As the curtains close on a truly remarkable year, we reflect on 2013 – a period defined by exciting new beginnings, significant milestones, and a flurry of creative projects that have transformed our home and lives. It commenced with the whirlwind of a book tour, transitioned mid-year into the exciting chaos of moving into our new abode, and culminated with the joyous discovery that we have a baby boy joining our family soon. In between these landmark events, our journey was filled with countless DIY endeavors, design announcements, remarkable home makeovers, and cherished personal moments. This year-end retrospective is dedicated to sharing our 20 most cherished memories and accomplishments from the past twelve months. Having perhaps strayed from our monthly “superlative” tradition around the time of our big move, this look back is long overdue. So, settle in, perhaps with some gentle jazz in the background, as we present our top picks, in no particular order, celebrating a year of transformation and joy.
#1 – Refacing Our Old Fireplace: This project from our previous home remains a standout, a true testament to the power of a complete facelift. We meticulously applied marble tiles to the fireplace surround, daring to try our hand at a herringbone pattern for the first time, which yielded stunning results. Complementing this, we custom-built, trimmed, and painted an entirely new mantel and surround, elevating the entire living space. This transformation was a pivotal learning experience, demonstrating how a focal point can dramatically alter a room’s aesthetic. Dive deeper into this detailed renovation journey here, here, here, and here.
#2 – Clara’s Cheery Big Girl Room: If there’s one space in our new house that consistently garners our affection, it’s Clara’s vibrant “big girl” room. This project was a delightful canvas for creativity, allowing us to infuse whimsy and charm into every corner. We started with a subtle yet impactful soft pink ceiling, adding an unexpected touch of warmth. This was complemented by chunky crown molding, which brought a sense of sophisticated grandeur. The room truly came alive with colorful raindrop decals and a charming rose-colored door. Transitioning from a crib to a big-girl bed marked a significant milestone, documented here, and the addition of a “wall o’ fun” brought playful functionality. This room isn’t just a bedroom; it’s a vibrant, evolving space that perfectly captures Clara’s blossoming personality and offers endless inspiration for kids’ room decor.
#3 – Our Much-Nicer-For-Now Graphic Bathroom: The transformation of the sink nook off our bedroom into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing graphic bathroom was a game-changer. The star of this budget-friendly makeover was undoubtedly the stenciled subfloor. This ingenious solution dramatically upgraded the space from its previous incarnation – a tired, worn carpeting – proving that impactful changes don’t always require a hefty investment. Beyond the flooring, we embarked on a full refresh: removing the old carpet, painting the walls and trim to create a fresh canvas, installing a large, window-like mirror to amplify light and space, and finally, giving the vanity a complete update. This included refinishing, adding practical shelves, and swapping out old hardware for new, stylish pieces. The result is a highly functional and visually appealing bathroom nook that serves its purpose beautifully for now, offering a refreshing blend of utility and design.
#4 – The Pergola, Er, Cargola: The construction of our carport pergola, affectionately dubbed the “cargola,” was a dream project that truly tested and boosted our DIY capabilities. While “lifelong dream” might be a slight exaggeration, the satisfaction derived from building this structure completely from scratch – including crafting each of those sturdy brackets – was immense. This ambitious undertaking provided invaluable experience and instilled a renewed confidence that we could tackle even larger projects in the future, perhaps even adding a pergola above our double garage. The entire process, from initial design to final construction, was meticulously documented and can be explored in detail here and here. This project not only enhanced our carport’s functionality and aesthetic appeal but also solidified our belief in the transformative power of hands-on home improvement.
#5 – An Imperfectly Perfect Painted Pillow: Sometimes, the most beautiful creations emerge from unexpected deviations from the original plan. This colorful painted pillow is a perfect example. While not exactly what Sherry initially envisioned, the “bleed-tastic” outcome created a unique, artistic effect that we utterly fell in love with. The process involved Sherry stenciling the fabric using a metal screen and sponged-on craft paint, resulting in a charmingly imperfect design that adds a burst of personality to any space. This project reminds us that embracing happy accidents can often lead to the most cherished and original home decor pieces, making it a favorite for its spontaneous charm and vibrant aesthetic.
#6 – Striped Stair Makeover: The transformation of our staircase was one of the most satisfying projects of the year, providing a dramatic before-and-after. While tearing up the old, worn carpet was a huge relief in itself, we knew we couldn’t stop there. Our vision was a classic, sophisticated look, which we achieved by painting the blue trim and bannister posts a crisp white. The stair risers also received a fresh coat of white paint, creating a striking contrast with the newly stained dark railing. The stairway walls and ceilings were painted a light gray-tan, providing a soft backdrop that allows the dramatic black and white runner, installed at the culmination of the project, to truly pop. This comprehensive makeover not only improved the aesthetics but also enhanced the functionality and flow of our home’s central artery. Explore the full journey of this stair transformation here, here, and here.
#7 – Simple Frames For John’s Favorite Art: Crafting these super simple, yet incredibly effective, wood frames for my large bike posters was a particularly rewarding creative endeavor. Though they currently await a new home – perhaps the nursery or our dedicated office space – their creation in our old sunroom was a moment of pride. What made this project even more satisfying was the incredible value: each frame cost a mere $7! This budget-friendly DIY art solution proves that impactful home decor doesn’t require a significant financial outlay. It’s a favorite because it highlights how personal touches, even on a modest budget, can elevate cherished pieces of art and bring character to a room. Discover the easy steps to creating your own custom frames here.
#8 – Spreading Cheer at The Children’s Hospital: Without a doubt, this project stands out as the most rewarding undertaking of our year, if not the entire decade. We had the profound privilege of giving a holiday makeover to a family waiting room at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. This experience transcended typical home renovation, allowing us to use our design skills to create a comforting, uplifting space for families during challenging times. The joy and gratitude we witnessed made every moment of effort worthwhile. This initiative deeply resonated with us, reinforcing the idea that good design can genuinely impact well-being and bring a sense of normalcy and cheer. Follow our heartfelt journey through this special project here, here, and here.
#9 – Celebrating Our Little Dragon: Just when we thought we couldn’t top the imaginative fun of Clara’s worm-themed second birthday, her third birthday proved us delightfully wrong. Celebrating with a magnificent dragon-themed party was an absolute blast, filled with fiery enthusiasm and magical moments. It’s a joy to watch her creativity ignite, and it’s already inspiring her plans for her fourth birthday – a “gold party” she envisioned entirely on her own. So far, her demands include a gold dress, serving gold food, and handing out gold coins while guests get their faces painted gold. We’re eagerly anticipating how this golden vision will evolve over the next five months, a testament to her vibrant imagination and our shared love for creating unforgettable family memories.
#10 – Making Over Our New Deck & Sunroom: We are eagerly counting down the days until winter loosens its grip, allowing us to fully re-engage with and enjoy the fantastic outdoor spaces we spent so much of this year meticulously transforming. This extensive project encompassed a complete overhaul of both our deck and the formerly enclosed sunroom. The deck received significant attention, from patching and stripping to expertly restaining, bringing it back to life. The sunroom, once a closed-off space, underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, boasting a new lofted ceiling and a beautifully tiled floor, fundamentally changing its character and functionality. We are truly ready to kick off spring outdoors, enjoying these revitalized spaces that now offer extended living areas perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Learn more about the deck makeover here, here, and here. And don’t miss the sunroom reveal, with links to every stage of that undertaking here.
#11 – Dropping Our First Single: Oh, the memories! Watching this again still brings a mix of laughter and delightful embarrassment. We wholeheartedly embrace our inner “nerds,” and this project was a shining example of our willingness to indulge in some good-hearted fun and foolishness (pun absolutely intended!). It’s a cherished reminder that amidst the serious business of home renovation and design, it’s essential to make space for joy, silliness, and unexpected creative outlets. This playful venture injected a unique dose of personality into our year, proving that life, and home projects, shouldn’t always be taken too seriously. It’s a favorite because it captures our authentic, lighthearted spirit.
#12 – Upgrading Our Vacation Jars: This simple yet incredibly impactful easy update to our beloved vacation time capsules breathed much-needed new life into one of our favorite projects from years past. What began as humble mason jars now features an even more charming and organized display for our personal “travel snow globes.” This straightforward craft project allowed us to elevate a sentimental collection, making it a more prominent and cherished piece of home decor. It’s a favorite because it perfectly blends practicality with nostalgia, showcasing how small, thoughtful upgrades can significantly enhance the emotional value and visual appeal of personal mementos. It’s also a wonderful reminder of the many adventures we’ve shared as a family.
#13 – Hardwood Floor-ifying The Upstairs: This project nearly didn’t make the list, not because of the result, but because the process itself was undeniably one of the more challenging and labor-intensive periods of the year. However, the ultimate outcome of ripping up the old carpets throughout our upstairs and installing beautiful new hardwood floors (along with painting all the doors and trim) was absolutely and unequivocally worth every ounce of effort. The transformation brought a sense of continuity, elegance, and freshness to the entire upper level, significantly enhancing our home’s value and aesthetic. This extensive undertaking taught us resilience and reinforced our belief in the lasting impact of quality home improvements. Delve into the detailed journey of this major flooring project here, here, here, and here.
#14 – Taking On A Showhouse: Accepting the exhilarating challenge to help design an entire house for the 2014 Richmond Homearama, benefiting Habitat For Humanity, has been an experience that is both immensely exciting and, admittedly, more than a little intimidating. Over the past month, we’ve rapidly transitioned from meticulous planning to full-throttle “let’s-get-this-thing-built-and-finished” mode. It’s been a whirlwind of activity, and we owe you a comprehensive update beyond the snippets we’ve shared on Instagram. The house structure is now framed, sheetrock installation is scheduled for next week, and one of our most anticipated design elements – the stunning exposed wood porch detail, crafted from reclaimed wood – is already starting to take shape before our very eyes. This ambitious project is a favorite because it pushes our design boundaries for a fantastic cause.
#15 – Our $51 Guest Bath Update: The transformation of our old guest bathroom into a charming, vintage-inspired retreat for just $51 remains one of our proudest budget-friendly makeovers. Rather than fighting its inherent vintage character, we chose to embrace it, enhancing its appeal with simple, cost-effective ideas and carefully selected accessories. The refresh began with painting the walls, which instantly brightened the space, and addressing the window to maximize natural light. The final touches involved adding thoughtfully chosen art and accessories, which truly brought the room to life. While we’re not yet ready to voluntarily incorporate yellow tile into our future designs, its undeniable charm in this particular context made the room surprisingly delightful. We actually find ourselves missing its unique personality, making it a beloved project that proved the power of working with existing features to create something truly special on a shoestring budget.
#16 – Clara’s Jellyfish Costume: For the second year in a row, we eschewed store-bought costumes, embracing the challenge of creating a unique, handmade Halloween ensemble. This year, Clara presented Sherry with a delightful curveball: a request for a jellyfish fairy/princess/queen (her exact title varied by the hour!). Rising to the occasion, we gathered an umbrella, an assortment of beautiful dangly ribbons and fabrics, and a string of enchanting LED lights. The result? One undeniably happy jellyfish, shimmering and floating with joy! This creative costume project wasn’t just about crafting; it was about bringing Clara’s imagination to life and creating unforgettable, personalized memories. It’s a favorite because it encapsulates the magic of childhood and the joy of hands-on creativity in celebrating special occasions.
#17 – Cheap & Easy Hallway Upgrade: This simple yet incredibly effective hallway upgrade from our previous house remains a project we’ve earmarked for our current home. The board and batten treatment, though sure to evolve with a potentially chunkier and more detailed approach for this new space, proved its worth many times over. Costing us less than $60, this DIY transformation offered immense visual impact and added architectural interest that new buyers specifically loved during their first tour. The satisfaction of completing such a high-impact, low-cost project, knowing it enhanced the home’s appeal, makes it a perennial favorite. It’s a testament to how accessible and rewarding home improvements can be, even for beginner DIYers. Read more about the process of creating this charming hallway detail here and here.
#18 – Interviewing Jonathan Adler: This year, Sherry triumphantly crossed a major item off her personal bucket list: having a genuine conversation with one of her design idols, the iconic Jonathan Adler. The excitement and sheer giddiness of the moment were palpable, and we have the recording to prove it! For anyone who missed this delightful chat the first time around, her unreservedly enthusiastic interview is still available. This experience was not just a career highlight but a personal dream come true, validating years of dedication and passion for design. It’s a favorite because it perfectly encapsulates the thrilling and often surreal opportunities that our blogging journey has brought our way, connecting us with incredible talents in the design world.
#19 – Finalizing Our Curb Appeal: Beyond the delightful addition of our “cargola” (carport pergola), this year saw us significantly elevate our home’s curb appeal, creating a more welcoming and cohesive exterior. A key step in this transformation was boxing out the porch columns, meticulously designing them to match the existing chunky columns on our carport. This created a harmonious visual flow across the front facade, a process detailed here and here. Further enhancing the exterior, we strategically painted the siding to introduce striking contrast, adding depth and visual interest. The final touch, the charming window boxes, brought a pop of natural beauty and color, completing the inviting look. This comprehensive approach to our home’s exterior was a favorite because it demonstrated how thoughtful, coordinated updates can dramatically boost a property’s first impression and overall aesthetic.
#20 – Announcing The Barnacle: And of course, no recap of our favorite moments from 2013 would be complete without acknowledging what is undoubtedly set to be the ultimate highlight of 2014: the exciting anticipation of our new baby boy! Affectionately dubbed “bun” by Sherry and, with delightful whimsy, “barnacle” by Clara, this little bundle of joy is expected to arrive in April. This incredible news has infused our lives with immense joy and a new sense of purpose, setting the stage for entirely new adventures in home and family. The announcement itself was a moment of shared happiness, and it serves as a wonderful reminder that our biggest projects are often the ones that involve expanding our family. Which, naturally, reminds us that it’s just about time to start planning and working on that nursery!
And truly, a monumental reason why these moments, these transformations, and these personal milestones become our favorites is the privilege of sharing them all with you, our incredible community. So, from the bottom of our hearts, a massive thank you for being an integral part of our 2013 journey. We eagerly anticipate continuing this wild, wonderful ride with all of you into the big ’14, embracing new challenges and celebrating new successes together. Sherry is currently immersed in sifting through thousands of photos and meticulously crafting a comprehensive tutorial about Clara’s heartwarming homemade Christmas gift. We promise to return with all those delightful details on the 2nd of January! Until then, we wish you and yours a truly Happy New Year, filled with joy, inspiration, and exciting new beginnings.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What triumphs, big or small, are topping your list of favorite life moments, transformative house projects, or even memorable rapping attempts from the past year? Is there anything in particular that sparks your excitement and anticipation for 2014?
Update – Among the most frequent inquiries we receive are those concerning the ins and outs of professional blogging: how we established our online presence, cultivated our readership, and monetized our passion. In response, we’ve openly shared all the intricate details about how we successfully launched a blog, strategically grew our traffic, and ultimately transformed it into a fulfilling full-time career. This resource is designed to empower aspiring bloggers and offer transparency into our journey.