It’s that time again when we pause to reflect on a whirlwind month of creativity, DIY triumphs, and unexpected design journeys. September proved to be a vibrant canvas of home renovation projects, spanning everything from ambitious structural changes to subtle decorative touches. We tackled a diverse array of tasks, including the hunt for unique secondhand finds, the painstaking process of stenciling walls, and the monumental construction of a custom 13-foot desk. Alongside these larger endeavors, we found joy in altering a light fixture to better suit our space, expertly framing a mirror, and even creating free art to adorn our walls. This monthly retrospective not only gathers all the essential links in one convenient location but also brings to light some previously unseen moments and details, as we truly enjoy sharing every facet of our home transformation with you. Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, complete with yearbook-style superlatives to encapsulate the unique spirit of each project. After all, what better way to celebrate progress than with a dash of fun and a good look back?
September’s Top Home Renovation Highlights
Our journey through September was a blend of ambitious undertakings, unexpected turns, and delightful discoveries. From the initial sparks of inspiration to the final touches, each project added a new layer to our home’s evolving story. Here’s a closer look at the month’s most memorable moments and transformations:
The Great Banquette Experiment: A Design Saga Unfolds
This month kicked off with a half-baked, yet incredibly exciting, idea that promised to revolutionize our kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic. The concept? Integrating a cozy kitchen banquette – a design element we believed would maximize space and infuse a custom charm into our dining area. It was a vision of intimate family meals and comfortable gatherings, a dream that initially held significant appeal as we explored the possibilities for a more efficient layout around a round table.
Most Pro-Banquette (Runner-Up): Engaging in Community Feedback
The banquette discussion didn’t stop at our initial thoughts. We delved deeper into the topic with our readers, sparking a lively debate and gathering invaluable feedback in this follow-up post. The engagement was phenomenal, with many readers sharing their own banquette experiences and design insights. One particular highlight was a reader-submitted rendering that humorously depicted me looking somewhat like a receptionist, a lighthearted moment that added to the collaborative spirit of the conversation. This phase was crucial for exploring different perspectives and solidifying our understanding of the banquette’s practical implications.
Least Pro-Banquette: Embracing the Peninsula
As the month drew to a close, our initial banquette enthusiasm took an unexpected turn. After much deliberation, sketching, and practical consideration, we reached the exciting, albeit surprising, revelation that we were officially over the banquette idea. It was a moment of clarity where we realized our true love was, in fact, a peninsula. This shift in design direction felt liberating, opening up new possibilities for kitchen functionality and flow that better aligned with our lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Sometimes, the best design decision is to pivot and embrace what truly resonates with your home’s character.
Weirdest Giant Metal Chicken: A Roadside Quirky Discovery
Life isn’t all about home projects; sometimes it’s about the amusing detours along the way. During our trip to Delaware, we stumbled upon this magnificent and undeniably weird giant metal chicken, affectionately dubbed Beyoncé. For those curious about her intriguing name, you absolutely must read this hilarious backstory (a fair warning: it contains profanity, but it’s arguably one of the funniest things you’ll find on the internet). This unexpected roadside art piece served as a quirky reminder to always keep an eye out for the unusual and delightful in everyday life.
Best Deal: Unearthing Budget-Friendly Bedroom Nightstands
One of the month’s most satisfying scores came from a local yard sale: two fantastic nightstands for an incredible $11! These budget-friendly finds were swiftly integrated into our bedroom decor, proving that stunning pieces don’t always come with a hefty price tag. To further elevate the bedroom’s aesthetic, we also embarked on a faux gold banding treatment for our bedposts, adding a touch of elegance and cohesion that transformed the space without breaking the bank. It’s amazing what a little imagination and a keen eye for deals can achieve in home styling.
Least Appetizing: The Post-Hurricane Irene Fridge Saga
Hurricane Irene left us with an unexpected challenge: an utterly empty fridge, the least appetizing sight imaginable. However, adversity often sparks resourcefulness. We quickly restocked our refrigerator with a triumphant and coupon-tastic trip to the grocery store, turning a rather grim situation into a rewarding grocery haul. A fantastic update on this saga: we filed a $250 “spoiled food claim” with our electric company, which, to our pleasant surprise, they actually accepted! This meant we didn’t have to worry about our insurance premiums rising or meeting a deductible, a huge win amidst the post-hurricane cleanup.
Most Improved: Transforming Secondhand Cabinets into Office Built-ins
What started as a pair of $1 (each) orange secondhand cabinets underwent a remarkable transformation this month. These unassuming pieces were destined for greater things in our office. With a little strategic wood addition and a fresh coat of white paint, they were reborn as slightly taller, beautifully integrated office built-ins. This project perfectly illustrates the power of DIY and how a small investment in time and materials can completely revitalize an old piece, creating custom storage solutions that look professionally designed. The result is a more organized and aesthetically pleasing workspace.
Most Long, Dark & Handsome: Crafting the 13-Foot Office Desk Countertop
Perhaps one of the most ambitious undertakings of the month was the creation of our impressive 13-foot wood tabletop, designed to serve as the centerpiece of our built-in office desk. Constructed from affordable framing lumber and treated with a rich, dark stain, this expansive countertop cost us a mere 27 “beans” (dollars). It’s a testament to how creative material choices and hands-on effort can lead to a custom, high-impact piece that not only looks incredibly sophisticated but also provides ample workspace. The dark finish adds a touch of gravitas and warmth to the entire office setup.
Most Inebriated: Giving Our Office Walls Their “Moonshine” Makeover
Our office walls underwent a spirited transformation this month, metaphorically getting their “Moonshine” on. Yes, you read that right! “Moonshine” is the clever (and slightly intoxicating) name of the paint color we chose, adding a subtle touch of humor to our design process. This fresh coat of paint brightened the space significantly, providing a clean and inviting backdrop for all our creative endeavors. The light and airy hue works perfectly to complement the dark desk and other elements in the room, creating a balanced and inspiring environment.
The Josh Groban “You Raise Me Up” Award: Elevating Our Office Light Fixture
Our office light fixture earned the “Josh Groban ‘You Raise Me Up’ Award” for its impressive ascent and complete style overhaul. This previously problematic fixture, which was once prone to causing head bumps, was meticulously raised to a safer and more aesthetically pleasing height. It then received a vibrant indigo spray paint treatment, giving it a modern and bold new look. To top it all off, we adorned it with a discounted drum shade, which diffused the light beautifully and completed its stylish transformation. This project not only improved functionality but also dramatically enhanced the overall ambiance of our workspace.
Most Grounded: Adding Trim for a Custom Built-in Desk Look
To truly achieve that coveted custom, built-in aesthetic for our expansive office desk, we dedicated time to meticulous finishing touches. This involved adding trim to the bottoms of our desk structure. This seemingly small detail made a significant impact, grounding the desk and making it appear as if it was always meant to be a permanent, integral part of the room’s architecture. The trim creates a seamless transition from the desk to the floor, enhancing the overall polish and professionalism of our renovated office space. It’s these thoughtful additions that elevate a DIY project to a refined design statement.
Most Secretive: Revealing Previously Unseen Architectural Details
This month, we pulled back the curtain on some never-before-seen parts of our house, offering a fresh perspective on its unique character. Among these hidden gems was the fascinating, spaceship-like roofline of our sunroom. It’s an architectural detail that often goes unnoticed but adds an unexpected touch of modern design to our home’s exterior. Highlighting these previously unshared elements allows us to appreciate the subtle intricacies and unique features that make our house truly our own, providing a deeper look into the less obvious aspects of its charm and design.
The “You’ll Be Missed… But Not Much” Award: Tree Removal for Home Preservation
Sometimes, saying goodbye to a natural element is necessary for the long-term health of our home. This month, we bestowed the “You’ll Be Missed… But Not Much” Award upon a tree that had become a little too cozy with our house. To avoid any potential risk of foundation damage, we finally removed it, a proactive measure to protect our property. Alongside this, we also tackled some overgrown shrubs nearby, contributing to overall exterior improvements. While we appreciate greenery, ensuring the structural integrity of our home always takes precedence, making this a practical and essential outdoor update.
Most Persistent: The Triumphant Bathroom Mirror Framing Project
This month’s “Most Persistent” award undoubtedly goes to our bathroom mirror framing project. What began as a seemingly straightforward task quickly evolved into a test of endurance and determination. We faced several hiccups, including a false start with trim that proved to be too small, and a rather dramatic moment when the entire initial attempt crashed down. Despite these frustrating setbacks, we refused to give up. Our persistence ultimately paid off, resulting in a beautifully framed mirror that adds significant character and elegance to the bathroom, proving that sometimes the best results come from not quitting.
Most Photogenic: Our Television as an Inspiration Hub
You might find it unusual, but our television earned the title of “Most Photogenic” this month, not for its cinematic display, but for its role as a source of design inspiration. We admittedly have a quirky habit of taking pictures of the TV screen to capture and document various decor ideas we encounter. Whether it’s a stunning color palette from a show, an interesting furniture arrangement in a commercial, or a unique texture spotted in a film, our TV acts as a dynamic mood board. It’s a testament to how inspiration can strike from unexpected places, constantly fueling our creative home projects.
Easiest Project: Crafting a Quick and Free Food Coloring Print
Sometimes, the most impactful decor pieces are also the simplest to create. This month, we celebrated the “Easiest” project award with our fast and free food coloring print. This incredibly straightforward DIY art project brought a splash of custom color and personality to our hallway frame gallery without any cost or significant effort. It’s a brilliant reminder that you don’t need expensive supplies or complex techniques to add beautiful, personalized touches to your home. A little creativity can go a long way in filling empty frames with unique and meaningful art.
Easiest Project (Runner Up): Sherry’s Simple Faux Cross-Stitch Creation
Continuing the theme of effortless creativity, Sherry’s simple faux cross-stitch earned the “Easiest Project (Runner Up)” accolade. This clever technique allowed her to whip up a beautifully personalized anniversary gift for her brother and his wife, demonstrating that heartfelt presents don’t require intricate crafting skills. The faux cross-stitch offers the charm of traditional needlework with a fraction of the time and complexity, making it a perfect solution for quick, thoughtful, and custom gifts. It’s another example of how smart DIY can deliver stunning results with minimal fuss.
Most Likely To Result In Claw-Hands: The Ambitious Office Wall Stenciling
Prepare for tired hands! The “Most Likely To Result In Claw-Hands” award goes to the intensive process of stenciling the walls of our office. This project, while promising a stunning transformation, is certainly not for the faint of heart or those seeking instant gratification. It involves meticulous alignment, careful paint application, and a great deal of patience. Although it’s a time-consuming endeavor, we are confidently hopeful that the final result will be well worth every bit of effort and hand cramp. We eagerly anticipate sharing the finished look with you very soon, hopefully by Monday!
Best Sentence Ever Uttered By A Sixteen Month Old: Clara’s Charming Fashion Statement
Our little Clara continues to amaze us with her burgeoning vocabulary and endearing personality. This month, she delivered the “Best Sentence Ever Uttered By A Sixteen Month Old”: “Iss my hoo hat.” This charming declaration came after she insisted on our help to put on a jacket and a crocheted owl-like hat over her pajamas. Her determined spirit and emerging fashion sense, even at such a young age, consistently bring joy and laughter to our home. She’s undeniably a snappy dresser in the making, and every new word is a little milestone worth celebrating.
Most Three Dimensional: Exploring Interior Design Tools
Delving into the world of virtual design, my take on the pros and cons of three different 3D interior design tools earned the “Most Three Dimensional” award. This exploration provided valuable insights into how these digital platforms can aid in visualizing and planning home renovations and decor layouts. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each tool is crucial for anyone looking to experiment with design ideas before committing to physical changes. It’s a fantastic way to bring design concepts to life and make informed decisions, truly adding another dimension to the planning process.
Most Intense: A Deep Dive into Our Blogiversary Reflections
The past week was incredibly “Intense” as we celebrated our Blogiversary with a series of in-depth posts. These special features offered a comprehensive look into the world of our blog, covering everything from daily routines to behind-the-scenes insights. It was a period of significant reflection, sharing, and connection with our amazing community, and we poured a lot of thought and effort into making it a truly valuable and engaging experience for everyone involved. If you happened to miss any of these insightful Blogiversary posts, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a quick recap below:
Our Blogiversary was packed with valuable content designed to offer a transparent look into our blogging journey and home life. Here’s a brief summary of the topics we covered:
- An intimate, hour-by-hour examination of a typical day in the life of the Petersik family, revealing the realities of balancing personal life with blogging.
- Insightful pie charts illustrating how we allocate our time across various activities and how we generate income through our platform.
- A fascinating breakdown of intriguing (and sometimes quirky) numerical statistics about Young House Love, offering a data-driven perspective on our blog’s journey.
- A personal video response addressing various personal questions submitted by our readers on Facebook, fostering a deeper connection with our audience.
- An interactive opportunity for our readers to share their own stories and preferences by participating in our engaging reader poll.
- Strategic goal setting for the upcoming fifth year of blogging, alongside an honest evaluation of our achievements against the goals set for year four.
- Practical tips and straightforward advice on the often-intimidating coding side of blogging, demystifying the technical aspects for aspiring bloggers.
- A detailed, play-by-play recap illustrating the journey of a blog post from initial concept to final completion, offering a behind-the-scenes look at our content creation process.
- Ten invaluable lessons we’ve learned and gathered over our four extensive years of dedicated blogging, sharing wisdom from our experiences.
Reflections and What’s Next
And there you have it – a comprehensive and engaging look back at September’s adventures and accomplishments. It’s always incredibly rewarding to compile a list of projects completed and reflect on the progress made, both big and small, throughout the month. Taking a moment to appreciate what we’ve achieved offers a refreshing break from the constant cycle of adding new tasks to our ever-growing to-do list. Just for a brief minute, we can bask in the satisfaction of these transformations. Then, it’s back to that stubborn, ongoing stenciling project! We’re curious: what have you been up to this month? Have you ever taken the time to create a similar list of accomplishments to look back on? It’s a wonderful practice that truly highlights the journey of homeownership and DIY.
Psst- If you’re looking for more monthly recaps and design inspiration, you can check out July’s superlatives here and August’s highlights here.
Pssssst- Get ready for some exciting news! We are thrilled about the exclusive curated collection we’ve put together for Joss & Main, which is set to launch this Tuesday! Don’t miss out on this specially selected assortment of home decor and furnishings. Click here to sign up today and ensure you receive an alert the moment the sale goes live. You won’t want to miss these unique pieces!