A Life-Changing, Marrs Family Renovation | Season 2 Episode 8
This renovation was truly the most special one we’ve ever taken on. Not only were we taking a house that was in need of some major updating but we were doing it for my parents! Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought my parents would move to Arkansas. My mom was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, my dad has lived there since he was a young child and my entire extended family is there.
When Dave and I moved to NW Arkansas, we promised my parents that we would move back to Florida to settle down after a few years. Then, one year rolled into the next and we found ourselves falling hard for this little corner of the world. We just couldn’t leave. This left my heart constantly pulled between two places. And, my parents felt the same way. They have visited countless times over the years and have always been here for the moments that matter most.
And, they’ve always reluctantly had to leave to go back home.
Now, they don’t have to leave. They’re here! I still can’t believe it. After 16 years of traveling back and forth, they’re here in NW Arkansas. What an absolute joy this has been for our whole family.
The renovation was amazing but the fact that they’re here now is the absolute best ever. I love that we have the journey of creating their new home captured on camera to treasure always. Someday, my grandkids will be able to watch last night’s episode and see the legacy of love my mom and dad began.
Exterior
BEFORE: An awkward entrance with a shipyard appearance.
This 1990s house caught my dad’s eye, but its uninviting front entrance and stone pillars were not at all appealing. The awkward steps looked like a shipping dock and led to a dim entryway that wasn’t inviting.
My dad requested some brick for the outside of the house because he loves the look of brick and it’s not common in Florida. I set out on a search for a vintage brick with character, rather than the standard, mass-produced red. I found a gorgeous earth tone brick at the local brickyard that was salvaged from an old building in Chicago. My dad was born in Chicago so that made the brick even more special!
After removing the old, awkward steps, we added a brick skirt and new steps leading to a gorgeous new front door. Dave was able to score a great deal on the arched-top double wood door and the new door really was the biggest catalyst for change on the outside of the house. After we had the new door, I knew we needed to incorporate the arched opening onto the front porch, so we added a new eyebrow entrance and then wrapped the house in warm cedar siding and built a full porch across the front.
In terms of landscaping, my dad loved the rock yard (low-maintenance!) so, we spruced it up and, because I know family is everything to my parents, I surprised them with ten hydrangea plants out front – each one representing one of their grandkids.
The exterior transformation was extensive and turned the house into a warm and welcoming home!
AFTER: A welcome entry with a porch fit for guests.
Sources
Exterior Sconces | Kichler
Exterior Pendant | Kichler
Landscaping | Ground Effects Landscaping
Brick | Antique Chicago – Ryder Brick
Cedar Siding | Custom by Dave Marrs
Exterior Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White
Living Room
BEFORE: A time capsule from the ‘90s.
The inside of this house was in great shape; it simply needed modern features to add character and warmth. A large open floor plan gave us plenty to work with on our journey to make it a place my parents could feel comfortable.
Wood floors and new paint created the warmth needed to make the room feel more like home. We modernized the clunky fireplace by removing the stone, which allowed more space and gave it a smooth, sleek look. A beam on the ceiling tied together the wood floors and fireplace mantle for a cozy living area.
AFTER: A cozy, warm space with a sleek fireplace.
Sources
Entry Sconce | Kichler
Ceiling Fan | Kichler
Art | Melissa Griffith
Furnishings and Rug | Howse
Walls and Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White
Kitchen
BEFORE: An out-of-date kitchen in need of an island.
I wanted this space to be transformed into a timeless kitchen for my parents. The existing kitchen was stuck in the ‘90s with dated cabinets and a clunky peninsula. A small load-bearing post we couldn’t remove meant I had to modify plans for my perfect vision but plan B ended up working out better than my original plan! The new enclosed wall now houses the refrigerator, a stunning coffee bar and a pantry. Now this space is inviting and extremely functional with plenty of space for our large family to gather!
My dad LOVES (loves) his coffee maker. I can’t tell you how many times he’s sung its praises. So, I knew he would be blown away by a new built-in coffee bar. The coffee nook houses his beloved coffee maker and the drawers beneath hold mugs and and all of the coffee / tea accessories he needs, right within reach. I love how this nook was created after we chose to close in the wall where the post had been and now it’s one of my favorite parts of the house! It just goes to show that renovation plans often have to be modified but it’s important to keep an open mind because the modified plan can turn out better than expected.
AFTER: An updated kitchen designed with customized features.
Sources
Pendants | Shades of Light
Backsplash Tile | Tile Club
Custom Cabinetry | Premier Wood Concepts – Link
Appliances | Metro Appliances
Island Stools | Howse
Cabinet Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Island and Back of Coffee Bar Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Dining Room
BEFORE: A ho-hum space needing a lifestyle change of its own.
I know my parents like to start the day with coffee and, oftentimes, will wind down at the end of the day with a glass of wine (on their new porch!) so we surprised them with a custom-built (bonus son-in-law points to Dave!) wine rack that extends from floor to ceiling and covers one wall of the dining room.
We’re not sure they’ll ever be able to fill all the space with wine bottles, but I had an idea to get them started. My siblings and I had a virtual meeting to talk about a housewarming present for my parents. I thought it would be fun for everyone to send wine and a tag to attach to each bottle with a story or a cute saying personalized for each family. That way, my parents could read the tags as they opened each bottle. Here are a few examples of the sayings on the tags:
~~~
Save this cork to remind you of the time took a group picture without you begging us to. We are so fortunate to have amazing parents/grandparents like you! You created an awesome family!
Cheers to unexpected detours in life! We still can’t believe you’re here! We love you so much.
Cheers to a quiet house! (After living with us, anything is quiet).
~~~
AFTER: A personable place to wine and dine.
Sources
Chandelier | Kichler
Dining Table | Howse
Art | Melissa Griffith
Wine Tag Script | Meredith Victoria
Walls and Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White
Main Bedroom
BEFORE: A room in need of a simple update.
The master bedroom needed a few updates to bring it along with the rest of the changes we made house. We continued the wood floor into this room, and made the space seem bigger with lighter ceilings, trim, and walls.
We also made renovations to the master bathroom and closet. (Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to take photos! Depending on how the episode time works out, we don’t always get to film every part of what we renovate.)
AFTER: A master bedroom ready for rest.
Sources
Ceiling Fan | Kichler
Art | Melissa Griffith
Furnishings and Rug | Howse
Walls and Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White
Guest Bedroom
BEFORE: A room with no place for little visitors.
My parents wanted this room to function as an office and a place for my dad to enjoy music. Dave and I wanted to make sure this room would also be fully available for extended family and, of course, our kiddos to have many, many sleepovers at the grandparents’ house. ha! We forged ahead with that idea and managed to combine the best of both worlds with cabinets and gorgeous blue paint (my parents’ favorite color).
A Murphy bed that functions as part of one wall sealed the deal to keep space available until the grandkids come and spend the night. We also took advantage of the seated bay window, creating a comfortable space with natural light for my dad to sit and listen to his music.
(We also updated the other guest room with new flooring, paint and lighting).
AFTER: A room for work, music, and guests.
Sources
Ceiling Fan | Kichler
Furnishings and Rug | Howse
Murphy Bed Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow and Ball De Nimes No 299
My mom told me at the start of this project that she never really expected to truly like the house because of her deep love for the home they left behind in Florida. But, now that we are finished with the remodel and they’ve settled in here, she absolutely loves it and says she feels like she’s on vacation every day. Having them nearby is such a gift for our family, I am so immensely grateful.
The big reveal – with all of my siblings and nieces and nephews and my grandma (who hasn’t flown on a plan in over 20 years!) – was truly one of the most special days EVER. I love that we have that whole experience on film to watch again and again. When I came up with the idea to have the grandkids take a photo on the front porch, I knew my mom would lose it when she realized they were on her new front steps. She loves a good surprise and I think this one absolutely takes the cake!
Thanks for coming along with us on this personal family adventure!
Jenny
