I love it when a client calls and says "we need some updating to our home and we need your help guiding us through the decision making process so we don't make mistakes"

Yes, that's me! They hired me to assist with remodeling their home within the budget they had set aside. I helped them prioritize what was important to do right now and what could wait.

I thought I'd show you how it all turned out. Let's start with the stairs.

BEFORE

AFTER

To update the stairscase, on a budget, we decided to paint the spindals white and we stained the banister a rich espresso. It transformed it instantly and made their entry so stylish and inviting.

We added a beautiful patterned carpet and that made the staircase the star of the show when you walk in the front door.

Next up is the kitchen which needed a facelift for sure.

BEFORE

We didn't have the budget to do the floors and we figured they can do that at a different time.

AFTER

The client really wanted new countertops so that was our priority. We selected a neutral countertop and extended the countertop on the island to give her more prepping room.

We added a gray subway tile backsplash and removed the overhead lighting and added recessed lighting. I just love the mercury glass pendants we chose for above the island, it coordinates beautifully with the new flush mount fixture above the sink.

We painted behind some of the open shelving and staged it with some of the items she already had.

Next was the family room.

BEFORE

AFTER

We painted this entire room to lighten it up and added new carpet. We took down the drapes (they were too short), hung new artwork and added lamps for a touch of color. The client wanted a fresh, clean look so that's what we did for her.

The couch had too many "matchy" pillows.

Ruthie Tip: When you purchase a couch that comes with all the matching pillows, that really cheapens the look. By taking some of the matching pillows out and adding a few throw pillows to break it up, it gives it an instant makeover and looks more collected, rather than cookie cutter matching set.

Next up was the fireplace.

BEFORE

This fireplace brick was really pink and wasn't modern enough for the client. We decided to paint it a gorgeous gray to give it a makeover. It worked and turned out beautiful.

AFTER

We took out the ugly fan and added a stunning chandelier that makes this fireplace come alive. Paint covers a multitide of sins! The mantel itself was a little small so we added corbels underneath the mantel and that made it look more to scale.

I absolutely love this kind of transformation. The client wanted their home updated so they could enjoy it more. It doesn't always mean you have to gut the entire place. What I love about my job is that I get to give home owners ideas that can update their homes without breaking the bank.

Of course, I have clients that want to gut the entire house and transform it all because they do have the budget to do so and that is awesome! However, I also love to see families update their homes conservatively too. Some people choose to do nothing because they can't afford it. Don't do nothing, any home can be turned into something wonderful with some good ideas and creativity.

I'm off to Highpoint tomorrow to be a part of the Design Bloggers Tour. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to see behind the scenes. So looking forward to getting to know these fabulous bloggers and seeing all the new trends in design for 2017/2018.

I'm also taking over Interior Design Society's National Instagram account on Friday while I'm at Highpoint. Follow along too for new trends and behind the scenes showroom tours.

There has been lots of labor going on with DecRenew Interiors the past few months!

I've been working with these clients on several projects over the years in their home. The kitchen was Phase II of the projects we have done so far. Next week we start on all their bathrooms!

They have a wonderful home in a very wooded area. They purchased the home because of the amazing backyard and the rustic, casual feel of the home. They love all the wood that is in the interior but felt that the kitchen was too dark. I totally agreed.

BEFORE

So we lightened it up! They were really hesitant about changing the kitchen because they didn't want it to feel out of place with the rest of their home. They were nervous that it would look updated and everything else would look out of date. I assured them that we could update the kitchen and make it look fantastic with the rest of the rooms that flow from the kitchen.

AFTER

We got to work and selected cabinet color, granite, venta hood, faucet, sink, hardware, stone work for bar, gas stove, double oven, refrigerator and lighting.

BEFORE

AFTER

We adjusted the cabinets above the bread box for a bigger microwave. The island also got a makeover with new legs and a new stylish color.

We worked with the paneling in the other rooms and made sure that we kept some consistency in the kitchen with what is going on everywhere else. We left the crown molding wood so it ties in with the adjacent dining room.

We added new lighting to the cove in the dining room and that really made it look fabulously updated.

Love these mercury glass pendants that we placed over their curved bar area. The client wanted to keep her existing island lighting since they had just replaced it a year ago.

The granite we selected was the one thing that my client was terrified of. She felt like it would make the kitchen darker. I assured her that it would be the focal point in the kitchen and would be beautiful with the woodwork in the home.