Migonis Home

living large in a small space

House Tour

I was in love with this house the second we drove by, it was in the perfect little neighborhood for raising a family and it seemed like a feasible project. In fact, nearly every day after we found the house I drove by it on my way home… I was smitten, large bushes and peeling paint did nothing to deter me.
But we couldn’t afford it (don’t you hate it when that happens?). My mom told me about friends who had written a note to the seller and ended up getting a great deal on their home. So I wrote one to give to the seller with the offer (I took out her name in certain places):
We have been looking at your house on the real estate website nearly every day since it was put on the market. We couldn’t afford your asking price so we never scheduled a showing… although we haven’t been able get your house out of our mind. The reason we came to look at the house, and have proceeded to make an offer is because it is exactly the type of house and neighborhood in which we want to raise a family. We got married about four months ago and work in the community. AJ is a seventh grade history teacher and cross-country coach at Manchester-Essex Middle School and Jen works at Gordon College as the event planner for the Development and Alumni office. We would like to start a family within the next year and a half and see ourselves staying in this house and community for a long time.
We sincerely hope we didn’t offend you with this offer, and if we did we are so sorry, we just can’t afford more than the current offer. Thank you for considering and we wish you well no matter what you decide.
AJ and Jen Migonis
Our offer was accepted the next day with the only contingency being that she wouldn’t lower the price if things were found in the home inspection. This is what we had prayed would happen…we saw it as a miracle because we offered $45k less than the asking price!Here is what the outside of the house looks like now after installing replacement  windows and one new construction in the center of the house with Coastal Windows & Exteriors, putting on a front porch and giving our door a makeover.
Summer Home Tour image

 The photo above was taken from my Summer Home Tour from 2015. 

IMG_0376

A Tour

We added pea gravel over our existing very beat up driveway pavement for a more coastal and charming feel and then dug up some awful grass in the backyard to create a patio.
AJ is the gardener in the family and planted all these gorgeous flowers here… my job is to weed, mow the lawn and trim the bushes. :)

 

 Here is the view from our driveway leading into our back patio:
We scheduled our House Warming Party three weeks after we moved in to make ourselves get a few projects done quickly. Here are some before and in-progress photos:

BACK ENTRYWAY

This was taken last spring. I don’t always have a bunny wreath up. :)
We made a coat rack out of a piece of driftwood AJ and I found during a date on Plum Island and I turned some spring photos into watercolors to hang above it.
IMG_1577

 BATHROOM BEFORE

 

BATHROOM IN PROGRESS

 We wanted a simple and classic bathroom so we chose this pedestal sink from Home Depot.

Fullscreen capture 882014 102717 PM.bmp
BATHROOM SOURCE LIST:
Paint: Benjamin Moore’s Harbor Gray | Bath mat: Marshalls | Shower curtain: Nautica | Penny tile: Overstock.com | Sink and Toilet: Kohler from Home Depot | Floor Tile: Home Depot | Bathroom Shelf: made here out of a floor joist board, towels from Tahari (from Marshalls) on it | Bathroom Mirror: Home Goods | Curtain rod, toilet paper holder: Home Goods

KITCHEN BEFORE

KITCHEN IN PROGRESS

The kitchen is nearly complete. We need to finish up some molding, make the island feel more substantial, add curtains and a chandelier (and probably replace the pendent lights) but we have made great progress in here…

  _DSC0109-001

_DSC0089-001

 

_DSC0107
This is the view looking into the front entryway. When opened up the wall where the stairway is to make the downstairs feel more airy.
IMG_1136

KITCHEN SOURCE LIST

Cabinets: Home Depot, Thomasville line | Countertops: Bianca Cararra but we picked it out through Doyans Appliance in Gloucester. I went to a marble / granite warehouse in Woburn to pick it out.

Knobs and Pulls: Home Depot |  Oven and Microwave: GE from Home Depot  |  Fridge: Maytag from Home Depot  |  Sink: Franke from Home Depot  |  Faucet: Moen from Home Depot |  Stovetop: Maytag from Home Depot  |  Floors: Dark Walnut hardwood by Joe Floors (based around the Manchester area)  | Kitchen table: Craigslist  |  Chairs: IKEA  |  Barstools: Christmas Tree Shops  | Blue rugs: Pottery Barn, Malika rug  |  Paint: Kitchen: Martha Stewart’s Driftwood Gray and Hallway: MS’s Sandpiper

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

while previous owner lived here

LIVING ROOM IN PROGRESS

One of the biggest and most useful changes to the room we made, shortly after moving in was to put a door at the far end of the room, sort of where you see the framed painting on the paneling toward the middle of the photo above. It made the entire downstairs flow so much better. Just recently (April 2015) we replaced all the drywall in the room. We added a chair rail to the almost mid-point and a new baseboard to the bottom. It’s amazing what a new color scheme and our own furniture have done to make the space feel more beachy. In June 2014 we replaced three of the windows in this room with Coastal Windows & Exteriors which made the room feel a lot more polished (and warmer this winter! :)).

IMG_1057

This photo shows my frugal-ness to the max. :) The chair was one our neighbor was giving away, it’s the most comfortable thing ever. (I’m sitting in it now as I type. :)) The white console was part of a hutch I got for $20 at my favorite thrift store. I painted it and popped some new pulls on it. The branches are some I pruned off our crazy looking lilac because I love giant statement making arrangements when you need to give some definition and height to a room.

IMG_1058

The coffee table was also a side of the road find I made over (HERE) and the console was a giant 1970s piece that I redid (and then redid again because the middle doors felt too busy from it’s first makeover that I featured HERE).

IMG_1065

This sea fan art is one of my simplest projects and one of my favorite knock-offs. Do you Neiman Marcus was trying to sell a similar set for about $700?

IMG_1075

AJ and I had a little staycation while my parents watched Drew and Elle during April break 2015 and we picked up this great little lamp at a vintage store while out running in Rocky Neck, Gloucester.

LR 1

DREW’S ROOM BEFORE

With the 1800s wallpaper:

DREW’S ROOM: IN PROGRESS

Our next project is to redrywall and paint Drew’s room; we just painted over the wallpaper and flooring you see above. We are hoping to make some real progress in here this summer.
_DSC0517
_DSC0519

 

NURSERY BEFORE

The “before” was taken from the listing website before we purchased the house.

ELLE’S NURSERY: IN PROGRESS

We’ve currently switched some things around in here… the dresser is now in Drew’s room and the green chair is now in the basement to give Elle more space. More photos at the beginning of May coming.  
The room is lavender, white and gray… with a big pop of color from the pillow you see below. Above the crib I framed portions of my favorite children’s story, Miss Rumphius. I have plans to reupholster the chair at some point… once I figure out the right color.

 

 

 MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE

 Picture a linoleum floor in yellow. Yellow walls. Yellow trim. And then picture all of it incredibly dirty. This photo sort of does it justice.

MASTER BEDROOM IN PROGRESS

We still need to finish boxing in the beams on the ceiling, add built-ins to the closet and design nightstands but the room now is a far cry from what it used to be thanks to completely new drywall, paint, decor, windows and hardwood flooring… not to mention utilizing the under the eves area and making them into two closets that are incredibly useful now!
 
_DSC0527
_DSC0521
IMG_1113
Bed frame: made by AJ and myself here | Headboard: made by myself here | Chair: hand-me-down | Curtains: West Elm shower curtains (post here) | Frames: AC Moore (post here on the photographs) | Silver Frames: Linen and Things | Fireplace: Home Depot (we painted it) | Mirror: Antique
 
Thanks for joining me on a tour of our home! I’m so glad you have stopped by!

Follow Migonis Home for new posts and daily inspiration:

Facebook | Pinterest | Intagram

Comments

  1. Hello,
    your home is looking wonderful. Perfect for a family to grow in. Your children will grow so fast so, don’t miss a day… I love your flag, and actually am going as we speak to get the supplies. don’t know where to buy the paint? I live in Oak Island NC but just wanted to share that I’m loving that wooden flag even past JULY 4th here in the Southport/ Oak Island area it will be perfect year round.

    Sandy Harris

    Reply

    • Thank you, Sandy! I hope it turns out wonderfully! You can order Country Chic Paint online but any other paint brand could work too!

      Reply

  2. Hello Jen, I just came across your blog through your wonderful Black Bean Salad Recipe showcased on the Making Lemonade Blog. I loved looking at your home tour and the amazing changes you are making to it. Sharon.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Sharon! And thank you for taking the time to write and tell me! :)
      I think you’ll love the salad!
      Jen

      Reply

  4. I love the addition of the upper window! I am all about natural light and you have definitely accomplished that! Beautiful home and great inspirational ideas!

    Reply

      • The transformation is just awesome!! The previous owner should see her home so beautifully reinvented. I know it took Long hours of work, but your result is stunning!

        Reply

  5. WOW!! Look at that transformation to the front of the house. It can BREATHE now that those shrubs are gone. And that front porch…SWOON. We have a tiny cape-style home. I’ll be sticking around and learning from you, for sure! Would love to add a bigger front porch to our place.

    Reply

    • Yeah Sarah! So happy that you’ll be sticking around! I totally agree with you about the porch being able to breathe! :)

      Reply

  6. Hi Jen,
    I love all of the improvements that you’ve made! My favorite {although I love the inside too, so it’s so hard to choose} is that curb appeal! It changes the whole look all while maintaining the cottage New England coastal feel. I love what you’ve done!!!

    Reply

  7. Hi Jen,
    I love all of the improvements that you’ve made! My favorite {although I love the inside too, so it’s so hard to choose} is that curb appeal! It changes the whole look all while maintaining the cottage New England coastal feel. I love what you’ve done!!! aly

    Reply

  8. Wow! That right there is my dream home. Although I always say I will build my house around my dream kitchen (and yours is totally gorgeous) – I have five kids, so I definitely LOVE the garden and outdoor space. The peace and quiet and relaxation I could accomplish there. Wow!! Haha. Congratulations! You’re house is beautiful.

    Reply

  9. I didn’t even have to look back through the pictures to know my favorite! THAT PORCH! The outside changes you guys have pulled off are absolutely stunning. Love the columns, the deep sitting area, now the new shutters, (also the back dining area!). Also drew’s baby nursery is an all time favorite of mine!!

    Reply

  10. Hands’ down the porch. I’m not one for too much white or painted furniture – I like lots of natural wood with white accents and fun wall colors. But the porch? I’d buy the house just for that :)

    Reply

  12. There are actually 3 things that make my list of “Best of” for your makeover: 1) The tin backsplash in your kitchen (brilliant!), 2) The coral shade you added to your Master. I’m partial to anything in the orange family, and I love that you didn’t stick with the safe choices of black, navy, or gray. 3) Your irises. (Sigh.) Stunning purple lining to your entrance! Great job on it ALL, though!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Jenny! :) The backsplash was a good one especially since it’s not something you see everywhere. And the irises are too short lived. :)

      Reply

  13. As for an Etsy shop, I don’t know her personally, but Emily Ley has a HUGE product launch coming up on Sept. 3. I personally have it already added to my Santa Wish List because it’s exactly what I need. She’s quite amazing!

    Reply

  14. I really love so many of your rooms, but I think your kitchen is one of my favorites. I also love your master bedroom renovation with the opened up ceiling! I also really like how you have opened up the front of your home by paring down the landscaping. It is just lovely all around!

    Reply

  15. I love how light and airy your whole home is now, but the kitchen especially captures my eye…lovely work, and I look forward to following your for more inspiration!

    Reply

  17. Wow, Jen! I have been with you for a while as you renovated but it is almost hard to believe when I see all the rooms side by side!! You two have done such a wonderful job! I think my favorite HAS to be the kitchen although all the rooms are lovely. We have to spend so much time in the kitchen and the original one was just hideous. You have great taste – I would have never thought to use the backsplash you did, but it adds so much light and interest to the room.
    My second favorite is the pea gravel driveway and patio. It looks so inviting!

    Reply

  19. I saw your home on Rhoda’s Southern Hospitality blog and wanted to say WOW to you myself!
    What a masterful stroke of genious idea to write the owner that note, such a happy ending to that part of your story. I’d venture to say y’all took the originator of that tale out for a nice dinner!!
    Your curb appeal transformation is nothing short of spectacular, as I’m sitting on our beach cottage porch writing this I’m thinking your porch is much cooler than ours….. my man says it’s 98 degrees in the shade right now………. we’ve had excessive heat warnings for several days here on the Gulf Coast. It’s all good though, fans are running and the breeze off the water makes it comfortable enough with solar shades on the windows.
    I love your interior reno projects, even hubs was surprised at the seemingly miraculous changes you’ve made to your home. The bath, kitchen, children’s bedrooms are all wonderful but your bedroom is my favorite! Spectacular reno project, it’s so peaceful, warm and inviting that I know you must feel like you’re in a dream having such a lovely space! You mention boxing in the beams……. they look so perfect the way they are I sincerely hope you won’t change them, it’s such an, ‘individual look’, not usually seen in ordinary reno’s. The eave closets are another stroke of pure genious at work, love it, such a smart use of your space. Very much like the back yard/driveway redo as well, another smart idea! Sorry, I do go on…… but I wanted you to know how impressed I am with your home.
    You’ve worked so hard and certainly deserve all the kudos you will ever get!
    Great job y’all! Best wishes for your family’s future in your lovely home, VBg

    Reply

  21. Hi there, I happen to stumble onto your site. I haven’t had the chance to look through all of it but the house tour just melted my heart. I love how you made every thing look so cosy and beautiful and your own. The nursery may be tiny but I thought it was so cute and pretty. Just wanted to say good luck with it all. Ohhh by the way your front pics are like something from a magazine. love it @FITNESSNLIFESTYLE Ive just started blogging. not sure what Im doing but just winging it. Feel free to check out my blog. alineplus3.blogspot.ae

    Reply

  22. Hi- Absolutely love your home! It is an inspiration, as my husband and I just purchased our first home and are pulling it all together. I love the way your fireplace in the master bedroom looks and want to do something similar. Do you remember what model that is from Home Depot? Are you happy with it? Thanks for any help!

    Reply

  23. I am smitten with this blog! I just stumbled across it just one page into the “Building A Framework…” ebook on blogging…. Your story (house tour) and pics are fabulous. I love how you have organized your home…I adore the books and puzzles in the wagon!

    Reply

  24. What a great transformation of every room, particularly considering the “before” pix.( My local Craigsist called. They want everything in the “before” living room!!!!) But oh those “afters,” particularly the master bedroom. Wonderful!

    Judy

    Reply

  26. I absolutely LOVE what you’ve done with your home. I too live in a small home and am renovating it one room at a time. So many of your before pictures remind me of my own…wallpaper galore! I admire your taste. I read so many blogs and often find houses over done and too crafty for my taste. Your style is just right! Great job :)
    Margie recently posted…scarlett – monthly baby picsMy Profile

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Margie. I totally know what you mean about homes that are overdone and / or too crafty. Isn’t it funny how wallpaper was all the rage???

      Reply

    • Isn’t it amazing what a little paint will do!?! I found that it made it look so much more custom!

      Reply

  28. I love your home! We are just starting the building process and your kitchen is a big inspiration of mine. Can you speak to how you like living with your marble countertops? Everyone is trying to steer me away but I realized none of these people have ever actually lived with them. I’d appreciate your thoughts!

    Reply

    • Hi Rachel-
      Everyone tried to steer me from them too. I adore they way they look from a distance but when you get up close you see all sorts of water stains… basically it looks like I haven’t cleaned it well. We even have the stain blocker put down when we bought it. When we put them in there weren’t too many good substitutes for the Carerra marble. If I were to recreate this kitchen again I think I’d do a white granite, I wish I could remember the name of the one I saw in a kitchen store recently, but it looks SO similar to the marble; or I’d do a Corian / Silestone option. I think the marble / white cabinets is one of the most elegant and classic looks but I hate that it never looks perfectly clean. And as for the patina everyone is talking about? I wouldn’t say it’s charming, I’d say it looks like there are water rings everywhere (even though we’ve been religious about trying to wipe them up!).

      Reply

  29. I love your home! Thank you for sharing it with us. Did you move right into your home or did you update the drywall and flooring in the bedrooms before you moved in?

    Reply

    • Hi Kim! We updated everything as we went… we did nothing before we moved in, although, I’ll tell you, it would have been a lot easier if we had. :)

      Reply

  30. Your hone is absolutely stunning. I love how it’s perfectly decorated but still feels warm and inviting! I’m not sure how you’re able to keep your home so put together with the two little ones! You are clearly Super Woman!

    Reply

    • I don’t keep it totally put together. :) I take all my photos at varying times… rarely is every room perfectly cleaned at once. Don’t let these photos deceive you. :) I once read a quote that said “cleaning your house while you have children is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos”… it’s so true.

      Reply

  31. Your home is lovely! I noticed your wedding dress in one of the photos and wanted to tell you how gorgeous I think it is!!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge