In 2022, Melissa embarked on her most ambitious project to date, transforming a yellow, outdated lakeside property into a modern and charming home. This undertaking was not just a renovation but a labor of love, dedication, and creativity. The house, purchased by Melissa and her husband due to its proximity to their nearly renovated residence, held a unique setup resembling a duplex, with its lower level designed for elderly accessibility. This feature became a haven for her husband’s grandparents, who moved in and lived there throughout the renovation process. The main focus of Melissa’s renovation was the tri-level front half of the house, which had remained untouched for over two decades, embodying a time capsule of sorts.
Upon entering, the large living room with vaulted ceilings greeted visitors, filled with antiques and miscellaneous items left by the previous owners. This space, along with every closet in the house, was cluttered to the brim, challenging Melissa to sort, salvage, and sell what she could, turning what many would see as rubbish into resources. The renovation journey began in earnest with the kitchen, a space craving indoor attention during the cold Minnesota January. The kitchen, originally equipped with pink cupboards and linoleum floors, underwent a complete overhaul. Melissa’s vision involved removing an unnecessary exterior exit to transform the room from a walkthrough to a functional space, enhancing its layout and usability. The daunting task of demolition, including the careful dismantling of cabinetry and the removal of multiple flooring layers, set the stage for a transformation fueled by determination and a hands-on approach.
The innovation didn’t stop at demolition. Melissa repurposed upper cabinets into a banquet bench, providing hidden storage and charming seating, a testament to her creative reuse and upcycling philosophy. Cabinet refinishing, a painstaking three-week endeavor, along with thoughtful reconfiguration and the addition of new elements, like a custom pan rack and high-quality cabinet hardware sponsored by Bellwith-Keeler, breathed new life into the space. Flooring, sponsored by Zenet Flooring, added a touch of elegance and practicality with its waterproof laminate, despite logistical challenges that tested Melissa’s patience and resilience.
The kitchen’s transformation was marked by DIY concrete countertops, a floating shelf replacing upper cabinets for a spacious feel, and a meticulously crafted hutch that blended seamlessly with the home’s aesthetics. This space, once a walkthrough, became a functional, modern kitchen, marrying style and utility. The exterior of the house also demanded attention, with issues of rot and water damage under a bright yellow facade. Melissa’s efforts extended outdoors, where she removed unnecessary entrances, repaired damage, and built a retaining wall to address grading issues. The siding, once peeling and compromised, was painstakingly restored to allow the cedar to breathe, culminating in a neutral, more appealing paint job that harmonized with the home’s natural surroundings.
The living room, another major focus, saw the removal of outdated carpeting and the introduction of a cohesive flooring that tied it to the kitchen’s design. The addition of custom-built beams and a fireplace enhanced the room’s character, creating a welcoming and warm environment as the home’s entry point. This transformation was not just about aesthetics but about creating a functional, inviting space that reflected the homeowners’ tastes and needs.
Melissa’s journey through the renovation of this lakeside home was a testament to her skill, vision, and perseverance. From the initial clean-up and demolition to the careful selection and installation of finishes, every step was a move towards creating a home that blended modern functionality with the charm and warmth of traditional design. The project, while challenging, showcased her ability to see potential where others saw problems, turning a dated and cluttered house into a beautiful, welcoming home.
Her efforts extended beyond mere renovation, touching on aspects of home improvement that many would outsource. Whether it was tackling the kitchen’s layout, addressing the exterior’s wear and tear, or adding architectural details to the living room, Melissa approached each task with a DIY ethos that was both inspiring and educational. The transformation of this property was not just a physical renovation but a journey of discovery, learning, and achievement, leaving a lasting impact on the house and its inhabitants.
As the project unfolded, Melissa shared her progress, challenges, and successes, inviting others to learn from her experience. Her blog, “Welcome to the Woods,” became a resource and inspiration for fellow DIY enthusiasts, offering guidance, tips, and the encouragement to take on their own home improvement projects. The transformation of this lakeside house from outdated to modern, from neglected to cherished, is a story of vision, hard work, and the transformative power of DIY renovation. Melissa’s journey illustrates that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn, any space can be turned into a dream home.