Meet our newest project:
This announcement may (or may not?) come as a surprise, but it has been months in the making. We started actively searching (and putting in offers) on houses in January and it has been a rollercoaster ride with this crazy market. But everything happens for a reason! I couldn’t be happier about where we ended up—we officially closed on the property April 19th and renovations are already underway.
The home was built in 2008 (which means less chances of unwanted surprises and repairs, yay!) and we purchased it as a cosmetic “flip” from the second owner. It’s a spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bath with ~2450 square feet and two en-suites. The biggest selling point for me was that it’s near our home, which means we won’t have a long commute (I’ve experienced longer-distance renovations twice and it makes everything much more challenging!)
The plan is to turn the property into a vacation rental (if you’re new here, we also have the Riverside Retreat and Poolside Palms) and it will sleep up to 14 guests after we add a fourth bedroom. This will be a complete renovation and we’ll be DIYing as much of it as possible, so I’m expecting it to take us at least a year. Here’s the floor plan (after the fourth bedroom addition):
I’m embracing the Spanish-style architecture but adding in my own unique flair. I’ve been obsessing over this design style for a long time and finally have the opportunity to bring my ideas to life! Picture Amber Interiors meets Moroccan riad meets colorful Mediterranean with a taste of Florida:
via Amber Interiors 
via Casa Lecanda 
via Savvy Interiors 
via Intimate Living Interiors
I’ve spent hours upon hours saving inspiration to a dedicated board on Pinterest, if you’re curious to get a sense of my vision. While I plan to stay within these general styles, each room will have its own look and vibe (similar to the Riverside Retreat).
Without further ado, let’s take a tour and I’ll share a few ideas and plans I have for each space:
Jump to:
Front + backyard
There’s no mistaking this distinct Spanish/mediterranean influence of the exterior, and I’ll be adding even more of those details to enhance the experience.
The biggest transformation and largest chunk of our budget will be spent in the backyard.
We plan to add a pool, decking, a pergola, pavers and gravel, grill, tile on the patio, a new fence and lush greenery.
This backyard oasis will be the main attraction for guests, so it has to be a show stopper and that requires a little splurging.
Dining room
This is the first room you see when you walk in the front door, to your left. I’ll hang a large statement chandelier and two dining tables to seat 12-14 guests. One of my favorite features of this home is the vaulted ceiling in the main living space.
My least favorite? The obnoxious overly-textured walls. Skim coating the entire house is not an expense we can justify, so it is what it is.
Kitchen
Oh man, this before is pretty bad. Nothing like adding two partial walls in an open room with a vaulted ceiling.
Fortunately, these walls and everything in it are now gone and we have a blank slate to work with.
The focal point of the kitchen will be an extra long custom range hood enclosure (which we’ll DIY) and an island with additional seating.
Living Room
There won’t be a lot of space to work with in here after we add the kitchen island, but the big change in here will be a plaster-style built in fireplace we plan to DIY.
The living room/kitchen/dining room will be open to each other and form one big “great room”, and the most dramatic change will be dark wood beams and planks covering the ceiling. We plan to tackle this ourselves and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the most intense and longest and possibly most regretted DIY of our lives.
Bedroom 4
This area is currently unused/open space when you walk into the house on the right side (across from the dining room). It’s the perfect spot to add a small fourth bedroom—just large enough for two twin trundle beds against the wall.
Bedroom 1
This is the largest bedroom, measuring 16’5” x 16’11”. It has an entrance to the patio, a large walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. It also has this super awkward off-center window slit above where the bed will go. What on earth am I supposed to do with that?! Replacing the windows is most definitely not in the budget, so I’ll have to come up with a budget solution. Any ideas?
The other dilemma is this octagonal tray ceiling, found in all three bedrooms. I can’t decide how I feel about this, and I’m not sure if I want to leave it as is. Whatever we do, it has to be budget friendly and DIY-able. Please give me all your suggestions!
Ensuite Bathroom 1
This is a pretty large bathroom, with a separate toilet room and enclosed shower.
There is so much potential here, but it would add up quickly to gut everything and start from scratch, so we will have to work with the existing floorpan (including another dang skinny window).
Bedroom 2
This is the second largest bedroom, measuring 15’8” by 13’8”. It has a large walk-in closet and ensuite.
It also has an unnecessary door that leads to the side of the house and is stuck shut. I would love to get rid of it but I don’t think removing it and patching the wall is in the budget.
This room unfortunately has no windows/natural lighting, and it also has the octaganal tray ceiling.
Ensuite Bathroom 2
A decent sized bathroom with another enclosed shower (and another unfortunate window slit).
No plans as of now to change the floorpan, but sometimes I get carried away with my big ideas so we shall see…
Bedroom 3
This is the smaller of the three main bedrooms, but still a decent size at ~13.5 x 12.5’. Fortunately, the ceilings in this house are 9’4” so that makes everything feel more spacious.
The biggest challenge in this room is that awkward off-center window that is way too low (the 4th bedroom and dining room have the same window issue).
Bathroom 3
Your typical bathroom size and layout. Minus that dang window slit that follows me everywhere!
Laundry Room
This space will likely end up as the forgotten child. I don’t think it’s worth dedicating a lot of time and budget towards (heck, we still have the subfloor in our own laundry room!) so who knows what will become of it.
So, what do you think?! We certainly have our work cut out for us with this one! I’m honestly just as excited about this renovation as I was when we built our own home. I have so many fun projects lined up and this is a chance to really get creative and experiment with new ideas. I also want your input! We have a big blank canvas to work with and so many possibilities. This project also presents new design challenges I’ve never faced, and I’d love to hear your suggestions. Here are a few questions that are top of mind right now…
- If you were staying as a group of 14, would you rather have a sleeper sofa in the living room and 2 of the 4 bedrooms sleep one couple each, or sleeper sofas in the two ensuite bedrooms and only one bedroom that sleeps two?
- DIY ideas for the tray ceilings in the bedrooms?
- What would you do with the arched windows that are off center and too low, and the off center skinny window in Bedroom 1?
- What should we name this place? I love alliterations (i.e. Riverside Retreat, Poolside Palms) and want to stick with the Spanish/Mediterranean theme. Currently entertaining Hidden Hacienda or Hacienda Hideaway… any others?
If anyone comes up with the winning name or a genius problem-solving idea, there will be a reward involved ?
What’s first on the to-do list? So far we’ve removed the flooring throughout the entire house (both the laminate and original tile underneath), completely demo’d the kitchen, and Lucas is finishing the new bedroom framing.
I’m anxious to share allll the details with you in the coming months! Get ready for a whole lotta room design plans, new DIY projects, product sourcing and budget breakdowns.
Next week I’ll be sharing the budget-friendly high end dupes I’ve been sourcing for the house. You can also take a tour of our current progress tomorrow in my Instagram stories, so make sure you’re following me there for all of the behind the scenes action. A very happy May to everyone!
Dani Poisson says
So excited to see this!
My thoughts for the tray ceilings…it would be awesome to pump up the Spanish vibe with a contrasting mosaic style. This could change room to room, and give each a distinct flavor. Maybe one is a super bright colorful mosaic tile (or faux tile), and another is a copper tile…the options are endless and so fun!
And for the skinny window in bedroom 1, the idea that came to mind was building inward, making a little greenhouse window. I wonder if there is a fun way to do it that almost acts like a living headboard.
Last 2 cents, I would rather have 2 bedrooms fit for couples. My large family and friend groups both always need space for multiple couples. And I’ve also had to share a bed with my sister or friend before at vacation rentals. Always worked great!
Cannot wait to see how this develops, congrats on the new place!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Dani! Love your ideas 🙂
Pam says
Could you add skylights for the room with no windows?
Jenna Sue says
I would love to but that would be so far out of budget, ha!
Jordan says
Hi! I would say for the tray ceilings to add crown molding on the lip/ inside to give a little dimension— rather than the stark difference. Then on the ceiling part make it all dark wood planks matching the Mediterranean feel.
Lastly I would go for Hacienda Hermosa (Hermosa means beautiful)
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Jordan! I agree the ceiling definitely needs some sort of molding to feel more finished. Thank you for your ideas!
Patricia says
Oh wow! This will be fun to watch as your transform this home. Those slit windows are so odd…no idea how to deal with those! Anyway, I’m excited..you guys are the best!!!
Dana Huston says
Casa Cabana (since the backyard is going to be the focal point?) and aptly timed to pick a name on Cinco de Mayo!
I’d ditch the tray ceiling and the ugly ceiling fan. Do some type of light wood slats treatment to fill that space, drop the can lights down into the wood and hang a cool Spanish/metal chandelier. Pick up the octagonal shape of ceiling with some type of octagonal tile if this room has the en suite.
Cool house—you have VISION to see through all those uglies! 😉
I’d love to bring my family to rent it when done! Do two bedrooms sleeping two: no one over age 8 likes to sleep on a pull out and most people won’t have that many kids to plunk on a sofa bed. If sleeping 14, make it accommodate at least 6-8 adults in proper beds—kids can always sleep on a mattress on the floor! Will enjoy watching this come together!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Dana! Casa Cabana has a really nice ring to it. I wish we could get rid of all the ceiling fans but so many people here in Florida can’t live without them, boo! Maybe I’ll sacrifice it in one of the rooms 😛
Candice says
Exciting! I can see the potential here, and those skinny windows don’t bother me. I think you can do something fun with linear plant shelves, and make them a neat feature.
For the tray ceilings, I think stained ceiling planks would be beautiful and add a callback to the beams. In a kid room, a colorful cement tile around the tray could be fun.
Maybe you can embrace the texture by channeling stucco?!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Candice!
Jennifer Laura Living says
It’s beautiful- congratulations!!! I can’t wait to see you work your magic on another property!!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Jennifer!
Karen says
The largest bedroom window issue…can you drape that wall entirely? Thats what we did in our home.
Just when I thought you guys could relax a little you get another project.It will be great watching.
Jenna Sue says
That’s not a bad idea Karen! It would hide all the ugly texture too, haha.
Heather says
Can’t wait to see what you do with this!
Here are my ideas:
Murals on the tray ceilings or matching board (same colour as great room. Possibly a grid pattern made of wood or a frame inside to match the existing shape.
High headboard under the skinny window in bedroom, or faux blinds (I don’t think you’ll choose that idea lol)
As for the name:
Siesta Sands
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Heather!
Alix says
Yep, I was thinking curtains that are hung symmetrically to hide the fact that the window isn’t. Don’t allow them to show either end of the window (and what the heck was the original designer thinking??) A bedroom with no windows? That’s illegal in Australia (I know, you’re not in Australia so who cares but just had to mention the differences) – could you add a skylight? Can’t wait to see how this turns out!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Alix!
Sasha Q says
For the name, Casa Constanza immediately came to mind when you said Spanish theme with alliteration!
Sasha Q says
Hands down should turn that stuck side exterior door in the bedroom into a tall window that offers some natural light!
Can’t wait for the after!
Jenna Sue says
So smart! Someone else also mentioned making it a glass door too with a private little sitting area on the side of the house. This would definitely solve the problem!
Michelle says
Ditto on the window idea. In fact, without an egress, can it legally be a bedroom? Maybe in FL, but not any state I’ve ever lived in.
Jenna Sue says
A door counts as an egress! 🙂
Jasmine Bible says
What an awesome project! For the tray ceilings, what about cladding then in some type of skinny pole/wood/bamboo-esque vibe? So it feels similar to the wood you’re doing in the main room, but on a smaller (less expensive) scale? Even if the wood were white washed to not compete with the other eventual decor in the rooms.
Allison says
For the low window – what about putting bunk beds on either side of the window to almost make it feel purposeful? I know you didn’t mention catering to families, but could make that a dedicated kids room and add a sleeper sofa there, too.
For the name, what about Sunset Siesta? Secluded Siesta?
Jenna Sue says
Love Siesta! I’ll have to explore that word some more, thank you Allison!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Jasmine! I love that idea, it would definitely give it a tropical vibe as well which is perfect for Florida. Will have to start sourcing materials! 😉
Gail Hunter says
Congratulations on your latest purchase! So much fun to consider all the possibilities! In the bedroom without natural light, have you thought about removing the unused door to the side yard and putting in a window? Even if the view is uninspired the natural light would be a bonus. Best wishes!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Gail! Several mentioned that too and I’ve decided to replace the door with a glass patio door 😀
Catherine says
We just bought a Spanish style home in Arizona, and the wall texture is awful. Unfortunately we are skim coating the whole house, because honestly I’ll just never be happy with it like this. (We’re just taking it on, one room at a time)
Jenna Sue says
Gahhh textured walls are just the absolute worst! God speed to you friend!
jan says
As far as sleeping arrangements, I have always had a problem when the only option is one bed in a bedroom. I think there should be more options. Families have kids that aren’t great at sleeping together because of age, etc. Also, not everyone that vacations together will want to “share” a bed…..girls trips, 2 families, etc. The sleeper sofa(s) is a yes for me no matter where it is.
Have fun with the renovations!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Jan!
Korin says
Ooh so fun. I have all the ideas. Having stayed in a dreamy riad for a few nights once I am so inspired.
First. When I travel with 14 it’s usually my extended family with lots of couples and (soon) a pile of grandkids. So we love couples. We also love when there are king beds both for my tall husband and because there is usually one kid joining us – although I know that isn’t always reasonable. We strongly prefer trundles to sleeper sofas. And even good closet cots over sleeper sofas.
Finally for the tray ceilings I suggest embracing them and stenciling a Moroccan inspired tile around the edge as an accent. I don’t know if I would go this route in my own home but in an adorable rental property I think it could sing.
Hooray.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Korin! We’ll definitely be going with two King beds in the larger rooms, and I’m now thinking I like the idea of turning the large closet into a bunk room in Bedroom 2. Lots of suggestions for stencils in the tray ceiling too, that was one of my first thoughts! Excited to see where everything lands 🙂
Annie says
Eeeeee! Congratulations, can’t wait to see what this house becomes under your love and care 🙂
Jenna Sue says
Thanks so much Annie!
Lesley H says
Love your vision boards, do you shop at Treehouse Gallery in St Pete? Their stuff would be a great match for this! Have fun!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Lesley! I’ve never heard of the Treehouse Gallery but I will have to check it out!
Stacye Clark says
Looks like a fun and big project for you!
1. I would not vacation on sofa sleepers but think bunks, Murphy beds, are fine. Even a hammock bed could be used interesting.
2. For the tray ceiling, it is a good spot to somewhat hide the ceiling fan. Whitewashing planks and laying the boards inside the tray would work. You could do different woods and patterns in each room if you prefer. In a bunk room, you would do the entire ceiling in a glow in the dark constellation design.
3. I am stumped on how to treat those arched windows without replacing them. As for the horizontal windows, I would cover the entire wall with blackout curtains in a couple of rooms. That would be terrific sleeping for a vacationing couple. In another area, embrace the rectangle and focus on cubism and make a geometric wall with the window as a center focal point.
4. Hacienda Hideaway has great cadence!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Stacye!