July’s Top DIY Moments: A Superlative Showcase of Home Renovation Projects

Welcome to our brand-new monthly roundup, a lively and engaging way to recap all the exciting undertakings and creative conquests from the past month! We know how challenging it can be to keep track of every post and project, so we’ve crafted a unique way to highlight our progress: monthly superlatives. This fun approach allows you to quickly grasp what we’ve been up to, offering a snapshot of our latest home improvement adventures, design dilemmas, and triumphant transformations. It’s our quirky little spin on a traditional recap, born during a much-needed date night (our first since Clara arrived!), where we playfully brainstormed cheeky titles for our various endeavors.

Before we dive into July’s finest, a little background on superlatives: John, in his high school marching band days, proudly earned the title of “Friendliest Male” three years running. As for me, my yearbook awarded me “Best Friends” alongside Jenny Czajkowski, who bravely assisted in highlighting my hair with mustache bleach in her sink – a true testament to friendship! But enough about our past accolades; let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible projects and memorable moments from July. Get ready to be inspired, laugh a little, and perhaps even find the motivation for your next big home DIY.

Celebrating July’s Home Transformation Superlatives

This month has been a whirlwind of creativity, problem-solving, and a touch of unexpected humor. We’ve tackled everything from vibrant color injections to functional upgrades and even some philosophical debates over ironing board direction. Here’s a closer look at the projects that stood out, earning their unique superlative titles for July:

Most Cheerful: Painting The Laundry Room A (Pretty Darn Happy) Greeny Yellow Color

There’s nothing quite like a splash of unexpected color to uplift a utilitarian space, and our laundry room makeover did exactly that! Opting for a delightful greeny-yellow hue infused this often-overlooked area with an undeniable sense of cheerfulness. This project proved that even the most functional rooms deserve a dose of vibrant personality, transforming it from a mundane chore zone into a bright, inviting space that genuinely makes laundry day a little less dreary. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to influence your mood and the overall aesthetic of your home.

Most Improved: Adding Some Laundry Room Built-Ins (then painting them and filling them with stuff we already had)

Following the cheerful color splash, the laundry room continued its journey to greatness with the addition of custom built-ins. This project dramatically elevated the room’s functionality and aesthetic, earning it the “Most Improved” title. We meticulously designed, constructed, and painted these storage solutions, then ingeniously filled them with existing items, proving that organization doesn’t have to break the bank. The built-ins not only provide much-needed storage for detergents, linens, and cleaning supplies but also create a seamless, polished look, making the space feel intentionally designed and highly efficient. It was a true test of DIY skills and strategic planning.

Nicest Legs: ORBing Those Parsons Chair Legs

Sometimes, the most impactful transformations come from focusing on the smallest details. Our Parsons chair legs underwent a remarkable rejuvenation using Oil Rubbed Bronze (ORB) spray paint, earning them the superlative for “Nicest Legs.” This simple, budget-friendly technique completely revitalized our dining chairs, giving them a sophisticated and cohesive look that ties beautifully into our overall home decor. It’s a testament to the power of spray paint to breathe new life into furniture, demonstrating how a quick update can significantly enhance the elegance and perceived value of existing pieces without the need for expensive replacements.

Most Likely NOT To Succeed (At Least The First Time Around): The Guest Room Light Switcheroo (And ReSwitcheroo)

Not every DIY project goes smoothly on the first attempt, and our guest room light switch saga perfectly embodies the spirit of perseverance. This project, affectionately dubbed the “Light Switcheroo (and ReSwitcheroo),” certainly challenged our patience and problem-solving skills, earning it the “Most Likely NOT To Succeed” title initially. What seemed like a straightforward electrical update quickly spiraled into multiple attempts to get it just right. It’s a crucial reminder that even experienced DIYers encounter roadblocks, and sometimes, the true success lies in the determination to keep trying until the job is perfectly done. This experience taught us invaluable lessons about troubleshooting and embracing the learning curve.

Runner Up, Most Likely NOT To Succeed (At Least The First Time Around): Framing Our Anniversary Note Cards (And Then Reframing Them Without Borders)

Close behind the light switch ordeal was our creative endeavor to frame cherished anniversary note cards. This project secured its runner-up spot in the “Most Likely NOT To Succeed” category due to an initial design choice that didn’t quite hit the mark. We first framed them with borders, only to realize the aesthetic wasn’t what we envisioned. The subsequent reframing without borders proved that sometimes, achieving the perfect look requires an iterative process and the willingness to adjust your plans. It highlights the importance of trusting your design instincts and being open to refining a project until it truly reflects your vision for personalized home decor and gallery walls.

Most Likely To Please The Queen: Tea Dying Some Pillow Covers (<–not only pleasing to the royals, but free).

Elegance and sophistication don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Our project of tea-dying pillow covers, achieved at virtually no cost, earned the distinguished title of “Most Likely To Please The Queen.” This clever and eco-friendly technique transformed plain pillow covers into beautifully nuanced, vintage-inspired pieces with a subtle, aged charm. The result is a refined aesthetic that brings a touch of regal warmth and bespoke artistry to any living space. It’s a fantastic example of how simple, natural methods can yield incredibly chic and personalized home furnishings, proving that creative DIY can rival high-end design.

Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke:Filling The Patio Cracks With Polymeric Sand

Embracing the lighter side of home maintenance, our project to fill the patio cracks with polymeric sand was certainly “Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke.” While the title sparks a chuckle, the task itself was a serious, yet satisfying, one. This essential outdoor maintenance step not only improves the aesthetics of our patio by creating a smooth, weed-resistant surface but also extends its lifespan. Using polymeric sand ensures durability and prevents future crack formation, keeping our outdoor living space beautiful and safe. It’s a practical DIY task that combines a bit of humor with significant functional benefits for your home’s exterior.

Runner Up, Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke: Caulking The Laundry Room Ceiling (Slash Kicking Off Some Other Laundry Projects)

Our laundry room truly was a hub of activity this month! Following close on the heels of the patio crack project, caulking the laundry room ceiling earned the runner-up title for “Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke.” Beyond the playful title, this task was about meticulous detail and laying the groundwork for further improvements. Sealing those ceiling cracks is crucial for a polished finish and preventing moisture issues, demonstrating our commitment to thorough home maintenance. This project not only tidied up the ceiling but also inadvertently served as a catalyst, spurring us on to tackle several other related laundry room upgrades and ensuring a complete, high-quality renovation.

Most Outdoorsy: Spray Painting The Patio Furniture (you guessed it, ORB).

Embracing the great outdoors and extending our living space beyond the walls, spray painting our patio furniture garnered the “Most Outdoorsy” superlative. Just like the Parsons chair legs, we opted for the ever-versatile Oil Rubbed Bronze (ORB) finish, transforming faded and worn outdoor pieces into stylish, cohesive elements. This cost-effective outdoor refresh significantly enhances our patio’s appeal, making it a more inviting spot for relaxation and entertaining. It’s an excellent example of how updating existing furniture with a fresh coat of paint can create a whole new look, maximizing your enjoyment of your home’s exterior spaces and boosting curb appeal.

Runner Up, Most Outdoorsy: Our Mini Porch Spruce Up

Our “Mini Porch Spruce Up” earned its spot as the runner-up for “Most Outdoorsy” by proving that even small exterior improvements can make a significant impact. This project focused on enhancing our home’s entryway, creating a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing first impression. From fresh plantings to thoughtful decor additions, every detail contributed to a refreshed look that invited guests in. It’s a testament to the power of targeted exterior design, showing how a modest effort can dramatically improve curb appeal and add charm to your home. A well-maintained porch instantly elevates the entire facade.

Class Nerd: Coding A Room Gallery

Diving into the more technical side of maintaining a thriving blog, the creation of our “Room Gallery” page secured the “Class Nerd” superlative. This project involved a bit of digital crafting – organizing and presenting our completed room makeovers in a visually appealing and easily navigable format. While it might not involve physical hammers and paint, the effort to structure and optimize this online gallery is crucial for user experience and showcasing our portfolio of home transformations. It demonstrates the dedication required to not only execute stunning DIY projects but also to effectively share them with our community, providing a comprehensive resource for design inspiration and renovation ideas.

Most Boob-Centric: My Breastfeeding Post (who would’ve thought that little diary entry of sorts would get almost 1,000 comments?!)

Stepping away from DIY for a moment, my personal “Breastfeeding Post” captured the “Most Boob-Centric” superlative due to its incredibly open and honest nature. This candid diary entry, detailing 14 months of breastfeeding, unexpectedly resonated with nearly 1,000 readers, sparking a robust and supportive conversation in the comments section. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing personal experiences, fostering community, and connecting on topics beyond home decor. The overwhelming response underscored a universal need for authentic dialogue about parenthood and the beautiful, challenging, and often unspoken realities of motherhood, creating a truly impactful and memorable moment.

Most Free Spirited:My Unironed Ribbon Chandelier (which shockingly still remains unironed, and I’m usually so anal…)

Our “Unironed Ribbon Chandelier” earned the “Most Free Spirited” superlative, a testament to embracing whimsy and creative imperfection in home decor. This charming light fixture, crafted from an array of colorful ribbons, defied my usual meticulous nature by remaining delightfully unironed. It’s a playful nod to the idea that not everything in a home needs to be perfectly pristine to be beautiful and full of character. This project encourages thinking outside the box, adding personality through unconventional materials, and allowing design to be a spontaneous, joyful expression. It proves that sometimes, the most unique touches come from letting go of strict rules.

Most Controversial: Priming & Painting Our Laundry Cabinets, Switching Out The Hardware, and Hanging Our Ironing Board (which resulted in quite the directional debate).

The laundry room continued its dramatic streak by becoming the epicenter of the “Most Controversial” project: the priming and painting of cabinets, hardware replacement, and, most notably, the hanging of our ironing board. This seemingly straightforward task ignited a passionate debate among our readers regarding the optimal direction and placement of the ironing board. It was a fascinating glimpse into the diverse opinions on functionality, aesthetics, and practicality in home design. This project highlights how even minor decisions in a renovation can spark significant discussion, reminding us that every home is unique, and personal preferences often lead to the most engaging conversations within our DIY community.

Most Glamorous: Painting Clara’s Closet Pink & Playing Around With Champagne “Stencils” (update: I played around with some more homemade stamps/stencils and have completed around 20% of the closet – I’m hoping to finish this weekend and have a post for ya early next week).

Clara’s closet makeover took the prize for “Most Glamorous,” blending playful charm with sophisticated DIY techniques. Painting her closet a lovely shade of pink and experimenting with homemade champagne “stencils” (or stamps) infused the space with a unique and elegant touch perfect for a little one. This project exemplifies how even functional spaces like closets can be transformed into dreamy, personalized zones through creative decor and thoughtful details. The ongoing progress with the stencils highlights the dedication to crafting a truly bespoke and glamorous environment, promising a stunning reveal that combines DIY artistry with a touch of sparkle.

Most Embarrassing: The Pinterest Challenge Video. By far.

Every DIY journey has its less-than-perfect moments, and our “Pinterest Challenge Video” unequivocally earned the “Most Embarrassing” superlative. This candid video captured an attempt that didn’t quite go as planned, leading to some hilarious, albeit slightly mortifying, footage. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of the realities of DIY – that sometimes, despite best intentions, things can go awry. We believe in sharing both our successes and our struggles, fostering a relatable and authentic connection with our audience. This video, while embarrassing, ultimately serves as a fun reminder to embrace imperfections and laugh at ourselves along the way, proving that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Most Spontaneous: We didn’t really post about it because it happened sort of gradually, but around the beginning of July, Clara just decided to walk (after lots of funny one-legged crawling like this). And just like that she’s too cool for us. See it here if you can’t below.

Life’s most precious moments often unfold without prior planning, and this month’s “Most Spontaneous” superlative goes to Clara’s first steps! While not a DIY project, this significant family milestone happened organically around the beginning of July. After her charmingly unique one-legged crawling phase, she simply decided it was time to walk. This sweet, unscripted event reminded us that amidst all the renovation chaos, family moments are truly the most cherished. It’s a wonderful example of embracing unexpected joys and watching our little ones grow. You can witness this precious moment and her unique crawling style by visiting the original Flickr video: Clara’s First Steps & One-Legged Crawl on Flickr.

Most Immature: The Whole Twig & Berries Thing (Spraying Painting Frames & Mats & Losing Our Duvet)

Injecting a dose of lighthearted humor into the often-serious world of home renovation, “The Whole Twig & Berries Thing” project earned our “Most Immature” superlative. This playful title describes a series of tasks, including spray painting frames and mats (which can be messy and requires a sense of humor when things inevitably get a little wild) and the exasperating, yet relatable, experience of losing our duvet amidst the creative chaos. It’s a nod to the less glamorous, more chaotic, and sometimes downright silly moments that are an inherent part of any DIY journey. This project highlights our belief that it’s essential to approach home improvement with a sense of fun and not take ourselves too seriously, even when faced with minor setbacks.

Reflecting on a Month of DIY Discoveries and Home Improvements

And there you have it – July at a glance, filled with a diverse array of home renovation projects, personal milestones, and moments of genuine humor. Crafting these monthly superlatives has been an unexpectedly enjoyable and insightful exercise. As self-proclaimed “dorks for life,” we wholeheartedly admit this was more fun than we probably should!

It’s often too easy to get caught up in the endless list of “to-dos,” constantly looking forward to the next project. However, pausing to reflect on what we’ve already accomplished offers a refreshing perspective and a sense of pride. Looking back at July, it’s fascinating to categorize our endeavors: the incredibly budget-friendly transformations (like tea-dying pillows, painting the laundry room, Clara’s closet, and the ribbon chandelier, all costing under $2 total!), alongside more significant undertakings such as designing and installing custom built-ins or creating an inspiring room gallery. This month showcased our versatility and passion for everything in between – from meticulous crack filling to spontaneous life changes.

We truly were “all over the place,” tackling both the big and small, the challenging and the charming. And frankly, that’s exactly “just the way (uh-huh, uh-huh) we like it!” Our journey through July was a testament to the fact that home improvement is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and finding joy in every step. What about you? What exciting projects or personal achievements did you celebrate this month? Have you ever compiled a list of your accomplishments to look back on? Share your stories and inspire us all in the comments below!