Our Journey to Save a Room In The Corner

There’s a common misconception that old houses aren’t a good investment. You hear it all the time, whether it’s from HGTV’s hyped-up renovation shows or movies like The Money Pit, which make people scared of the reality that comes with older homes. 

I think this narrative does a disservice to these beautiful old houses. Too often, they’re rejected and left to deteriorate, while others snap them up just to watch them rot, or worse, they end up in the hands of bad landlords.

But here’s the thing: I love old houses. There’s something special about the character, the stories, and the potential they hold, even when they’re in desperate need of repair. 

And today, I want to take you back to a time, many years ago, when we took on one such project in our own home. Luckily, I still have some photos stored on my phone, so I can share our effort with you and hopefully inspire others who are hesitant about tackling old houses.

The First Step: Facing the Room’s Reality

It wasn’t just the house itself that needed work, it was the room. We walked into this space and, well, it wasn’t what you’d call “move-in ready.” The floors were covered in old, worn carpet that had seen better days, and there was a musty smell lingering in the air. 

The walls were chipped, the wallpaper peeling in some places, and the room was cold, dark, and cramped. It was one of those spaces that made you wonder, “Why on earth would anyone live in here?”

But instead of getting discouraged, we saw opportunity. This room, like so many old spaces, just needed some love. It was a challenge, sure, but a challenge we were ready for.

Breaking It Down: The Messy Process of Demolition

First came the demolition. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t pretty. The floor was the first thing to go, and as we tore up the old carpet, we found an even older layer of flooring that had definitely seen better days. 

There was dust everywhere, and with each layer we pulled up, it felt like we were unearthing a piece of history. But no matter how much dust covered us or how difficult it got, we knew this was the foundation of something special.

Next up was the walls. The wallpaper wasn’t just peeling, it was coming off in large strips, revealing decades-old drywall underneath. The paint was chipped, and there were stains here and there. 

But every strip we tore away revealed more potential. We were creating a blank canvas that would eventually become a room we’d be proud to call our own.

Rebuilding: What Makes the Difference in an Old House?

As we started rebuilding, we had to make some tough decisions. We wanted to keep the integrity of the room but also bring it up to date. 

The choice of materials was key. We decided to strip back to the bare essentials, preserving the original hardwood floors that still had a bit of life left in them. 

We sanded them down, refinished them, and gave them a fresh, new look.

The walls were repaired and then painted. It was amazing how a simple coat of paint could completely transform the space. It brightened everything up, making the room feel larger and more open. But we didn’t stop there. 

We added a few modern touches to ensure the room was functional for today’s lifestyle, all while keeping the soul of the room intact.

Choosing the Right Furniture and Decor

When it came time to furnish the room, we knew we had to be thoughtful. I love blending the old with the new, so I hunted for furniture that felt like it belonged in the space but didn’t overwhelm it. 

The beauty of old houses is that they can accommodate a mix of modern and vintage pieces, and that’s exactly what we did.

I found a stunning vintage armchair at a local flea market, something with a bit of history. I paired it with a new, sleek coffee table that balanced out the older furniture pieces and created a space that felt welcoming. 

The pillows and blankets were carefully chosen to match the earthy tones of the room, and we added just a touch of mid-century style to keep things feeling fresh.

The Big Reveal: A Room That Feels Like Home

When we were finally done, it felt like we had breathed new life into this tired room. We took an old, forgotten space and made it functional, warm, and, most importantly, full of character.