Exciting DIY Home Renovation Journey: From Gilbert to Colorado (Part 1)
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DIY home renovation and decorating have always been a significant part of my life, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with the Shabbyfufu community. Hi, y’all! I’m Kassandra, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the warm welcome and all the kind comments and emails I’ve received. It’s been wonderful connecting with so many of you as I start this exciting new chapter. Let me introduce my wonderful family, who you will also hear me talk a lot about—my husband Josh and our four kids: Asher, Micah, Harper, and Cohen.
Today, I’m excited to begin sharing part one of my DIY home renovation journey, starting from my roots in Gilbert, AZ, and how our story unfolded in Colorado. Here’s a closer look at how my passion for DIY and home renovation has shaped my life.
Growing Up Surrounded by DIY Home Renovation
I grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, as an only child. My parents and I spent a lot of time together, and one of the things we often did was head to Home Depot on the weekends to pick up supplies for DIY projects. While visiting Home Depot wasn’t necessarily my favorite activity as a child, it was where I first got hands-on experience with DIY projects, which eventually sparked my passion for DIY home renovation.
What made it extra fun was how my parents always asked for my input on decorating our home—and they didn’t just ask, they actually used my ideas! Whether it was picking out paint colors or choosing new fixtures, I loved having a say in how our home looked and felt.
Fast forward to when Josh and I were working on our first home, a condo in Colorado. I still remember taking my son, Asher, to the hardware store with us, picking up lumber for our DIY renovation projects. It feels so full-circle now, passing down that DIY spirit to my own family, just like my parents did with me.
My parents also taught me that good DIY projects take patience and a bit of creativity. Those weekends at Home Depot were just the beginning of a journey that’s led me to where I am today, loving every minute of making our home our own.
My Move to Colorado and DIY Home Renovation Projects
In my early 20s, I moved to Colorado to be closer to my cousin, who’s like the big brother I never had. Colorado still holds a special place in my heart with its stunning mountains, beautiful seasons, and overall charm. I fell in love with the state and knew it was where I wanted to build my life.
Shortly after moving, I joined a CrossFit gym. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled at first, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. That’s where I met my husband, Josh, who had also recently moved to Colorado from Texas. We hit it off over our shared love for fitness and soon found ourselves spending more and more time together.
We started building our family in Colorado, welcoming our first two children, Asher and Micah. Our first home was a cozy condo, which provided plenty of fun opportunities for DIY home renovation and creative projects.
Tackling Our Colorado Condo: A DIY Home Renovation Adventure
Our condo was a diamond in the rough. It had carpet everywhere, outdated fixtures, and a general lack of style. From the moment we closed on the condo, we were ready to jump into DIY home renovation. My dad, Josh, and I worked tirelessly to transform the space.
We updated our kitchen by painting the cabinets white, removing some upper cabinets for open shelving, and installing a subway tile backsplash, enhancing both the modern aesthetic and storage space. Following this, we renovated the bathroom due to a leak, introducing concrete countertops, a new light fixture, an updated sink, and a fresh backsplash, resulting in a modern transformation.
One of our first major projects was updating the kitchen. We decided to paint the cabinets white, remove some upper cabinets to create open shelving, and install a subway tile backsplash. The open shelving not only added a modern touch but also made the kitchen feel more spacious and accessible. I loved how this simple update became a focal point of our kitchen and a practical solution for storage. 
Next came the bathroom renovation, prompted by a leak under the sink. We took the chance to revamp the space with concrete countertops, a new light fixture, updated sink, and backsplash, transforming it into a fresh, modern bathroom.
Our DIY efforts extended to the laundry area as well. We replaced the old washer and dryer with new, efficient models and added shelving for better organization. One of the standout changes was replacing the dated bifold doors with sleek sliding barn doors. This update not only improved functionality but also added a touch of rustic charm.
Enhancing the Space with Creative DIY Touches
One of the most memorable projects was updating the stairs and entryway. We replaced the carpet on the stairs leading up to Asher’s room with a more durable and stylish option. The old carpet had become a magnet for mud and snow, so removing it and painting the stairs made a huge difference. I also added beadboard to accentuate the stairs and give them a more polished look.
Our condo was a small, one-bedroom, one-bath with an upstairs loft. As we began our renovations, we needed to be creative with space. We decided to convert the loft into a functional bedroom for Asher by framing in a wall, adding a door, and even building a closet. It was a significant project, but seeing the transformation was incredibly rewarding.
Over time, we continued to tackle various projects, including painting the condo, updating fixtures, and making other small improvements. Each project brought us closer as a family and allowed us to express our creativity.
Embracing the DIY Home Renovation Spirit
What I cherish most about our DIY journey is the sense of accomplishment and the memories we’ve created along the way. Each project was a chance to learn, grow, and make our home uniquely ours. One of my favorite parts of the process was picking out all the materials—floors, light fixtures, tiles—each decision bringing us closer to the final vision. After all the renovations, the next exciting step was decorating. I loved transforming our space into a cozy, welcoming home where every detail reflected our style.
If you’re thinking about starting your own DIY home renovation, my advice is to embrace the process and enjoy the journey. DIY projects can be challenging, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. Take your time, plan carefully, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether you’re updating a single room or renovating your entire home, every step you take will bring you closer to achieving your vision—and decorating your dream space will be the cherry on top!
Looking Ahead: Our Texas Adventure
Our time in Colorado was filled with memorable DIY projects and home improvements, but it was time for a new adventure. We made the move to Austin, Texas, to be closer to family and embrace the Texas lifestyle. Our renovation journey didn’t stop in Colorado—it continued as we settled into our new home in Texas.
Stay tuned for part two of our journey, where I’ll dive into how we’ve been transforming our Texas home. From larger renovations to small but impactful DIY projects, we’ve taken on a range of exciting challenges that I can’t wait to share with y’all. Whether it’s freshening up a space with new decor or tackling a complete room overhaul, we’ve poured our creativity and energy into making this house truly feel like home. I’m eager to show you the progress and hope it inspires you with ideas for your own DIY home renovation projects.
Thank y’all so much for following along with my story—it means the world to me! I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome and support. I’d love to hear more from you! What’s been your favorite DIY home renovation project that you’ve ever completed? Or maybe there’s a new project on your list that you’re excited to start soon? I know we all have those dream renovations we’ve been waiting to tackle. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below—your stories, tips, and ideas might just inspire someone else in the community!
I’m looking forward to everything you have to share!
Thank you, Rebecca!