Our Evolving Home: Five Months In, A Dynamic Renovation To-Do List Unveiled

Five months have flown by since we first settled into our new home, and as anyone who’s embarked on a home transformation journey knows, what starts as a simple list quickly blossoms into a comprehensive, ever-evolving roadmap. It was high time we revisited our initial aspirations (which you first glimpsed here), celebrated the milestones we’ve achieved, and thoughtfully integrated the myriad of new ideas that have emerged. Our home is a living canvas, and this updated to-do list reflects its dynamic evolution, balancing immediate enhancements with grand, long-term visions.

Strategic Project Management: Our Approach to Home Renovation

Navigating the exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, world of home renovation requires a clear, actionable system. Our method, while seemingly straightforward, has proven incredibly effective in keeping us motivated and on track. We simply compile every single idea and task, no matter how small or monumental, into one master list. This exhaustive inventory ensures no inspiration is lost and every corner of our home receives consideration. From this comprehensive overview, we then categorize and prioritize.

Small, immediate tasks that offer quick wins and a burst of motivation are circled, signaling they are ready to be tackled right away. These bite-sized undertakings are crucial; they provide a constant sense of accomplishment and keep the excitement flowing as we steadily tweak our house, one project at a time. The cumulative effect of these minor transformations eventually leads to that profound feeling of truly being “home.”

As tasks are completed, they are ceremoniously crossed off, a simple act that reinforces progress and fuels our enthusiasm for what’s next. For the more ambitious, long-term endeavors—those that require significant financial investment or a more solidified vision—we underline them. These underlined items serve as powerful motivators, constant reminders of the dream projects we’re diligently saving for. Regularly reviewing these aspirational goals keeps us excited to squirrel away resources, ensuring that when the time and funds align, we can approach them with confidence and without regret.

Our philosophy boils down to a balanced approach: we enthusiastically tackle doable, less intimidating, and budget-friendly projects, all while strategically saving and planning for the grander transformations. When it comes to prioritizing, flexibility is key. While safety or extreme urgency can bump a task to the top, we often follow our mood and creative impulses, allowing us to genuinely enjoy each step of the renovation journey. This ensures that the process feels like a passion, not a chore. And now, without further ado, let’s dive into the ol’ list, replete with updates (marked in red) and recently added projects (also in red).

Our Dynamic Home Transformation: The Updated To-Do List

Immediate & Mid-Term Projects: Enhancing Our Daily Living

This section outlines the projects we’re actively working on or planning to complete in the near to mid-future. These are the changes that will directly impact our everyday enjoyment and comfort in the house.

• Find fun saturated/patterned fabric and DIY some no-sew curtains (using this method) for the living room, future dining room, office, playroom, bedroom, hall sliders, guest room, etc. Curtains add warmth, privacy, and a splash of personality, transforming a room instantly. We’re now even considering sewing some for a more custom finish. <– maybe I’ll even sew some now…
• Embark on a house-wide painting spree, tackling rooms one by one. Our vision includes painting the living room, the dining room, the office, the big hallway, the small hallway, the kitchen, the bedroom, the guest bedroom, the playroom, the nursery, the sunroom, the hall bathroom, the guest bathroom, and the master bathroom. This is a phased project, focusing on a cohesive palette inspired by the whole-house color scheme we envisioned (details seen here).
• Transform the dark wood trim, beams, baseboards, and crown molding in the living room. In a moment of inspired spontaneity, we gray-washed the beams, and the result is magnificent. It perfectly balances our large gray sectional and elegantly prevents white overload, especially with the array of white frames now adorning the wall above the sofa.
• Remove unnecessary bi-fold doors to open up spaces and improve flow.
• Frost the side door that looks in on the kitchen for added privacy without sacrificing natural light.
• Remove the shelves next to the fireplace in the living room to create a cleaner, more streamlined look.
• Prime and paint the paneling in the kitchen using this proven method. The color choice is still under deliberation, but the transformation will be dramatic.
• Redo the kitchen backsplash. We’re exploring options from overstock.com and local vendors’ clearance sections to find the perfect blend of style and value.
• Upgrade all kitchen hardware. This small change can make a huge impact, and we’ll be hunting for deals at local stores, online retailers, and big-box outlets.
• Prime and paint the oak cabinets in the kitchen, following this detailed guide. Similar to the paneling, the ideal color is yet to be determined, but the refresh will be transformative.
• Finally refinish and reupholster the Craigslist rocker we acquired some time ago, breathing new life into a forgotten gem.
• Hang mirror(s) in the office for dry erase message board(s) to keep posts & projects straight – a practical solution for staying organized.
• Replace a ton of outdated light fixtures throughout the house. So far, we’ve successfully replaced the ones in the master bedroom and the nursery, and wisely removed the wonky corner light in the living room along with two awkwardly placed ceiling fans, instantly modernizing these spaces.
• Remove all the door handles, hinges, and doorknobs in the house and refinish them in a sophisticated oil-rubbed bronze, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
• Frame out the mirror in the hall bathroom for a more finished and custom appearance.
• Paint the vanity in the hall bathroom to refresh its look and integrate it better with the overall design.
• Hang a thick drapey curtain in front of our walk-in closet for a soft, elegant touch that hides clutter.
• Organize our closet and dresser (and stop piling pjs and underwear on the floor of the closet) – a project that, admittedly, took us far too long but brought immense satisfaction and order.
• Wallpaper or stencil the sink nook in the master bedroom – instead, we painted it the same color as the bedroom to help it blend in for now, creating a serene, seamless flow.
• Frost or add curtains to the window in the master bathroom, and potentially the other two bathroom windows, for enhanced privacy. So far, we’ve added a big ol’ mirror in the window above the bedroom sink to block the view, a clever and stylish solution.
• Turn the area between the addition and the old house, with its charming sliders, into a sweet outdoor cutting garden slash alfresco dining room. Its proximity to the kitchen and ample light make it perfect for potted herbs and vibrant blooms.
• Make built-ins around the washer and dryer to create mini mudroom functionality, replacing cabinet doors with pull-out baskets or drop-down blinds for a custom, organized look.
• Paint the front door, offering an inviting pop of color and boosting curb appeal.
• 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 necessary and highly appreciated removal!
• Spray paint or stain the legs of the sectional so they’re not so pale and dorky – we used oil-rubbed bronze spray paint for a subtle metallic effect, instantly elevating the piece.
• Frame out the porch columns, transforming them from ornate and curvy to chunky and square for a more substantial and modern aesthetic.
• Plant evergreen trees around the perimeter of the property for increased privacy from all angles. While waiting for them to “fill in” will test our patience, opting for smaller plants offers significant cost savings.
• Pump up the curb appeal with more landscaping upgrades, creating a welcoming and beautiful exterior.
• Limb up the magnolia in the front that blocks the entire house – a crucial step to reveal our home’s charming facade.
• “Wallpaper” the big hallway (off of the kitchen, living room, and entryway) with mixed and matched white frames – an affordable and personal way to add character.
• Accidentally kill our beloved ceramic dog by dropping a frame on his head – Every list needs some comic relief, and John got ‘er done. A bittersweet moment indeed!
• Paint the back of the future dining room built-ins something fun and bright – a delightful surprise when the doors are open.
• Add new hardware to the bottom cabinets of the built-ins for an updated and refined touch.
• Replace the medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom with a charming mirror – instantly elevating the bathroom’s style.
• 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 – a meticulous fix for a long-standing annoyance.
• Hang a giant grid of ribba frames above the sectional in the living room and figure out a cheap art solution – a budget-friendly way to create a striking focal point.
• Hang a ceiling medallion in Clara’s nursery to cover the cracks – an elegant solution that adds architectural interest.
• Update and paint the vanity in the master bathroom. Oops, we still haven’t updated and painted the base, but we did remove the chunky granite lip around the backsplash and hung our quatrefoil mirror and painted the walls, so that’s a promising start.
• Paint the dark brick fireplace in the kitchen using this expert method, lightening the space and modernizing its appearance.
• Add crown molding to the guest room, the playroom, and the nursery, providing a touch of classic elegance and finish.
• Stencil or wallpaper something fun (we’re down with some fun tone on tone pattern – maybe in the office or the hall bathroom or the playroom) to inject personality and unique design elements.
• Chalkboard paint something! It’s too much fun to deny the bean (and us!) a creative and interactive surface.
• Stencil the inside of Clara’s closet and her ceiling—just for some subtle fun, adding whimsical details to her special space.
• DIY a sandbox/baby pool for Clara, ensuring endless outdoor entertainment 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 calendar painted on the wall?) to maximize functionality in this busy area.
• Make or buy or refurbish a long bench for the foot of the bed, as our current one is too small and a bit darker than we’d like.
• Get a vintage hanging chair (from a thrift store or Craigslist?) for the sunroom, creating a cozy and stylish reading nook.
• Hang a ton of lanterns or paper pendants from the sunroom ceiling to create a magical and inviting ambiance.
• Build a more formal looking compost bin, upgrading from our current large Tupperware method and improving our outdoor aesthetic.
• Spray paint our rain barrel to help it blend in (and plant stuff in front of it), integrating it seamlessly into the garden.
• Create some raised beds for an edible herb, veggie, and fruit garden, embracing sustainable living and fresh produce.
• Make a beanbag for Clara’s room (her closet’s big enough for a little reading nook), offering a comfortable spot for storytelling and quiet play.
• Frame out our mirrored bathroom door for a more polished look, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Get some string lights outside on the patio and over the future deck, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.
• Hang a swing from a tree out back, adding a touch of childlike joy and a lovely focal point to the yard.
• 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 – good for kid sleepovers I think), maximizing its utility.
• Build a play kitchen for Clara, fostering imaginative play and creativity.
• 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 immediate and impactful way to inject vibrancy.
• Hunt down some thrift store or Craigslist bedside tables and refinish them for the master (drawers for some hidden storage please!), combining budget-friendliness with practical storage needs.
• Recover the leather parsons chair in the corner of our living room (at the white desk) with a bright fun fabric slipcover, updating its look and adding a pop of color.
• Add patio lighting (large clear glass bulb lights and maybe even path lights too?) to enhance evening ambiance and safety.
• Add a clothesline somewhere (nothing beats that fresh smell), embracing a simple pleasure and energy efficiency.

Visionary Ventures: Long-Term Goals for Our Forever Home

These are the dreams, the big-ticket items that require substantial planning, saving, and often professional expertise. They represent the ultimate transformation of our home’s structure and functionality.

• Create a 300 square foot paver patio on the side of the house – Woo to the hoo. It’s done! This expansive outdoor living space has already transformed our ability to entertain and relax outdoors.
• Refinish the various wood floors throughout the house. Our goal is a cohesive look, with a single shade—mocha, dark brown, ebony, or charcoal—unifying all the spaces and enhancing their elegance.
• Convert the fireplace in the kitchen into a double-sided fireplace that also opens up into the living room. This ambitious project will require consulting the mason who assisted us in our previous home to ensure feasibility and get an accurate estimate, promising both warmth and a stunning architectural feature.
• Create a huge doorway between the kitchen and the future dining room that precisely lines up with the large picture window in the dining room. This will dramatically improve flow, light, and the overall open concept feel of our main living areas.
• Build/adapt a custom island for the eat-in area of the kitchen near the fireplace, providing additional workspace, storage, and a casual dining spot.
• Convert the carport into a functional garage. This includes selecting a “killer garage door” that adds significant dimension and architectural character to our otherwise flat little rancher, transforming its curb appeal.
• Add french doors between the future dining room and the office, offering both elegant privacy and an abundance of charm and natural light.
• Replace the flooring in the kitchen and mudroom/laundry room, possibly with cork, known for its durability, comfort, and sustainable properties.
• Add a trellis arch around the new garage door so it’s all lush and pretty, integrating the new structure beautifully with the landscape.
• Build a deck, hopefully with the help of John’s dad, expanding our outdoor entertaining space significantly.
• Build Clara a swingset, creating a dedicated play area in the backyard.
• Change the roofline out front (add some peaks for dimension and to make it more cohesive with the house’s shape from the back), a major architectural modification that will enhance our home’s facade.
• DIY a pool someday (John thinks this idea is insane, mind you) – a dream project that promises endless summer fun, albeit with significant planning!
• Build a sunken trampoline that’s flush to the ground (far away from our future pool, haha), a fun and safer addition to the backyard.

Furnishing Dreams: Future Acquisitions to Complete Our Spaces

Beyond the structural and decorative changes, acquiring the right furniture pieces is essential to making our house feel like a home. These are the items we’re slowly saving up for, often seeking out budget-friendly options that we can personalize.

• A queen-sized bed for the master (so we don’t have to sleep on our mattress on the floor anymore) – a basic necessity happily checked off!
• A big charcoal gray u-shaped sectional for the living room (I’ve dreamed about having a big enough living space for a sectional for at least the past three years) – our ultimate comfort piece, now gracing our living room!
• His and hers dressers for the master bedroom that we can refinish (preferably super cheap on Craigslist or from the thrift store) – we decided we only needed one dresser since the walk-in closet has a bunch of shelves and cubbies, and happily inherited John’s parents’ old one, a perfect fit!
• A loooong console to go between the back wall and the sectional – we built our giant 12′ console table when we couldn’t find something that worked in stores or on Craigslist, a testament to our DIY spirit.
• A larger TV stand/media center for the living room. Our current one is laughably dinky, but we’ll Craigslist it and put the money toward something that’ll fit the space better—hopefully something thrifted or even something we can build ourselves.
• A giant rug to define the new seating area in the living room (8 x 10? 9 x 11?) – crucial for anchoring the space, and now beautifully in place.
• A giant rug for the master bedroom (8 x 10? 9 x 11?) – adding warmth and softness underfoot, a wonderful completion for the bedroom.
• Some kick-arse stools for the new island in the kitchen once it’s there. We’ll aim to find something cheap and then reupholster it to match our style.
• A giant round wooden pedestal table for the future dining room – the perfect centerpiece for family meals, now acquired.
• Comfy chairs for the future dining table (preferably upholstered parsons chairs so they look library-ish and casual as opposed to hard and wood-heavy) – got ’em on Craigslist for $25 a pop, but we still have to upholster or slipcover them, a project eagerly awaiting its turn.
• New shower curtains and bathroom towels and accessories for the hall bath and guest bathroom, refreshing these essential spaces.
• New energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen and the laundry room. We’re patiently waiting for some killer deals and plan to check out Craigslist and scratch & dent sections for maximum savings.
• A full-sized bed frame, mattress, and box spring for the guest room – ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors, now complete.
• A big cabinet or console table for the hallway off of the kitchen (thrifted/Craigslisted and refinished?) – we just used the one we used to have in the entryway, a smart repurpose.
• A new console table for the entryway – since our previous one is now happily situated in the hallway off of the kitchen.
• Two statement-making chairs (preferably matching) for the office – got those for $35 a chair at an antique shop, but still have to repaint and reupholster them, a promising foundation for a stylish workspace.
• Patio furniture and planters, pillows, etc. to create an inviting and comfortable outdoor oasis.
• A large, leggy armoire or some sort of tall cabinet for the weird nook to the left of our bed (as you face it), providing much-needed storage and a visual anchor.
• That darn West Elm capiz chandelier that I’m obsessed with for over the future island in the kitchen, a coveted piece that will add elegance and sparkle.
• A large wooden (Restoration Hardware-esque) table for the future deck (maybe we’ll build it?), creating a grand dining experience outdoors.

Embracing the Journey: The Joy of Home Transformation

It’s important to remember that these extensive lists represent years of dedication, not a sprint. Our first house took us 4.5 years to truly “finish,” and we anticipate a similar timeline for this home. There’s no need to fret or rush; we’ve learned to deeply enjoy the journey, celebrating each small victory and tackling projects one day, one step, one triumph at a time. Seriously, is there anything more satisfying than crossing an item off a well-loved list? Well, perhaps making the type red to denote progress comes a close second!

As for the method to our “project order,” we openly admit there isn’t a rigid one. We consciously jump from room to room, from one type of project to another, purely to maintain excitement and prevent the process from feeling too regimented or forced. Sometimes, after completing a major renovation or a string of demanding tasks, we welcome a breather and happily shift our focus to smaller, more manageable items. Other times, the momentum is electric, and we’re eager to immediately plan and dive into the next big endeavor, like transitioning directly from building our giant console table to embarking on our expansive patio project. Who knows what inspiration will strike next? Each phase promises to be interesting, sometimes mundane, occasionally comical, and yes, even prone to mishaps. But rest assured, we’ll continue to share every step, every decision, and every unexpected turn with you along the way.

Psst—To gain a clearer understanding of some of the major layout changes and renovations we’ve outlined above, be sure to check out this insightful floor plan post. And for a visual tour of many of the crossed-off projects mentioned, visit our Current House page.

Psssst—The adorable “I heart lists” stationery featured can be found here on Etsy.