Pulling Back the Layers: Starting Our First Renovation in Gram’s 1900’s Farmhouse.
There’s something magical about stepping into a home that has stood for over a century. Every squeaky floorboard, every uneven wall, every drafty window carries with it the weight of memory. When my husband and I decided to take on the project of restoring Gram’s 1900’s home, we knew we weren’t just tackling a renovation we were honoring family history while building a space that could welcome generations to come.
The very first project? The floors.
Armed with gloves, crowbars, and more determination than experience, we began pulling up the layers of old carpet that had covered the hardwood for decades. It wasn’t a solo job we had family by our side: my husband, his mother, and his uncle all rolled up their sleeves and got to work. What could have felt like a daunting task turned into something surprisingly special. There was laughter, storytelling, and the kind of teamwork that reminded us this house isn’t just wood and nails it’s a living part of our family.
As the carpet came up, so did pieces of the past. Underneath, we uncovered hardwood floors that had been hidden away some sections glowing with a shiny, golden finish, others scarred with scratches, stains, and years of wear. Each board told its own story: where children might have played, where furniture once sat, where Gram herself walked countless times.
Not every inch is perfect and that’s okay. In fact, it’s part of the beauty. The contrast between the gleaming boards and the worn ones feels symbolic of the journey we’re on. Some parts of this house will shine easily, while others will need patience, repair, and love. Just like family.
This is only the beginning of a much bigger adventure. As we continue to peel back layers, make repairs, and breathe new life into Gram’s home, I can already feel how special this process is going to be. It’s more than a renovation. It’s a way of weaving the past into the present, creating a home that will hold both old memories and new ones yet to be made.
For now, I’m standing on these uncovered hardwood floors scuffed, shiny, imperfect, and beautiful and feeling deeply grateful that our first step in this journey was one taken together, with family.
The very first project? The floors.
Armed with gloves, crowbars, and more determination than experience, we began pulling up the layers of old carpet that had covered the hardwood for decades. It wasn’t a solo job—we had family by our side: my husband, his mother, and his uncle all rolled up their sleeves and got to work. What could have felt like a daunting task turned into something surprisingly special. There was laughter, storytelling, and the kind of teamwork that reminded us this house isn’t just wood and nails—it’s a living part of our family.
As the carpet came up, so did pieces of the past. Underneath, we uncovered hardwood floors that had been hidden away—some sections glowing with a shiny, golden finish, others scarred with scratches, stains, and years of wear. Each board told its own story: where children might have played, where furniture once sat, where Gram herself walked countless times.
Not every inch is perfect and that’s okay. In fact, it’s part of the beauty. The contrast between the gleaming boards and the worn ones feels symbolic of the journey we’re on. Some parts of this house will shine easily, while others will need patience, repair, and love. Just like family.
This is only the beginning of a much bigger adventure. As we continue to peel back layers, make repairs, and breathe new life into Gram’s home, I can already feel how special this process is going to be. It’s more than a renovation. It’s a way of weaving the past into the present, creating a home that will hold both old memories and new ones yet to be made.
For now, I’m standing on these uncovered hardwood floors—scuffed, shiny, imperfect, and beautiful—and feeling deeply grateful that our first step in this journey was one taken together, with family.
Day Two: More Floors, First Walls, and a Lunch Full of Ideas
Day two at Gram’s house brought more sweat, dust, and a whole lot of laughter. We continued tearing out the old carpeting, rolling it up piece by piece to finally let those century-old hardwood floors breathe again. Some of the boards are still shining like they were just polished, while others are showing the wear of a hundred years of footsteps, stories, and family gatherings.
This time, we had extra hands Aunty Danielle and Cousin Faith came to pitch in. With the four of us working together, we some progress and even started peeling back some of the wallpaper. (Thank you Danielle and Faith!) Each layer feels like unwrapping a little bit of history. Some sections came off easily, while others reminded us just how much love (and paste!) went into this old home.
By midday, dusty and tired, we all sat down with sandwiches for a well-earned break. Over lunch, my mother-in-law and I found ourselves dreaming out loud about design ideas. We tossed around everything from paint colors to how we want the kitchen to lighting trying to balance modern comfort while still honoring the soul of this house. It was one of those simple moments that felt special: tired hands, full stomachs, and a shared vision for Gram’s home.
There’s still plenty of work ahead, but with each carpet rolled up and each strip of wallpaper pulled down, we’re one step closer to seeing this house’s true character shine through again.
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A Saturday milestone: the wallpaper is finally gone, the floors are moving forward, and gratitude fills every corner of this old house.
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Another Day Sanding Floors Another long, dusty, and very satisfying day at the house. We officially have all the floors sanded with the first layer, and it feels like a huge milestone. Seeing everything at the same stage now really helps me picture where we’re headed, even if there’s still plenty of work ahead. Next…
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