the empty, transformed house

by | Jul 5, 2022 | All Things Home, My House | 34 comments

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This post has been waiting in the wings for a while, and I’m finally dusting it off to share a final before & after of some of my favorite rooms in our MN house.  I’m in the process of updating the MN Home Tour page, so it reflects the changes we’ve made since 2020 prior to selling the house this spring.  If you want to check out the rooms furnished and the complete transformations, you can find them HERE or search for a specific room in the blog NAV bar under All Things Home.  But, I thought it would be fun to show the rooms how they looked when we moved in and then again when we moved out.  This way, you get to see how the bones of rooms changed.  Decorating really does make the room come alive, but setting the stage for your decor is a huge step in the makeover process.

the kitchen

Here is how the kitchen looked when we moved in.  This is literally the day we moved in, so things are just dumped in the room.  I loved the layout of the kitchen, so I knew it just needed some cosmetic changes to make it more my style.

kitchen makeover | miss mustard seed

It’s almost hard to believe it’s the same kitchen!  The big expenses were the new dual fuel range and the Hanstone quartz counters, but all of the other changes were DIY projects and inexpensive updates made slowly over time.  You can see the full progression of the kitchen makeover HERE and read all of the posts about the kitchen HERE.

kitchen makeover | painted kitchen cabinets | miss mustard seed

the living room

The living room was another room with great bones.  I loved the built-ins and was so excited to have a fireplace I would decorate and hang stockings from.  But, I knew I wanted to paint everything and we eventually replaced the carpet with hardwood floors.  Jeff and I also added picture frame molding, a chair rail, and box beams to bring more architectural detail to the room.

living room makeover | miss mustard seed

After a few years of debating with myself about it, I finally painted the granite fireplace surround and hearth and I love how it turned out.  I can’t believe I waited so long!

You can find all of the posts about the living room HERE.

This room wasn’t totally empty because the new owners purchased a few pieces that remained.  I’ve always loved those chairs, but I felt ready to let them go and find a new pair of French chairs to reupholster.

living room makeover | miss mustard seed

You can find the rug HERE.

living room makeover | miss mustard seed

I also sold my favorite pine cabinet.  I always find cabinets, hutches, and cupboards I love, so now I’ll be able to fall in love with a new one.  This one really is perfect where it is.

living room makeover | miss mustard seed

 

the sewing room

This little boxy bedroom was so much fun to work on.  I had plans for it for years and I finally took the time to work on it during the stay-at-home phase of the pandemic.

sewing room makeover | miss mustard seed

I painted the trim, installed picture frame molding, swapped out the light fixture for a vintage chandelier, and starched blue and white toile fabric to the walls.  The new owners called it the “blue room”, which I just love.  It makes it sound so fancy.  I’m not sure if I’ll have a sewing room in the next house.  I’m sort of hoping for a larger studio space that can include my sewing, fabric, and knitting stuff with other art/craft stuff.  I prefer to have everything all together if I can.  We’ll see what’s available when the time comes.

sewing room makeover | miss mustard seed

the master bedroom

This bedroom will probably be the largest bedroom and bathroom suite that we’ll ever own!  It was so huge, which was awesome but also a challenge to fill such a large space.

master bedroom makeover | miss mustard seed

We hung a vintage chandelier instead of the ceiling fan, painted the walls Stonginton Gray by Benjamin Moore, and added more picture frame molding.  We probably would’ve eventually added crown molding for even more architectural detail.  I also would’ve loved to put wood floors in here, but we just didn’t get around to that.

master bedroom makeover | miss mustard seed

master bedroom makeover | miss mustard seed

The curtains (you can see how I made them HERE), chandelier, linen-slipcovered chaise, tripod table, and lamp all stayed with the new homeowners.

master bedroom makeover | miss mustard seed

You can see a detailed evolution of the bedroom makeover HERE.

the ensuite bathroom

Like most of the rooms, the bathroom had a great layout but we just wanted to update the finishes and “de-beige.”  Oh, it was so beige!  We reused the tub and cabinetry, and spent most of our makeover budget on tile, counters, and replacing the plastic insert with a custom shower.  You can read all of the details about the makeover, sources, etc. HERE.

suburban ensuite bathroom makeover | miss mustard seed

I will miss this bathroom with all of that storage, the yummy tile, and the deep soaker tub.

suburban ensuite bathroom makeover | miss mustard seed

the studio

The studio was the room that underwent the greatest transformation almost immediately after we moved it.  It was a dark sunporch that we insulated, climate-controlled, and painted.  And, if you’ve been following me for a while, you know that studio is a special place.  It has beautiful light and was a fantastic place to create.

home art studio makeover | sunporch conversion | miss mustard seed

I love that it has personality now but it is a room of potential.  It can be just about anything the new owners want it to be…a sunporch, a solarium, a place to exercise (it would be especially nice for pilates), an office, an eating area, a music studio, a sleeping porch.  It could be so many things.

home art studio makeover | sunporch conversion | miss mustard seed

You can find more information about the studio and how I utilized the space HERE.  You can see the tutorial on painting the checkerboard floors HERE.

the foyer

I wasn’t planning on budgeting very much for the foyer, but we ended up spending more on that than almost any other room!  We decided it was worth it because we pass through that space so often.  We wanted it to feel like our home and, initially, it was just a space we had to get through to get to the rooms that felt like “us.”  We had slate floors put in, replaced the carpeted stairs with hardwood, and had all of the walls and trim painted.  Those changes made a huge difference in making the foyer look custom.

two-story suburban makeover | miss mustard seed

You can read more about the foyer makeover HERE.

two-story suburban makeover | miss mustard seed

the dining room

When the picture below was taken of the dining room, we had already removed the modern fixture and hung the vintage chandelier we brought with us from our PA house.  This is the $4.00 yard sale chandelier and I just haven’t been able to let it go.  We sold all of the other chandeliers with the house, but we took this one with us once again.

dining room makeover | miss mustard seed

We had the wall-to-wall carpet replaced with hardwood and added a band of dark wood so it would tie into the original wood floors a little better.  I painted the mural on a whim and it ended up being the star of the house.  I am sure I’ll do a mural somewhere in our new house, but what the house looks like will dictate where the mural will be as well as the style.  I’m just dreaming at this point!

dining room makeover | miss mustard seed

I replaced the chandelier with one I found on Facebook Marketplace for $10!  It’s not a super high-quality chandelier, but I thought the style would work, and then it’ll be no biggie if the new owners find something better to replace it.

You can read more about the dining room HERE.

the butler’s pantry

The butler’s pantry isn’t technically a room, but it was one of my favorite little nooks.  It was a great place to display part of my ironstone collection and I loved decorating it for Christmas.  Again, it had great bones but just needed a little oomph.  You know what I mean by oomph.

built-in butler's pantry makeover | miss mustard seed

I removed the doors, and added beadboard to the back and wood shelves instead of glass.  I also added corbels for a little more detail and to make the piece look more like a built-in hutch instead of upper and lower cabinets.  I painted it in a rich, custom green and, believe it or not, it stayed that color the entire time.  I didn’t repaint it once.  It was just perfect.  I ended up keeping the doors and glass shelves so the new homeowners can have the option to change things up again in the future.

You can read about the complete makeover HERE.

built-in butler's pantry makeover | miss mustard seed

The butler’s pantry didn’t end up being completely empty on closing day.  Do you remember that ironstone collection I put together as a surprise?  That was from the new owner’s mom as a housewarming gift.  Isn’t that so sweet?  She wanted her daughter to have a headstart at filling up the shelves, so I put together a nice collection for her and it was so fun to do.  Now that I’m back on the east coast, I can always find more ironstone if I “need” it.

built-in butler's pantry makeover | miss mustard seed

Well, there are more rooms in the house, but those are my favorite.  Actually, the laundry room was another favorite, but I didn’t get a picture of it when the house was empty.  I didn’t have my tripod handy and that room has tricky light.

I took these pictures as we were saying goodbye to the house.  It was bittersweet.  The boys each took time in their rooms and we prayed together to thank God for this beautiful house and all of the wonderful memories we made in it.  We had a final picnic and shared our favorite things about the house and what we’re hoping for in our next house.

I am looking forward to finding out what wish list items become a reality…

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    34 Comments

    1. Sandra Jackson

      What speaks to me about this post has nothing to do with the wonderful room changes (although I do enjoy those) but is the wonderful examples of family life shared. One of a surprise by a mom for a daughter beginning a new chapter in her next home which will become a treasured memory. Another of gratitude and sharing that teaches the next generation about the important work that goes on in a family not matter where they are living. Thank you for sharing.

      • Beverlee

        exactly.

      • Rita

        Wonderfully said. Just think of all the wonderful memories made and the ones to come for both families.

      • Krista

        So well said!

      • Donna

        Well said! This was a wonderful home, it shows in every room. But now its time to move on. And lucky us that we get to come along for the ride.

    2. Shelley

      This post actually brought tears to my eyes. I know the pain of saying good bye to a house well loved and the excitement of the next one to come. Can’t wait to see what is next for you and how you make it come alive like you did here. LOVE everything you do, especially as you grow as a VERY talented person.

    3. Kim

      Oh, it is so bittersweet, and I burst into tears at the lines at the end about thanking God for your life there.

      One thing I have loved about this house is the fact that you took a typical suburban “newer” home and transformed it into a personal style showcase and showed us all how to do it for our own homes! It has been a joy to experience along with you and we are all waiting with bated breath for your next household endeavor! I’ll be along for the ride, and I thank you for sharing your life with us.

      • Laura L

        I feel the same way, Kim! I loved seeing how Marian was able to transform a “real” house into such a unique and personalized place. You’ve taught me a lot here, Miss Mustard Seed!!

        • Addie

          Me too!!! Everything Marian did was pure perfection….how lucky the new owners are!!! I cannot even pick a favorite room. I loved them all.
          Me too on shedding a tear for the last part.

    4. Deborah Raney

      Like others, this post made me cry. Bittersweet to leave a house so well-loved, but loved the hints of new owners enjoying the house and making it their own, and also of thanking God for the gift of this home and the hope of where the next chapter of life will take you all. Can’t wait to find out!

    5. Beverlee

      You certainly showed us all how to love a home, to keep it clean, to show it’s best dress, to live in it. Thank you.
      It is exciting to hear that another lady will love some of the same things.
      You are blessed because you are a blessing. It is so warming to know you too the time to say goodby and to that God for your blessings.
      We love you.

      • Beverlee

        sorry, to THANK God.

    6. Irene Kelly

      I totally agree with all the above posts esp Sandra. Just the fact that you and Jeff have decided to do this move so your sons can be closer yo their grandparents is a wonderful idea ! I stillneed you to get back to me on my previous post about that lovely mirror armoire etc. Have fun traveling this summer and if you do decide to go to New England you will find enormous amounts of great furniture.

      • Marian Parsons

        I am doing a post just for you and others who asked! I’m sharing all of the pieces I sold and kept (so I can keep track, too!)

    7. Barbara H.

      Wonderful post, wonderful blog and what lucky new homeowners to have such a beautiful base to build on as they make the house theirs and create a life within it. May you and they be blessed as both families start new chapters.

    8. MaryLisa

      I’ve followed your journey to this house and all the changes and I wish you the same amazing creative opportunities in your next home…

    9. Debbie

      I loved this bittersweet post, especially the gift from the mother to her daughter. Like the others, I teared up reading about your family saying goodbye in your own special way. I just know God has something special waiting for y’all.

      I’m along for the ride, too, Marian, and have really enjoyed your positive attitude throughout your transition – even when you broke your foot! Prayers for the rest of your family’s journey, sweet girl. Looking forward to reading about it.

    10. Cassandra E

      That pine cabinet is a favorite of mine as well. I have the clipping from Country Living when they featured it. I’d forgotten you’d done the ceiling in the living room, so it was good to see that dramatic change.
      What a lucky woman to not only buy your home, but some of the furnishings and a mother to purchase a beginning collection of ironstone. I’m green like your beautiful cabinets.

    11. Suzi

      Such a beautifully written post.

    12. JC

      Step by step, Marion, you have created such beauty right before our eyes. There is a lot of hard work behind the scenes and love poured into this house which will make a lovely home for the new owners. What a SWEET Mom to bless her daughter with an ironstone collection! It would have been fun to see her face when she arrived to her new home! Whatever and wherever you all go, you will make the next house just as much a home as this one! The adventure awaits!

    13. Norma

      Marian, I loved the blue room in your house and all the architectural features, you put in. Basically, I loved your entire house! I can imagine it was a bittersweet moment when you and the family said good bye to your lovely home. Yes, just as every one else , The prayer of gratitude touched my heart. It was lovely. Thank you

    14. mary m

      Loved every moment of your journey. Forty one years ago we did the same thing after restoring a 1850 Greek Revival home in Rhode Island. Business opportunities beconed. It was a good time to move because the children were at a good point. The new business was very successful and the next generation is going forward. It was so hard to leave that home and I still love it in my heart. Interesting that our next door neighbor bought it and rented it all this time. Now the renter is buying their house and the owner is moving into our house. Amazing because you just never know……………….. Best of luck for you and your family.

    15. Nora

      I’m so impressed with your positive attitude. You made this house your home. But now you’ve moved on with the phase in your lives as the goal. You’re moving for all the right reasons. And that is awesome. As it should be.
      Thanking God for your time here and memories made was a beautiful send off.
      On to the next chapter in the Parsons book!

    16. Sandy

      Home…the thoughts that word evokes. So thankful for what God provided y’all with in MN. Praying for you, Jeff and the guys as you wait on God’s provision for what is ahead. For now, happy travels!

    17. Tonya

      What a privilege to be able to have a home after you have been there! You make homes sooo cozy! You make me want to go ahead and paint my kitchen cabinets…maybe this winter. I had to move into my MIL’s huge house, a newer house. We bought into it b/c my husband’s sister wanted to move to Florida and we knew his mom couldn’t live alone. For five years, I have lived here and done litte things to it b/c it is so big and new and felt uncozy to me. I felt like, “this isn’t really my home.” I recently realized my ungrateful, bitter attitude was stopping me from making the place God wanted for me to be my home, not become my home. So I finally have gotten out the paint brushes and been making transformations to make it our home. It is a mammoth job, but so rewarding. You have done such amazing work in the short time you have been in that house. Thank you for keeping up with your blog and being such an encouragement along the way. I always come to your blog just to see what you have been up to and your positive attitude always rubs off. You are a huge blessing from God! 🙂 (I secretly am hoping you will be moving back to PA so maybe someday I can meet you! 🙂 )

    18. Robbie Zeller

      Thank you for encouraging us in life, love and making a home. So appreciate you!

    19. Frances

      Everything you did is gorgeous, however there is something about the butler’s pantry that catches my eye every time I see it. If I had one in my house I would duplicate it. 🙂

    20. Karen

      I remember the day I said goodbye to the old farmhouse in Indiana that I grew up in. I was 14 years old and leaving everything, everyone, and everywhere I had ever called home. We moved to Tennessee when I was in the middle of the 9th grade to a school where I knew not one single person. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through besides losing my father at age 12. Back then, at my tender age, I didn’t think of taking pictures of it before I left. But I’m 59 now and I can tell you about every room in that house and every piece of furniture and where it sat. It’s a memory that will linger with me until the day I die. I think when we live in and love a house that when we leave it we leave a little piece of ourselves there. I think homes have souls and that is why our favorite ones remain in our memories for a lifetime.

    21. Roberta Cordell

      Of all the things you have done to your beautiful home I think the butler’s pantry is by far my favorite. One of our daughters and her husband live in a house with an area just like that. I have showed her yours many times. May God bless you and your family on your next adventures!

    22. Sandi from Wisconsin

      What a lovely post! Enjoyed seeing the before and after for each room. You transformed them so beautifully. Also, love how you closed out this chapter of your lives with a picnic, a prayer of thanksgiving, and shared memories.
      Soon you will have a new home to love, decorate, and treasure. God bless all of you and keep you in His care.

    23. Codysue

      Thank you for sharing! For the past few years, our family has experienced lots of transitions, one of which was the loss of mine and my husband’s jobs. In the aftermath, I’ve held several long-term contract positions. It’s become my habit at the start of each work day to firstly, read a daily devotion; and, secondly, read your blog. Both have helped me to settle and experience a sense of well-being even though things don’t currently feel “permanent.” It’s comforting to spend a few minutes being virtually transported into your home! I’m confident God will lead your family into a beautiful new place.

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh, thank you so much for sharing. I hope you find a more permanent situation, but I’m glad to hear that you are “waiting well” until that time. 🙂

        • Carolyn

          Did you use a stencil.for the leaves of the trees? Your mural is my favorite addition you made. I plan to Dona small one in my house. I don’t have the wall space to do a full mural. I live in a 1950 cape cod, which I love. I have tour book “feels like home” to guide me thru the transition.

          • Marian Parsons

            No, I painted them freehand.

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    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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