Welcome to our ever-evolving home renovation journey! For those curious about our family life and recent Easter celebrations, you can find delightful updates and Clara’s basket treasures here on Young House Life.

Our Comprehensive Home Renovation & DIY Project List: A Living Blueprint for Transformation

Get ready for an in-depth look at the heart of our home transformation: our detailed, sprawling to-do list. What started as a simple document to track our numerous DIY projects and renovation ideas has become a beloved, shared resource that many of you have asked us to continuously update. It’s a testament to our philosophy of tackling home improvement one step at a time, celebrating every small victory while keeping our eyes on grander, long-term visions.

We last shared an update ten months ago, and revisited it to cross things off. Since then, our home has seen significant changes, and this updated list reflects every new challenge, every completed project, and every dream still on the horizon. To give you an even clearer picture of our progress, we’ve included a “percentage complete” evaluation for each room and space, showing where we’ve made strides (some spaces are 70%+!) and where we’re still at the starting line (yes, we have a few 0% areas too!). While this document may seem extensive, it’s genuinely the organizational backbone we rely on to navigate our agenda and decide what exciting project to tackle next, ensuring our home evolves in a way that truly reflects our family and lifestyle.

Our Flexible Approach to Home Project Management and Prioritization

Keeping track of countless home projects can feel overwhelming, but our system is designed for flexibility and sustained motivation. We categorize tasks into actionable segments: immediate small fixes, ongoing renovations, and long-term aspirations. Small, easily accomplished tasks are circled, providing immediate satisfaction and fueling our enthusiasm. As projects are completed, we joyfully cross them off – a visual reminder of our progress and an invaluable morale booster. This simple act reinforces the power of consistency, showing that even minor tweaks can collectively transform a house, one day at a time.

Larger undertakings and significant furnishings that require more substantial investment are separated into a dedicated long-term section. This allows us to save diligently and plan thoroughly, ensuring we’re confident in our approach before committing significant resources. This methodical yet adaptable strategy helps us avoid any “shoulda-woulda-coulda” regrets and ensures that major transformations are well-conceived and executed.

Periodically reviewing our long-term goals keeps us deeply inspired, motivating us to set aside funds for future dream projects, knowing they will eventually become a reality. Our core philosophy is simple: document everything, prioritize manageable and affordable tasks for consistent progress, and patiently save for those grander visions that require more time and investment. This patient preparation often pays dividends, explaining why it took us nearly a year to commence our ambitious kitchen renovation – because some dreams are worth the wait.

When it comes to deciding what to work on next, our priority is largely mood-driven, with the obvious exception of anything that demands immediate attention for safety or extreme urgency. This fluid approach prevents burnout and ensures that our home projects remain a source of joy, creativity, and personal satisfaction, rather than becoming a source of stress. Below, you’ll find our updated list, featuring recently completed tasks (marked in red and crossed off) and newly added projects (also highlighted in red), representing our current journey through home transformation.

Current Home Projects & Renovation Tasks: The Active To-Do List

This section outlines the diverse array of projects currently on our radar – from quick DIYs to ongoing renovations that are steadily transforming our living spaces. We believe in making our home truly reflect our style and needs, one carefully chosen detail and dedicated effort at a time. Each completed item brings us closer to our vision of a perfectly personalized home.

Interior Enhancements & Styling

• Find fun saturated/patterned fabric and DIY some curtains (using this no-sew method and thissewing method) for the living room, future dining room, office, playroom, bedroom, hall sliders, guest room, etc. This ongoing task ensures each room receives its unique textile personality and tailored window treatments.
• Paint the living room, the dining room, the office, the big hallway, the small hallway, the en-suite bathroom, the guest bedroom, the playroom, the nursery, the sunroom, the hall bathroom, the guest bathroom, and the main bedroom (this is a gradual, room-by-room process, guided by the inspiring whole-house color scheme post seen here).
• Stencil the office walls – A creative and cost-effective way to add unique pattern and texture without the commitment of wallpaper.
• Paint all the dark wood trim (beams, baseboard, crown) in the living room <– In a moment of creative spontaneity, we opted to gray-wash the beams instead. This decision proved excellent, providing a sophisticated balance to our large gray sectional and preventing an overload of white elements, especially given the numerous white frames now adorning the wall above the sofa.
• Remove unnecessary bi-fold doors – Streamlining the architectural flow and opening up previously enclosed spaces for a more cohesive feel.
• Frost the side door that looks in on the kitchen – A simple yet effective solution for enhancing privacy in a high-traffic area while still allowing natural light to filter through.
• Remove the shelves next to the fireplace in the living room
  – Decluttering to create a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic around a key focal point in the room.
• Prime and paint the paneling in the kitchen – A foundational step that dramatically brightened and modernized the entire kitchen area.
• Redo the kitchen backsplash (we found exceptional tile options at overstock.com and clearance sections of local vendors, proving that style doesn’t have to break the bank) – A major visual upgrade that ties the kitchen’s design elements together.
• Get all new kitchen hardware (exploring local shops, online retailers, and big box stores for the best deals, as these small details significantly impact the overall look) – Small changes that yield a significant aesthetic return.
• Prime and paint the oak cabinets in the kitchen – This transformation completely revitalized the kitchen’s appearance, moving it from dated to decidedly modern.
• Finally refinish and reupholster the Craigslist rocker that we acquired a while back – Breathing new life into a thrifty find, showcasing the power of upcycling and personalization.
• Hang mirror(s) in the office for dry erase message board(s) to keep posts & projects straight – A dual-purpose addition that is both functional for planning and stylish as a reflective surface.
• Replace a ton of light fixtures (too many to list individually) <– We’ve already completed significant upgrades, replacing fixtures in the main bedroom and nursery, redid the chandelier in the office with a new shade, and crucially, added recessed lights & pendants to the kitchen, significantly improving illumination and ambiance throughout these spaces.
• Remove all the door handles, hinges, and doorknobs in the house and refinish them in oil-rubbed bronze <— The exterior sliders and front door are complete, providing a cohesive, updated look, but interior doors are still patiently awaiting their transformation.
• Frame out the mirror in the hall bathroom – Adding a touch of elegance and a custom feel to a standard fixture.
• Paint the vanity in the hall bathroom – A quick and impactful refresh that can dramatically change the bathroom’s aesthetic.
• Hang a thick drapey curtain in front of our walk-in closet – A soft, elegant closet solution that replaces traditional doors with a more luxurious textile element.
• Organize our closet and dresser (and stop piling pjs and underwear on the floor of the closet) – A victory for internal organization and daily living efficiency!
• Wallpaper or stencil the sink nook in the main bedroom <– For now, we opted to paint it the same color as the main bedroom walls for a seamless, blended look that promotes tranquility.
• Frost or add curtains to the window in the bathroom – An essential upgrade to ensure privacy without sacrificing natural light.

Exterior & Structural Improvements: Building Our Outdoor Oasis

• Turn the area between the addition and the old house, with sliders leading out, into a sweet outdoor cutting garden slash alfresco dining room with a nice big deck (it’s near the kitchen and seems to get enough light for potted herbs) <– We are eagerly anticipating starting this transformative outdoor project! The next steps involve thorough research into designs, drawing up detailed plans, and securing all the necessary permits to ensure a smooth and successful build.
• Make built-ins around the washer and dryer to create mini mudroom functionality – Maximizing utility and organization in the laundry area, turning a functional space into a streamlined mini-mudroom.
• Paint the front door – A welcoming pop of color that instantly boosts curb appeal and sets the tone for our home’s interior.
• Remove the most awkward mirror in the history of the world (the one on the back of the guest bathroom door that reflects the full body of the person on the toilet) – A small, but profoundly significant, comfort upgrade for all our guests.
• Spray paint or stain the legs of the sectional so they’re not so pale and dorky<– We used oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, which created a subtle metallic effect that truly elevated the piece and tied it into our overall design scheme.
• Frame out the porch columns so they’re chunky and square instead of ornate and curvy – Modernizing the home’s exterior aesthetic, providing a more robust and contemporary presence.
• Paint the porch/rest of house’s siding a moody gray color (and the cream trim a nice crisp white) – A dramatic and modern exterior overhaul that completely transforms the home’s facade, giving it a sophisticated and fresh look.
• Stain the concrete porch floor to gussy it up – Adding polish and visual interest to the outdoor entryway, making it more inviting.
• Plant evergreen trees around the perimeter of the property for more privacy from the side, back, and even part of the front (waiting for them to “fill in” will be the hardest part, but opting for smaller plants will save us money, so we’ll hopefully cultivate patience!) – A long-term investment in privacy and lush greenery, enhancing the property’s seclusion.
• Pump up the curb appeal with more landscaping upgrades (curved garden beds, plantings along the bare spots of the house, more hydrangeas around the patio, etc) – An ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall outdoor appeal and botanical beauty of our home.
• Limb up the magnolia in the front that blocks the entire house – A crucial step in opening up the view of our home from the street, allowing its architecture to shine.
• “Wallpaper” the big hallway (off of the kitchen, living room, and entryway) with mixed and matched white frames – Creating a personal and engaging art gallery that tells our story through cherished memories.
• Accidentally kill our beloved ceramic dog by dropping a frame on his head <– Every list needs some comic relief, and John, true to form, managed this memorable and regrettable feat with characteristic clumsiness.
• Paint the back of the future dining room built-ins something fun and bright – Adding a vibrant, unexpected touch to custom storage, infusing personality into a functional element.
• Add new hardware to the bottom cabinets of the built-ins – The finishing touches that provide both improved functionality and enhanced style to custom millwork.
• Replace the medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom with a charming mirror – A simple swap that significantly elevates the aesthetic appeal of the guest bathroom.
• Remove the annoying off-centered towel bar below the window in the hall bathroom and frame out the base of the window to hide the damage – Rectifying small design flaws for a more polished and intentional look in the bathroom.
• Hang a giant grid of Ribba frames above the sectional in the living room and figure out a cheap art solution – Creating a stunning, impactful gallery wall on a budget, showcasing curated artwork and personal photos.
• Hang a ceiling medallion in Clara’s nursery to cover the cracks – A decorative and practical solution for minor imperfections, adding a touch of classic charm.
• Update and paint the vanity in the main bathroom <– We still haven’t updated and painted the base, but we’ve made significant progress by removing the chunky granite lip around the backsplash, hanging our beautiful quatrefoil mirror, and painting the walls, which marks a promising start towards a complete transformation.
• Paint the dark brick fireplace in the kitchen – Brightening a focal point and harmonizing it with the updated kitchen aesthetic, making the space feel lighter and more contemporary.
• Add crown molding to the guest room, the playroom, and the nursery – Elevating the architectural detail of these spaces, adding a touch of refinement and finish.
• Wallpaper something (we’re actively considering a fun tone-on-tone pattern, perhaps in the hall bathroom or the playroom, for a bold yet sophisticated statement) – A captivating design choice to infuse personality into a smaller space.
• Chalkboard paint something. It’s too much fun to deny the bean (Clara)! – A playful and interactive element, perfect for a child’s space or a creative nook.
• Stencil the inside of Clara’s closet and her ceiling – for a subtle, delightful touch of whimsy and unexpected detail that delights both us and Clara.
• DIY a sandbox/baby pool for Clara – Creating an engaging and fun outdoor play area tailored specifically for our little one.
• Add some fun organizational stuff to the laundry room wall near the door (a hook for dog leashes, storage for shoes, a place for the ironing board, a calendar on the wall?) – Essential organization solutions for a high-traffic, multi-functional area, making daily routines smoother.
• Make or buy or refurbish a long bench for the foot of the bed (our current one is too small and a bit darker than we’d like) – A practical and aesthetic bedroom upgrade that enhances both comfort and visual appeal.
• Get a vintage hanging chair (from a thrift store or Craigslist?) for the sunroom – Envisioning a cozy, stylish reading nook or a relaxed seating area that perfectly complements the sunroom’s bright ambiance.
• Hang a ton of lanterns or paper pendants from the sunroom ceiling – Creating a magical, ethereal ambiance perfect for evening gatherings or quiet contemplation.
• Build a more formal looking compost bin (right now we use the same large Tupperware method we used in the last house) – Upgrading our eco-friendly practices with a more aesthetically pleasing and functional solution.
• Spray paint our rain barrel to help it blend in (and plant stuff in front of it) – A smart way to make functional outdoor elements blend seamlessly with the landscape and enhance curb appeal.
• Create some raised beds for an edible herb, veggie, and fruit garden – Cultivating a sustainable food source and adding a beautiful, productive element to our outdoor space.
• Make a beanbag for Clara’s room (her closet’s big enough for a little reading nook) – A comfortable and inviting spot for story time and quiet play within Clara’s room.
• Frame out our mirrored bathroom door for a more polished look – Adding definition and a custom, high-end feel to a functional bathroom door.
• Get some string lights outside on the patio and over the future deck – Enhancing the evening atmosphere, perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet nights outdoors.
• Hang a swing from a tree out back – A classic backyard feature that promises endless fun and a touch of nostalgic charm.
• Retrofit our daybed in the playroom so that a trundle can be pulled out beneath it (so it can sleep two people instead of one in a pinch – perfect for kid sleepovers) – A versatile guest sleeping solution that maximizes space and flexibility.
• Build a play kitchen for Clara – A cherished, custom-built toy that encourages imaginative play and creativity.
• Build a dollhouse for Clara
  – Another custom creation designed to spark joy and hours of imaginative play for our daughter.
• Paint a giant canvas or two to add color to the walls of some of our undone rooms (the dining room, the office, the playroom, etc.) – An affordable, impactful way to introduce color and visual interest to spaces awaiting further development.
• Hunt down some thrift store or Craigslist bedside tables for our bedroom (with drawers for some hidden storage, please!) – Functional and budget-friendly bedroom furniture that adds essential storage and completes the sleeping area.
• Recover or replace the leather Parsons chair in the corner of our living room (at the white desk) – Updating a key seating area to align with our evolving aesthetic and comfort needs.
• Add patio lighting (large clear glass bulb lights and maybe even path lights too?) – Further illuminating outdoor entertainment areas, creating a warm and inviting glow.
• Add a clothesline somewhere (nothing beats that fresh smell) – A nod to sustainable living and the simple pleasure of sun-dried laundry.

Ambitious Visions: Our Long-Term Home Transformation Projects

These are the projects that embody our grander ambitions for the house – significant structural changes and major renovations that will truly redefine our living space and increase its value. They require careful planning, substantial saving, and often, the specialized expertise of skilled professionals. These are the dreams that anchor our long-term vision for our forever home.

• Create a 300 square foot paver patio on the side of the house <— Woo to the hoo! This major outdoor living space is now proudly complete, a testament to thoughtful planning and hard work, providing a wonderful area for relaxation and entertaining.
• Refinish the various wood floors throughout the house (aiming for a cohesive look with a single shade – perhaps mocha, dark brown, ebony, or charcoal? This choice will ensure consistent elegance and flow across all living areas) – A foundational upgrade for consistent elegance and durability.
• Turn the fireplace in the kitchen into a double-sided fireplace that also opens up into the living room (we’ll consult with the mason who helped us with our old house to confirm feasibility and get an estimate for this complex, yet stunning, architectural feature) – A transformative project to create warmth and ambiance in two key areas, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
• Create a huge doorway between the kitchen and the future dining room that lines up with the large picture window in the future dining room – A strategic renovation to dramatically enhance flow, natural light, and the overall open concept feel between two vital communal spaces.
• Build a peninsula to create an eat-in area of the kitchen and add more storage – Maximizing kitchen functionality, creating a casual dining spot, and significantly increasing storage solutions.
• Convert the carport into a garage (this will involve selecting a killer garage door that adds significant dimension and architectural interest to our flat little rancher, dramatically boosting both practicality and curb appeal) – A major upgrade for protection, storage, and exterior aesthetics.
• Add French doors between the future dining room and the office (for both essential privacy during work hours and tons of charm, enhancing the room transitions with elegant glass) – Introducing elegant transitions and increased functionality.
• Replace the flooring in the kitchen and mudroom/laundry room with cork – A sustainable, comfortable, and durable flooring choice ideal for high-traffic and functional areas.
• Add a trellis arch around the new garage door so it’s all lush and pretty – Integrating greenery and enhancing the exterior’s charm, creating a welcoming, natural entrance.
• Build a deck, hopefully with the help of John’s dad <— This exciting project is firmly on the agenda for spring, promising an expansion of our outdoor living space!
• Build Clara a swingset – Creating a dedicated and joyous play area in the backyard specifically for our daughter.
• Change the roofline out front (adding some peaks for dimension and to make it more cohesive with the house’s shape from the back, achieving architectural harmony) – A significant exterior transformation for aesthetic appeal and improved curb presence.
• DIY a pool someday (John, mind you, thinks this idea is insane, but we’re dreaming big!) – The ultimate long-term luxury goal, promising endless summer fun.
• Build a sunken trampoline that’s flush to the ground (positioned far away from our future pool, of course, for safety and aesthetic integration!) – A fun and aesthetically integrated outdoor feature, minimizing visual clutter.
• Eventually transition Clara into the playroom as her “big girl room” so the nursery can remain available (a second child is still a ways off for us, but planning ahead is key for seamless family growth!) – Foresight in family space planning, ensuring adaptability as our family grows.

Curated Comfort: Furnishings We’re Patiently Saving For

Furnishing a home takes time, patience, and a keen eye for both deals and design. We believe in investing in pieces that are both beautiful and functional, often blending thrifted treasures with new purchases to create a unique and personal aesthetic. Here’s what we’re slowly saving up for to complete our spaces, understanding that the right piece is worth waiting for.

• A queen sized bed for our bedroom (no more sleeping on our mattress on the floor, finally!) – A much-anticipated comfort upgrade that significantly enhances our main bedroom’s functionality and style.
• A big charcoal gray U-shaped sectional for the living room (I’ve dreamed about having a living space large enough for a sectional for at least the past three years, making this a truly cherished addition) – The grand centerpiece of our cozy living room, perfect for family gatherings and relaxation.
• His and hers dressers for our bedroom that we can refinish (preferably super cheap on Craigslist or from the thrift store for a budget-friendly find) <– We ultimately realized we only needed one dresser since our walk-in closet offers ample built-in shelving and cubbies, and we happily inherited John’s parents’ old dresser, which perfectly suited our needs and style after a little refresh.
• A loooong console to go between the back wall and the sectional <– Unable to find a suitable piece in stores or on Craigslist that met our specific dimensions and aesthetic, we took matters into our own hands and proudly built our own giant 12-foot console table, perfectly tailored to the space.
• A larger TV stand/media center for the living room (ours is laughably dinky and doesn’t quite fit the scale of the room, but we plan to sell it on Craigslist and put the money toward something that better fits the space – ideally a thrifted gem we can customize or even something we can build ourselves) <– This is a priority we need to tackle soon to complete our living room’s functional layout!
• A giant rug to define the new seating area in the living room (8 x 10? 9 x 11?) – A crucial element for anchoring the living room design, adding warmth, and defining zones.
• A giant rug for our bedroom (8 x 10? 9 x 11?) – Adding warmth, texture, and a sense of luxury underfoot to the main bedroom.
• Some kick-arse stools for the new peninsula in the kitchen once it’s there <– We scored fantastic industrial stools from a school supply store, adding a unique and stylish touch to our kitchen peninsula, proving creative sourcing can yield great results.
• A giant round wooden pedestal table for the future dining room – A classic, inviting centerpiece for family meals and entertaining, fostering a sense of togetherness.
• Comfy chairs for the future dining table (preferably upholstered Parsons chairs for a library-esque, casual yet elegant feel, as opposed to hard and wood-heavy alternatives) <– We found a fantastic deal on Craigslist, acquiring them for just $25 each, proving that patience and diligent searching truly pay off in furnishing.
• New shower curtains and bathroom towels and accessories for the hall bath and guest bathroom – Refreshing essential textiles and functional decor for a cohesive, clean look.
• New energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen and the laundry room (we’re waiting for killer deals and actively checking Craigslist and scratch & dent sections to maximize our budget). – Investing in modern efficiency and upgraded functionality for high-use areas.
• A full-sized bed frame, mattress, and box spring for the guest room – Ensuring comfortable and welcoming stays for all our visitors.
• A big cabinet or console table for the hallway off of the kitchen (thrifted/Craigslisted and refinished for a custom look?) <– We cleverly repurposed the console table we previously had in the entryway, giving it a new home and purpose in the hallway, demonstrating the value of thoughtful relocation.
• A new console table for the entryway <– Since our old one is now happily situated in the hallway off the kitchen, we need a fresh, statement-making piece to welcome guests into our home.
• Two statement-making chairs (preferably matching) for the office <– We found these beauties for $35 a chair at an antique shop, though they still await their full transformation with repainting and reupholstering to perfectly match our vision.
• Patio furniture and outdoor planters & pillows, etc. – Creating an inviting and comfortable outdoor oasis for relaxation and entertainment.
• A large, leggy armoire or some sort of tall cabinet for the weird nook to the left of our bed (as you face it) – Maximizing storage and style in an awkward space, turning a challenge into a design opportunity.
• A large wooden (Restoration Hardware-esque) table for the future deck (perhaps we’ll build it ourselves to save money and customize it perfectly?) – The ideal centerpiece for outdoor dining and entertaining, built to withstand the elements.
• A giant, showstopping chandelier (hopefully something we can DIY to add a personal touch and save on costs) for over the dining table – A dramatic lighting statement that will serve as a focal point in the dining room.

Room-by-Room Renovation Snapshot: Our Progress Report and Future Visions

This section provides a detailed breakdown of each area of our home, offering insights into its current state, the progress we’ve made, and the exciting plans still to come. The percentages indicate how “complete” we consider each space to be, acknowledging that true completion is often a moving target in a lived-in, evolving home. It’s a living document of our journey to create spaces that are both beautiful and perfectly functional for our family.

• Front Yard: 15% complete – We’ve made significant initial strides by painting the front door, limbing up the magnolia tree to open up the view, and removing old, overgrown bushes that obscured the house’s charming facade. We’re actively working on establishing new curved garden beds and improving other landscape areas, but there’s still a substantial amount of transplanting, planting, trimming, and overall planning to finalize the lush, welcoming vision for our exterior.
• Carport: 0% complete – This area represents immense potential for transformation! We’re eagerly awaiting the day we can convert it into a functional, enclosed garage. However, we’re taking our time to meticulously plan the ideal layout, window placements, and door styles to ensure it integrates seamlessly and beautifully with the house’s overall architectural design.
• Living Room: 70% complete – This space feels largely defined and comfortable, with most major elements in place: fresh paint, our comfortable charcoal gray sectional sofa, a grounding area rug, and the custom console table we proudly built. However, several walls remain bare, presenting exciting opportunities for art and decor. We still envision DIYing or upcycling a larger media cabinet and, further down the line, refinishing the floors to achieve a perfectly polished and cohesive look.
• Office: 75% complete – Thanks to our custom built-in desk, stylish green accent chairs, and beautifully stenciled walls, alongside an organized chair and file cabinet, this room is highly functional and inspiring. However, some walls still await artwork, and we definitely need a rug and appropriate window treatments to truly finish it. Refinishing the original hardwood floors is also a long-term goal to enhance its appeal and durability.
• Hall Bathroom: 5% complete – Minimal progress here so far, illustrating how some rooms get prioritized later. We’ve managed to hang the shower curtain higher, which visually elongates the space, and added some simple window trim, primarily to conceal a demo hole while adding a touch of balance. Beyond that, a significant amount of work remains, including painting, framing out the mirror, hanging art, and a complete overhaul of the vanity and possibly the flooring.
• Big Hallway: 90% complete – We are thrilled with the transformation of this high-traffic area connecting several rooms! Our carefully curated frame collage and the elegant console table have brought immense character and personal history to the space. We don’t foresee any major structural changes, though laying a fun patterned runner over the floors (which we eventually hope to refinish) would add a delightful layer of personality and comfort.
• Small Hallway: 0% complete – This compact space is a true blank canvas, currently awaiting its complete transformation. Our plans include adding wainscoting for architectural detail, hanging thoughtful art, painting the walls a complementary color, installing elegant crown molding, switching out the light fixture for something more modern, and, ultimately, refinishing the floors to complete its sophisticated evolution.
• Dining Room: 50% complete – We’ve established the core elements with our chosen dining table and the built-ins are largely sorted and functional. However, crucial aspects like defining an entryway area to create a distinct transition, selecting and installing a stunning light fixture above the table, and refinishing the floors are still entirely undone. It’s a space with great potential nearing its functional and aesthetic peak.
• Laundry Room: 90% complete – Woot! This compact utility space is surprisingly the furthest along in our renovation journey, perhaps because its narrow 3.5-foot width made it a more manageable project to tackle quickly. We’re delighted with its enhanced functionality, storage, and aesthetics.
• Kitchen: 85% complete – We’ve tackled a significant number of major tasks here, including installing new cork flooring, painting the cabinets, and updating the backsplash, which dramatically updated the space. However, we still need to add floor transitions for a seamless look, trim the back of the peninsula for a finished appearance, install a message board or chalkboard on the side of the pantry, and find two perfect 4×6 area rugs (perhaps from Dash & Albert?) to soften the hard surfaces and add warmth.
• Playroom: 0% complete – This room is probably more accurately at -50% complete, as it’s currently overflowing with miscellaneous junk, forgotten projects, and items that need to be thoroughly cleared out before we can even begin its transformation. Our absolute first step is organization, then we can move onto painting, arranging furniture, and hanging art to bring it to life as a vibrant, functional space for Clara.
• Clara’s Room: 80% complete – Clara’s room is largely established and functional, providing a cozy retreat for her. However, there are still a few bare walls awaiting her personal touches and artwork. We plan to add crown molding and refinish the floors to refine the space. Moreover, we anticipate that her room’s aesthetic will continue to evolve, and it might undergo a complete transformation if a future boy moves in, turning it into his nursery, demonstrating our flexible approach to family spaces.
• Sunroom: 0% complete – Much like the playroom, the sunroom could realistically be labeled as -50% complete. It’s currently a storage overflow zone, requiring a complete clear-out before we can embark on painting, arranging furniture, hanging art, and truly maximizing its potential as a bright, inviting, and peaceful space to enjoy the outdoors from within.
• Our Bedroom: 35% complete – This room is still very much a work in progress and currently looks quite rough, serving mostly as a place to sleep rather than a sanctuary. We’re uncertain about many design choices and are patiently waiting for inspiration to strike, which may involve repainting, rearranging furniture for optimal flow, and eventually refinishing the floors to create our ideal peaceful retreat.
• Our Bathroom: 80% complete for now – We are delighted to be nearing the completion of our initial bathroom update! While this marks a significant milestone and makes the space highly functional, we already have plans for a comprehensive “Phase 2” project in the future, which will include more ambitious undertakings like retiling the floor and possibly replacing the vanity to further enhance the space’s luxury and functionality.
• Guest Bedroom: 60% complete – We’ve made good progress here by painting the room and furnishing it with a thoughtful mix of existing pieces that found a new purpose. However, the walls are still bare, awaiting artwork and personal touches. We’d also love to add crown molding and, over time, replace a few older furnishings, such as our scratched 6-year-old Malm dresser, along with refinishing the floors for a more polished and inviting look for our guests.
• Guest Bathroom: 5% complete – We’ve only just begun here, having swapped out the mirror, hung a simple shower curtain, and placed a bath mat. Clearly, there’s a significant amount more to do to bring this bathroom up to our desired standard, including painting, updating fixtures, and adding proper decor!
• Basement Workshop: 0% complete – This space remains entirely untouched and is currently a complete disaster zone, filled with scrap wood and miscellaneous items left by the previous owners. It desperately needs a serious overhaul, involving considerable paring down, meticulous organization, and the creation of dedicated workspaces before it can become a functional and inspiring workshop.
• Side Lot: 2% complete – Our vision for this area is to naturalize it and transform it into a charming orchard or a sprawling native garden. Currently, however, it’s primarily a “weed-and-leaf-fest” requiring extensive clean-up, strategic planting, and thoughtful landscaping to realize its full potential.
• Deck: 2% complete – We’re still in the crucial research and design phase for our dream deck. Before any construction can begin, we must meticulously draw up detailed plans and secure all the necessary permits, ensuring every aspect is thoughtfully considered for safety, aesthetics, and functionality.
• Patio: 60% complete – The patio itself is beautifully finished, providing a wonderful outdoor living area that we frequently enjoy. However, the surrounding planting beds still have a long way to go to reach their full potential, and we have grand plans for transforming a few currently undeveloped corners to fully complete the space’s lush and inviting atmosphere.
• Backyard: 0% complete – Acknowledge the current state! We haven’t even begun to tackle the backyard, and it definitely requires more than a little help to become the outdoor oasis we envision – a space for relaxation, play, and entertaining.

Embracing the Journey: Our Renovation Philosophy and Flexible Project Flow

Understandably, this extensive list might seem daunting to some. But rest assured, we approach these projects with a realistic, long-term perspective. Our first house took us a painstaking 4.5 years to complete, and we anticipate a similar, if not longer, timeline for this home. We’ve learned to wholeheartedly embrace the journey, finding immense joy in each day’s progress, every completed project, and every small victory. There’s truly nothing quite as satisfying as the act of physically crossing things off a list – well, perhaps making the type red comes in a close second for pure, immediate fun!

When it comes to the “order” of our projects, there isn’t a strict, rigid methodology. We deliberately jump from room to room, and from significant, labor-intensive projects to smaller, quicker wins, to maintain excitement and prevent any feeling of being “forced” into a task we’re not quite ready for, or simply not in the mood to tackle at that particular moment. This fluid approach is key to sustaining our DIY spirit and preventing burnout. After completing a major renovation (or a series of them), we often welcome a necessary breather, opting to focus on smaller, quicker tasks that provide immediate gratification and a sense of accomplishment without the heavy mental load. Conversely, at other times, we’re invigorated and eager to maintain momentum, immediately diving into planning the next big transformation, fueled by the energy of recent successes. This adaptable, mood-driven approach keeps our DIY journey alive, enjoyable, and sustainable, ensuring that home improvement remains an exciting pursuit rather than a chore.

Psst – To gain a clearer understanding of the major layout changes and renovations we’ve described, especially how rooms connect and flow, be sure to check out this detailed floor plan post. And for a visual tour of many of the completed projects mentioned above, showcasing the transformations in action, visit our Current House page.

Psssst – Love lists as much as we do and looking for some motivation? Adorable “I heart lists” stationery like ours, perfect for your own project tracking, can be found here on Etsy.