Amanda Louise Campbell and her husband, Kevin, embarked on a long-term renovation journey when they purchased a 1970s split-level ranch in Greenville, SC. Unlike a rushed remodel, they took a slow and steady approach, making changes over the course of several years to fit both their budget and personal style.
A Room-by-Room Transformation
Rather than renovating the entire house at once, Amanda Louise, an interior designer, and Kevin decided to tackle their 2,400-square-foot home one room at a time. This approach allowed them to invest more time and energy into each space. The family room, for example, was enhanced with a vibrant gallery wall over a vintage sofa, which was updated with a playful pink slipcover.
As time passed, the couple completed various projects, from relocating the laundry room to the house, updating finishes and fixtures in the primary bathroom, to revamping the kitchen. The garage was also transformed into a welcoming mudroom. To keep costs down, the couple took on most of the demolition and painting themselves, leaving the more specialized work to professionals.
Practical Updates and Smart Design Choices
In the living room, the couple kept the original layout but made thoughtful updates. They avoided the high cost of tearing down walls and instead focused on upgrades that would make the space more functional for their family. Vintage shutters and a bar table were added to improve the awkward window between the living room and kitchen, while a nook was revamped with wallpaper and shelves for books and collectibles. A skirt was added below the shelves to hide toy storage, and carefully placed sconces provided layered lighting.
The kitchen also saw some thoughtful changes. While the couple initially considered expanding the kitchen, they eventually decided it was the perfect size as it was. To maximize storage, they invested in custom cabinetry and opted for a tall table rather than a custom island. The kitchen’s neutral backdrop allowed Amanda Louise to incorporate personality through unique pieces, such as a vintage console and a commissioned painting of their family dog.
Adapting to Changing Needs
As the family grew, so did their design priorities. After having two daughters, Lula (4) and Perry (6 months), Amanda Louise converted a downstairs den into her studio, allowing her to balance work and family life more easily. Storage became a key focus, with custom cabinetry in the kitchen and throughout the house, as well as skirted shelves for hidden storage. The couple’s efforts to create spaces where they could quickly store away items became a game changer in organizing their home.
Bringing Color and Whimsy Into Every Room
Color played a central role in the home’s transformation. Known for her bold use of textiles and vibrant shades, Amanda Louise embraced lively hues of green, yellow, and coral throughout the space. In the primary bathroom, the couple gave new life to the original peach tub by pairing it with fresh white tile and lively prints, making the room feel more modern and vibrant.
In the primary bedroom, Amanda Louise expertly mixed various textiles, balancing large and small patterns against a neutral backdrop. Lula’s room was transformed into a whimsical retreat with floral wallpaper, a cozy reading nook, and a canopy above the bed.
Creating Multifunctional Spaces
The couple’s garage was reimagined into a multifunctional mudroom, serving as a space for crafts, potting, and additional storage. The kitchen’s old cabinets found a new home in this space, providing practical storage. The laundry room was given a fresh update with custom wallpaper and blue hexagonal tile, adding a touch of brightness to a functional area.
Throughout the house, Amanda Louise and Kevin’s thoughtful, gradual renovations helped them create a space that balances style, functionality, and family needs. Their approach proves that with patience and careful planning, a home can be transformed over time, reflecting both personal style and practicality.
