Renovating From the Inside Out
Project consultant Janene Neely brings her professional eye home, balancing historic character, thoughtful design and the realities of a renovation that unfolds over time.
Becoming Her Own Client
For Janene Neely, renovating her 1925 Del Ray home has brought together two parts of her professional life: a strong visual sensibility and years of experience managing residential renovations. Before remodeling, Neely worked in visual management for companies including Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie, sharpening her eye for proportion, color, composition and how individual elements shape a space. Today, as a project consultant for Design Pro Remodeling, she coordinates trades, reviews scope, oversees quality and helps homeowners understand how decisions affect a project.
That perspective became especially meaningful when Neely became her own client. She and her husband lived in their home for several years before renovating, giving them time to understand what they wanted to change — and preserve.
Maintaining the cottage’s character became a guiding principle. The original front door, trim and wood siding were retained, historic millwork profiles were custom matched, and the hipped roofline was reconstructed when an upper level was added.
Inside, old and new are layered throughout. The living room retains its original fireplace, framed by built-ins Neely created during an early DIY project. A nearby gallery wall holds an evolving collection of art. The adjoining dining room features tapestry-inspired wallpaper, deep blue trim, period lighting and walnut-and-reeded-glass pocket doors leading to a guest suite furnished with antiques and modern pieces.
Upstairs, a bright office landing transforms transitional space into a functional room layered with artwork, antiques and modern pieces. A calm wellness room sits nearby, while the primary suite feels tucked into the tree canopy. Its large wet room, clawfoot tub and classic finishes create an almost treehouse-like retreat.
Knowing When to Wait
The kitchen is the final major piece. Although the rear addition and new footprint are complete, Neely chose to live with a temporary kitchen rather than compromise on the permanent design she and her husband envisioned.
The renovation reinforced a lesson she already understood professionally: Successful projects depend on planning, sequencing, restraint and knowing which decisions can wait. “Becoming my own client taught me the value of accepting that everything does not have to happen all at once.”
That experience now informs how she guides clients through their own renovations.
Neely shares her ongoing renovation, design inspiration and remodeling lessons on Instagram at @ChampagneAndSawdust.