Although winter seems to be never ending in some parts of the country, we have the ultimate cure for the winter blues. A makeover — and not just any makeover. We're talking whole house, completely gutted, blood, sweat, tears, amazing transformation ... makeover. We're headed down south for some serious renovation with light, bright and beautiful results.
We love it when we come across a house with it's own website. Not just the ones that are all snooty and uppity about their million dollar furnishings and gold trim, but ones about normal houses that normal people live in. We love seeing what real hard work is all about and the cataloging the slow process of renovation on an average salary, budget and timeline all of which we came across, in Alabama.
This 2,000sq ft, 4 bedroom and 2 bath home was originally purchased as duplex by diy-guru's Andy and Ashley. They've converted it back into its original glory... an amazing family home. We've gone through the beautifully shot photographs of this place time and time again (you can find them on the website and also on Flickr) and are just amazed at the work that's been done.
Over the last 4 years this home has had floorboards gutted, walls torn down, appliances removed, paint applied and woodwork restored. It's a true badge of honor for this Alabama couple and we applaud them on their constant hard work and determination to bring this home to its current state... if you ever sell, please look us up! We've only shown you a few photos from this process, as it's really a journey to take yourself to see all the personality that's been packed into this great home.
(Image: The Vertical House)






White Enamel Flatwa...
the house looks great! i love the kitchen!
Wow, more style from the one region without real representation on AT...I guess we'll have to settle for when Chicago condescends to pay attention.
What a challenging project that must have been! And the finished product is totally inspiring!
I loved following the renovations on their blog -and the photography is gorgeous.
(Where are the couch and the chairs from?)
I really like what you've done...your hard work has paid off. One thing...I never understood the knotted up drape look...just a personal thing I guess.
Amazing transformation, but I have to agree with jimc, I never got that knotted up drape thing either...it looks cheap to me.
I appreciate the effort put in to the house for sure - before and after amazing - but that kitchen freaks me out - so glad the trim was put on but only one picture after all the others without it. Are the pieces in the kitchen going somewhere - they seem in limbo. Counters? Any counters?
Is there a practical reason that someone would knot up their drapes, or do people just like the way it looks?
Knotting the drapes pulls them up out of the way without using cords. I happen to like how it looks, but it's a matter of taste.
"Is there a practical reason that someone would knot up their drapes"
When the house is in danger of being flooded?
Come on, no one can possibly "like" how knotted up drapes look. That's ridiculous. They're drapes. They hang.
Kiljoywashere -
I think knotted drapes look kind of silly myself, but I might change my mind when our great dane puppy arrives. I suppose cats (like this couple has) could wreak similar havoc.
Look at your smug little bedroom fireplace. Great work.
jettsam - wha?!
I think this kitchen is freaking awesome. It looks like an old southern kitchen... which it is. Very refreshing among the sea of oversized stationary counters, and stainless steel appliances of most designer kitchens. The work spaces are movable and arrangeable, but no less usable than contemporary counter tops. Its quaint, and the perfect size for a young couple.
Looking through the website, I'm completely amazed by the amount of work that went into the renovation. Astounding.
wow wow wow! so gorgeous and airy! beautiful job.
Count me in as one who likes knotted drapes- no need for tiebacks or hardware- just a simple, non-fussy way to let in light and fresh air when you want your treatments out of the way.
I wonder if they kept the rat skeleton and mounted it- I know i'd have put that bad boy on the mantle :)
thanks everyone! as far as the tie up curtains, it started as a quick way to get them out of the cats' way...and then it just kinda became habit. :)
lynn - the chairs were a thrift store find, and the couch and matching chair were an estate sale find.
jettsam - we have just the right amount of counter space. the large piece has a pullout counter, great for prep. there's also a small black cart next to the stove that works as a prep surface. the stove itself has a nice sized counter top...and the sink has plenty of room on both sides. :)
talby - dead on with the curtains! and the rat skeleton was accidentally smashed during demolition...so he's long gone. at least i have the photo!