After Renovating So Many Homes… I Finally Renovated My Own 

For years, I’ve helped investors — including myself — buy, renovate, and improve properties. Some were flipped, many were held long-term, and all created significant value. Ironically, the one home that kept getting pushed to the bottom of the list was my own. I moved in nearly ten years ago with every intention of renovating it. But opportunity has a way of redirecting priorities. Over the past five years, I completed five renovations for my own investment properties and roughly that many for clients before finally turning that same focus inward. This project wasn’t about resale timelines or return on investment. It was about creating the home I had imagined living in all along. 

 Living Through the Process  

Renovating your primary residence while living in it is a completely different experience than working on a vacant property. For nearly ten months, our downstairs recreation room became our living space, and the garage served as a makeshift kitchen. Everyday routines required planning. Privacy disappeared. Dust found its way into everything no matter how careful we were. It was inconvenient, sometimes exhausting… and surprisingly rewarding. Being there every day meant witnessing the transformation in real time — and staying closely involved in every decision. 

Why Presence Made the Difference  

One unexpected advantage of living through the renovation was the level of collaboration it allowed. I created a detailed floor plan and overall vision to guide the project, but being onsite daily meant ideas could evolve as spaces opened up. Instead of handing off plans and checking in periodically, I worked side-by-side with our contractor. We adjusted details on the fly, solved challenges in real time, and incorporated thoughtful touches that weren’t part of the original design. Those small refinements often made the biggest impact. Most homeowners understandably don’t want to live inside a construction project — and they don’t have to. When I manage renovations for clients, I provide that same hands-on oversight: frequent site visits, material coordination, real-time problem solving, and strict quality control. In essence, I become the boots-on-the-ground project manager and design partner, so they don’t have to be. 

Riverfront Porch — Rebuilt for Strength, Safety, and View 

The entire front wall of the porch — along with the adjoining living room wall — was reframed to maximize light and river views. Two large Pella sliding glass doors were installed with French doors centered between them, topped by three oversized transom windows that flood the space with natural light and visually pull the river indoors. The porch itself was designed to feel both durable and inviting. Walls are finished in stacked ledger stone in gray tones, complemented by cypress trim and a cypress ceiling. Cypress was selected not only for its beauty but for its natural resistance to humidity and insects — ideal for riverfront conditions. During construction, we discovered the existing subfloor structure was not strong enough to support tile flooring, furnishings, and potential storm winds. The entire floor system was rebuilt to create a solid foundation, then finished with wood-look ceramic plank tile that combines durability with the warmth of natural wood. Cable railings were installed to preserve unobstructed views while maintaining safety. The result is a second-story porch that feels open, secure, and built to withstand both daily use and coastal weather — a true outdoor living space for year-round enjoyment. 

Great Room — Open, Light-Filled, and Nature-Inspired 

Non-structural walls separating the dining room, kitchen, breakfast area, and living room were removed to create one expansive open space. To bring warmth and architectural character, we installed 8-inch tongue-and-groove cypress planks on the ceiling, milled locally to highlight the natural beauty of the wood and complement the river setting.  Commercial-grade luxury vinyl plank flooring with a realistic wood-look finish was installed throughout the main living areas. Chosen for its extremely high wear rating, it stands up beautifully to heavy daily use — including two energetic Labradors who regularly sprint through the house without leaving scratches or damage. All interior walls were completely replastered to create a fresh, uniform surface. Instead of a standard drywall finish, a cement roller stamp was used to imprint a subtle wood-grain texture directly into the plaster. This technique adds depth, character, and a handcrafted feel while maintaining the durability of a solid wall finishes. The textured walls were then painted a bold gray, providing a calm backdrop that complements the home’s natural materials — including cypress wood ceilings, stone features, and warm cabinetry. All windows were replaced with Pella Lifestyle series in wood clad.  These custom finish ties the entire renovation together, delivering a distinctive look that feels both refined and organic while remaining highly practical for everyday living. 

Living room-The Heart of the Home — Reimagined 

The original wood-burning fireplace was removed, allowing us to rethink the entire focal point of the space. In its place, we built out a new fireplace wall designed while accommodating a modern electric fireplace that provides both ambiance and supplemental heat. Monkey pod wood was used for the floating shelves, hearth, and mantel, tying the feature wall to the natural materials used throughout the home — including my large monkey pod dining table nearby. The center section was left open for the television and sound system, while matching cabinetry provides additional storage, all finished in stacked stone in shades of tan, gray, and white for texture without heaviness. 

The interior of the front living room wall was also finished in the same stacked ledger stone and the doors, and transom windows all trimmed out in the cypress. Two new casement windows were added to bring in additional natural light and strengthen the connection to the outdoors. 

The result is a space that feels dramatically larger, brighter, and more cohesive — a warm, nature-inspired great room designed for gathering, relaxing, and everyday river living. 

Dining Area — A Statement in Natural Wood 

A large Pella picture window was installed and framed by a cypress wood accent wall to capture downriver views and the surrounding greenery. Centered beneath it sits an eight-foot live-edge monkey pod dining table, whose organic form and live edge reinforces the home’s nature-inspired design. One end of the table appears to float for a clean, open look but is securely supported by a concealed wall bracket. A large statement pendant light anchors the space overhead, adding warmth and ambiance while visually defining the dining zone within the open layout 

Kitchen — Designed for Function, Flow, and Height 

The former breakfast room was incorporated into the kitchen, creating a larger, more efficient layout. New cabinetry and a massive granite countertop bar serve as a natural divider while maintaining open sightlines to the living area. A built-in pantry and coffee bar were designed at one end, with the refrigerator integrated between them for symmetry and convenience. Cypress wood planks on the wall add warmth and texture consistent with the rest of the home. 

A deep black granite sink sits beneath a new awning-style window, with a second matching window installed near the coffee bar for additional light and ventilation. Because we are both over six feet tall, all cabinetry was installed higher than standard height for improved comfort and ergonomics while enhancing the room’s vertical presence. 

Cabinet features include: 

• Custom pull-out drawers for pots, pans, Tupperware, and utensils 
• Hidden storage for the microwave and toaster within upper cabinetry 
• A dedicated coffee station separate from the main work zone 

Three coordinating pendant lights hang above the bar, matching the larger fixture in the dining area and visually linking the two spaces. The result is a kitchen that feels open, organized, and tailored for real daily use — equally suited for cooking, entertaining, and gathering. 

Primary Suite — A Private Retreat Created from Two Rooms 

Two small bedrooms were combined to form one expansive primary suite. At one end of the room, we built a custom walk-in closet lined in cedar wood and outfitted with custom organizer cabinetry, providing abundant storage while adding natural aroma and protection for clothing. It is finished with four oversized mirrored sliding doors, which enhance light reflection and create a brighter, more open feel within the suite. 

A stone fireplace feature wall anchors the room, topped with a striking monkey pod mantel. Above it, a recessed television niche framed in cypress allows the screen to sit flush for a clean built-in appearance. The ceiling continues the home’s design language with 8-inch cypress tongue-and-groove planks, while two sliding glass doors and an additional window bring in abundant natural light and outdoor connection. New frieze carpet in warm tan tones adds softness underfoot. Gray, tan, and white stacked ledger stone wall behind the bed completes the palette, creating a calm, cohesive atmosphere. 

Primary Bathroom — Spa-Like and Private

The bathroom footprint was expanded by incorporating space from an oversized hall and part of the former breakfast room. A massive walk-in shower with wood-look tile and full glass enclosure forms the centerpiece of the space. A horizontal sliding window inside the shower introduces natural light while maintaining privacy. 

Thoughtful features include: 

• Recessed wall niches beneath the window for shampoos and soaps 
• A teak bench for comfort and practicality 
• Pebble stone shower flooring for texture, drainage, and a natural feel 

A new linen pantry provides additional storage, while the vanity features a granite countertop with a wood-look vessel sink. To accommodate our height, the vanity was installed two inches higher than standard. For privacy, the toilet is located on the opposite side of the shower. Overhead, 8-inch cypress tongue-and-groove planks add warmth and continuity with the rest of the home. The result is a bathroom that feels significantly larger, luxurious, and thoughtfully designed for everyday use. 

Guest Bedroom — Bright, Comfortable, and Practical 

The guest bedroom was refreshed to create a welcoming retreat for visitors. New frieze carpet in soft neutral tones adds warmth and comfort, while an additional window brings in abundant natural light. Positioned along the home’s main sightline, the window also creates a visual connection from the great room and entry area through the hallway and out toward the backyard, making the entire space feel brighter, more open, and connected to the outdoors. The closet was upgraded with built-in organizer cabinetry and heavy wood framed mirrored sliding doors, providing both functionality and the visual benefit of reflecting light to make the room feel larger. 

Exterior — Natural Materials with Lasting Durability 

On the exterior, we enhanced both the appearance and resilience of the home using materials selected to withstand the elements while complementing the natural river setting. Cypress wood was installed on the front and rear gables, adding warmth, texture, and a timeless organic character. The main exterior was finished with square-channel Hardie® Artisan siding, delivering a clean architectural profile paired with exceptional long-term durability. Grey stacked stone accents and custom cypress trim frame the sliding glass doors on the front and side of the home, visually connecting the exterior to the natural materials used throughout the interior and creating a cohesive, welcoming appearance from every angle. The home was then painted a rich charcoal gray, with doors and trim finished in bold black, producing a striking modern contrast that feels both sophisticated and perfectly grounded in its wooded riverfront surroundings. 

Future Covered Deck & Carport 

The sliding glass doors off the bedroom were intentionally positioned to open onto a planned covered deck that will extend the private living space outdoors while preserving peaceful views of the surrounding landscape. Future plans include tying a new roof structure into the existing home to shelter the deck area, which will house a relaxing jacuzzi — creating a private outdoor retreat perfect for unwinding while enjoying the peaceful surroundings year-round. The design allows for generous clearance beneath, creating a dual-purpose space that will function as a covered carport — ideal for protecting vehicles, boats, or outdoor equipment while maximizing usable space on the property. 

Lower-Level Entertainment Suite — Planned Upgrade 

Exciting improvements are also planned for the downstairs game room and guest suite, transforming it into a true indoor-outdoor entertainment hub. A large awning-style window will be installed and designed to open fully to the exterior, creating a pass-through bar that connects the interior gathering space directly to the backyard. This feature will allow guests to move effortlessly between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation, making the area perfect for hosting, game days, cookouts, and casual riverfront entertaining. 

The Advantage of Living Through It 

While living in a construction zone is never easy, it allowed for invaluable real-time quality control and decision-making. If something didn’t look right, adjustments could be made immediately. If a better idea emerged, it could be incorporated before it was too late. The experience reinforced a key principle learned from years of renovation work: the best results come from both careful planning and flexibility. 

A Different Kind of Investment 

Transforming homes is one of my greatest passions, but this project was different. After years of renovating for financial return, this renovation focused on investing in daily life — creating spaces that feel comfortable, functional, beautiful, and deeply personal. It’s incredibly fulfilling to now live in a home that reflects so much thoughtful design, patience, and hard work. Even with experience, renovation brings disruption, dust, and uncertainty. Yet it also transforms not just the structure, but how you experience your home every single day. After ten years of waiting, it was worth every inconvenience to finally live in the home I had envisioned from the start. With the major renovations complete, I’m excited to finish the remaining enhancements and fully enjoy everything this home — and its beautiful river setting — has to offer for years to come. 

“Want a closer look at how this renovation came together? This month’s Broker’s Corner shares behind-the-scenes insights, including the vendors we partnered with, materials selected, and fixtures that completed the design.”

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— Tanya ChappellOwner/BrokerSecure Investments Realty & Management Corp.