When a reader named Gaynell showed me how she updated and decorated her mid-1970s two-bedroom condo in Marietta, Georgia, I was wowed. She says they spent two years working on it: “We did all the work ourselves, with the exception of the plumbing.”
The built-in bookshelves provide some additional storage space.
They updated the fireplace and installed hardwood floors throughout.
A balcony connects to the living room and master bedroom.
I can only imagine what this kitchen must have looked like in the ’70s. I bet it wouldn’t recognize itself now…
The unit has about 1,200 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
Now they’re moving on to a traditional brick bungalow nearby that they plan to remodel next. (Fingers crossed she’ll send us pics of it when it’s finished, too!)
Thanks, Gaynell! The asking price is $100,000, which sounds like a bargain to me.
Check the listing for more photos and information.
Jen says
Oh my gosh, I love everything about her decorating style. In my part of the country (Seattle) this would be 350-375k!
If the owner isn’t a professional decorator, she’s missed her calling 🙂
Jill says
I couldn’t agree with you more!
House Crazy Sarah says
ditto on both!!!
Someone is getting one heck of a deal when they buy this place!!
Gaynell says
Thanks Jen, I’m just a pretend decorator. 🙂
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
Loved this one! I can’t believe you can get a place with a kitchen like THAT for only $100,000. I love the bookshelf in the kitchen, and the industrial storage in the corner, that is oh-so-cool and not-trying-too-hard. Beautiful!
Gaynell says
Thanks Kelly, Prices are crazy low in the south! Can you believe the kitchen cabinet is a hutch top we found on Craigslist for $25.00? And the cart we had made, it’s a knock off of Anthropology!
hookedonhouses says
Love it. 🙂
Rhonda says
That’s an IKEA sink and probably the butcher block too. Great condo !
Kelly - Talk of the House says
Glory, she has some serious talent going on there! I would have NEVER known that was a condo. What a great job! (And I love that kitchen!)
Nita says
This is very cool. I wouldn’t live in a condo, I don’t think, unless I know for sure I wouldn’t hear noise from next door, but this is nice. I love the kitchen and the shelves.
maddie may says
Congrats on a job well done. This condo is so well laid out & just filled with excellent details that bring out its charm. I absolutely adore the kitchen with the view of the living room fireplace nearby. The open shelves, farmhouse sink, wood topped island add a lovely homey touch along with the wood floors. Condo living is very appealing in many ways & this one is definitely a winner.
tricia @ littlecottageonthepond says
This is absolutely stunning! I love the large corbels they used throughout the kitchen and in the fireplace surround. Beautiful!!
Trish @TheOldPostRoad says
Wow! What a well done renovation! That is adorable.
Esther George says
What an amazing makeover. Hi Julia we lived in a flat (thats what they call them here) only they don’t look anything like this. It looks like this couple have the Midas touch. I think if this property was here you would be looking at about 300,000+. It’s beautiful thank you for sharing. Regards Esther from Sydney.
Katie @ Domestiphobia.net says
Is that a down-draft range, or some kind of cool hood/shelf situation happening? Would love to know more details like where she got the cabinets, counters, light fixtures, etc. Love the pops of orange in both rooms – gorgeous!
Gaynell says
Thanks Katie! No downdraft in the kitchen, we have installed them in the past and never used them, so we did a mantel in the kitchen to mimic the one in the living room, Believe it or not the glass cabinet over the sink is a hutch top we found on Craigslist for $25.00. The cabinets are stock from Home Depot, The lights are Lowes. The countertops are IKEA, sanded with four coats of stain and two coats poly. Rack was knock-off from Anthropology we had made. Stools were from Storehouse. And orange is my fav color, in small doses of course!
Maria says
Is there by chance a pantry cabinet out of view on the other side of the kitchen? Where do you store food?
Gaynell says
Hi Maria, There are two pantries built in behind sliding doors that are directly behind the barstools. no wasted space here. There is also a large walk in closet the length of the hallway as well. Plenty of room for a condo which was the appeal when we were buying.
Ann says
So pretty, warm, cozy and tasteful. Beautiful. I’ll stop before getting too redundant. Oh, thoughtful. I couldn’t stop myself. 🙂
Mary Ann says
This does not even look like a condo, but the interior of a home…. it was very well done, and the kitchen fantastic… I love the bookshelf! I would be afraid the books would get greasy at some point though, so maybe not too practical, the same reason I don’t like exposed dishes in a kitchen.
Joan says
It’s very attractive, but I don’t see a dining table anywhere. Where do they eat? The island only has 2 stools.
Laura says
Yes, I was wondering the same thing myself. It’s really pretty, but I’d need to add a dining table, and a couple of chairs in the living room. Otherwise I could move right in!
Brandon @ Southgate says
If they’re anything like us, they eat on the sofa while watching TV and checking email! haha!
Gaynell says
Joan, some of the furniture was taken out for the pics, a small table and four small chairs sit right under the window, right of the fireplace in front of the sliding glass doors. Also, we had two club chairs. You can’t really tell from the pics but this room is huge!
JannYvette says
Her style is wonderful, beautiful!
Colleen says
Beautiful. Is there anyway to ask the homeowner where she got the couch in the family room? Did she get it here in Atlanta?
hookedonhouses says
Maybe she’ll stop by and answer some of your questions!
Gaynell says
Thanks Coleen, The sofa came from Mitchell Gold in Buckhead.. .it’s the Black Label Collection.
Colleen says
Darn. I just got off the phone with John at Mitchell Gold and they no longer make the Fielding Sofa ; (
It is exactly what I am looking for…so sad.
hookedonhouses says
Bummer!
Gaynell says
Julia, The buyer wants to buy most of the items in the house including the sofa (it’s as wide as a king size bed and will not fit in a 1950’s bungalow)! Can you believe it? However, she has not given us a final list. Would you be willing to tell Colleen I will give her dibs if the buyer passes. If so you can give her my e-mail. But I TOTALLY understand if you do not feel comfortable. Just thought it was fate. Gaynell
hookedonhouses says
Are you paying attention, Colleen? If you want it, say the word! 🙂
Colleen says
wow! really? That’s is crazy. I would love it. Can you keep me posted. I am very interested, Julia, you can give Gaynell my email address “behind the scenes” if you like. Or however you want to handle it. Fingers crossed
hookedonhouses says
Okay, I’ll let her know!
Colleen says
I love it
Stephanie says
What a beauty! I love every single thing about it. I hope they get a lot more than $100,000 for it!
Alie B says
This place has such character and personality! I absolutely love the kitchen. Makes me want butcher block counter tops! 🙂
Rebecca C says
Wow. Very nice job. I love the island in the kitchen. The size of it fits perfectly, plus the wood for the countertop just looks great.
Alayne says
Gorgeous! I’m shocked it’s only $100k. It would be nearly $400k where I live in Seattle. I went to the real estate website and was shocked that the taxes are only $140 a year! Good heavens! Makes me want to move! 🙂
Sara says
Wow! I’ll be printing out every single picture for my “idea binder!”
Micki says
I love it…she is a wonderful decorator—everything about it is just beautiful.
Natalie G says
My two favorites in a kitchen, subway tile and butcher block counters! This kitchen will never look dated!
Jeanne says
Wow, spectacular! Sure wished I lived close, and was in the market for a condo.
Kelly D says
I really like the back splash and lights in the kitchen. Great remodel!
jep says
What a lovely home! Having just sold a condo for my father, I wish them good luck.
melinda says
wow! simply stunning! doesn’t even look like a condo!
Jennah says
One word – STUNNING! I’m drooling with envy over those gorgeous counters in the kitchen. Everything in this condo is beautiful. While it’s elegant and timeless, it’s also warm and welcoming.
Thank you for sharing.
missgulfsouth says
REALLY REALLY beautiful! I love that kitchen so much … 😉
LargeEventPlanner says
I love the updates but don’t see a dining space outside of the island? Hopefully it is tucked away somewhere since that lovely kitchen calls for some wonderful cooking.
Gaynell says
LargeEventPlanner, some of the furniture was taken out for the pics, a small table and four small chairs sit right under the window, right of the fireplace in front of the sliding glass doors. We love to cook and having remodeled several kitchens we only put in what we use. We try and keep it totally functional with a little sass thrown in!
sarah says
The whole place looks amazing! I am about to re-do my kitchen and am interested in using IKEA butcher block counter tops. Are you pleased with them? Love the whole thing. Hope you will share your next project!
Gaynell says
Thanks Sara. Love our countertops, well worth the money!
Stefania says
This is simply perfect!
Gaynell says
65andcounting, There were a couple sales at that price that were foreclosures and original, however, the most recent sales on remolded units are in the high 90’s-100s. We were under contract within a few days, We had two offers, we close on Nov 25th. And my agent told me today another agent has written up a backup offer they will be sending over. Keeping my fingers crossed. Will keep you posted.
hookedonhouses says
Yay! That’s great news. A place like yours deserves a bidding war! 🙂
65andcounting says
YEA!!! What fabulous news. Lucky new homeowner.
Anne says
This is just beautiful and the best part is that they did it themselves. Imagine the lucky people who will purchase this beautiful condo! AND the price, wow.
Patience says
Amazing! No surprise that it sold so fast. I hope you have fun decorating your bungalow, Gaynelle.
Lucinda says
It just goes to show you can have great style and function in a smaller size. We see so many ginormas homes go up and they don’t seem to build much character into them. This is true gem. Thank you so much for sharing and congrats on the quick sale.
Valerie j. says
Beautiful job! I am not sure if this has been answered or talked about above, but if you would not mind sharing: where is the kitchen backsplash from?
Thanks.
Gaynell says
Valerie J, Thanks! I’m pretty sure the tile came from Lowes, if not Home Depot.
Valerie J. says
Thank you for the reply! You did a fantastic job!
Caleb says
I love what you have done with the place. It looks great.