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30 Times Home Renovations Were So Good They Ended Up On This Online Group
From repainting the bedroom walls and putting up new shelves in the kitchen to replacing light fixtures and outlets, our busy lifestyles often keep us away from renovating our homes.
But DIY projects can really elevate our living spaces, and either allow us to fall back in love with them or increase their value before a sale.
So let's take a look at this subreddit to see what can be achieved. Dedicated to "real people [and] real rooms,” it features only original content, photographed and submitted by the actual inhabitants themselves.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Now And Then Of Our Living Room In A Small Victorian Terrace. Bristol UK
majandess 2 years ago
I was thinking that, myself. Arsenic green, without the arsenic!
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Seadog 2 years ago
Beautiful but I would've never covered that stone fireplace. We're about to wrap up a 5+ year reno on a 1920 bungalow and many years ago some idiot got the bright idea to not only paint the brick fireplaces but also the brick façade of the house. Once you paint brick, it can never be restored to it's original finish. It's permanently ruined.
Dolly_of TheCowboy 2 years ago
Love the Victoriana nods with the green colour without the arsenic and the pineapple on the chandelier
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
But the bottom portions of the windows are glazed. People can’t see in but light still comes through.
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jdtimid123 2 years ago
Normally I would agree with others that darker isn't always better in a small space, but the white ceiling helps open it up, and the earthy tones make it feel more cozy than small. It's a good reading room kind of space. (also I just really like darker greens)
RELATED:
#2
Before And After Living And Dining Room - Germany
#3
Kitchen Renovation Done After 13+ Months
Elita One 2 years ago
Okay but why do green kitchens always look so good? Seriously love them.
Red_panda 2 years ago
Maybe because we want green food because it's healthy for us? I think green kitchens look awesome, but on the flip side green bathrooms look gross.
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Sillypants 2 years ago
Looks beautiful but I'd prefer to have crockery and glassware in cupboards to avoid dust settling. I'd also love to be a homeowner.....I think I'm jealous ;)
#4
Attic Remodel, Finally Done
Pickles, Pennies, & Ponies 2 years ago
Nice. I've always like attic rooms. They are just so cozy.
#5
My First Project: Basement Kitchen Overhaul In An 18th Century Townhouse (Weymouth, UK) ...bringing Back Some Character!
Tamra 2 years ago
Oh...I love this one! I love historic architecture, and especially love it when people do renovations that preserve and enhance original architecture. That stove area is amazing.
majandess 2 years ago
I thought that was particularly smart. Great venting already present, and it's already inset, too. I'd love to see more pics of the whole room.
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PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
I don't think so. It makes this one a dud. Kinda can't even tell if it's the same flat.
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#6
Edwardian 1903 Terrace In The UK. Living Room Before And After
Id row 2 years ago
The space would have looked so much brighter and more open with a lighter color on the walls.
2x4b523p 2 years ago
Maybe but some people, myself included, feel better in enclosed darker spaces. It just makes me feel safe and cosy. Bright and open spaces make me feel like I’m in hospital, very impersonal and uncomfortable.
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#7
Home Office, Southern Ohio (Before & After)
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago (edited)
I didn’t even see it till you mentioned it. I totally agree. Thank you, Shyla Bouche.
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#8
Before And After: The Kitchen Of My Condo Remodel In Stockholm, Sweden
Sweet_Dee 2 years ago
It's the trendy "it" color. Pretty soon everyone will be rolling their eyes at them like they do the greige walls and farmhouse chic bs of 10 years ago....
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#9
I Was Out Of Town Working For 2 Weeks And My Wife Surprised Me With A Low Budget Renovation Of Our Basement Bathroom!
#10
Before And After Of My San Francisco Kitchen!
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Same. I hate the new grey trend. Concrete chic reminds me of cigarette ashes, dilapidated 1960s slab construction or movie prison cells. If virulent depression wa a colour this would be it.
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#11
Earthy Sunroom In Our 1927 Home. Great Falls Mt
Sharon Jackson 2 years ago
Lovely but I do not consider this a renovation. New carpet, new sofa, add plants. But not a reno.
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Normally I like curtains/stores, but here their rectangular shape de-complimented the windows magnificently. I still feel the white wall plus glass looks somewhat stark. Maybe some tall plant or a single vertical shawl with a single strong colour in the corner?
#12
Full Bathroom Renovation (Swipe For Before!) [kent, UK]
![Full Bathroom Renovation (Swipe For Before!) [kent, UK]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/people-share-inspiring-room-transformations-134-6440e33247cdc__700.jpg "Full Bathroom Renovation (Swipe For Before!) [kent, UK]")
Tamra 2 years ago
This is beautiful, but I'd feel compelled to constantly keep that shower enclosure sparkling clean.
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Don't you keep your own shower clean after each use? Squeegee and an extra dry washcloth for the faucet...
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Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Easier to keep looking clean and not as much exposure. Actually I can't find a reason for clear glass (except maybe price and paranoia)
Load More Replies... Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Maybe it's meant to make the room look bigger and/or brighter, but I agree: it's wasted where it is.
Load More Replies... #13
Laundry. Brisbane Australia
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Said by some who probably doesn't even do his own laundry.
Load More Replies... #14
Finished In Time For School, My Daughter’s Room In Bethlehem, Pa
Sharon Jackson 2 years ago
It is not even the same room, IMO. What is the point of before and after photos if you cannot see the before in the after? Silly.
#15
Converted Our Tiny Third Bedroom Into Our Upstairs Bathroom. Bristol UK
sky 2 years ago
idk i have this weird feeling that this picture has been stolen cause its the excact same thing a few pictures up.
The Person 2 years ago
Not the same, but oddly similar. The one a few pictures up has a window in the ceiling. A sunroof, if you will. There are other differences as well.
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#16
Our Nursery (Prior To Baby Chaos). New Orleans, La
#17
Master Bathroom DIY Upgrades - Indianapolis
Kelly Kenrick 2 years ago
What’s with all the glass showers? Do they go opaque when you turn the water on?
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I would not installed the tub and use that space to store towels, etc.
Sharon Jackson 2 years ago
It is not even the same room, IMO. What is the point of before and after photos if you cannot see the before in the after? Silly.
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago (edited)
Going by the unique window in the back wall I would say it is the same room.
Load More Replies... #18
Connecticut Kitchen Remodel
Sharon Jackson 2 years ago
It is not even the same room, IMO. What is the point of before and after photos if you cannot see the before in the after? Silly. You got rid of the door???
#19
Our New Bathroom! Slide For Before Photos. Rural Southern Minnesota
M O'Connell 2 years ago
I believe this is the second story of a home with a Mansard roof, like this one: Mansardroo...851d8d.jpg 
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Not my colour and the curtains are questionable, but the floor looks far better than before.
#20
2 Years Of Dust, Noise And More Dust And Things Are Finally Starting To Look And Feel Like A Home
Rachel Smith 2 years ago
I love this, I love low light. Where I live now there's a light fixture above my husbands work area and one above the coffee table (in the same room) I always have the coffee table light off
Lara Harris 2 years ago
Why on earth would you block out all that lovely light with fake foliage?! In both areas!
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
Well, the window foliage is because it is street level and looks directly out onto traffic. It’s basically for privacy and a sound barrier.
Load More Replies... #21
From Old To New. A Peek Into Our British Victorian Living Room Being Brought Back To Life. Circa 1886
MoMcB 2 years ago
They didn't, the first photo is from the door you can see in the second.
Load More Replies... #22
My Earthy Home Office. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Carole Petricek 2 years ago
I like the color of the cabinets. It's not grey and it's not green.
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I believe the color is called sage which is a mix of gray/grey and green.
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James Pelley 2 years ago
Definitely sage. I concur! I lived in Halifax for 20 years! Loved loved loved it there. Would go back in a blink! 😁
Lara Harris 2 years ago
It looks good... But seems impractical. Where are the sockets? The lamp on the table has to have a wire plugging it in, w How far across the room does the cable go? Where is the socket for a lap top? It's a bit "form over function" for me.
#23
Shower- After/Before -Seattle Wa
Teresa Spanics 2 years ago
I would have kept the original tub and just redid everything around it.
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
I think even the before shot it's a very nice bathroom.
Load More Replies... Belle Miles 2 years ago
Some red (burgundy) or brown or even black could have been a nice accent throughout this thread. I love green, EVERY shade. But this designer is heavy handed.
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
I'm definitely not a fan of the current concete chic fad. Why would you want your walls to exude an aura of delapidated brutalist monuments or cigarette ashes? Grey can look very classy - the most c.-chic achieves with me is "corrosively depressing".
Load More Replies... #24
Before & After Of My Loft Bedroom
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Yes. Except that damn green bed. Please blend it with something of a softer color in the rug!
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
They did keep the window. The angle of the shot removes it but you still can see the light coming in by the dresser.
Load More Replies... Sharon Jackson 2 years ago
Again, not a reno. New bed, new carpet. New furniture. Lovely but not a reno
#25
Recently Finished Our Kitchen Remodel For Under $1000 - After / Before (New Hampshire)
The Person 2 years ago
I love the mix of the white, the warm wood tones, and the cool colors of the cabinents.
#26
My Bedroom Decorating Journey. Near Sacramento, Ca
#27
Kitchenbefore & After - Finally Remodeled Our Kitchen In Grand Rapids, Mi
Seadog 2 years ago
When I built, I had a bay window with seat installed in the kitchen and I've regretted it ever since. I'm sure they're great for some but if I could take it out I wouldn't hesitate for a second. I will say the cat liked it. He used it more than we ever will.
Load More Replies... Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Can someone PLEASE end this concrete chic trend? Or at least put in some colour for accent. Burgundy would look fantastic, or teal, or dark blue, or even midnight purple (though maybe not in a kitchen)! Brutalist high-rises and cigarette ashes are a strange choice of colour palette to go for if you want to evoke a sense of inviting coziness.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
So what? 95% of kitchens in American have it that way.
Load More Replies... H.M. V. 2 years ago
Hopefully it was just painted and not thrown away to be replaced by plain cardboard and plastic.
Load More Replies... #28
Primary Closet Remodel - Vernon, Nj
2x4b523p 2 years ago
Did the original clothes rack just collapse? Everything organized in one place, my dream! Closets are not really a thing in UK, if you ever have some it’s usually a size of a single wardrobe. We have to have several pieces of furniture taking off space in already small bedrooms.
#29
Renovated Master Bath In 1930s Home (Texas)
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
Wasn't bad. Could have done with a touch of colour, but definitely not in need of redoing to me. And I'm confused about after: do you have to squeeze around the tub and counter to enter the shower - on either side? (May be a perspective problem)
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Midnightoil 2 years ago
Do you have to walk around the end of the tub to get to the shower?? Hard to tell by the picture but this setup is backassward.
Sparkleybright 2 years ago
The doors to the shower are on either end of the tub!
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#30
Galley Kitchen Remodel, Portland Or. (Before Pic At The End)
Rachel Smith 2 years ago
Not a fan of the feather wallpaper or the big square tiles, but I love the beautiful blue
#31
Home Renovation In Ma, Before And After
#34
From The Moment I Saw This Odd, Off-Center Hallway In My 1880 Bungalow, I Knew It Was Meant To Become A Library. Before -> During -> After!
#36
Arizona Ranch Kitchen Remodel & Buildout (Phx)
Bent Screw (she/her) 2 years ago
That little eating table at the end of the counter is brilliant!
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
That's a lot of money to spend for a kitchen that looks like it was designed 30 years ago... the granite counters, 'Tuscan' backsplash, cabinets with floating crown molding, and huge tile flooring all look dated.
#37
Master Bathroom Before And After In Wilmington, Nc
#39
Dedicated A Day To Redoing An Old Unused Bedroom At My Mom’s House. Now I Can Happily Sleep Over When I Visit! Boston, Ma
#40
Before/After/After
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
That piece of live edge sticking out would consistently and repeatedly find my hip bone.
#41
Guest Room | Nj
Dani M 2 years ago
I still think it´s wild to just have an extra room for guests, or work or anything.
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Are you from another country that having a guestroom is not common? It is common in USA to have an extra bedroom with bath. Maybe we tend to have more company here??
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![Southern California Living Room Transformation [before/After]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/people-share-inspiring-room-transformations-19-62d7ac7379565__700.jpg "Southern California Living Room Transformation [before/After]")
#43
Renovated My Cramped Master Bath In Stamford, Vt
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago (edited)
Yes, it’s ipe wood. Same as what is used in outdoor furniture. These pictures are 7 months old so it holds up well. What is a little interesting fact is that the boards have to come out of the shower periodically for maintenance.
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Kitchen Before/After
#45
Introvert Den Near Portland, Maine, USA. Designed And Built By Me
#46
I Know It’s Not Perfect But I’m Very Proud Of My DIY Bathroom Remodel. (Brookhaven, Ms)
#47
Before/After Guest Bathroom, Dallas
#48
Before & Afters! Ann Arbor, Michigan
#49
The Only Finished Room In Our London House
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
Sleek, but that wall-mounted toilet strikes me as a disaster waiting to happen. It needs to be weight-bearing. Whatever is attaching it to the wall seems destined to fail eventually, based on repeated stress from perpendicular weight.
#50
My Stair Refit. Before During And After. Took About Two Weeks. Toronto
#51
Makeover On A Budget… Did This For 1k. I Know It’s Not For Everyone But We Love It
#52
7 Years Of Renovations Finally Completed - Sw Ohio, USA
#53
Before And After A Quick Two Day Project To Brighten Up The Living Room. Brookhaven, Mississippi
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
If they did this in two days, imagine how the room will improve over time.
#54
The Laundry Room Is The Most Under Appreciated Room ! Phoenix, Az. The Last Of Our 10 Year Remodel In The 1964 Arizona Ranch Home
#55
Kitchen/Living Room, Ontario
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
If you're going to post old/new pictures, please take them from the same angle. Otherwise, they're mostly useless for comparison purposes.
Rebecca O’Donnell 2 years ago
The second picture and the third are the same perspective. They took out 2 walls, made the one window a door and the other a bigger window.
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#56
Very Sad To Be Selling Our Home We’ve Put So Much Work Into The Last Few Years - After & Before Photos (New Hampshire)
#57
Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks
![Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/people-share-inspiring-room-transformations-111-643ff0bb707a5__700.jpg "Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks")
#58
Living Room After/Before. Dc Metro Area
#59
Before & After DIY Kitchen Makeover. California
#63
Before & After Bathroom Remodel. California
#64
I Just Finished My First Kitchen Remodel. I Designed It And Did All The Work Myself. Northern Colorado
#65
Took Us Almost 7 Years, But We Finally Finished Decorating Our Small Living Space In Our 970 Sq Ft Bungalow. Before And Afters
#66
Converted Loft Space Before And After (Halifax, Canada)
#67
Guest Bathroom, Colorado. “Before”photo At The End
Niamh Nomen 2 years ago
Do you have anything positive to say or are you just here to be a bridge troll?
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#69
Moved Into My First Studio! (Before/After) North Carolina
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Looks great. Usually your first apt is a mis-mash of hand me downs. This looks carefully put together!
Upstaged75 2 years ago
It just says first studio. Doesn't necessarily mean they've never lived in an apartment. I've never lived in a studio either, so one would technically be my "first" even though I've lived in condos/apartments for years.
Load More Replies...![Guest Bedroom Renovation [after/Before] [manchester, UK]](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/people-share-inspiring-room-transformations-41-62d7c24d0081d__700.jpg "Guest Bedroom Renovation [after/Before] [manchester, UK]")
#72
Living Room, Ri Painted My Ceiling
Seadog 2 years ago
So many people hate popcorn ceilings. For me, it's ceilings such as this that are a big turn off.
Load More Replies... Andrea Purzycki 2 years ago
I feel ... short. This has a very Alice in Wonderland shrinking effect.
Bent Screw (she/her) 2 years ago
The ceiling is lovely but why go partway down and include only the top of the window frame?
#74
Our Living Room vs. The Listing Photos Of The Previous Homeowners (In Wa)
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Much lighter energy. Please though- people, don't paint over natural brick.
Sandra Guistwhite 2 years ago
All brick is not created equal. Very old brick can age beautifully. Orange/ brown brick from the 1970's, not so much. And brick that is mismatched due to repair? Paint is the best option
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#76
Kitchen Remodel, Southern UK
Seadog 2 years ago
I hate this all white thing so many are going to. I agree those lacquered cabinets had to go but white on white on white? Too institutional.
Load More Replies... #77
Half To Full Bath Conversion - Indianapolis, In
Upstaged75 2 years ago
It's on the other side of the vanity. The angle of the pic is weird and makes it look like they got rid of it.
Load More Replies... #78
Painted The Kitchen This Weekend (Brattleboro, Vt)
Michelle Carlson 2 years ago
In about 75 years, someone will strip those cabinets and be disgusted that you painted that wood. LOL
Bent Screw (she/her) 2 years ago
Agreed but they do make a change from all that lovely wood.
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#80
Budget Kitchen Renovation, After & Before (Jacksonville, Fl)
#83
Recently Updated Our Half Bath - Nashville Tn
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Have you lost your vision? Or are you joking? Because it's completely different. New vanity/mirror, wallpaper, took out wainscoting. They can't actually change the shape of the room!
Load More Replies... #84
Hallway In Flat, Poland
#85
DIY Bathroom Renovation In England
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
I'm American and I think our flag is really ugly. This room is...a lot, isn't it?
Load More Replies... #86
Before And After Of Century Home Kitchen. Same Footprint. Missouri
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
I agree. Also, having to wash a dish BEFORE using it as well as after would be depressing.
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#87
Country Gothic Home Just Finished. Before/After
Seadog 2 years ago
I like the room but yes, TV should be head level when sitting.
Load More Replies... Upstaged75 2 years ago
Looks like the Haunted Mansion at Disney. :) At least they got rid of the dead animals on the walls.
Midnightoil 2 years ago
Much much much prefer the lighter colors of before. The ambiance of a fireplace is lost when you obscure the fireplace. A TV is supposed to be at eye level, not to crank your neck up.
#88
Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks
![Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/people-share-inspiring-room-transformations-113-643ff2086e0d2__700.jpg "Before (Agent's Pics) & Afters Of My 18th C. Townhouse [weymouth, UK] ~ 2 Years Non-Stop Work ~ We Bid Adieu In 2 Weeks")
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What do you think ?
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I love that plants as decor has become so popular; they make a space so much more relaxing to look at.
Ladedah 2 years ago
Is it just me, or does it also drive everyone else nuts when the 'before and afters' are taken from different angles, too?
Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
I liked these but I couldn't really judge the difference on a lot of them because the before and after pictures were either taken from a completely different angle or it wasn't the same room.
Gustav Gallifrey 2 years ago
Yeah, someone has a serious thing going on for that olive/jungle green.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
I love that plants as decor has become so popular; they make a space so much more relaxing to look at.
Ladedah 2 years ago
Is it just me, or does it also drive everyone else nuts when the 'before and afters' are taken from different angles, too?
Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago
I liked these but I couldn't really judge the difference on a lot of them because the before and after pictures were either taken from a completely different angle or it wasn't the same room.
Gustav Gallifrey 2 years ago
Yeah, someone has a serious thing going on for that olive/jungle green.
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