Every now and then it’s good to note how far these real life renovators have come. A year ago we were finishing up a family room facelift (time consuming even though mostly cosmetic!) and custom bedroom closet. We have been taking it easy as far as new projects (although we may finish space in our walk-out basement). What a DIY adventure to reimagine 11 rooms and 4 bathrooms in our spare time. Hamptons style feels just right for this Georgian home.
![Backyard, deck, and gardens at the Georgian in Spring - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/may-2024-backyard-garden-deck.jpg)
Coastal Hamptons Style Touches
We have wallpapered, installed sconces, and added art and erased traces of fussy, formal, brown everything. But will the house ever truly be done? Not likely!
We may reside in the landlocked Midwest, but we love an atmosphere of laid back coastal chic. Just bought a pair of Adirondack chairs for the deck I transformed with paint, and they are worth mentioning.
I wanted a beachy reclining chaise, but I also wanted something that felt very Hamptons for the deck. These fold away (to easily store), recline, become chaises with smooth hideaway ottomans, and have drink/phone holders. Good gracious, the only thing missing is the cabana. And they shipped for free!
After carefully researching all-weather chairs and reading through reviews, it became clear it made sense to pay for the quality of this set. They truly look and feel like wood…not at all plastic-y or unnatural.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
![Hamptons style finds for home and wardrobe to capture coastal chic. #hamptonsstyle #coastallifestyle #coastaldecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coastal-grandmother-shop-the-look-hamptons-hello-lovely-studio-boxwood-nancy-meyers.jpg)
Our bedroom and bath are feeling more Hamptons-like with the changes.
![BEFORE in bedroom's turret sitting room during construction - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_4438.jpg)
Even though we’re still not done, we have been using this sitting room/sun room quite often!
![Pocket door to bath, antique wall sconce, and arched doorway to turret sitting room in coastal bedroom remodel (SW Agreeable Gray on walls) at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio. #agreeablegray #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-bedroom-hello-lovely-studio-sitting-room-05.jpg)
A pocket door leads to the renovated bath, and inside are these bath essentials:
![Hello Lovely Studio Spa Worthy Bathroom Favorites - Shop the Look. #spalikebath #bathroomessentials](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/hello-lovely-studio-spa-worthy-bathroom-favorites-banner-board.jpg)
Here’s the before/during/after of our closet:
![During our walk-in closet makeover - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/during-closet-install-modularclosets-002.jpg)
We emptied it of everything, added beadboard to the back wall, painted walls SW Repose Gray and the trim white, removed the fluorescent ceiling fixture and hung an antique chandelier. Then it was ready to be customized with beautiful shelves, drawers and hanging space! (See the completed space HERE!)
![Shop the look of my DIY closet with these storage finds - Hello Lovely Studio. #closetessentials #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-custom-diy-closet-banner.jpg)
![Inspirational quote from Jim Henson on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/INSPIRATIONAL-QUOTE-HELLO-LOVELY-STUDIO-JIM-HENSON.jpg)
I share resources to shop my home HERE and keep updating as we complete this home.
A Few Hamptons Style Finds
![Classic & Coastal mood board by Hello Lovely with home decor resources to score a stunning seaside retreat inspired look. #coastaldecor #classicinteriordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/classic-coastal-hello-lovely-studio-mood-board-banner.jpg)
![Coastal living room furniture and decor resources to get a Hamptons look. #hamptonsstyle #coastallivingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coastal-living-room-shop-the-look-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Breezy Coastal Things I’m Wearing
I never tire of vintage faded denim jackets to dress down midi dresses from Anthropologie and simple statement jewelry. Here’s a great jacket:
![Mary Oliver quote and poetry on Hello Lovely Studio. #maryoliver #encouragementquote #inspirationalquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MARY-OLIVER-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-broken-world-fresh-morning.jpg)
![Encouragement quote for those who may be struggling on Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequote #personalgrowthquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/encouragement-quote-eleven-year-old-you-mhn-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
If you have never worn handmade hammered gold hoops, you are in for a delight. They will never go out of style, feel featherlight, are 14k gold filled and shimmer in the light.
![Ann Voskamp inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #annvoskamp #personalgrowthquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ann-voskamp-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
This pretty layered trio has a very French look about it, and I love its subtlety and the fact it is handpainted.
![Funny quote and humor on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #humor #funnyquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/funny-quote-humor-hello-lovely-studio-receipts-purse-teen-tiny-book-broke.jpg)
Coastal Style Ideas for a Hamptons Look
![Natural, pretty and classic fall finds for home - Hello Lovely Studio,](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fall-finds-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![Coastal living room furniture and decor resources to get a Hamptons look. #hamptonsstyle #coastallivingroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coastal-living-room-shop-the-look-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brene-brown-inspirational-quote-there-is-no-innovation-creativity-without-failure-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
What to Make for Dinner
If ever you feel stuck about what to make for dinner, do check out the online menu of your favorite eateries. After seeing this glorious caesar salad and grilled salmon, I whipped up my own last night – so easy and quick as a light dinner.
![Caesar salad with salmon at Hampton Social in South Barrington - Hello Lovely Studio. #hamptonsocial #caesarsalad #thehamptonsocial #brunchfood](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_2086.jpg)
The fried chicken stack is Jo’s favorite at The Hampton Social, and this could also be your brunchy dinner made at home…why not?
![Fried Chicken Stack at The Hampton Social in South Barrington. #friedchickenstack #thehamptonsocial #hamptonsocial #brunchfood](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_2085.jpg)
![Inspirational quote about the soul and what is eternal by John O'Donohue on Hello Lovely Studio. #johnodonohue #quotes #spirituality #soulquotes #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/0001-john-donohue-inspirational-quote-soul-destiny-eternal-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Our Bath Not Long Ago & Today
It was certainly not the worst bathroom we ever renovated, just the most work!
![BEFORE bath with cherrywood vanity, brown granite, brown tiled walk-in shower, and tiled platform with Jacuzzi tub - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2021-09-19-211431.png)
It feels coastal and fresh, but not in a kitschy way. I am loving the LED lit medicine cabinets which dictated other decisions in the plan.
![White Shaker style bath vanity with Edwardian style polished nickel faucet and modern mirrored medicine cabinet in our modern French renovated bath - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-april-2023-hello-lovely-bath-21.jpg)
![Clear Label Skincare essentials on my bathroom vanity - Hello Lovely Studio. #cleanskincare #clearlabelskincare](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_4881.jpg)
![Clear Label Skincare essentials in my medicine cabinet - Hello Lovely Studio. #cleanskincare #clearlabelskincare](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_4876.jpg)
![Hello Lovely modern vintage bath mood board resources for our Georgian's primary bath. #modernvintage #bathrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-hello-lovely-modern-vintage-bath-mood-board.jpg)
![John O'Donohue inspirational prayer and blessing quote. #inspirationalquotes #johnodonohue #prayers](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/002-inspirational-quote-spiritual-faith-contemplation-prayer-john-odonohue.jpg)
![Funny quote humor on Hello Lovely Studio about vitamines by @noahgarfinkel. #humorquote #funnyquotes #vitamins](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/funny-quote-humor-hello-lovely-studio-no-idea-vitamin-noahgarfinkel.jpg)
![Inspirational flower quote about blooming and life on Hello Lovely Studio. #flowerquote #inspirationalquotes #oscarwilde](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/flower-quote-roses-hello-lovely-studio-blossoms-own-joy-oscar-wilde.jpg)
Before/After Kitchen Peeks
Here’s where we were two years ago (we had removed a built-in china cabinet from the dining room and repurposed it in our kitchen pantry):
![during reno](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/kitchen-pantry-during-reno-china-cabinet.jpg)
![Renovated pantry with light grey cabinets (50% Farrow and Ball Pavilion Gray) and calacatta gold marble backsplash - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kitchen-pantry-hello-lovely-studio-2.jpg)
We had just installed our kitchen’s new farm sink and were retrofitting it with existing cabinetry:
![Farm sink during kitchen renovation.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/farm-sink-before-kitchen-renovation-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
So many changes to note in a single image! The brown trim was painted, a marble backsplash was installed after the Viatera Muse quartz counters went in, we skirted the sink base with a luxurious linen, and a Perrin & Rowe faucet heightened the timeless factor.
![Hello Lovely's farm sink (Hyannis-30 from Nantucket Sinks) in renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse counters and Waterworks Julia faucet. #farmsinks #farmhousesink](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_3904-c.jpg)
![Pom pom garland at the kitchen sink window - Hello Lovely Studio. #paviliongray #graykitchen #calacattagoldmarble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-28.jpg)
Renovated Entry & Dining Room
The entry and dining room sure did come a long way…
![wall in foyer during construction](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/living-room-foyer-wall-and-window-during-reno.jpg)
![Renovated entry with dark gray doors (SW Carbonized), walls painted SW Repose Gray, tree mural (Photowall), and greyed oak hardwoods - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fall-console-table-mural-wallpaper-entry-dunham-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
![during renovation of dining room](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_2930.jpg)
![Dining room with classic style millwork, SW Repose Gray walls, and greyed oak hardwood floors - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dining-room-piano-repose-gray-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![dining room during reno](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/dining-room-during-reno.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's entry and dining room with tree mural wallpaper and light oak floors. #diningrooms #treemural](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/0001-august-2022-dining-room-fireplace-painting.jpg)
![Foyer under construction at Georgian renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/foyer-dining-room-china-cabinet-hardwoods.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's entry and dining room with tree mural wallpaper and light oak floors. #diningrooms #treemural](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/0001-dining-room-renovation-hello-lovely-studio-mural-entry.jpg)
Seeing is believing, and the before/afters help you grasp what I mean when I explain this home has a strong point of view and requires delicate, thoughtful attention. No entry level DIY home improvement or flip here! Rather, advanced level electrical, plumbing, carpentry and construction.
![Hello Lovely Dining Room: Get the Look with these design resources. #diningroomdecor #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hello-lovely-DINING-room-get-the-look-banner-hellolovelystudio.jpg)
![Self-care and forgiveness inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio by Audrey Kitching. #forgiveness #selfcare #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/inspirational-quote-about-forgive-yourself-hello-lovely-studio-audrey-kitching.jpg)
Breakfast Nook Peeks at the Past
It took weeks to paint 16 windows in the kitchen since the process began with 4 layers of stain-blocking primer.
![Kitchen during Georgian renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kitchen-demo-6.jpg)
But well worth the weeks of work! Still haven’t added soft fabric touches in here, but that will happen eventually.
![Breakfast nook with gilded chandelier and bay of windows in our renovated kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-18.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's breakfast nook in a kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #breakfastnook #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-breakfast-nook-banner.jpg)
![during Hello Lovely's kitchen renovation](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/farm-sink-before-kitchen-renovation-hello-lovely-studio-2.jpg)
![Pom pom garland at the kitchen sink window - Hello Lovely Studio. #paviliongray #graykitchen #calacattagoldmarble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-26.jpg)
![Inspirational flower quote about blooming and life on Hello Lovely Studio. #flowerquote #inspirationalquotes #flowers](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/flower-quote-roses-hello-lovely-studio-nothing-blooms-all-year-be-patient.jpg)
![before kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_2765.jpg)
![Renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse countertops and Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color. Cabinets are 50% Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/kitchen-fall-hello-lovely-studio-4.jpg)
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
When we were in the middle of the renovations you see above, I was becoming aware of how so often I try to rush progress when it needs to take its own sweet time. I wrote: Everything within me wants things to improve and progress quickly, and this is simply not to be. The pace of chrysalis living in an upside down kingdom is slow, and things fall apart before wholeness comes.
Does that still feel true today?
![Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brene-brown-inspirational-quote-joy-comes-ordinary-moments-chasing-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
The ache of chyrsalis living seems less achey! The slowness of daily life seems to bring less self-criticism and shame. In so many important ways, I’m getting free and clinging to outcomes less.
![Richard Rohr inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquotes #christianity #contemplativequotes #spirituality #rohrquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/002-inspirational-quote-spiritual-faith-God-contemplation-simple-grace-richard-rohr.jpg)
I’m letting go of dreams for the future and imagined narratives about what a peaceful future looks like in favor of allowing mystery to decide. Even all of the time I used to spend contemplating wholeness has changed.
![Cleo Wade inspirational quote about thoughts and flowers on Hello Lovely. #inspirationalquotes #cleowade #flowerquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-cleo-wade-tend-thoughts-weeds-flowers.jpg)
Instead, there are moments every single day where hidden wholeness reveals itself, where that golden thread of infinite love stretches. But the thread inevitably breaks. Which is why daily practice helps so much. Blogging remains an odd, imperfect journey as technology and algorithms shift daily. Yet even work frustrations, spiritual paradoxes, cultural upheaval, and assorted modern life chaos can be held with lightness, with the knowing that love is working in the dark. Thank you for reading with such tenderness, for your patience with me as I grow in each season along the renovation journey.
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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I love seeing all yout accomplishments you have done to your home! Beautiful and lovely indeed!
Author
Thanks for peeking at them – so happy they are done and aging well. 🙂 Happy holiday weekend.
Incredible what you have done with that house. you and your husband have MAD SKILLS. i wonder did you have the overall vision from the start or did it evolve? did the house direct your choices in some ways or did you argue about it? I’m curious as we are in the throes of moving house, we’re under contract and house hunting. UGH. looking like late summer-early fall for the actual move. our home is perfect, beautiful, finished. It is the epicenter of our life style. We are crazy. I daily work at having the mind set of “waiting well” and I fail daily…Knowing all these words and ideas you post are true but mostly out of my grasp at present. Never been good at the in between. In addition our son is going north this weekend to pack up and move his sweet little family, girlfriend and 3 yr old, and bring them back here for an extended stay in our home until they can get settled. Exciting but chaotic. Thank you thank you for helping me reorient to true north several times a week. again, your home is incredible. can’t wait to see the finished sitting room off the bedroom.
Author
Thanks for the kind words, and I love hearing about all the adventures happening. The wobbly sometimes messy middle can be so unsettling, and I salute you. It will all get better, but first the chaos. We toured this house and then closed 2 weeks later! I had a vision my husband trusted. I will say it took him time to accept a wall was needed in the bedroom. As soon as he added it, he understood and loves it. He’s a great lawyer, but I have a strong will! He only had capacity to execute the work and not brainstorm or make the million little decisions. The only arguments happened when I begged for creative input. I wanted affirmation he could not provide…so this is where my confidence grew. The house has the strongest point of view of all our homes, a blessing as well as a curse!
What a beautiful difference you have made with the re-do of your home! So bright and happy! Thanks for your posts
Author
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading this post. I’m never confident about showing our own work alongside all of the more fantasy inspiration, but it does bring the realistic side of renovation and design to the blog. Happy weekend, and thanks for being here. 🙂
Love the new patio chairs. they’re perfect.
Author
Thank you – using them all the time and so happy that they actually do everything they are supposed to and look good doing it! 🙂 Happy weekend, friend.