Suite Thyme Before and After Makeover: Full Tour

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Roeshel

Welcome to Suite Thyme, a lovingly restored historic home nestled in the heart of Butler, Pennsylvania! What began as a vision for a cozy, welcoming short-term rental has blossomed into a full-scale transformation filled with character, charm, and thoughtful DIY design. I wanted each room in this 100+ year-old house to create a relaxing, stylish stay for our guests. Read along for the features of the full Suite Thyme before and after makeover.

I’ve created collages of each space and linked to the before-and-after transformations. From the inviting living areas to the serene bedrooms, you’ll see how I’ve blended vintage elements with modern comforts to create a unique guest experience. I love having complete creative freedom and enjoyed the “wow” change from what was to how it looks and feels now.

Explore the transformations below to discover how Suite Thyme combines historic charm with contemporary design to offer a memorable experience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own home or looking for a delightful getaway, I hope these makeovers spark your creativity too!

Suite Thyme Before and After Makeover: Room-by-Room Collages

If you’ve been following along, you know this Suite Thyme before and after makeover has been such a rewarding project from start to finish (or always evolving).

Collage of Suite Thyme Airbnb design featuring modern boho interior decor, updated kitchen, soaking clawfoot tub, cozy bedroom, and historic green exterior in Butler, PA.

Suite Thyme Before & After Home Makeover Series: Explore #helloredreno

Before and After Transformation

Much of Suite Thyme’s design journey has been shared in my #helloredreno series, but there have been some exciting exterior updates too, including all new windows and a completely fresh look for the outside of the home.

You can’t always see it in photos, but the red paint (which wasn’t original) had become weathered and was peeling badly. And if you’re like me, when a project comes with a big price tag, you want to be wowed by the results. That’s why choosing a new color was such a big deal. I am absolutely over the moon with the decision to go with Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green. It’s stunning! Don’t you think?

This late 1800s property has quite a history. We purchased it back in 2017 from a lawyer who had used it as his office for over 45 years. I’ve even heard there was maybe an antique shop here at one point. One of the old deeds I found shows a transaction from 1912. I’d love to dig up more details someday. It’s such a charming little spot, sitting proudly on a corner lot in the heart of the city.

The transformation has been a lot of work, but every step has been so worth it.

Before and after collage of Suite Thyme’s exterior makeover, featuring the transformation from weathered red siding to bold green paint, updated entryway, and cozy outdoor seating in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Before and after collage of Suite Thyme’s kitchen and dining area makeover in Butler, PA, featuring open shelving, stainless steel appliances, wood accents, warm leather seating, and a thoughtful guest journal with tea.

Before and after collage of Suite Thyme’s bathroom renovation in Butler, PA, featuring a clawfoot tub restoration, eclectic boho shower curtains, hex tile flooring, and a painted green dresser vanity.

Before and after collage of Suite Thyme’s living room and bedroom transformations in Butler, PA, featuring moody accent walls, a canopy bed, velvet textures, boho-modern styling, and inviting seating areas.

Curious about the full renovation journey? Most of these spaces were transformed as a part of my ongoing DIY series. Explore the #helloredreno makeover achieves here.

Design Update

What’s next for Suite Thyme? There are exciting plans in the works! We’re hoping to purchase the adjoining property to expand the backyard and improve parking. You may have seen the demo of the abandoned house next door. Fingers crossed it all comes together!

Also on the list: a new metal roof, a concrete patio, and a little landscaping TLC. Indoors, I’m dreaming of a fresh kitchen backsplash and a bedroom refresh. It’s hard to believe how far this little home has come or that it’s already been creating special memories for so many travelers.

Love what you see? You can actually stay here! Book your stay at Suite Thyme on AirBnB right here and experiences it’s charm in person!

Love the Look? Stay Connected or Pin for Later

Thanks so much for taking a look around Suite Thyme! Each room has been a labor of love, and I’m so proud of how far it’s come. Whether you’re gathering inspiration for your own space or planning a visit to Butler, I hope you found something that sparked an idea or made you smile.

Want to see more behind the scenes or stay updated on future DIY projects and room refreshes? Be sure to follow along. Don’t forget to pin your favorite space! You can book Suite Thyme on AirBnB

Meditation Room Makeover

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Roeshel

Happy Winter Solstice!

Thyme & Mint Meditation Room Makeover

Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.

The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.

The update:

As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!

Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!

The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.

Additional purpose and function of the space:

The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.

The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.

Suite Thyme

The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe.

This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.

Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!

Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!

Gratitude:

A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.

A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo

Guest Room + Nursery Makeover Reveal

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Roeshel

You guys! There is a new little grand child arriving in just a couple of weeks! #EXCITING! So of course, this first time grandma needs to convert the guest room to allow space for baby sleep overs. The before is pretty enough…

It needed a good freshening up. And I’m sure that I’ll still be playing ‘doll house’ in this room, moving things around, adding a little something here and there but for now…it’s guest AND baby ready!

I started with a mood/design board to get a feel of how things would look, things I liked and things I already currently had on hand.

And here it is…

and just in case you haven’t seen enough, here’s more…

and more because I just love this room…

There’s still a bit of a to-do list:

A new (used) dresser…of course I plan on giving it a DIY makeover (just have to find one first).
Light fixture: I’d love to swap the existing for something gold.
DIY wall art for above the headboard.
Replacement casters for the portable crib.
I’m thinking that the weathered green oar would be adorable mounted horizontally with some coat hooks.
Of course you know me, there will probably be TONS of baby related DIY coming in the future too.

There are fairy lights strung between the curtains above the crib. The arrow near the rocker has a battery operated lights and a switch. There are fairy lights hanging around the top of the bed frame. So plenty of soft “night light” after sunset.

Do you spy the Young Living Aria Ultrasonic diffuser? Definitely a splurge but oh my goodness…this diffuser combines the latest in ultrasonic technology with a variety of useful features. The included remote lets you choose from a selection of soothing, built-in sounds or enjoy the multicolored LED lights. With the built-in speakers, you can plug in your own personal music player and enjoy the music of your choice. Diffuse some peace-inducing calming essential oils and it’s like a spa. I’m moving into the guest room!

Sources:

Wallpaint color: Blue is a mix of paints (sorry), “white” is actually Valspar Sandstone Gray. Tutorial coming soon!
We already owned the bed.
Light fixture…installed 7 years or so ago so I don’t remember where we got it. It was originally black but I used some Rub-n-Buff to give it a patina’d look.
DIY A to Z book ends
Painted storage box
Framed felted deer head wall art tutorial
sheer curtains
DIY banner
Molded plastic Eames-inspired rocker
Vintage photographic print canvas set of 9
Safavieh Carla Rug (Joss & Main but sold out. I do have to say that the rug shown did not arrive in good/brand new condition however Joss & Main/Wayfair customer service was excellent. I paid for a beautiful rug (this was not a review/free item) and so a few days later, a new replacement rug arrived. I haven’t had the chance to empty the room, roll the original back up and unroll/install or see the condition of the replacement but fingers crossed that it’s “new and stain-free”~ I’m optimistic and pleased with the service I received despite my original disappointment.
Carousel Designs mini crib sheets (birch forest, grey raindrops, patchwork plaid). Birch forest shown.
Pinch pleated comforter from Target in gray
Megan Romo ‘Fair V’ Canvas Art

So what do you think? Quite a mismatched collection of styles, right? You know I love “eclectic” best. Now all we need is the baby. 😉

*This post is sponsored by Happy Crafters. Tutorial, experience and opinion is my own. Check out all the supplies at Happy Crafters for inspiration for your next project.

Casual Pure Rustic Chic

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Roeshel

*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Havertys. The opinions and text are all mine.

Gathering inspiration for a room makeover? There’s a new interactive lookbook at Havertys to assist with planning with several styles. Which style appeals to you most? I really loved all of the styles, the mix of patterns, the beautiful greens and blues. But with a dining room transformation in the planning stages here at DIYShowOff, I’m drawn to the Casual Pure Rustic Chic style.

Simply click on the “+” icon in the lookbook to be directed to specific items to shop at Havertys online.

I’ve been wanting to freshen up our dining room and our style in that room is tends to lean towards a casual rustic chic vibe with our barnwood trestle table paired with glazed ivory-colored upholstered dining chairs. I love the mix of metallic and light with the mirror shown.

The Havertys lookbook as inspiration helps with direction…light neutrals for a room with very little natural light as well as adding a mirror to reflect the light the room does get. Distressed wood tones, whites and creams give the room neutral but rustic backdrop, greenery in live plants a fresh finish. So what is starting with this…

(trust me, those walls are scuffed up)…it looks more tired than it reveals in the photos,will be getting a few minor tweaks to give the room life again. Stay tuned for the update!

What about you? Check out the Havertys lookbook and video lookbook to get inspired by the season’s latest styles. Stay up to date on the latest at Havertys:

o Website

o Blog

o Facebook

o Pinterest

o Twitter

Visit Havertys.com for even more planning tools and to define your personal style.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Havertys. The opinions and text are all mine.

Operation Family Room

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Roeshel

Happy Friday!

You’ve seen a sneak peek of the French doors.

Chunky baseboards have been installed.

A slipcover gives an ugly sofa a clean neutral look.

Pretty new pillows from Drop Cloth Designs.

Thrift store treasures on stand by.

Fabric for curtains ordered.

A thrifty chandelier replaces the extra gold brassy flush mount.

Still a work in progress. Thank goodness for weekends! What are you working on?

Ps. Here are some beautiful eclectic family rooms…

(no orginal source link)

Source: Pinterest

(no original source link)

Source: goodgirlgoneglad.com via Roeshel on Pinterest

Source: ethanallen.com via Roeshel on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Roeshel on Pinterest

I still LOVE this beach cottage family room:

Source: decorpad.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Enjoy the weekend!

Bedroom Makeover Design Board

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Roeshel

The master bedroom is on the DIY to-do list this year. I’m starting to put together some ideas and this is the first draft. However, if you know me, you know this will change. Still, just for fun, here is what I’ve come up with. A lot of items are things we already own that I’m trying to work into the design.

The details:

DIY Styrofoam/Convex Mirrors – using DecoArt MagiKote, Americana craft paints and Styrofoam wreath forms and PARTSMART SMR729193 8-1/2″ Offset Mount Convex Mirror
Rubbed Bronze Ceiling Fan (a Mr. DIY must) – Overstock
Vintage Inspired Industrial Large Number Signs (our anniversary date) – Antique Farmhouse
Distressed European Wall Clock – Wisteria
Sage Chinese Pots & Vases – Wisteria
Burlap Crewel Damask Draperies – Ballard Designs
Beach Postcard Lumbar Pillow Cover – Pottery Barn
Beach Postcard Lumbar Pillow Cover – Pottery Barn
Benjamin Moore – Morning Dew
Black Bowfront Chest – Wisteria
Handwoven Rustic Rug – Wisteria
Vintage Ticking Stripe Duvet Cover – Pottery Barn
Old vintage steamer trunk

Other things in the room:

Hardwood floors
Two mismatched windows – a challenge!
King sized sleigh bed
Old dressers
Built-in dresser with hutch/shelving

And of course the design board is only a wishlist/dream since some of the items are not in my budget so imagine a DIY spin on some of those numbered items. We’ll use dressers we already have. Curtain panels will be stenciled drop cloths, a DIY knock off on the accent pillows. Vases/planters will be thrift store finds + spray paint. #13 – I already have those trunks but hope to do something fun with it. And #1, the Styrofoam Convex mirrors are a DIY project. I’m sharing the tutorial today at the DIY Club.

Do you take the time to ‘dream’ up a mood board for your room makeovers? It’s a great way to see how things coordinate and come together. Sometimes catalogs/a little internet window shopping is a great source of DIY inspiration.

DIY Show Off ™ – DIY Decorating and Home Improvement Blog

DIYShowOff – Budget Friendly Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement and Decorating blog

Category Archives: Mood Board