Creating My Forever Home: A Cozy 1970s Bungalow Transformation in Ottawa

Melissa | Ottawa Foodie 🇨🇦

913 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

0 saved

My first home... and maybe even my forever home. 🤍

The moment I walked in, it just felt right. It has so much charm and low-key reminds me of the house from Father of the Bride, one of my favourite movies.

The home was completely gutted to the studs, but they kept the original '70s wood-burning fireplace, and I'm obsessed. It's full of character.

It's a five-bedroom bungalow, and we're turning it into two bedrooms, two offices, a movie room, and a board game/bar room. Add the private backyard and pool, and it's everything I've dreamed of for hosting family and friends.

I was never chasing the biggest or most expensive home. I wanted something cozy, functional, easy to care for, in a great neighbourhood, and a place where I could truly see myself and Mama Mel growing old together. This house has incredible bones, so much potential, and for the first time, it really feels like home.

#ottawa #ottawahome #ottawaresalehome #ottawareleastate #ottawalife

1 week agoEdited to

When I first embarked on turning my new house into a forever home, the task felt overwhelming, but incredibly rewarding. Keeping the original 1970s wood-burning fireplace was one of my favorite decisions because it adds so much warmth and character to the space. It makes every gathering around it feel special and nostalgic. Renovating a home gutted to the studs can be challenging, especially when envisioning new uses for the rooms. For example, converting the five bedrooms into a mix of two bedrooms, two offices, a movie room, and a board game/bar room was an exciting way to customize the space to my lifestyle. This setup not only meets practical needs but also creates cozy, inviting zones to relax, work, and entertain. One of the joys of living here is having a private backyard with a pool. During warm Ottawa summers, it becomes the centerpiece for hosting family get-togethers and friendly hangouts. The peaceful outdoor space complements the cozy feel of the bungalow, making it a perfect retreat. Choosing a home wasn’t about size or price for me; it was about comfort, functionality, and potential. Finding a home with incredible bones in a great neighborhood allowed me to envision years ahead, growing old with Mama Mel and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. This house truly resonates as a place of long-lasting memories and warmth. If you’re considering renovating a resale home from the 1970s or earlier, embrace the charm of original features like fireplaces and architectural details. They can help preserve the soul of the house while providing a unique foundation for modern updates. Making thoughtful transformations transforms a house into a heartfelt home that grows with you.

Related posts

A blue house with a white porch is framed by green trees, with text overlays reading "Room by Room First Home Checklist" and "Everything you need!". A "SWIPE" arrow indicates more content.

A living room scene features a pink sofa and white shelves, with text labels pointing to essential items like a book shelf, TV stand, air purifier, throw pillows, plants, and a coffee table.

A bedroom with a bed and nightstand is shown, overlaid with text labels for essential items such as a noise machine, pillowcases, air purifier, blankets, dresser, full length mirror, and mattress.

From Empty to Awesome: 1st Home Must-Haves ✨

Hey Lemon8 babes! Just moved into your first place? Congrats! But maybe you're staring at those empty rooms wondering, "Now what?". Don't worry, we've all been there. Here's a room-by-room breakdown of the essentials you need to turn your new digs into a comfy haven. ✨

4178 likes

A cozy living room with a dark gray sofa, a wooden armchair with an orange pillow, a black coffee table with a candle, and a patterned rug. The image has an overlay text that reads "12 Simple Decorating Tips to Make Your House Feel More Like a Home SWIPE."

A light-colored background with two text boxes. The top box is titled "1. Essential Oils & Diffusers" and describes using essential oils to enhance home atmosphere. The bottom box is titled "2. Live Plants" and discusses incorporating real or artificial plants for a refreshing vibe.

A light-colored background with two text boxes. The top box is titled "3. Cozy Throw Pillows" and describes adding comfort and character with throw pillows. The bottom box is titled "4. Ambient Lighting" and discusses using lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

🏡 12 Tips to Make Your Home Cozy! ✨

Looking to add some warmth and personality to your space? Here are my top 12 decorating tips to help your house feel more like a home! 💖 Essential Oils & Diffusers: Ditch synthetic scents and fill your home with calming essential oils! 🌿💧 Live Plants: Bring life indoors with real or faux

1054 likes

BUILD YOUR GLUTES & HAMSTRINGS AT HOME 🍑🏠

Want to grow your glutes & hamstrings but don’t have access to a gym? No worries—I got you! These workouts will activate, strengthen, and sculpt your lower body from home. Whether you’re using just your bodyweight or adding some equipment, these moves will help you build a stronger, rounder glu

2222 likes

A beige house with a green lawn under a blue sky. An overlay reads "12 Home Skills Everyone Should Know by 30" and "SWIPE," indicating a list of home maintenance tips.

Two text boxes detail home skills. The first advises cleaning sinks with vinegar and baking soda. The second suggests using WD-40 for squeaky doors and felt pads to prevent slamming.

Two text boxes describe home skills. One explains patching wall holes with fiberglass or spackle. The other discusses easily swapping out a shower head for a spa-like experience.

✨ 12 Home Skills Everyone Should Master by 30 ✨

Ready to feel like a home maintenance pro? 🙌 These DIY skills will save you time, money, and frustration—whether you rent or own. 🏡 Let’s dive in: Unclog the kitchen sink: Pour baking soda + vinegar down the drain, followed by boiling water. Say goodbye to bad smells! 🛁🍋 Silence squeaky doors

13.4K likes

A phone lock screen displaying the time 10:23 on Monday, June 26. It highlights a daily affirmation, mail inbox, and watch battery status, set against a light, abstract background.

A phone home screen titled 'utilities' showing app icons like calendar, camera, weather, and a calendar widget. It highlights the 'Eden' app for habit tracking, with a light, abstract background.

A phone home screen titled 'everyday use' featuring a daily affirmation widget and apps for photos, Pinterest, email (Gmail, Outlook), banking, and meditation (Headspace). A Google Calendar widget is also visible.

my home screen set up<3

My first lemon8 post! I had so much fun making this and can’t wait to make more 🤎 • • #hellolemon8 #swatchforme #phonesetup #homescreenideas #apps #firstpost #aesthetic

461 likes

BRAD MONDO MADE ME CUT MY HAIR AT HOME

YALL 😭 Brad Mondo posted a YouTube video talking about the differences between a wolf cut and a butterfly cut. The SECOND I saw that video I ran to his tutorial on how to cut a butterfly haircut. After I studied that video and thought for a good 2 minutes, I decided I wanted to do it😅 I didn’t

2409 likes

A person sits on a balcony, looking at a laptop, with text overlay "Side Hustle Diaries Part 1". The image captures a relaxed setting for remote work, suggesting a personal account of earning extra income from home.

A laptop keyboard and a brown notebook with a blue pencil are on a wooden surface. Text overlay states, "Doing surveys can give you an extra $50 to $200 per week. My favourite platforms ->", introducing the topic of paid online surveys.

A close-up of a laptop keyboard with a list of survey platforms displayed on the screen and as text overlay. The platforms include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Vindale Research, Pinecone Research, Toluna, InboxDollars, MyPoints, YouGov, LifePoints, and Prolific.

How I make an extra $50-200 per week from home

I tried out these websites so you don’t have to. It takes about 5-30 minutes per survey, making about $5-15 per hour. Although the numbers aren’t super high (it’s not going to make anyone rich), what I like about online surveys is that I can do them from the comfort of my own home (or desk, at

527 likes

A person's legs in white socks on a gray yoga mat, with a pink hoodie, pink water bottle, and light blue sneakers beside them, under the text "AT HOME" Workout Routine.

A text-based image detailing a calorie deficit of 1500-1600 calories per day, a weekly workout schedule, a 2-week Pilates plan, a starting weight of 170.6, and rules for progress tracking.

A collage showing a laptop, workout gear, and a person exercising, alongside a detailed list of Pilates exercises for Full Body, Arms, and Legs, including reps and specific movements.

My "AT HOME" Pilates Workout + Calorie Deficit🏋🏽‍♀️

🫧Calorie Deficit -There's only so much that food can do but it's always good to include a calorie deficit in your workout plan. I can also help you try to eat healthier food because I know personally too it's helped me eat much healthier. 🫧Workout Plan

11.9K likes

side hustles that allow you make BANK from HOME🏡

Hi friends!! I'm Jade - also known as the rich bitch activator 🦄 and a rich mom with multiple income streams I have been on my wealth-building journey since 2020 and have tried multiple things to make money and these are 4 that have allowed me to make bank from home and with flexibility in m

836 likes

A woman in a white sports bra and dark leggings in a squat position, with text overlay "Build a BUBBLE BUTT in 30 Days, 10 Minutes At Home," promoting a home glute workout plan.

A woman on a mat performing a kneeling rear leg lift, illustrating Day 1 & 4 Gluteus Maximus exercises including Glute Bridge, Single Leg Glute Bridge, Squats, and Forward Lunges.

A woman lying on her side on a mat, demonstrating a position for Day 2 & 5 Gluteus Medius exercises like Side Lying Clamshells, Fire Hydrants, Lying Side Leg Raises, Skater Lunges, and Lateral Squats.

Get A Bubble Butt in 30 Days (Only 10 Min at Home)

Warning: This booty challenge may cause increased compliments and difficulty fitting into your favorite jeans. 😉 Get ready to sculpt & tone with 10 minute at home workouts that boost your booty and confidence in just 30 days. How it Works: Do the exercise for 45 sec on, rest for 15, and

21.7K likes

How to Make Powdered Sugar at Home in 1️⃣ Minute! 🤩

How to Make Powdered Sugar at Home in 1️⃣ Minute! 🤩 1 cup powdered sugar (use any kind you desire, white and cane will give you the best results but you can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar it’ll be a darker colour) 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional - I never use this, but it’ll help wit

4234 likes

A modern two-story new construction home with light siding and stone accents, a garage, and a driveway, under a clear sky. Text overlay reads 'SOLD' and 'Here's how I saved my clients $$$ on a new build'.

A kitchen interior with white brick backsplash and a stovetop. Text overlay informs that buyers have the right to realtor representation for new construction homes and do not have to pay the builder's list price.

A blurred interior background with text detailing how a realtor negotiated a new construction home deal, securing $6,000 below list price, a 4.99% fixed rate, $10,000 in closing costs, and $5,000 for upgrades.

How I saved my clients $$$ on their first home🗝️🤍

🏡When first buying a home it can be overwhelming! There’s so much you feel like you need to know and it’s probably going to be the largest purchase in your lifetime! 💰I promise it’s not as difficult as it may seem! And there’s ways that a Realtor can help you save some cash! 🗝️If you’re

708 likes

A cluttered iPhone home screen displaying numerous app icons like Telegram, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, many with unread notification badges. A text overlay reads, 'HOW TO GET YOUR HOME SCREEN FROM THIS, TO...'.

Two customized iPhone home screens with a cohesive aesthetic, featuring a calendar widget, various app icons like Pinterest, Google, YouTube, and Netflix, and a 'SWIPE' arrow, demonstrating the 'after' look achieved with ScreenKit.

How to make your home screen cute 🎀

I use an app called Screenkit for my home screen! They have free templates, butttttt- I recommend paying the one time fee of $10 Screenkit offers and then you can change your home screen literally as many times as you want with whatever template you want that they offer 🫶🏻 Screenkit IS user

816 likes

A dining area with a table and chairs, featuring two framed abstract artworks on the wall. Overlay text reads 'ADHD FRIENDLY HOME HACKS to Keep Your Space and Mind Clear'.

An indoor scene with a ceiling vent and a decorative wooden wall art piece, illuminated by a red light. The text discusses using smart lights as visual cues for tasks.

Stay Organized with These ADHD Home Hacks 🙌

I’m back with part 2 of my ADHD-friendly organization tips! If you found the first round helpful, these new ideas will make staying organized even easier. These simple tips are designed to fit seamlessly into your routine and make life a little more organized. 1. Hang a Tote Bag by the Door for

7350 likes

Simple Home Hacks to Make Life Easier ✨

Hey all, this is my first video post! These are a few of my favorite home hacks to make your life a little easier. They are simple, practical, and easy to implement in your everyday routine: 1. Line the bottom of your trash can with paper towels or newspaper. It catches leaks so you’re not scrub

1000 likes

A collage featuring 'Pilates at home 10 min routine' text, images of a salad, water, women performing pilates poses, a woman using a gua sha, and supplements in a heart-shaped bowl with 'Worth the Hype' text.

A collage with 'Pilates at home 10 min routine' text, showing a salad, water, and text detailing the Warm-Up and Core Circuit exercises, including Knee Tucks, Toe Taps, and Modified Plank.

A collage with 'Pilates at home 10 min routine' text, showing a salad, water, and text detailing the Lower Body Focus (Glute Bridge, Standing Leg Lift) and Cool Down (Cat-Cow Stretch, Seated Forward Fold) exercises.

✨ 10-Minute Easy At-Home Pilates Routine ✨

Hey girlies! Want a quick, simple Pilates routine you can do at home with zero equipment? This 10-minute session is perfect for staying active and keeping that clean girl glow, even on your busiest days!* ⭐️Warm-Up (1 min): - Gentle Stretch:Stand tall, reach your arms overhead, and take a deep

970 likes

A dark, abstract background with swirling patterns in shades of purple, blue, and yellow, featuring the text overlay "my whimsy goth home decor inspo" in white script.

A dark and romantic bedroom featuring a bed with a deep red textured comforter, string lights, red sheer curtains, and numerous candles, creating a cozy gothic ambiance.

A whimsical kitchen with dark blue cabinets, a starry ceiling, a large window, and an abundance of plants, hanging ornaments, and decorative items, creating a magical atmosphere.

whimsy goth home inspo ✨

(UPDATE: Michaels has beautiful decor pleaseee check their website! I’m in love) i LOVE everything whimsy goth aesthetic and my first home will definitely be inspired by these photos #gothichome #darkhomeaesthetic #gothhome #gothhomedecor #whimsigoth #whimsygoth #homedecor #Lemon8Pho

1404 likes

Easy tips on how to maintain a clean home✨

Water before coffee! It will boost your energy & productivity! Start a load of laundry first thing out of bed! Make your bed! Unload dishwasher! Have a basket available for misc. items! This will help you out SO much with maintaining a clean home! #cleanideas #cleanlife

5346 likes

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home with details🍳

We love a good what I eat in a day over here 🤗 Sooo quick & easy breakfast and lunch. Breakfast: OK first of all this breakfast sandwich was SO good. I toasted some sourdough, topped it with cream cheese, bacon, avocado, crushed red pepper, and a good egg over easy my favorite way to make th

12K likes

This was my very first time seeing our home in person during the building process. We literally did everything by phone or over FaceTime because I had to be in Las Vegas the majority of the time. They started building in April, we were set to close in September. This was in May so all of our pla

1759 likes

An overhead view of various Dollar Tree homeschool supplies, including Dr. Seuss, Pete the Cat, and Eric Carle flashcards, DW and Cocomelon puzzles, and educational workbooks like Morning Starters and Numbers & Counting, all labeled with '2 DOLLAR TREE HOMESCHOOL FINDS'.

A collection of Dollar Tree flashcards and puzzles. Flashcards include Dr. Seuss Numbers, Pete the Cat ABC's & Words, Fisher-Price Compare & Contrast, and Eric Carle Shapes & Colors. Puzzles feature Cocomelon, DW Numbers, and Gabby's Dollhouse themes.

Four Dollar Tree guided workbooks for early learning. Titles include 'Morning Starters Educational Workbook', 'Scholastic Numbers & Counting Activity Book', 'First Words Educational Workbook', and 'Colors & Shapes Workbook' featuring a fox.

Dollar Tree homeschool finds 🖍️

As a SAHM I naturally ‘homeschool’ my daughter. But as she approaches 2.5 yrs old, I really want to make things a little more structured and official. So I’ve slowly been collecting all of our homeschooling supplies. These were some really useful things I came across at dollar tree: ▫️ Flash ca

185 likes

A complete at-home workout guide detailing a weekly schedule with full body, lower body, and upper body strength days, walking workouts, and active recovery, including specific exercises and sets/reps.

A list of lifestyle changes for health, including increasing protein and fiber intake, drinking water, standing regularly, and a positive message about missing a day.

A light gray background with the text "SAVE THIS POST AND FOLLOW FOR MORE TIPS!" in white, centered above a large white bookmark icon.

At Home Beginners Workout Guide

When you first start creating the habit of working out, the thought of going to the gym for an hour or more, five days a week feels very overwhelming... or at least it did to me when I started out! That's why I think at home workout are a great place to start! This workout plan requires no e

3490 likes

Our First Home🏡

Almost hitting 1 year since buying our first home 🏡🤍 #firstpost #firsthome #newhome #fyp #family

471 likes

Quick and Easy Ways to Tidy Your Home! 🏠

You don’t need to spend hours cleaning to make your home feel fresh and tidy. Here’s how to clean every room in five minutes or less using smart, efficient hacks! 🛋️ Living Room 1. Grab a laundry basket and toss in all out-of-place items. 2. Quickly wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth s

1264 likes

A woman in a blue sports bra and grey shorts performs an ab exercise on a black track, with text overlay "AT HOME CORE WORKOUT" and "beginner friendly." She is in a crunch position with knees bent and feet off the ground, wearing headphones.

A woman demonstrates "toe touches" on a track. The main image shows her lying on her back, reaching for her raised leg, while an inset shows a similar pose. Text indicates "3 x 20 each leg."

A woman demonstrates "v-up x knee tucks" on a track. The main image shows her lying flat (position one & three), while insets show her with knees tucked (position two) and legs straight reaching up (position four).

AT HOME AB WORKOUT 🏋🏽‍♀️

here’s a fun & quick at home ab workout! save this ab burner for later!💌 i did this at my local track today just because im in the process of moving & have a million boxes all over the house!😅 here’s the details : 🎧 : for toe touches, you will raise one leg up & reach to your toe

146 likes

How to Clean Your Home Fast (ADHD Edition) ✨

Cleaning can feel overwhelming when there’s too much to do, but it doesn’t have to take hours. This ADHD-friendly 15-minute routine breaks cleaning into quick, structured steps—so you can refresh your space without getting sidetracked or stuck in perfectionism. 1. Set a Timer & Pick a Focus

1260 likes

First Time Home Buyer Programs🏠

There are several first-time homebuyer programs available to help individuals achieve the goal of purchasing their first home. These programs often offer financial assistance, education, and other resources make homeownership more accessible. Here are some common first-time home programs in the Uni

1247 likes

Genius Home Hacks That Just Make Sense 🏠

I love a good shortcut—especially when it actually works. These are some of my favorite little home hacks that save time, solve random problems, and just make life easier day to day. 1. Line the bottom of your trash can with newspaper or paper towels. Absorbs leaks so you’re not dealing with gro

2799 likes

A collage featuring a new home's white kitchen, a living area with a Target bench and Costco faux olive tree, a kitchen with a Lowe's area rug, and a West Elm couch. The central text reads 'I BOUGHT A HOUSE!'

Tips when buying your first home! 🏡 ✨

Hi guys! I just bought a house for the very first time and would like to share some helpful tips: ✨ BUILD YOUR CREDIT Lenders will check your credit score to identify what mortgage you qualify for and your credit score also affects your interest rate. ✨ CREATE A BUDGET Decide how much you can

320 likes

A display of pink glass measuring cups with colorful handles, labeled as 'First Apartment ESSENTIALS at Home Goods'.

A hand holding a packaged 6-piece bamboo fiber bowl set in neutral tones, ideal for mixing and serving salads.

A hand holding a set of red measuring spoons with cherry designs, displayed on a store rack.

First Apartment Essentials @ HomeGoods 🏠🚨

What I found on my most recent HomeGoods run 👀 All things apartment, moving out, and home essentials: 🖤 Bowl Set: love mixing bowls, esp for making my salads 🖤 Measuring Spoons: IN LOVE with these measuring spoons ahh 🖤 Grocery Bag: this bag was so cute & fun, can be used for so many diff

1870 likes

A foil pan filled with homemade chicken minis, featuring fried chicken pieces nestled in soft rolls, partially covered with foil. A text overlay states, 'Dinner at home for under $20'.

A package of Sister Schubert's Parker House Style Yeast Rolls, showing several unbaked rolls inside the clear plastic bag, with baking instructions visible.

A bag of RealGood Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets, highlighting nutritional information like 23g protein and 3g net carbs, and an image of cooked nuggets.

Dinner at home for under $20🫶

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER, ANYONE?! This was my first time making these infamous, Chick-fil-a, chicken minis at home. It was quick and easy and a hubby favorite. Everything was from @walmartofficial ✨PARKER HOUSE STYLE ROLLS ($5) - Cook for about 25-35 mins at 300°(cooks faster

302 likes

How To Make Seafood Boil At Home

🔥NEW SONG: INTELLIGENT TRENCH BABY OUT NOW IN BIO 🔥STREAM FRIDAY 6pm central time (YT,FB,TT, Twi, 🦵 ) 🔥NEW VLOG WEEKLY @authenticteeceevlogs (YT) Imma give this a 8/10. Only because I’ve had restaurants to compare it to and I’m looking for a certain taste! Don’t get me wrong, ITS SUPER GOOD.

41.2K likes

A hand holds a pink and white cleaning scrubber kit box, featuring an electric scrubber tool with multiple brush heads and two tubs of cleaning paste, displayed in a store aisle.

A close-up of the back of the cleaning scrubber kit box, detailing the various brush heads including medium, large, firm cone, and soft brush heads, along with usage instructions.

A hand holds a purple, textured cleaning sponge in its packaging, labeled as a special edition scrubber, displayed in a store aisle with other household items.

First Apartment Essentials @ HomeGoods 🏠🚨

Another first apartment essentials roundup at HomeGoods!! Found a lot of cool things on my most recent trip and saw a lot of brands I didn’t know they carried. Save this post for later if you plan on moving into your first apartment in the near future or if you just want to get ahead and start s

1318 likes

✼ making sushi at home ✼

today i attempted to make my favorite food, sushi, at home for the very first time! here’s how I did it + how it turned out: ingredients: ⋆ avocado ⋆ cucumber ⋆ sriracha mayo ⋆ seaweed ⋆ crab sticks ⋆ sticky rice ⋆ bamboo rolling mat 1. cut up cucumber into strips + cut chunks of avocad

747 likes

A hand holds a fan of US dollar bills, including $100, $50, and $20 denominations, in a car. The image is overlaid with the text "MY FAVORITE WAY TO MAKE FAST CASH," illustrating a method for earning money.

This image shows a Mercari listing for makeup items that sold for $14, with text explaining they were acquired for free. It highlights reselling items on Mercari as a profitable side hustle, demonstrating a $14 profit from a single sale.

The image displays a Mercari earnings summary showing "Total earnings $44,096.42" from "2192 Sold items," averaging $20 per item. This illustrates the significant income potential from reselling on Mercari over time.

MONEY HACK: HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME!

Selling on Mercari has got to be one of my favorite ways to make extra cash! I have resold on Mercari for 7ish years and it has been a GREAT supplemental income🙌🏻 The best way to start is look in your closet, junk drawers, basement, or anywhere you store stuff you no longer need! List those

456 likes

An amazon home gadget you’ll actually use

Ok, this thing will change your life and it's a must-have for anyone who has a sofa, throw pillows, or wears clothes. This fabric shaver is a 10/10. I didn't realize how much some of my favorite pillows, & even my sofa, was pilling with little lint balls that were impossible to pull o

2120 likes

A view of the Home Depot paint section with various color swatches and a counter, overlaid with text about a frequent activity at the store.

A small black wire shelf holding paint cans, located behind a wooden paint desk, identified as the spot for "oops" paint.

A hand holding a small paint container with a gray paint swatch on its lid, with text indicating it's a discounted item.

My first stop every time I go to Home Depot!

I go to Home Depot a lottttt, especially recently with our first short term rental flip. Every time I go, I always stop by the “oops” paint shelf that has discounted paints. Since these are mis-tinted colors, the selection can be hit or miss. But sometimes, I find the cutest shades—or even mix

1167 likes

See more