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!
Erin says
Hey, I’m so excited to see the progress on this! I think for one of the trayed ceilings you could add wood planks in concentric octagonal rings. You would need to change the harsh corner of the tray to a gentle slope or just put the boards in the tray area. I’m thinking of Faye’s room from Chris Loves Julia.
Jenna Sue says
I’m obsessed with Faye’s room! That would be an interesting DIY 🙂
Kelly Blydenburgh says
This is going to be an awesome project! Love your plans, too—can’t wait to see this come together. Ideas for names: Mediterranean Mission, Mediterranean Manor, Rancho Reposado, Roomy Refuge, Refined Refuge, Inviting Villa (almost alliterative?). 🙂
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Kelly!
Ginger says
1. Definitely keep the two ensuite rooms as one couple rooms. Sleeper sofa in the living room. With a group that large, you’re likely to have at least 2 adult couples who would appreciate privacy.
2. Texture. Add some kind of natural texture like woven seagrass, seagrass wallpaper, or (like earlier commenters mentioned) bamboo or wood, and trim the tray with dark wood. I know of a great supplier in Florida that offers woven seagrass and other fibers at a good price: https://www.amazuluinc.com/collection/natural-matting/. I used a sheet of their woven seagrass to upholster a headboard and it looked great, was soft to the touch, and added a wonderful natural texture to the room. Check out this for DIY tray ceiling trim inspo: https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2018/11/cozy-tray-ceiling-makeover-in-master.html
3. For the horizontal window in the main bedroom, maybe frame it out and then underneath, do a proportional headboard wall with a built-in shelf on top to lean artwork. I’ve seen some gorgeous headboard walls that are upholstered or paneled (see Emily Henderson’s blog for several ideas), with hidden up-lighting for a dramatic and romantic feel, or with built-in nightstands.
4. Something with Casa or Casita? Coral Casa? Casita de Coco? Having problems remembering my Spanish C-words!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much Ginger, I was thinking about some sort of bamboo/woven ceiling covering in the primary bedroom and that link is such a great resource! I really appreciate your input!
Jenna Sue says
Check your email Ginger! 🙂
Ricki Bohac says
CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU DO WITH THIS HOME!!!! Congratulations on the new project!
Couple ideas:
For the ceilings – faux box beams on the inside of the trays or a t&g. Add a jaw dropping light fixture too add a punch. Or wallpaper the entire ceiling. Even the walls of the tray too.
For the windows – the arched windows are a booger. But since they are off centered maybe add builtins to both sides to trick the eye to look like it’s symmetrical. Add builtins above the window too. Then you could add a nice window treatment and you’d never know the window was an issue.
– the long skinny window…. is that the wall the bed will gone on? What if you DIY a floor to ceiling headboard? Something that would cover that window completely.
Anything you do will be amazing!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Ricki! I was originally thinking going with a canopy bed in the bedroom with the slit window, but I also love the idea of DIYing a floor to ceiling headboard to cover the window. Hmmm, decisions decisions!
Megan H says
First of all—-who designed this house!? They need to be arrested for those skinny windows. In the bedroom with the door to the outside- could you make that a class window that leads out to a private pergola/patio/grotto situation? I love the idea of bedrooms having their own private outdoor oasis. And definitely keep as many bedrooms sleeping two as possible. So excited to watch this unfold!
Jenna Sue says
There are so many questionable decisions made with this house! They honestly just slapped it together as cheaply as possible. But that’s partly why we got a great deal on it, hah. I looooove the idea of turning the bedroom door into a glass patio door — we could definitely make something cool and private back there! Genius. Thank you for your input!
Jenna Sue says
Check your email Megan! 🙂
Megan H says
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rosalind says
I don’t have answers for #1 and #4 but as for #2 and #3…
On #2, Thrifty Decor Chick did a neat treatment on her tray ceiling. She put wood around the edge and then painted the actual ceiling part a darker cooler.
On #3, Jenni at I Spy DIY just did a “Ship Room” where she was working around this tiny, awkward, off center window. Turned out great!
Can’t wait to see how everything turns out!!
Jenna Sue says
I saw Jenni’s recent project, so smart! I will have to check out TDC’s as well, thank you for the tips!
Rosemary says
For the first bedroom with the skinny window, I would incorporate that somehow as part of the headboard. Make a frame somehow that would be the top or possibly a mural around it. You two are so good together with building and designing! Bravo. I have had tray ceiling’s before and when you get the pool in the reflection that comes on to a tray ceiling through the window is very pretty! A suggestion would be on the narrow part do a subtle change in color from the ceiling and the rest of the room. Good luck and can. You two are amazing ?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Rosemary!
Claire says
Congrats guys!!!!
Those slit windows! ? I think I’d be getting rid of them personally. Also… I think the garage would have made a great fourth bedroom or even second living space / theatre room.
Can’t wait to see the beams and the kitchen layout!
Q1- I personally hate sleeper lounges in living spaces. Why not 2x Queen bottom with single on tops in one of the larger rooms (as a kind of kids mega sleep room with flexibility for couples/ singles).
Q2 square out the tray ceilings – make the simpler (ie not octagonal) or just leave them and spend money elsewhere
Q3 if not replacing…. then just elaborate drapes hung high?
Goodluck!!!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Claire, all good ideas!
Keesha says
For the tray ceiling, could drape fabric from center to walls, then down the walls. With statement lighting. Would be great for the bedroom with no windows. Similar to this: https://pin.it/7uki5jx
Jenna Sue says
Oo that’s an interesting one! I was envisioning doing something similar in the main bedroom but just creating a canopy bed with gauze hanging to the floor from each corner. I like the idea of carrying the fabric over to the center of the wall as well.
Sara says
Congratulations on your new project!!!! Love seeing you work your magic!
Maybe you could square off the tray ceilings and add some beams in the recessed area? It would continue the vibe from the main space…. but maybe that is more than you hope to do? Somehow I doubt it though ???
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Sara! That thought definitely crossed my mind but I also wonder if it’s worth the time/cost/effort! Something to think about 🙂
Kristina says
Loooove Hidden Hacienda.
For the tray ceiling, I think you either have to decide to make them a feature or just ignore and blend them ? The shape is a bit awkward but I’ve seen wood beams spanned (inset) across tray ceilings that look great, and would fit your design. You could also do something like a bold patterned wallpaper set into the tray, done to fit each room.
I’d definitely prefer two rooms to sleep two couples vs one.
The arched windows are tough… Could do a low seating area in front of them depending on what your plan for the room is, or you could use clever drapes to disguise the weirdness of them. The skinny window is the same, I’d think off setting with window treatments to balance it would work. Or just accept that it’s a little wonky (so hard!) ?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much Kristina!
Brittany says
Can’t wait to see how you transform this house!
My suggestion on the ceilings would be to incorporate some of the fun patterns you see in the tile from your inspiration pics, whether that’s done with wallpaper, stencil, tin ceiling tiles, etc. Also could do a deep colored wood plank, which would feel very tropical resort like to me.
Camila says
Moroccan style incorporates a lot of octagons into its design, specially with small side tables, it could translate beautifully into a ceiling
Jenna Sue says
That is true! I really don’t hate the octagon shape so I’ll find a way to make it look more intentional 🙂
Liz M says
Honestly as a rental I don’t think the tray ceilings are a big priority. I say paint them out and leave them alone. Don’t spend any money to draw attention to them.
For the weird door to the outside – can you just frame a faux wall in front of it in the inside? No patching needed on the outside. YHL just did this in their house actually! One wall of framing and drywall is inexpensive – or skip the drywall and do an accent wall treatment!
The low arched windows are tough – I might add long drapes each side and a bamboo shade that comes down to cover just the arch part if that makes sense. Lake it look like it’s a regular sized window ?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Liz! That was also my first thought re: hiding the arched window position with blinds and curtains. I think that might be the most cost effective solution too!
Shaili says
I agree about the ceiling. I don’t think I would mind if at all in a rental and actually might be off put if there was attention drawn to it with beams, wood, tile, paint etc. I say leave it and save that money for another part of the house – the windows for example!
Julie says
I am WAY too excited to follow along on this project.
1. Definitely sleeper sofas in the en-suites. Most people looking to book a vacation home over a hotel are families. With a house that sleeps that many, that opens the possibility for a full family to sleep in each bedroom.
– I don’t mind the tray ceilings and the windows are an odd design choice but not offensive. You have an awesome eye and your guests definitely won’t be as meticulous so I can’t imagine spending any significant money to change them. I’d vote design around them.
-Hacienda Hideaway!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks so much Julie!
Arielle says
1) definitely sleeper in the living room and keep 2 bedrooms for couples. Whenever I travel in a group that large there’s bound to be two couples.
2) what about beams or planking in the tray portion of the ceiling? Pennies for a fortune recently did this in a tray ceiling and it looked great! Only question is, are ceiling fans a must for you in the bedroom with it being Florida? Hopefully not!
3) hard to tell the arch window is off center from the pictures, I would probably do wall fo wall curtains and frame it in a way to make the window appeared to be center. I would then put twin beds on either side of the window. The tray ceiling won’t match up but it will make the wall be the focal point anyway. If the skinny rectangular window isn’t a needed light source I would hide the window with drapery behind a bed and do sconces on either side and make that be the focal wall. Leaning into the Spanish theme of course.
4) for the name I love The Spanish Sanctuary
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Arielle, all great ideas!