The Reveal
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Time for the reveal! We’ve had so much fun working with our friend Elizabeth as we remodeled our Topsail Island condo. The before and after pics don’t match up perfectly–this isn’t HGTV after all!–but you get the idea.
To start with, we painted the unit a buttery yellow, replaced the sofa and loveseat, painted the coffee table and end tables and replaced the throw on the wall with John’s shell photos. It’s hard to see, but behind the loveseat is a dining room set and a new chandelier. (The wall above the bar had yet to be 
painted when this picture was taken). I love to write from my perch on this sofa. The wall facing the loveseat is all glass and I can watch the dolphins and pelicans as I ponder my next sentence.
We ditched the old enterainment unit and bentwood rocker for a clean cottage style console and comfy rattan trimmed club chair.
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We replaced the old barstools above with pretty new white ones below.
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Instead of replacing the kitchen cabinets, we refaced them and they look amazing. 
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We left the master bedroom its pretty light green, but replaced the old headboard with a new one along with new bedding. The view stays the same!
The second bedroom is my favorite makeover! Could it be any more dramatic? I love these new headboards.
Above, the view from the deck, and below, the view from the balcony off the 2nd bedroom; that’s the intracoastal waterway.
When I decided to set a book on Topsail Island, I never would have guessed that my research would lead to me buying a place there. I wonder where I’ll set the next book??
What a spectacular makeover Diane!…absolutely gorgeous!
I can’t think of a better place to escape and write a novel.
To be able to watch the dolphins & pelicans…wow…you’re going to be so inspired that the ideas for books will probably be nonstop!…I can hardly wait to hear what fabulous story you come up with next…I’m SO happy for you!
Looks gorgeous, beautiful and peaceful, Diane. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures.
I adore the makeover! It’s so sunny and looks so happy now! I would be afraid to live in it or cook in the kitchen for fear of making a mess, though. Lol!
Wonderful makeover, Diane! I love it! We had a shore house for years (in Ocean City, MD)…and had the very bedding in your before picture of the master bedroom on our bed.
Great job, Diane, and what a breathtaking view of the water. I know it’ll inspire great things in your next book.
Love your pictures, know you enjoy Topsail. We usually go to Sunset Beach
Glad you like it, everyone. Lucy, I haven’t been to Sunset Beach. NC has so many wonderful beaches. . . not to mention some pretty great mountains.
Gorgeous – absolutely gorgeous. I love all the white furniture. It looks so peaceful, serene and airy.
If this was my condo, I’d never want to leave!
What a wonderful place for you to spend time. I know you will be there as much as possible. It is so beautiful and the colors you have chosen are perfect. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Ingrid, you’re right. It’s very hard to leave, even when it was freezing on the beach. I can’t wait to go back but it will be a little while before the next trip.
You promised, you delivered. Serene, peaceful and inspirational. Congratulations on your accomplishment and wishes for many happy hours spent with the dolphins and pelicans.
A beautiful serene retreat; however, I’d probably want to spend too much time on the beach! You know how undisciplined I am!! Enjoy! You’ve earned it.
Diane, I just saw this. It’s wonderful. I particularly like the new yellow paint and the resurfacing of kitchen cabinets. So nice to see what a difference this makes. Good job and great taste.
I agree with the remarks above, 2 of my favorite authors agree (Mary Kay and Emilie) – it is clean and fresh and uncluttered, yet homey. I love the refinished kitchen cabinets. I am so tired of my honey oak cabinets that you are inspiring me to change them,not remove them. Can’t wait to read what y’all ladies are writing these days… from one of your biggest fans in California. Have a good March, 2010, full of inspiration 🙂