We had so much fun renovating our first flip house that we couldn’t wait to do it again. Except it turns out finding the right opportunity sometimes takes a little patience. So after a few months of itching to get our hands on a new project, we finally found one that fit the bill.
Introducing our new flip house…
My daughter calls it the birthday cake house because she thinks it looks like a yellow birthday cake. I think that’s a pretty happy thought, so for now that will be its official name.
This house just needs a few cosmetic upgrades (and a good cleaning!) and it will be a darling home for a family, or anyone looking for a bright, open floor plan and a cozy feel. Here’s what we plan to do to make the birthday cake house a sweet treat.
(Look out, here comes the ugly!)
Curb Appeal
We’ll make the entrance to the home a little (or a lot!) more inviting with the addition of a pergola for shade and architectural interest. I’m thinking we’ll remove the security fencing along the front entryway, although we’ll keep it on hand in case the new owners choose to reinstall it. We’ll also add a little landscaping interest, in the form of large potted plants, and a small seating area.
Living Spaces
We’ll open up a few walls inside to let more light in, and make the whole area feel more open.
We’ll change the arch between the main living spaces into french doors, to emphasize the separation between the rooms, while still letting light and traffic flow through.
Kitchen
This kitchen/breakfast area is a good size, but it feels so dark and closed in with the red paint, dark countertops, and that weird little peninsula.Since the cabinets are in great shape, we’ll simply update them with fresh white paint. Light gray granite countertops will transform this dated kitchen into a bright and inspiring work and space.
Then we’ll add a large pass-through window to the next room, which could be either a large dining room or living room. This will allow lots of light and an open feel, without losing storage and counter space.
In the eat-in area, we’ll reclaim the space that was chopped up by the peninsula for a breakfast table area, and add a barn door to the laundry room to add both style and space-saving functionality.
Baths
Both the hall bath and the master bath have good bones, but just need a serious cleanup and style refresh. We’ll update both vanities with granite tops, new hardware and faucets. The bathtub in the hall bath needs an overhaul, so we’ll remove the tub and integrate the new tub with the existing surround for an update without breaking the budget.
Updates throughout the Flip House
Basically every surface throughout the house is getting a good cleaning and fresh new paint. From ceiling to baseboards, it’ll all look and feel brand new. We’ll also replace the light fixtures throughout, as well as the flooring and baseboards. This is a great floor plan, so we simply need to make it look and feel as good as it functions, and then we’ll be ready to welcome the next family to their new home.
Whew! We’ve got some work to do! I’ll be back soon with some fun in-process pictures, and I’m sure I’ll have a few stories to tell along the way. Be sure to follow by newsletter, or on Instagram with #505flip to see our updates and progress!
Johanna
Thursday 31st of August 2017
ooh, I'm so excited to see the transformation!
Meredith
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
Thanks Johanna, me too!
Sandey
Friday 25th of August 2017
Oh that lucky home! I wonder if it knows what good things lie ahead? Well it is in good hands with you on the project! Can't wait to see the transformation!
Meredith
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
Oh thank you Sandey! You made my day!
Carole @ Garden Up Green
Friday 25th of August 2017
How exciting - love the chainsaw by the door do you use it to take down walls? Looks like some good bones to turn into amazing. Looking forward to viewing more..
Meredith
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
Ha! No, the chainsaw is for tree trimming in the backyard. It does add a certain element of intrigue there in the kitchen though!
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com
Thursday 24th of August 2017
It looks like it has good bones - something to work with and have fun doing it. Can't wait to see it blossom.
Meredith
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
It really does! It's the kind of house that I would want to move into myself, if I were at a different stage of life. For now, I'll be content with rescuing it for someone else...
Kristy
Thursday 24th of August 2017
I can't wait to watch the changes!!!
Meredith
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
Thanks Kristy! Me too! ;)