Riverbloom Cottage: Life by the River: Breathing New Life into Our Country Ranch Fixer-Upper

When I first set eyes on my new home—a charming yet neglected country house perched right on fish river—it was clear I had my work cut out for me. The location was idyllic, but the house itself? Let’s just say it was anything but move-in ready. Still, something about the cozy riverside setting called to me, and I  knew it would be worth every ounce of elbow grease. After months of hard work and countless trips to the hardware store, I could finally see my vision come to life. Here’s a look at how I  transformed this fixer-upper into my dream river retreat.

First Impressions & Floor Mayhem

Stepping into the house for the first time, we were greeted by five—yes, five—different types of flooring. From worn linoleum in the kitchen to broken tiles in the living room, each room felt like a time capsule from a different decade. I knew unifying the floors would bring much-needed cohesion, so out went every last piece of mismatched material. In came brand-new flooring throughout, bringing warmth and continuity to the entire home that really allowed me to start seeing my vision come together.

Pro Tip: If you ever find yourself dealing with multiple flooring types in one property, removing them all at once is often more cost-effective than patching. It also ensures a consistent look and feel when you install new floors.

Bidding Farewell to Popcorn Ceilings

One of the biggest eyesores in our new place was the outdated popcorn ceilings. Not only were they unattractive, but they also trapped dust and created an overall dingy feel. My solution? Take them out entirely and replace them with new wood ceilings  “pickled” in a creamy white finish.

The result is incredible—the whole space feels brighter and instantly more modern while still retaining a touch of rustic character. If you’re tackling popcorn ceilings yourself, be prepared for a bit of a mess (there’s a lot of scraping involved!), but rest assured that it’s worth it for the fresh, clean look.

Fresh Sheetrock & Trim Make All the Difference

After stripping down old walls and tearing out the ceiling, it only made sense to replace the bulk of the sheetrock as well. Many of the walls had suffered water damage or had been patched so many times that it just wasn’t worth saving. Once the new sheetrock went up, I finished it with a crisp coat of white paint, instantly opening up the space.

Next came the baseboard trim, which tied everything together. I chose a simple, classic style that wouldn’t compete with the river views outside the windows. Sometimes, it’s the little finishing touches like trim that make a big impact—especially in a home that’s been neglected for years.

Let There Be Light: Replacing Windows

Living by the river means wanting to see that beautiful view as much as possible. Many of the old windows were cloudy or stuck shut, so I replaced most of them with energy-efficient models that let in plenty of natural light. Now, we can enjoy the water and the surrounding countryside without worrying about drafts in winter or stuffiness in summer.

If you’re renovating an older home, updating windows should be high on your list. It not only boosts aesthetics but also improves insulation and potentially lowers utility bills.

And now, the plant lover I am can grow the most beautiful indoor plants. It’s like living in a greenhouse and the pollinator friendly gardens I place outside do even more to bring the outside in. 

Out with the Old: Updating Bathrooms & Kitchen

No fixer-upper renovation would be complete without addressing the bathrooms and kitchen. Mine were outdated, and in desperate need of modernization:

1. Bathroom Update

   • We replaced outdated fixtures with sleek, water-efficient models. I went with these brushed gold brass https://amzn.to/4huWyZE

   • Wallpaper: The girls bathroom is like being in a tiny tropical forest of lush vegetation and bright birds.

2. Entirely New Kitchen

   • We took out walls to create an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the kitchen with the living area.

   • Brand-new cabinets, countertops, and appliances turned a once-dark, closed-off space into a bright and functional gathering spot.

   • The open layout now floods the kitchen with natural light from the living room windows, so we can enjoy river and garden views even while cooking.

Making It Mine

My vision for this house was simple: celebrate its riverfront setting while bringing it into the present day. Despite the challenges (and the dust), there’s a deep satisfaction in seeing every improvement come together. I’ve come to appreciate the tranquil beauty of living by the water, and the once-hodgepodge interior is now cohesive, inviting, and, most importantly, my farmhouse and garden on the river.

This chandelier is from Wayfair, but Amazon has one similar and a bit cheaper. https://amzn.to/4huWyZE

Closing Thoughts

Renovating a fixer-upper is no small feat, especially one with multiple layers of flooring, dated popcorn ceilings, and walls begging to be reworked. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that patience and persistence pay off—especially when your reward is a front-row seat to serene river views each morning.

If you’re about to dive into a big renovation or a total remodel, know that chaos will inevitably ensue—but that first cup of tea from your garden herbs in your freshly renovated space will make it all worthwhile. Trust me.

Thanks for stopping by to read about our journey. We hope our tips and experiences inspire you to tackle your own fixer-upper dreams. Have any renovation stories or questions? Drop them in the comments below—we love hearing from fellow renovators!