spectacular as well as the view from the kitchen. My daughter has a lake home. There first thing she did when she moved in was to give all of the rooms a fresh a bright white or light blue coat of paint. When the sun reflects off of the lake, the rooms are aglow. I know with you creativity, this house is going to be a show piece when you are finished with it. How fortunate you were to find such a fabulous new home. Hope you are feeling better, take good care of yourself.
Bettsi says
Merry Christmas, Diane! The house is wonderful- you are going to make it amazing! So sorry to hear about your shingles- ugh! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Catherine says
Oh Diane, I’m so, so sorry that you had shingles! I’ve had them several times and they are truly horrible. I pray that they never come back for you. Your home is lovely – congratulations! Am so happy for you, and can’t wait to see the changes you make. Please take care of yourself. Remember, never try to eat the whole elephant in one bite. :-) We want you to stay well and have much less stress.
Rita says
Diane and Ed, you are going to have so much fun in the next few years and I’ll look forward to each of your blogs. I admire your good taste and creativity. May all of your plans go smoothly.
Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2016,
Rita
Krista says
Oh Diane, what a dream! I love the layout – that would be a great home layout for us as well. I’m so excited to follow along as you tackle this project!
Frankie says
It looks like you found a great house! I love the layout and see so much potential. Have fun making it your own!
Kari says
Wow I can tell 2016 is going to be an exciting year for all us readers to follow along as you make this your home – Merry Christmas! ~ Kari
Sherrie's Lucky Quality Finds says
Boy my heart skipped a beat when I saw those 2 count em 2 walk in closets!!! Love Love Love!! Can’t wait to see you & Ed work your magic Diane with your gorgeous lake home!! All The Best!!
Vikki says
Wow, this is a big house. Love the fact that the master bedroom is on the ground floor. I know you will be working your magic in each room and I look forward to you sharing the progress. Yes it is hot, hot, hot in the summer but it is also humid, humid, humid – you will definitely want those ceiling fans! I’m glad you have recovered from the Shingles. That must have been terrible and could not have happened at a worse time for you. Merry Christmas to you, Ed and the girls. Vikki in VA
Terri/Houston lady says
Congrats!! I love your “new to you” lakefront home!! Thanks for sharing pics.. May you enjoy your time with your family ?
Dee says
Wow I am so jealous. It is a beautiful house and after you add your touches it will be stunning.
Wish my husband would works as fast as Ed. Geesh, already put down new flooring, that is wonderful. Is vinyl flooring hard to install?
Can’t wait for the updates and Merry Christmas, enjoy the holidays.
Joann says
Can’t wait to see your updates. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your lakefront house and wishes for many happy memories to be made there.
Mary says
What a great place. Lots of really usable space and love the views. I’m sure it will be fun to imagine and plan (the best part) and I look forward to seeing all you do to it!! Congrats Diane
Kay says
Diane, this house was made for you and Ed!! You will turn this house into another absolutely beautiful home. And I can’t wait to see everything you and Ed do to make it your own glorious dream on the lake . . .
Lindy says
Congrats on your new to you home!!!! Looks beautiful and can’t wait to see what you do with it. Enjoy the holidays! PS – I can’t wait to see what you do with the popcorn ceilings. They are in the house we just bought and I really don’t like them.
Kat says
It is beautiful. I am also looking forward to seeing you transform it.
Anne K. says
Congratulations Diane and Ed!! This is lovely and Diane I can hear your wheels spinning with all your plans.
Enjoy your daughters’ visit and Christmas and heal quickly. 2016 will be an even more exciting year for all of you!
Happy Holidays!
Sylvia says
Congratulations to you and Ed on your new home. It has beautiful bones.
I can’t wait to see the magic you create with them.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Francy says
Wow, what a stunner in its current state, it will be magnificent when you are done with it!! Thanks for sharing all the gorgeous photos.
Beverly says
When we bought our home, the previous owners had “modernized” an 1840 home with popcorn ceilings in every room. The easiest way to remove them is to get a wallpaper steamer. My husband held steamer in place for about 1 minute, then I came behind him with a wall paper scraper. It took 2 days to do a 20 x 20 room, but it was worth the time. I would recommend using a dust mask. Good Luck!!
Debbie says
Thanks. I have them too and I hate them. What did you replace it with–paint, tiles, stamping, etc?
Debbie
Arell says
I cannot wait to see how you fix your new home up. I think it is going to be marvelous!! Those lake views are enviable! Congratulations!
Josee says
Wow! It looks wonderful and you will do a great job making it your own, congratulations.
Becky in 'Bama says
I’m a relative new comer to your blog, and wish to say welcome to the sunny (and humid) South. I notice that you mention how you love windows-open-and-fresh-air…well enjoy it now. If you’ve not spent an entire summer in the South, those months are for keeping the windows shut tightly and the AC on high. ~giggles~ I do love your new lake place, and look forward to the up-dating.
Also, I had shingles about three years ago, so I definitely ‘feel your pain.’ Ouch. Take care and Merry Christmas from your fellow southerner in Alabama.
CeeGee says
Love seeing your new home! It’s really going to be pretty with your touch, right next to such stunning views.
Of course photos can’t really show all the really nitty-gritty of things, but when I looked at the kitchen and bath photos, I thought “Those cabinets look sturdy. Why not just paint them rather than completely gut the kitchen? It would save them from the landfill. Change up the hardware, sink and appliances (if needed) and it could look like a whole new room.” I too agree the wall in the kitchen should come down for better visual sight lines all throughout the room, however.
But heck if you’ve got the budget to completely gut the kitchen, I’m sure we’ll all be very excited to see your wonderful work in that room as well as the entire house!
What a fun journey. We’re all eager to see it come together :-D
Karen fulner says
Thanks for posting before pictures. I would be overwhelmed with the list of updates. Seeing how you transform each space will be so encouraging to those of us who walk in and get scared. I love your decorating style.
Elaine in Baltimore says
I literally cannot wait to see what you are going to do! Especially in the kitchen. I know your design will be beautifully functional without blocking that great water view! I love your color schemes, sense of style and ideas. Looking forward to seeing the fireplace painted white and those shelves removed. There is something about certain whites that I love too. Can’t wait! Congratulations.
Kathi says
It’s a house with great bones and the views of the lake……oh my! I look forward to seeing you slap all that white paint on the brick and wood. :) It will be a gorgeous home when you and Ed finish it, or do we ever finish??? Have a Merry Christmas and a 2016 filled with blessings!
Mary Ann Howat says
Hi Diane,
I can see why you fell in love with this house. The bones of it are awesome. It needs your color savvy everywhere and updates you mention. Can’t wait to see what you do to each area.
Judy sullivan says
Love your new home! What an exciting adventure you are on! I am looking forward to hearing and seeing all the transformations!
Deb Wostmann says
Diane, can’t wait to see you work your magic! So much potential and that view is worth all the DIY updating. Best of luck.
Charisse Andrews at WHG says
Diane, Oh my, it is going to be fun to see what you do with this lovely lake house. It has so much potential. I cannot wait to see if you actually do open those sliders and windows in July and August….the humidity can make the heat unbearable. Of course, when it becomes that warm, you can always go enjoy a swim or boat ride on the lake-lucky you! Happy Holidays to you and Ed as you enter this new adventure. Glad you are feeling better as well.
Debby says
I can’t wait to see your magic:) Merry Christmas.
Donna Dickey says
Great house! Looking forward to all your decorating ideas.
Bliss says
It’s going to be fantastic! You’ll put all your creative touches on it and it will be a show piece before you know it.
Vicki V says
Great house, and I’m sure that you will make it even more fabulous! Can’t wait to see your plans.
Sally says
Well, that was enjoyable! I can hardly wait to see you do it over step-by-step. The floors are amazing. The entire house looks like ii has lots of great features. Enjoy that wonderful weather.
Mary Little says
Will be interested to hear what you will be doing with the popcorn ceiling.I too, have that issue with my parents house that I am going to be making some changes in before we move into it.
Deanna says
Good morning Diane! Thanks for sharing all the pics of your new home. Can’t wait to see how you add your loving touch to your new southern home. Glad to hear your’re feeling a little better. Enjoy the holidays with your girls!
Nancy says
Diane!! I was so excited to open your email this morning!!!
I love your new LAKEHOUSE!! What fun you will have making it your own!! I can’t wait to see the transformation!!
Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your beautiful view!
Peace and Blessings to you and your family!
Nancy
Christina in FL says
Diane, I hope your arm is feeling better moment by moment, Bless your heart!! And moving during all of this, my stars.
Your new home…. wow, what a find eh? Love the views and all your ideas. Wonderful holidays to you and yours!!
Catherine D says
Great House!!! I so look forward to seeing and can hardly wait to see each update that you do!
Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family and your new home!
Jackie Bourne says
Hi Diane,
Congratulations on your new home. Much potential and cannot wait to see what you do with it. I’m new to your website and enjoy it. I love Trax, too. Look forward to more of your postings. Merry Christmas.
LisaInTheNW says
Really looking forward to the transformation! A ton of potential…Congratulations!
Pat M. says
It’s a beautiful house already and we all can’t wait to see what you do with it. I wasn’t expecting it to be so large – I thought you were downsizing but I guess living on water, you will have lots of company. :) Keep posting – we all are living vicariously through you and your new home.
Lynda Gandy says
I just love the potential in your fabulas home can’t wait to see your progress.
Linda O'Neill says
This is going to be soooo much fun getting your updates on the progress of your remodeling. I wish I was there to help you out. I love to paint and I love to shop. We could do so much damage to your credit card. I love all the possibilities. If’s anything you want. What could be better. Love, love, love the views of the lake. For a while I lived in a state with hardly any water and didn’t realize how much I missed it until we moved to Kauai and had a whole ocean!!!! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a fabulous 2016.
Donnamae says
Your new home has so much potential…I can see why you choose it! It’s going to be so much fun to see what you all do! Merry Christmas! ;)
Jennifer from Ottawa says
The place obviously has a ton of potential – no wonder you chose it… I love that stairway and your wood floors and walk-in closets … The house seems cozy; even though it’s dated, it shows that it was well cared for… Really love that entrance…. Congrats on your new home :)
Merry Christmas!
Arli says
Love, love, love it! What a great house and such views! I hope you are feeling better. Merry Christmas.
Connie Meints says
Hi Diane – The view in your new house is spectacular. I love your blog & am looking forward to see the changes you make in your new home. Hope you are feeling better. Have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Melissa says
Wow! That house is going to be really fun, Diane! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. The setting is worth a million bucks so whatever you do will be icing on the cake! Merry Christmas!
kristn says
WOW, this house is amazing with so much potential, I can’t wait to see what you do with it, it is just a gorgeous space! So happy for you! (PS, I have done the popcorn ceiling myself, wont go into details about what came out of my nose for the next 2 weeks…..…defiantly hire out :)