You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dramatic home transformation than Christi and Barrett’s full-house renovation. While visiting Kristen and Matt’s bungalow in Charlotte, NC, we learned that their friends had just completed a major remodel, so we dropped by to tour their updated home too. When in Charlotte…
Here’s the charming couple on their front porch with their newborn. They welcomed us in despite being new homeowners and new parents, and Christi—an enthusiastic reader of design blogs—was happy to let us take photos:
Their porch didn’t always look this polished. Here’s the exterior before the renovation:
And here’s the refreshed look after the remodel:
The landscaping is still a work in progress, but once shrubs and flowers frame the porch, the curb appeal will be even stronger. The renovation included adding a full second floor—now home to a guest room, a nursery, and an additional full bathroom—so there’s plenty more living space inside. Come on in and stay awhile.
The entryway makes an immediate impression with a welcoming fireplace and a built-in bookcase set against a green accent wall. A white mantel, a slate fireplace surround, and rich ebony hardwood floors complete the warm, polished look. Their lower shelf remained sparse because the couple had just moved back in and welcomed a baby shortly after—busy times!
The dining room features a striking black chandelier that anchors the space. Many of their belongings had been in storage during the renovation, and one storage facility was even burglarized—but thankfully the chandelier was safe. A temporary table sits in place while a larger one is on order; in the meantime, the black chairs and long white curtains create a clean, elegant contrast with the fixture.
The kitchen is a true highlight. Vintage-inspired pendant lights hang above the island, glossy marble countertops reflect light, and simple white stools keep the look fresh and uncluttered. A stainless-steel hood and a thoughtful layout make the space both beautiful and functional.
A pull-down faucet—one of Barrett’s design contributions—adds convenience and a professional touch to the sink area.
The living room feels restful and airy, opening directly onto the kitchen. An oversized pendant light makes a dramatic statement while an armoire, refreshed with white paint, provides storage and character. Plush seating and French doors that lead to a small balcony complete the comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Just off the kitchen is a tidy mudroom with a frosted door decal and cleverly concealed laundry appliances. Storage doors hide the washer and dryer, and additional cabinets above provide space for linens and household essentials.
The main-floor bedroom benefits from abundant natural light and billowy curtains. A standout DIY detail: the headboard is the top of the couple’s old dining table. They mounted it on the wall and had an artist add black stripes with a Sharpie to mimic a sophisticated zebra-wood effect—an inventive reuse that adds personality to the room.
Their bathroom is luxurious, featuring a double sink topped in marble and a soaking tub crowned by a chandelier. The attention to finishes and fixtures makes the space feel indulgent and serene.
Upstairs, the nursery was completed before the baby’s gender was known, so the space strikes a cheerful, neutral tone. Greens and yellows combine with a chevron valance and cozy floor pillows. Christi also framed leftover fabric scraps as playful nursery art and transformed a wrought-iron chandelier—bought at a big-box store—by spray-painting it white for a softer look.
That’s the tour: Christi and Barrett’s thoughtful, stylish whole-home makeover. Thank you to them for opening their home and allowing a peek into their beautifully reimagined space. We enjoyed the visit and look forward to sharing our next long-distance house-crash adventure—stay tuned for more inspiring renovations.