Last week, I had the pleasure of sharing the exterior “before” photos of my beloved “new-to-me” house nestled in the picturesque landscape of South Carolina. Your incredible outpouring of comments meant the world to me. Each message was a beacon of warmth and encouragement, truly brightening my spirits and restoring my energy after a challenging bout with Shingles. I’ve diligently read every single one, though I apologize for the slight delay in responding; the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of unpacking, settling in, and navigating the rush of holiday shopping. Now, I’m thrilled to invite you inside for the much-anticipated interior tour of my new home on the tranquil shores of Lake Murray.
This charming lakefront property, originally built in 1974, spans a generous 2700 square feet, offering ample space for both living and creative pursuits. It features a practical layout with four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and an abundance of storage solutions—including spacious closets and a walk-in attic—which I absolutely adore! While the house is structurally sound and well-maintained, it’s a true canvas awaiting a significant refresh. Our renovation journey will encompass a myriad of updates: from replacing dated fixtures and enhancing lighting across all rooms to installing new flooring, applying fresh coats of paint throughout, and undertaking complete transformations of both the kitchen and two of the bathrooms. Thankfully, the master bathroom received a stylish makeover recently, a feature we genuinely appreciate, meaning one less major project on our extensive to-do list for this South Carolina home renovation.
Stepping through the double front doors from the street side, you are greeted by a grand two-story foyer. This impressive entry point stands as one of only two rooms in the entire house—the other being the master bath—that doesn’t offer a direct water view of Lake Murray. It’s a space that immediately commands attention, promising the journey of discovery within this charming 1970s property.
This particular view looks into the expansive foyer from the hallway that leads to the master bedroom. My immediate plans for this area include a dramatic transformation of the staircase: I’ll be removing the existing carpet and painting the risers and balusters a crisp, clean white, a classic DIY home improvement project that will instantly brighten the space. With my daughters arriving this week for the holidays, I’ve already begun infusing a touch of Christmas cheer, creating a welcoming atmosphere. You might recognize the elegant sideboard that once graced the foyer of my previous home; it now finds a new purpose here, adorned with the very same decorations I showcased last month. While a mirror doesn’t currently hang above it, the overall festive arrangement remains consistent. Even Trax, our adventurous feline companion, is clearly relishing the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of his exciting new domain in this South Carolina lake house.
At the farthest point visible in the photograph, a glimpse into what will soon become my studioffice can be seen. This versatile space features a convenient pocket door, allowing me to easily close it off whenever my creative endeavors lead to a wonderfully artistic, yet often messy, environment. It’s the perfect setup for a dedicated workspace, offering both privacy and an inspiring connection to the heart of the home.
This perspective of the foyer is captured from the hallway connecting to the kitchen, offering another unique vantage point within our Lake Murray home. I am particularly enamored with the rustic charm of the brick floor that extends through this area, adding character and warmth. On the far wall, I’ve rehung the mirror that previously resided above the sideboard in my former foyer; regrettably, the top section sustained damage during the move, but the main piece remains a beautiful accent. In the distance, the warm yellow hue of what will become our master bedroom offers a inviting pop of color.
One of my key aspirations for this entry area is to replace the existing exterior doors with new 3/4 glass doors. This strategic upgrade will significantly enhance the amount of natural light flooding into the foyer, creating an even more welcoming and airy atmosphere. Flanking each side of the doors are elegant glass windows, designed to be precisely the same height as the doors themselves, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic. This thoughtful alteration is part of our broader vision for a brighter, more open home design, maximizing the Southern charm and sunshine.
The kitchen, while currently functional, possesses a certain vintage charm that’s ready for a modern upgrade. Despite its somewhat compact size, it surprisingly offers a wealth of storage, a feature I always appreciate. We are particularly fond of the flooring in this space, but the overarching plan involves a complete gut renovation. The kitchen currently feels dark, shows signs of wear, and is undeniably dated, reflecting its 1970s origins. Our goal is to transform it into a bright, contemporary culinary hub, a centerpiece of our Lake Murray home transformation.
Throughout the house, you’ll find classic popcorn ceilings in every room. While they are currently a clean, uniform white, their fate remains a subject of ongoing discussion in our home renovation plans. We’re still weighing the options for these textured ceilings, considering whether to remove them entirely for a smoother finish or explore other aesthetic solutions that align with our vision for a more modern interior design. It’s one of those charming quirks of a 1970s home that often sparks debate!
This delightful perspective captures the kitchen’s cozy seating area, looking in from the living room. Our vision for this space includes a significant architectural enhancement: we plan to widen this doorway considerably. The goal is to forge a much more open and fluid connection between the kitchen and living room, transforming the current distinct areas into a harmonious, open-concept living space ideal for entertaining and everyday family life. This crucial design change will dramatically improve the flow and overall spaciousness of our Lake Murray home.
Captured from the rear of the kitchen, this photograph offers a tantalizing glimpse outwards, straight towards the shimmering waters of Lake Murray. It’s a constant reminder of the incredible natural beauty that surrounds our South Carolina home, a view we cherish and intend to maximize with our upcoming kitchen redesign. Imagine preparing meals while gazing out at the serene lake—pure bliss!
From the hallway leading to the garage, this view reveals a particular architectural feature that I am decidedly not fond of: this imposing wall of cabinets. It significantly obstructs the visual flow and creates a rather confined feeling within the kitchen space. I am eagerly anticipating its removal as part of our comprehensive kitchen renovation. Eliminating this barrier will be instrumental in achieving the open, seamless layout we envision for our updated Lake Murray home, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Welcome to the living room, a space ripe with potential for transformation! My first order of business here will be to carefully remove the dated brown wood shelves currently flanking the brick fireplace, a feature that, while charming, is ready for a refresh. Following their removal, I plan to design and construct a custom mantel around the fireplace, providing a focal point that is both elegant and modern. I’m quite certain I’ll be painting the exposed brick a crisp, bright white, a decision that will instantly lighten and update the room’s aesthetic. The walls themselves will also receive a fresh coat of paint, likely in a neutral, inviting shade to complement the serene Lake Murray environment.
A consistent feature throughout the house, and especially noticeable here, is the presence of brown ceiling fans in every room. Given our location in the South, where summers are famously hot, hot, hot, these fans are an absolute necessity for comfort and energy efficiency. However, their current style doesn’t align with our desired aesthetic. Consequently, I’ll be systematically replacing all of them with sleek, white fixtures. This upgrade will not only enhance the room’s visual appeal but also continue to provide that essential air circulation for a windows-open-in-the-summer, fresh-air-loving girl like me. It’s all part of creating a comfortable, stylish, and functional South Carolina home.
The master bedroom suite truly offers an abundance of storage with its dedicated “His and Hers” walk-in closets. This image provides a glimpse into Ed’s organized space, complete with shelves and hanging rods, perfectly designed for efficiency and accessibility. It’s a wonderful feature that contributes to the overall functionality of our new South Carolina home.
…and this, of course, is my walk-in closet! It’s an incredibly spacious area, so much so that I honestly can’t even completely fill this generous chest of drawers. It’s a delightful luxury to have so much room, a testament to the thoughtful design of this 1970s home. The abundance of space ensures everything has its place, making organization a breeze in our Lake Murray abode.
However, despite the ample drawer space, I have certainly made good use of the extensive shelving and hanging rods, which are now comfortably filled with my entire wardrobe. This spacious closet, a dream come true for any homeowner, is a prime example of the practical and generous storage solutions found throughout this South Carolina house, contributing significantly to its appeal and functionality.
The master bedroom is an impressively long room, offering a versatile layout that we’re excited to personalize. My immediate plan for this peaceful retreat is to paint it a soothing, light blue—a shade that will evoke the tranquility of Lake Murray just outside our windows. This refreshing color choice will transform the atmosphere, creating a serene sanctuary perfect for unwinding after a day in our new South Carolina home.
Adjacent to the sliding door, a dedicated corner within the master bedroom is envisioned as Ed’s personal office space. This strategic placement offers both convenience and a lovely natural light source, making it an ideal spot for productivity and focus. It’s a thoughtful integration of functionality within our primary living area, ensuring both comfort and utility in our Lake Murray home.
While the existing draperies in the master bedroom are undeniably nice and serve their essential purpose of sun control—a crucial consideration in the bright South Carolina climate—I will ultimately be replacing them with something lighter and airier. My vision is to introduce window treatments that allow more ambient light to filter in while still providing privacy and heat management, perfectly complementing the tranquil blue walls and enhancing the serene lake views from our master suite.
I realized that in my excitement, I neglected to capture any original photos of the recently redone master bathroom during my initial tour. To provide you with an accurate impression of this stylish space, the following two images have been sourced from the real estate listing. They beautifully convey the room’s current aesthetic and functional design.
The master bathroom boasts an elegant glass-enclosed marble shower, a luxurious feature that elevates the entire space. Its sleek design and high-quality materials contribute significantly to the modern and serene ambiance of this essential room in our Lake Murray home.
Complementing the luxurious shower, the master bath also features a sophisticated grey vanity topped with a beautiful granite countertop, displaying a subtle blend of white, grey, and brown tones. While these photos might make the room appear somewhat dark, I assure you it is, in reality, a wonderfully light and bright space. The thoughtful design and modern finishes truly make this an oasis within our South Carolina residence.
This is the exciting room where I am currently in the process of creating my dream studioffice. Conveniently located just off the kitchen, it’s a space that has already seen our first significant DIY project in this Lake Murray home. Ed, with his incredible hands-on skills, has already meticulously removed the old carpet and expertly laid down a beautiful vinyl plank floor, instantly transforming the room’s foundation. This initial renovation step marks the beginning of many personalized touches we plan for this South Carolina property. I’m eager to share a comprehensive post about this DIY endeavor once the hustle and bustle of the holidays subside.
The practical laundry area is thoughtfully situated off the kitchen, nestled within the hallway that efficiently connects the main living spaces to our two-car garage and a dedicated workshop. This sensible layout ensures ease of access for everyday chores, making the most of the home’s footprint. It’s another example of the functional design principles present in this 1970s South Carolina house.
Even before embarking on major renovations, I’ve already made a small but impactful change in the laundry room. I’ve removed the bar that the previous owner utilized for drying clothes. This simple step instantly creates a more open and functional space, clearing the way for a more efficient and personalized laundry setup within our Lake Murray home. It’s often the little adjustments that make a big difference in daily living.
Directly across the hall from the laundry area, you’ll find the convenient powder room. This essential half-bath is strategically placed for easy guest access and offers a glimpse into another area ripe for transformation within our Lake Murray house. Its current state perfectly sets the stage for a delightful before-and-after reveal.
As you can see, this powder room is in clear need of a complete update. From the fixtures to the finishes, every element is ready for a modern refresh, aligning it with the contemporary aesthetic we’re bringing to the rest of our South Carolina home. It’s an exciting opportunity to infuse personality and style into every corner, no matter how small. 🙂
Ascending to the upper level of our South Carolina home reveals three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, each designed with comfort and enjoyment in mind. A truly exceptional feature is that every single one of these upstairs bedrooms provides direct access to a shared upper deck, complete with seating areas perfectly positioned for stellar, unobstructed views of Lake Murray. This outdoor access transforms each room into a private retreat, ideal for soaking in the serene surroundings. This particular image showcases Bedroom #1, a cozy space awaiting its personalized touches.
This image presents Bedroom #2, another charming space on the upper level of our Lake Murray home. Like its counterparts, it boasts a comfortable layout and the unique advantage of direct access to the outdoor deck, inviting residents to step out and enjoy the breathtaking lake views. This room, too, awaits its transformation to align with the fresh, modern aesthetic we envision for the entire house.
Bedroom #3 presents a unique and exciting opportunity, as it came complete with its very own pool table! Our current plan is to strategically relocate the pool table to the back of the room, allowing us to keep it—at least for the time being—to see how much enjoyment we get out of it. This thoughtful arrangement will free up the front portion of the room, which I intend to transform into a dedicated fitness area, creating a versatile space for both recreation and wellness. Adding to its appeal, this room boasts three generously sized closets, which, as you can imagine, we are quickly filling up with our belongings! It’s a multi-functional space that truly enhances the living experience in our South Carolina lakefront home.
The upstairs bathroom, while currently light, bright, and perfectly functional, is another area earmarked for an exciting update. It’s a testament to the home’s good bones, providing a solid foundation for us to infuse modern style and enhanced features. Our renovation plans will bring a fresh aesthetic to this essential space, ensuring it perfectly complements the updated look and feel of our entire Lake Murray home.
And there you have it—a comprehensive interior tour of our new South Carolina lakefront home! I sincerely hope you enjoyed this initial glimpse into our new life on Lake Murray and the exciting renovation journey ahead. This 1970s house, with its incredible potential and stunning location, is quickly becoming our cherished sanctuary. I promise to share many more detailed photos of the house, along with our evolving plans and progress for each room, once the busy holiday season concludes. Stay tuned for all the DIY home improvement adventures, design decisions, and transformations that will unfold as we make this house truly our own.