This post is a companion to THIS, and hopefully you aren’t beyond bored with before/after photos of our renovations. As an inspiration blogger, it’s unnerving to reveal our own humble efforts alongside fantasy tours. If you are newish follower, our last home was a neglected fixer we renovated entirely ourselves. Along the way, I blogged transparently about the highs and lows. I may have typed “never again…probably” often. How do we find time for the work while working full-time jobs? It’s our shared hobby and insanity. Separately, many of our interests diverge–my husband is the athletic, logical, and adventurous one. He’s an attorney who lives for rebuilding a car engine while I’m a poet homebody who must always be creating something new. Our passions converge with home DIY. Hello Lovely Resources for Before & After Renovation Glimpses peeks at our former fixer.
![Classic white kitchen with fireclay farm sink - Hello Lovely Studio. #farmsink #classickitchen #kitchendesign #fireclaysink](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-fireclay-farm-sink-white-kitchen-7e.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Before & After Renovation: Hello Lovely Resources
This project was a doozy since we were ever uncovering issues which had nothing to do with cosmetic upgrades.
Plumbing pipes were leaking into the electrical box. Faulty and failing subfloors. Mysterious clanking within walls. We replaced just about everything in the place!
![Hello Lovely's open floor plan with living room, dining, kitchen, and hall - painted BM OC-151. #bmwhiteoc151 #whitepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/001-bm-white-oc-151-hello-lovely-studio-living-room-hall.jpg)
So you truly are only seeing the top layer, and I wish you could know the million hidden tasks and details underneath it.
![before pic of Hello Lovely's bathroom renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/00030-hello-lovely-studio-master-bath-renovation.jpg)
My husband and I are half crazy renovators who prefer doing home improvement ourselves.
Why?
Initially, we were DIYers because we were poor and drowning in student loan debt. But later, we found it gratifying to dream together and then make the vision and dreams come true.
![before pic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/00013-hello-lovely-studio-master-bath-renovation.jpg)
How?
We have learned to do the work by reading books, watching tutorials, and mostly by gaining experience just watching ourselves do it. Below, we’ll revisit before and afters, and I’ll mention remodeling tools we rely upon.
![during installation of stikwood statement wall in master bedroom of Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpNMo1Izsis/WJ60v9gyYFI/AAAAAAAAo2o/dd_x8_diZ9g7e7fCZh3lE6PHWQI_rvbjgCLcB/s1600/2016-12-22%2B20.54.34.jpg)
Tools of the trade for these real life renovators
Power tool I simply cannot live without…
HP Elitebook Folio. For years, I have been relying upon HP Elitebook to shop, glean inspiration, find video tutorials, and Google ‘how to remove stains from carrara marble.’
![HP Elitebook](https://ssl-product-images.www8-hp.com/digmedialib/prodimg/lowres/c05363011.png)
Smart Renovation Tools We Rely On
1. My Favorite Paint Resources
In my own box, you’ll find: a handsome vintage hammer with patina-ed handle worthy of a devoted blog post, finishing nails, paint color decks, trowels and paint brushes as well as tape measures. But my #1 favorite tool costs about $6 and helps to transform everything…
I LOVE THIS WOOSTER PAINT BRUSH and have used them for years. They are inexpensive enough to use for projects that wreck the bristles by the end. (Like old crusty wood shutters where you have to work the paint into the louvers.)
![These are the best white paint colors I have used in my homes - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ultimate-best-white-paint-color-guide-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLES will revolutionize how you select the just right colors for your interiors and exteriors. Seeing side by side samples prevents headaches and saves you from wasting money, labor and time.
![Pink petunias in a pot in our French country courtyard garden with pea gravel - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-studio-french-courtyard.jpg)
For example, when I needed a paint color to paint worn out outdoor furniture for our courtyard, I wanted a color close to our home’s siding color.
![French inspired courtyard by Hello Lovely Studio](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6vO_s_Low0/WXVfUN82NdI/AAAAAAAAy3o/aiK5mP3V5OEUd6JaRyKkKetsdZ5TPB42ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-06-07%2B13.27.36.jpg)
I looked at samples of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, Farrow & Ball Cornforth White, and Farrow & Ball Hardwick White.
Notice how these colors look pretty similar? What could it hurt to simply choose one and call it a day? Once you line up samples side by side, suddenly you see their undertones and temperature so much more clearly! So much information from that simple step, and when you truly care about getting the details right so you’ll be satisfied for years to come, BOOM. The right color seemed to fall between Cornforth White and Hardwick White, so I mixed both of those together for the perfect custom color!
![before](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/00005-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-master-bedroom.jpg)
And after:
![Hello Lovely European country bedroom with Stikwood shiplap (Hamptons), Zuma rug, Montara pillow on bed (Amber Lewis x Loloi) and Belgian linen chair. #europeancountry #romanticbedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/001-bedroom-montara-pillow-hello-lovely-studio-gold-velvet-nightstand.jpg)
2. Serious Brawn
Heavy lifting and the bulk of physical labor is the domain of my better half’s muscular fortitude. He was actually the one who was most passionate about this particular home and had to convince me. My labor contributions? Demo, sanding, plastering, clean up, and all of the painting, planting, and more delicate projects.
![Exterior of Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhEy8CT7sUY/WXVfZTSbyII/AAAAAAAAy4k/LbORf3jlZOsclbD0Y4qHD-T3gqUkUgPlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-06-07%2B13.33.58.jpg)
3. DeWalt DIY Home Essential
It is portable, powerful for ripping and roaring into home improvement, projects, and what we turn to.
![Table Saw, DeWalt](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81pjYJ9LxIL._SL1500_.jpg)
4. Clean Up Resources
With a whole house DIY renovation, we have required more clean up on aisle three than I can say. We cannot go a day without a Dyson posse.
![12 Gallon Wet/Dry Mini Vacuum](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/07918885/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4719/47197765/12+Gallon+Wet/Dry+Mini+Vacuum.jpg)
![Belgian linen and neutrals in my cozy breakfast nook with window seat - Hello Lovely Studio. #breakfastnooks #windowseats #belgianstyle #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cozy-luxe-breakfast-nook-hello-lovely-studio-window-seat-european-country.jpg)
5. Royal Renovation Timesaver
The most important tool upon which my husband relied for that whole house DIY renovation? This NAIL GUN was key.
More Essentials for DIY
![DeWalt Hand Sander](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71aVWqISx6L._SL1000_.jpg)
![Cordless Rotary Tool Dremel](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71hmT59v0QL._SL1500_.jpg)
Renovation Before & Afters
Peek at what a little naivete, guts, grit, and smart tools can bring back to life…
![Before pic of courtyard in Hello Lovely Studio's fixer upper](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xPuqDoH2Ek/VZQSocQ2iQI/AAAAAAAAdEE/brr3gCH-5oE/s1600/2015-05-30%2B12.29.03.jpg)
![Knotty alder front door (Pacific Entries) and country courtyard by Hello Lovely Studio](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q648rVYm4wU/WXVfb07TEGI/AAAAAAAAy5A/YPNRmXcoKRovSaVkh3egVjP7UwQ1nl_cgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-06-07%2B15.24.31.jpg)
Find the French Tolix style metal bistro chair RIGHT HERE.
![Our front door is made of rustic knotty alder and stained rich walnut - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/04a.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2015-05-30-12.29.09-1.jpg)
![Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_9326.jpg)
Here is a garden bench similar to ours: RIGHT HERE.
![Hello Lovely's French courtyard and knotty alder front door at the renovated fixer upper in Northern Illinois.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hello-lovely-studio-exterior-courtyard-front-porch-and-door-3.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2015-05-23-17.48.13.jpg)
![Walnut stained alder front door with speakeasy - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/my-french-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2015-06-28-09.55.44.jpg)
![Romantic, simple, French courtyard with pink accents for a tea party - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cupcakes-in-courtyard-hello-lovely-studio-4.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2015-05-23-17.48.25-1440x1080.jpg)
![Modern farmhouse kitchen with apron front farm sink and marble subway tile by Hello Lovely Studio](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rev_OoecL1w/WXVftOEizwI/AAAAAAAAy9I/d0_keXCFoIwARLEP8eLXE2Mmua43CMTlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2017-06-07%2B18.55.57.jpg)
![Minuet Viatera quartz countertop in our classic white kitchen with Shaker cabinets and stainless appliances. #hellolovelystudio #whitequartz #countertops #kitchendesign #minuet #viateraquartz #lgviatera](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/viatera-minuet-quartz-hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-4.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's white European country modern French kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz counters, farm sink, industrial cart, and marble subway backsplash.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hello-lovely-studio-white-kitchen-oak-floor-marble-subway-backsplash-industrial-cart-stool-1.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2015-05-23-17.48.34.jpg)
![Serene, timeless, and tranquil white kitchen with window seat and European country style by Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-kitchen-1440x959.jpg)
![Timeless and tranquil French farmhouse and European country style in my white kitchen with window seat and Belgian linen chairs - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-kitchen-5.jpg)
![Serene European country inspired breakfast nook in my kitchen with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/hello-lovely-studio-kitchen-breakfast-nook-window-seat.jpg)
![Master bedroom with Stikwood wood plank wall and knotty alder door in Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvKgPSbd8IU/WKONJNvGCaI/AAAAAAAApCY/rMPI5I56uN4Fm2m3pfwI9qEQbDasr07TACLcB/s1600/00001%2Ba%2Bstikwood%2Bhellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-january-2017-37.jpg)
![Master bedroom with white oak flooring and knotty alder doors - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/0000_192173836-1.jpg)
![My serene Nordic French style bedroom with Benjamin Moore White walls and Stikwood accent wall. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-stikwood-hamptons-french-nordic-1.jpg)
![French country bedroom shop the look - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #bedroomdecor #furniture #homedecor #interiordesign #gethtelook #shopthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-bedroom-shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![Belgian style living room with linen upholstery, white oak flooring, and stone fireplace - Hello Lovely Studio](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tsna7vx66JY/WXVkI9mMOPI/AAAAAAAAzCk/ZUQtP8zaF2U6kg2VY02JUs3P2uGS82eRgCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-06-08%2B16.10.04.jpg)
![Belgian style living room with chaise and antique Belgian sideboard. Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-chicago-living-room-sideboard-027-1440x2028.jpg)
Here’s a gorgeous cabinet in the same spirit of our old sideboard from Belgium. This one’s new but made from reclaimed teak.
Here is another possibility at a low price point.
![French inspired and European country informed, this cozy living room with Belgian linen is simple and serene - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room.jpg)
![Belgian linen upholstered furniture in a spare yet cozy living room with European country style by Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/07cc6.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-50.jpg)
It’s so fun to look back at the before and realize all we accomplished at that wonderful home!
![Exterior of our woodsy Nordic French style cottage - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_7999.jpg)
See more of our home right here, and shop the look HERE.
Project From a Famous Renovation Expert I Admire!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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