Now it is filled with furniture and has a warm, clean, modern look about it.
Our kitchen is constantly undergoing tweaks while we save up for a full-on overhaul. But even on an extremely small budget (we don’t like spending tons of money on things we plan on doing over, but still like to enjoy a space in the meantime) we’ve been able to add our personality to the dreary cornered kitchen:
And that, my friends, is what a little paint can do:
Also this year, we were given the great opportunity to renovate our guest room/office in front of a camera for a little online mini-series for True Value. It was a huge project. But we both know that the horrifying before shot got True Value’s attention and landed us the gig:
It took us three months to get it not only live-able, but to a point where we loved it:
And then for a little bit, it looked like this:
And then we swapped some art, and it looked like this:
And ultimately, it is still not completed, but for the last 6 weeks, we have been working on a full overhaul to renovate it exactly how we would have it. Currently, the same angle looks like this:
More has changed in our home and in our lives. Perhaps even more miraculously as watching our house transform, is seeing how Greta has changed in the past year.
She has grown up and changed so much! Chris and I? Not so much. We are still immature and looking pretty much the same, although I think I have more dark circles under my eyes. Chris would swear he has more gray hair. And we would both agree that our backs are definitely stiffer.
Another thing that has drastically changed over the course of the year is our little blog. You guys–the growing number of you–our loyal readers, have kept us motivated and we can’t say thank you enough for tuning in each day to see what we’re up to.
We don’t have a party hat for everyone, or even cake to share for our first house-iversary, but let’s make it a party at our Etsy shop. You can take 20% off anything in the shop all week.
Just use the code above, READERLOVE20, during checkout as our special milestone gift to you. We’ve come a long way in one year and I have a feeling year two is going to be even more spectacular. So glad you’re along for the ride!!!
What do you think?
Semihandmade
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
Collaborations
learn more
next
Loloi
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
Collaborations
learn more
next
STUGA
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
Collaborations
learn more
next
SHop all
What We're Right Now
What We're Right Now
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Loving
Portfolio
Design
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
let's break this thing up
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Projects
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
read more
read more
02
01
03
looking for inspiration?
The next project we’re checking off our 2023 project list is the mudroom! This used to be the laundry room until we built out a much bigger, better laundry room upstairs. So, in the meantime, this space has been exclusively Cricket’s room. Cricket will still have a special space here, but we’re transforming this dingy […]
SEARCH THE BLOG
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
looking for something?
find stuff like:
Can We Send You Our Love Letter?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
@chrislovesjulia
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
Happy 1 year! You guys have made such wonderful progress and I am so in love with your house! :)
incredible seeing what you’ve done in a year. big accomplishments. the kitchen I think wows me the most even though you have more dreams for that space. I just love how you’ve updated it and transformed it on a penny.
Wow.
That was a fun post to look at to see how far you’ve come. ‘Grats you guys, you are rockstars.
happy one year!! i can’t believe how much you have accomplished. But as amazing as all your transformations have been, i can’t get over how much a little can of paint and a little countertop paint made a difference in your kitchen without any real renovations! So cool :)
I’ve been following along since I met you, but am still in awe each time I see the transformations. Incredible work, guys!! We have so loved getting to know you over the past year. I think it’s about time we move our relationship up a notch and do a double date. ;) Congrats on one year, you guys rock!
Congrats on your one year anniversary! Wahoo! The house looks SO MUCH BETTER already! And look how big Greta is now. :) Such a cutie.
Ah yes, those lamps! I didn’t show the overhaul of Greta’s room either. Or the dining room. There’s just too much to squeeze into one little post. Don’t you dare tease me about coming to Utah. My hopes are already high!
Holy cow!!! What a change! You left out your bedroom…where you did small changes here and there but one lamps! Don’t forget to highlight those lamps!!!
THE KITCHEN!!!!!! Ahhhhhh horrid. Sooo glad you worked wonders with some paint :-) it is so right and beautiful!
It has been so fun to watch th changes, but I hope 2012 means a trip to Utah. Maybe with a little babe in tow….ummmm….that way I only have to pay for one flight :-) woo!
I can’t believe all that you’ve done! Every picture I was like… oh yeah- the upstairs living room changed the most. Then- OH! The kitchen! WOW! Then… the family room! I can’t believe it! It’s amazing! Congratulations on your first anniversary.