The Home Search Continues – How Would I Update?

I have discovered that finding a new home is much harder than you would think. As I said before the area we want to move back to has homes that are 20 to 50 yrs. old and some have been updated and some not. The ones that have been updated have sky high prices and not always my style. Then the ones that need a ton of updating seem to have just as high a price.

I have found two that I like, but both have offers before I could get mine in. I am on a waiting list in case they fall through.

#1 – This one is in the perfect area. Love the style and the size. As you will see from the pics, this one needs some cosmetic updates for sure.

Living and dining – I would want to add hardwood floors here, all new lighting and paint. I think I would also paint those balusters and stain the railing really dark on the stairs.

I love this dramatic view looking at the living and dining from upstairs. I would keep the plantation shutters but maybe still add side drapes.

Kitchen has oak cabinets that I would paint and the original Formica counters that would need to be changed. It does have updated appliances and a new gas range. The tile floors are nice too. I do think the fluorescent lights have to go though. Maybe add recessed pot lights. Not sure that an island would fit in here, but maybe a chop block.

I’ve been saving this image for a future makeover. I think some of these ideas could be incorporated into the above kitchen.

I like the size of the adjoining familyroom, that would work for us. In time I would change out the carpet for hardwoods.

The master bath needs some updating and the carpet in the bathroom would have to go for sure. I would paint the vanity, replace or frame the mirror and update the lights. The ceiling fan would definitely go.

This is one of my favorite bathrooms, it would be fun to try and recreate.

#2 – This one is in a great area and newer than the first. It would definitely be my next choice.

This one is larger than the first and I really like the floor plan. Great tile and paint colors I could work with right away. Here I would add drapes and a great area rug.

This house has drama and charm and I like how it has a flow to the kitchen and familyroom. I think I would paint that stair railing black maybe.

The familyroom is a great size in this one too. Drapes and replacing the carpet down the road for hardwoods would take care of this room.

Again we have oak cabinets, these with a white washed stain. It also has the original Formica counters that need replacing. (see the corner of the island) It does have newer appliances which is a benefit. I think painting the cabinets white, adding granite counters and a marble, subway tile or beadboard backsplash would totally change this kitchen.

This is a look that I thought would work in here perfectly.

The master bathroom has beautiful tile floors and would just need the cabinets and lighting updated to begin with. I think I would add shutters to that window too.

So, do you have a favorite? Which would you like #1 or #2

(After I wrote this, it appears that both houses will have final sales with their current offers, so I am really back to the hunt. I am beginning to wonder if this is meant to be or not. There isn’t anything out there that really excites me so far. I guess I just have to leave it to the Lord and see what he has in store.)