Before & After: Magnolia House Transformation You Have to See

If you’re looking for home decorating inspiration that blends heart, history, and a whole lot of elbow grease, you’re in for a treat.

The Magnolia House was one of those projects that stayed with us. From the first walk-through to the final styling touches, this home has been a labor of love—and proof that transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but it is always worth it.

Before: A Blank Canvas Full of Potential

When Jason first stepped into Magnolia House, the space felt tired. We actually named it the "Rats, Bats, and Cats" House for a reason! Outdated finishes, closed-off layouts, and very little natural light made the rooms feel smaller than they were. But underneath it all, we saw good bones and even better potential.

What others might’ve seen as a fixer-upper, we saw as a fresh start.

We knew this home could become a timeless, welcoming space—but it would take vision, patience, and a few bold decisions.

After: Warm, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Done

Fast forward to today, and Magnolia House feels like a completely different world. Light flows through the windows. The color palette is soft but grounded. Each room has purpose, personality, and that “you just want to stay awhile” feeling.

We used a mix of antique and modern finishes—refined, but never stuffy. Textures played a huge role in layering warmth: linen curtains, distressed woods, iron fixtures, and plenty of cozy textiles throughout.

What makes it even more special is that every design decision was intentional. From the trim color to the cabinet hardware, nothing was rushed. This wasn’t a race—it was a journey.

What We Learned Along the Way

1. Start with how you want it to feel. Magnolia House was designed to feel peaceful, not perfect. That small shift changed everything.

2. Good design doesn’t mean fast design. The timeline wasn’t always easy, but thoughtful decisions paid off tenfold.

3. Community matters. So many of the styling ideas and finishing touches were inspired by real-time conversations inside the Elegant Community. We asked for feedback, shared in-progress photos, and found so much inspiration through the women in our group.

Want the Full Room Breakdowns?

Inside the Elegant Community, we’re walking through the full Magnolia House transformation—room by room.

We’re sharing:

• Styling choices (and what we almost picked instead!)

• Paint colors, links, and sources

• Decorating lessons we learned the hard way

• Personal stories from behind the scenes

If you’ve ever looked at a room and felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, this transformation is for you.

👉 Click here to join the Elegant Community and see how it all came together—with guidance to help you decorate your own home along the way.