Before and After is an Understatement

I love seeing the before and after pictures of remodels and watching a homeowner's vision come to life. But in the recent Country Living, I found a remodel that takes the cake. Seeing the before pictures, this couple not only had vision but also an abundance of courage. Truth is, I have always wanted to do a complete floor to ceiling remodel of an old home (and the city girl in me still dreams of a home in the country with lots of room for children to play, flowers to grow and outdoor living). But would I have had the courage to take on this century-old run down farmhouse?

I love everything in the after shots - the simple, clean palette, vintage fixtures, decor that stays true to the house and its surroundings. What I wouldn't give to have that bathroom with that view - I would find a reason to relax in the bathtub with a glass of wine every day. And perhaps most of all, I love that this is a family home - where children were obviously considered in making the house beautiful and functional. With children central to my life, I can appreciate anyone who finds a way to infuse practicality in their design without foresaking style.

Here are a few of the more dramatic before and afters (for the full effect, click here):

Would you take on something so bold?