Before and after – how this once-dated farmhouse was re-imagined using only Home Depot finds

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, this once-dated property has been given a modern makeover using only furnishings and decor from The Home Depot. The lakeside home demonstrates how affordable brands can wield just as much power over a space as their higher-end counterparts when in the right hands, and we're all for it.  

In collaboration with Vrbo, the Laurel Lake retreat - a vacation rental that sleeps up to eight guests - has been given a contemporary farmhouse style revamp using exclusive brands like Home Decorators Collection, Style Well and The Company Store. 'Making upgrades to any home or rental property with furniture, wall art, wallpaper and textiles can truly change its personality without the need for a major renovation,' said Corinne Bentzen, general manager for The Home Depot Home. 

We take a look inside the modern home, and how the transformation was achieved. 

Before and after 

Press the left and right buttons on each image to see the before and afters of this farmhouse project

Entryway

Before re-decoration, the white-wash entryway of the home was clean, tidy and calming, but a lack of soft furnishings meant it was the most inviting space for welcoming guests at this beautiful lakeside retreat. Despite the modern, neutral furnishings, it lacked any warmth, color or character that made to make this a home away from home. 

Since the revamp, the entryway has been transformed into a warm and welcoming space full of personality. The addition of black accented furniture adds the depth and dimension needed that this area previously lacked. Meanwhile, details such as the natural woven rug and textured lamp base, both from The Home Depot, add softer qualities that invite you inside. 

Kitchen diner

A running theme throughout, the kitchen also lacked a dimensional color palette or a cohesive style. Hints of a modern farmhouse interior were established through the wooden beams and neutral scheme, but the decor and furnishings lacked depth, texture and originality. 

The rustic dining room with its eclectic chairs and distressed chalk-painted furniture made for a visually appealing space, but fell short of any cohesive style. Large, steel pendant lights clashed with the dining set, merging different styles together. 

A far more balanced color palette has been introduced to the open-plan kitchen diner using Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, as a central backdrop throughout these common areas. The designers showcased how it's easy to lean into the tranquillity of the color with neutral tones in furniture, or balance it with bold, colorful accents like the sage green cabinetry. Together, it makes for a far more cohesive design style.

Living area

The open-plan living area made for a convivial space, but there were no remarkable features used to distinguish the kitchen from the living room or dining room, so the three spaces blended into one. Once again, a lack of soft, textured home decor meant the living area wasn't as warm and relaxing as guests would hope. 

In the new living room, cozy living is the order of the day thanks to the use of textiles and soft furnishings, like the two area rugs used in the open-plan common areas. Wicker details and wooden accents in the decor make guests feel far more at ease within the living space and take influence from nature, promoting calmness. 

Balcony bedroom

Flooded with natural light, the warm tones of the wood flooring in the balcony bedroom are like molten gold. Unfortunately though, the dark rugs distract from the wood's grain while the dated bedframe and bedding fail to contribute any aesthetic appeal through the furnishings. 

Timeless décor elements have been introduced into the new look bedroom, like the patterned area rug. Modern styles are blended with classics to create a nostalgic, comforting feel throughout the home. Combining vintage-inspired wallpaper and lighting with contemporary furniture in this space creates a sense of comfort and familiarity that's so important for vacation rentals. 

Morning Kitchen

The master bedroom had its own adjoining morning kitchen where the beauty of the natural wood features were contrast with stark white cabinetry. While this made for a clean appearance, it lacked any memorable or characterful qualities. Despite being a holiday rental, decorative pieces or ornamental details would have added a stylistic flair. 

The morning kitchen has been given a serious upgrade with the help of soft green walls and a floral wallpapered alcove. Plush, checkered armchairs make for a cozy cottagey feel, fit for a luxurious stay in the countryside. 

Master Bedroom 

Vaulted ceilings in this spacious master bedroom, brimming with wooden architectural details, lend themselves well to a rustic farmhouse feel, complete with a soft neutral color palette. That said, the bedroom lacked any vivacity, and certainly doesn't feel cozy - the large empty floor space screamed out for a rug. 

Designers stayed with the white bedroom idea in the master bedroom, but plenty of soft furnishings and textiles have been added to feel cozier and comforting. Metallic accents like the bedside table brighten the space, maximizing light and dimension. 

Rooftop Deck

It's impossible to criticize the lakeside vistas of the surrounding Berkshire countryside out on the roof garden, but the outdoor seating area didn't invite guests to relax while soaking up the views. Comfy soft pillows or throws and a few plants would make this space feel far more homely. 

Now, the rooftop deck is now a boho chic seating area with a new fireplace and string lights, meaning the outdoor space can be enjoyed even once the sun has set. We love how the small trees in the planters help the area to flow seamlessly into its surrounding setting. 

Listed on Vrbo