Not Your Dream Home? Here’s Why You Should Rethink That
Let’s talk about “potential.”
It’s one of those words people love to throw around when describing a house.
“It’s got good bones!” or “This space has so much potential!”
You know what they really mean: It needs work.
And while that might make some people run for the hills, I see “potential” as something worth taking the leap. It’s a chance to create a space that feels like home. Not the kind of home that looks good in a design showroom, but the kind that supports the life you want to live.
This brings me to the start of the Honey Home Series, a project that’s close to my heart and full of “potential.”
Where It All Began: A House That Needs Love
Charming Features of Honey Home: Main Entrance
Home main entrance with a private nook—just perfect for adding a small table and two cozy chairs. I can already imagine my parents sipping their morning coffee here, soaking in the fresh air as the day begins. It’s little spaces like this that make a house feel special, even before the transformation begins.
This year, my parents decided to start a new chapter. After living in the same home for over 30 years, they took a leap into the unknown and bought a house.
Here’s the thing: It’s not exactly a “move-in ready” home. Think builder-grade kitchen cabinets, “interesting” (and by that, I mean hideous) floors that have seen better days, and accent walls that feel a little… uninspired.
But it’s also a home with a beautiful patio, and gorgeous pool area—a blank canvas waiting for someone to dream big and get creative.
And that someone is me.
Helping my parents with this transformation isn’t just about updating a house. It’s about creating a space that reflects their next chapter: retirement, relaxation, and a place to make new memories.
Charming Features of Honey Home: Backyard
Backyard with tall, majestic pine trees, lush greenery, and a dreamy pool featuring a jacuzzi waterfall. This space already feels like an oasis waiting to be fully embraced. I can picture long summer afternoons spent lounging by the water, surrounded by nature, and evenings soaking in the jacuzzi under the stars. It’s a backyard with endless potential for relaxation and connection.
Why This Project Feels Personal
If it’s not that obvious, I’m all about being intentional in your home design—crafting spaces that feel personal, with an aesthetic so timeless you can’t quite pin down the era.
But when it comes to my parents’ new home, this project hits a little closer to home (pun intended).
It’s not just about selecting paint colors or choosing new flooring. It’s about navigating the emotions that come with big changes. My parents are saying goodbye to a home they’ve loved for decades, and while this new house represents a fresh start, it’s also a reminder of the past.
As I help them transition, I can’t help but think about the same struggles so many of us face in our own homes.
How do you make big design decisions without getting overwhelmed?
How do you balance what’s beautiful with what’s practical?
And how do you create a space that feels personal in a world obsessed with trends and perfection?
This is what the Honey Home Series is all about—digging into those questions, embracing the messy process, and finding happiness in the transformation.
What’s the Honey Home Series All About?
The Honey Home Series is a behind-the-scenes look at turning a “not-so-dream” home into a soulful, functional space. It’s more than just a renovation story—it’s about the heart of what makes a house feel like home.
Here’s what you can expect:
Real Moments: From unexpected surprises (hello, quirky walls we could demolish... but, hey, we’re keeping them for now) to the small wins that make it all worth it, I’m sharing the highs and lows of this journey.
Practical Tips: Not every renovation needs a full gut job. I’ll share tips for creating impact with simple updates that don’t break the bank.
Design Wisdom: Lessons I’ve learned (and am still learning) about balancing aesthetics with functionality.
Personal Stories: This isn’t just about design—it’s about family, change, and creating a home that evolves with you.
The Starting Point: A House with Stories to Tell
Potential of the Honey Home: A Welcoming Open Area
This space caught my eye right away—a charming open area that gently separates the bedroom hallway from the main living spaces. It’s the kind of spot that seems to ask you to slow down for a moment, inviting a deep breath before stepping back into the rhythm of the day.
Curious about where we’re starting? Let me paint the picture:
The kitchen is straight out of a time capsule, the floors have seen a lot of life (too many different floor types for each space why?), and the walls are ready for a refresh. It’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it so exciting.
Every dated and not so perfect area, is an opportunity to create something intentional—a space that reflects my parents' personalities and supports their next chapter.
Potential of the Honey Home: Natural Lighting & Open Kitchen
The kitchen is a total gut job—there’s no sugarcoating it. From the cabinets and countertops to the flooring and kitchen island, everything needs a fresh start. While we won’t be knocking down any walls, a full cabinets replacement with updated finishes and flooring will completely transform this space.
Tips for Tackling Your Own “Not-So-Dream” Home
Whether you’re renovating a fixer-upper or just trying to refresh your current space, here are a few lessons I’ve learned so far:
1. Start with the Why
Before you make a single design choice, ask yourself:
What do I want my home to do for me?
Is it a place to entertain?
A sanctuary for rest?
A home office that inspires me?
For my parents, the focus is on comfort and functionality—creating a space where they can relax and host family dinners. Knowing this “why” guides every decision we make.
2. Embrace Imperfection
You don’t need to rip everything out and start from scratch. Sometimes, it’s the imperfections that give a home its character.
We’re keeping some of the house’s original quirks intact, like the extra wall niches which can be a place to get creative.
3. Prioritize Impactful Changes
Not all updates need to be big. A fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, or even rearranging furniture can make a huge difference without requiring a massive budget.
For this house, we’re focusing on the kitchen, floors and interior paint update first—three areas that will make the biggest impact on how the space feels and functions.
What This Series Means to Me
This project has reminded me that a home isn’t about how perfect it looks but how it makes you feel.
The Honey Home Series isn’t just a renovation journey—it’s a story about family, change, and creating spaces that support the life you want to live.
If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, “This just isn’t working,” I hope this series will inspire you to make changes—big or small—that bring your vision to life.
What’s Next?
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing updates on this transformation. From the good, the bad, and the chaotic (because every renovation has its surprises), you’ll get an inside look at what it really takes to create a home with heart.
Whether you’re planning your own project or just love a good before-and-after story, I hope you’ll follow along.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having a perfect home—it’s about taking your time to create a space that feels right for you.
Let’s Talk
What’s one thing you’d love to change about your home? Or what’s holding you back from starting? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
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Here’s to fresh starts, soulful spaces, and finding beauty in imperfection.