We all enjoy seeing before and after pics. I love it! But…I am the worst and I mean the worst at remembering to take before and afters. I have done so many projects and after completion thinking to myself “why didn’t I document what this looked like before?” After years of not taking pictures, I finally started to. My clients would always have pictures and would be so gracious to send them to me, but not all of the pictures were what I really needed or wanted to see. Finally, I am making this important step a habit. Below are just a few (and I mean a few) that actually made the before and after photos.
The rustic projects below are currently in progress and are in the final stages of being finished.
Cabin in the woods
The transformation of a 1960s cabin situated on a 100-acre oxbow in rural Arkansas provided an exciting opportunity to create a harmonious blend of rustic charm, modern amenities, and a deep connection with nature. With careful consideration of the cabin's history, we decided to keep the original structure but completely gutted the inside to rework the layout. We added a half bath, vaulted the ceilings, and created a cozy corner for the wood-burning stove using local excavated stone with a 1960s-inspired pattern. Paying homage to the original build as well as keeping as many original details as possible make it all the more special. Updating all the electrical, which meant taking the old out and installing new (up-to-code) wiring, adding HVAC, and updating plumbing made the cabin not only safer but more efficient. The ultimate goal was to provide a serene and inviting retreat while making it feel rustic and function like its intent, which is a refuge for fishing and hunting. The property is equipped with a private boat launch, fishing pier, and multiple opportunities to continue to expand into a true hunter and fisherman’s paradise. This is still a work in progress and after pictures are coming soon!
Spring River retreat
Located on the beautiful Spring River in historic downtown Hardy, Arkansas, this riverside cabin on stilts had great bones but needed some updating to get this sweet little retreat ready for owners and guests. The cabin was built in the early 2000s and while there were plenty of cosmetic issues to address, it also had some great features that we wanted to keep. The main room has high vaulted ceilings, which lends itself to a great loft area. We kept the original knotty pine tongue and groove wood along with all of the trim around the windows and baseboards. We replaced all of the flooring, which was linoleum and indoor/outdoor carpet, with LVP throughout. The stairs have new treads and additional safety features at the top of the landing. The biggest overhaul was the bathroom, where the old fiberglass shower was removed and a custom shower was installed along with a custom wood vanity and an antique sink. All new appliances were added as well as making room for a small dishwasher. Granite countertops went down where the old red Formica was and on the right side of the refrigerator, we made a custom coffee bar with wood from a local craftsman along with a space for pet bowls. Fresh paint, new beds, new lighting, new washer/dryer, new hot water heater, new decor, new hardware & floor vents, updated HVAC, and a good power washing have all given this quaint little cabin a fresh new look and a super cozy vibe. I mixed old and new for an eclectic and relatable aesthetic and even added a little wallpaper in the living area. This cabin is now available for rent on VRBO and Airbnb. The links are here:
