March Madness: A Monthly Home Transformation Recap
Welcome to our special monthly recap, a nostalgic look back at the vibrant and transformative journey of turning our new house into a beloved home. This particular entry, meticulously cobbled together retroactively in December 2011, offers a detailed glimpse into the exciting developments of March – a month brimming with ambitious DIY projects, delightful discoveries, and significant milestones during our inaugural year in this house. Consider this a comprehensive, SEO-friendly yearbook-style tribute to the memories forged and the remarkable progress achieved in crafting our dream living space. We invite you to explore the unique character and charm we injected into every corner of our new residence.
Most Archeological: Unearthing Our Property’s Hidden History
March kicked off with some truly “archeological” adventures right outside our doorstep. We found ourselves eagerly digging deep into the earth adjacent to our driveway, initially with the intention of a simple clean-up and landscaping refresh. However, this routine task quickly evolved into an exciting treasure hunt, as we unearthed various fascinating relics and forgotten items buried beneath the surface. Each scoop of dirt brought the potential for discovery, turning a practical chore into a captivating exploration of our property’s hidden history. This unexpected excavation not only provided a glimpse into the past but also laid the perfect groundwork for future curb appeal enhancements, ensuring the area was pristine and ready for new plantings once our “dig” concluded. It’s truly amazing what stories the earth can tell when you take the time to carefully explore it.
Most Likely To Result In A Crack Joke: The Elegant Ceiling Medallion Solution
Addressing a persistent aesthetic challenge in Clara’s room became a priority this month: a noticeable and somewhat unsightly crack in the drywall. Instead of opting for a simple patch, we decided to pursue a more elegant and decorative solution by installing a beautiful ceiling medallion. This strategic choice not only effectively concealed the imperfection but also introduced a layer of architectural charm and sophisticated detail to the room. The installation process, while requiring careful measurements and precision, transformed a potential eyesore into a captivating focal point. This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can turn a problem into an opportunity for enhancement, significantly elevating the interior aesthetics of a child’s bedroom while offering a practical and lasting repair for common drywall issues.
Most Times Square-esque: Illuminating Our Bedroom with an IKEA Chandelier
Our master bedroom received a dramatic and much-anticipated lighting upgrade with the arrival of a stunning new chandelier from Ikea. Its contemporary design and impressive sparkle immediately evoked the vibrant energy and dazzling lights of Times Square, bringing a playful yet undeniably elegant ambiance right over our bed. The process of hanging this statement piece was a memorable moment in itself, culminating in celebratory shouts of “Happy New Year!” as we reveled in its successful installation and the fresh, new feel it brought to our personal sanctuary. This affordable IKEA find proved once again that stylish, impactful bedroom lighting can be achieved on any budget, dramatically changing the mood and focal point of a private space while adding a touch of modern luxury.
Most Likely To Result In “The Sprinkler”: Disco Dancing in the Kitchen
Who says the kitchen is solely for culinary endeavors? Our newly installed kitchen light fixture instantly transformed the space into the perfect setting for spontaneous dance parties. Its unique glow and perhaps versatile settings made it “most likely to result in ‘The Sprinkler’,” practically begging us to break out our best disco moves while preparing meals or simply enjoying the heart of our home. This unexpected and delightful perk highlights how strategic kitchen lighting choices can not only illuminate a room efficiently but also inject immense fun and personality, turning everyday moments into joyous celebrations within your own four walls. It’s a fantastic reminder that home design should always include elements that spark joy and encourage lively interaction.
Most Likely To Leave A Mark: The Perils and Triumphs of a Gallery Wall
Creating the perfect gallery wall above our living room sofa initially seemed like a straightforward task, but it quickly became a valuable lesson in trial and error. We meticulously planned our frame arrangement, carefully measuring and visualizing each piece. However, mid-process, we realized that we needed more frames to truly fill the expansive wall space as originally envisioned. This unexpected discovery necessitated not just a frantic trip back to the store, but also the unfortunate consequence of extra wall holes from our initial, less-than-perfect attempts at placement. It’s a common DIY hurdle for anyone tackling a large-scale wall art project, but the eventual satisfaction of a beautifully curated, personalized display made all the minor wall damage and extra effort entirely worth it, transforming a blank wall into a captivating focal point in our living room.
Most Likely To Involve An Australian Outback Voice: The Epic Bedroom Rug Hunt
Our quest for the ideal bedroom rug was an epic journey we affectionately termed “rug hunting,” a pursuit so adventurous and determined it almost demanded an Australian Outback voiceover for added drama. We tirelessly scoured local stores and numerous online shops, seeking that perfect piece that would not only tie our bedroom decor together but also add essential warmth, texture, and a soft landing for our feet each morning. This dedication to finding the right area rug underscores its profound importance in interior design – it’s not merely a decorative accessory, but a foundational element that defines the comfort, style, and overall ambiance of a personal sanctuary. The perfect rug truly grounds a room and completes its aesthetic narrative.
Most Likely To Go Topless: Customizing Our Four-Poster Bed for Perfect Harmony
Our beloved four-poster bed underwent a significant and surprisingly impactful transformation this month, earning it the humorous title of “most likely to go topless.” We made the bold decision to remove its top slats, a strategic move driven by both aesthetic and practical considerations. This modification allowed us to perfectly position our newly installed bedroom chandelier at the ideal height, ensuring ample clearance, and seamlessly integrate our luxurious new bedroom rug beneath. It perfectly encapsulates our ongoing philosophy of “tweaking” and customizing our living spaces to better suit our evolving style and functional needs, proving that even cherished furniture pieces can be reimagined for a fresh look and improved flow within a room. This customization truly harmonized the elements of our master bedroom.
Most Stodgy: Embracing Classic Charm in a Home Design Documentary
This March, we had the truly unique and exciting experience of hosting a film crew in our home for a mini-documentary titled “Stodgy Is Sexy.” The premise of the documentary explored how classic, perhaps even traditionally “stodgy,” design elements can be thoughtfully embraced and styled to feel utterly modern, fresh, and undeniably appealing. The filming process was an insightful journey into our personal design philosophy, showcasing how we meticulously blend traditional architectural features with contemporary touches to create a unique, inviting, and truly livable space. It was a fascinating opportunity to articulate our aesthetic vision and demonstrate that “stodgy” doesn’t have to mean stuffy or outdated – it can be incredibly chic, charismatic, and a testament to enduring style.
Most Colorful: Crafting Budget-Friendly Wall Art with Michael’s Supplies
Injecting vibrant and cheerful color into our home doesn’t always require a hefty budget or expensive art pieces. This month, we proudly demonstrated that with our “most colorful” project: creating “five dolla art” using an assortment of brightly colored paper sourced from our local Michael’s craft store. This simple yet deeply satisfying DIY endeavor was a joyous exploration of hues, textures, and patterns, resulting in personalized, eye-catching wall art that brought an instant burst of cheer and character to a selected room. It stands as a fantastic example of how creativity, coupled with incredibly affordable materials, can produce impactful decorative pieces, adding significant personality and a custom touch to your interiors without breaking the bank.
Most Violent: Conquering the Off-Centered Bathroom Towel Bar
There are some home quirks and imperfections that simply cannot be tolerated, and for us, this month, it was the infuriatingly off-centered towel bar in our bathroom. Its blatant misalignment “taunted” us daily, disrupting the visual harmony and functionality of the space. This month, we finally decided to wage war, embarking on the “most violent” project of knocking out this stubbornly misplaced fixture. The immediate satisfaction of removing the offending bar was immense, instantly improving the bathroom’s flow, functionality, and overall aesthetic balance. It’s a powerful testament to how even small, seemingly minor irritations can be resolved with a little DIY courage and determination, significantly enhancing the daily living experience within your home.
Most Predictable: The Enduring Charm of Round Mirrors in Living Room Design
We joyfully embraced our enduring love for classic and versatile design with what we affectionately called our “most predictable” project this month: hanging yet another round mirror. This time, its perfect home was found above a desk in our living room, where it instantly introduced a touch of understated elegance and visual softness. Round mirrors are a perennial favorite in interior design for compelling reasons; they expertly break up harsh architectural lines, reflect natural and artificial light beautifully, and create a desirable sense of spaciousness in any room. This thoughtful addition proved once again that some design choices are timelessly effective, seamlessly enhancing any living room’s decor while providing practical functionality and a graceful aesthetic.
Most Tyra-esque: Our Playful Finial Fashion Show for the Four-Poster Bed
Adding the final touches of personality to our four-poster bed became a truly theatrical affair this month, culminating in what we fondly called our “most Tyra-esque” moment: a grand finial fashion show. We meticulously auditioned various decorative finials, playfully imagining each one gracing the top of our bedposts, complete with a dramatic internal monologue worthy of a supermodel competition. “Four beautiful finials stand in front of me,” we thought, channeling our inner design critic, “but I only have one photo in my hand!” This wonderfully playful approach to selecting even the smallest decorative elements highlights how the minutiae of decor contribute significantly to a room’s overall character, personalized charm, and unique story.
Most Anal: The Art of Precision in Frame Wall Planning
When it came to creating our meticulously arranged frame wall, we embraced a level of precision we affectionately dubbed “most anal.” Our secret weapon for achieving aesthetic perfection? The ingenious strategy of using paper templates to meticulously plan the exact placement and spacing of each frame before daring to swing a single hammer. This methodical approach, while initially more time-consuming, ultimately saved us from countless erroneous nail holes, unsightly wall damage, and the frustration of uneven layouts. It guaranteed a perfectly balanced and visually appealing gallery display, standing as a testament to the power of careful planning in DIY home decor projects, ensuring the final result is exactly as envisioned, without the usual headaches of guesswork.
Most Shocking: From Home Bloggers to Newspaper Cover Stars and Published Authors
March brought an utterly “shocking” and incredibly exciting turn of events that completely transformed our trajectory: finding our very own mugs proudly displayed on the cover of the Washington Post’s Local Living Section! This unexpected national recognition for our home design journey and blog was exhilarating beyond words. Adding to the immense thrill, this same pivotal month we were overjoyed to publicly announce our book deal, a lifelong dream come true that validated years of passionate dedication and hard work in the DIY and home decor space. These moments of public affirmation and achieving such major career milestones were truly unforgettable, marking a pivotal and incredibly rewarding chapter in our lives and creative endeavors as home bloggers and designers.
Most Plush: Indulging in Unparalleled Living Room Comfort
Our living room reached new heights of comfort and luxurious appeal with the eagerly anticipated arrival of our “most plush” addition: an extra thick shag rug. This tactile marvel instantly transformed the space into a haven of unparalleled softness, making every step feel like walking on clouds – truly, “toe heaven.” Beyond its incredible, inviting comfort, the rug immediately added a rich layer of texture, essential warmth, and served as a sophisticated anchor to the entire living area. It effortlessly invited relaxation and made the room feel infinitely more welcoming, cohesive, and utterly complete. This plush rug is more than just a floor covering; it’s a foundational piece that elevates both the aesthetics and the lived experience of our main gathering space, encouraging cozy moments and everyday luxury.
Most Holes Made In A Single Wall. Ever.: The Hallway Gallery Wall Epic
Our unwavering commitment to creating a stunning and personalized home sometimes involves a fair bit of careful demolition and meticulous reconstruction, as vividly evidenced by the project we dubbed “most holes made in a single wall. Ever.” This epic undertaking involved adding a giant, sprawling frame collage to our hallway, a project that required an astonishing number of anchors, screws, and nails to secure each piece perfectly. While the installation process was undoubtedly intense and demanded considerable effort, the final result was a breathtaking, personalized art display that transformed a previously overlooked thoroughfare into a captivating journey through cherished memories and curated aesthetics. It stands as a powerful testament to the dedication and effort we pour into every corner of our home, no matter how daunting the task of execution may initially seem.
Most Charitable: A Family Heirloom Finds New Life in Our Bedroom
We were incredibly touched and grateful for the “most charitable” act from John’s parents this month. As they embarked on the process of downsizing their home, they graciously handed down an old dresser, giving it a beautiful new life and purpose in our bedroom. This cherished piece, rich with family history and sentimental value, seamlessly integrated into our existing decor, adding both invaluable functionality and profound emotional depth to our personal space. It served as a beautiful reminder of how inherited furniture can elegantly bridge generations, creating continuity, warmth, and a deeper sense of belonging in a new home, all while supporting sustainable living through thoughtful upcycling. It’s truly “not your father’s dresser” anymore, but it now holds even more meaning for us.
Most Sentimental: A 29th Birthday Filled with Poignant Memories
March also brought a deeply “sentimental” and personal milestone: a heartfelt 29th-birthday celebration that unfolded with a touching reflection of emotions and cherished memories. It was a day beautifully woven with uniquely personal elements, involving delightful encounters with turtles, indulging in exquisite sushi, and the ambient, buzzing presence of bees – each detail contributing to a poignant reflection on life, growth, and the profound joy of shared experiences. These moments, both grand and intimately small, are what truly make a house a home, filling its walls with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable stories that meticulously shape our journey and define our living space.
Most Tragic: An Unforeseen Home Project Heartbreak and the Path to Resilience
Not every home project unfolds smoothly, and March brought a “most tragic” and truly impossibly heartbreaking scenario that, to this day, we still find incredibly difficult to talk about without an “ugly cry.” While the specifics remain a raw and painful memory, it was one of those devastating moments where a beloved item was irrevocably damaged, or a meticulously planned project went awry in a spectacular and irreversible way. These unexpected setbacks are, unfortunately, an inevitable part of the DIY and home renovation journey, teaching us invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the sometimes necessary importance of finding humor, even in the face of what feels like a catastrophic design mishap.
Most Likely To Make You Say “Time Flies”: Celebrating Three Months of Home Transformation
It felt like just yesterday we moved into our new residence, but March marked a significant and heartwarming checkpoint, making us collectively exclaim, “Time flies!” as we proudly shared our progress after three months in our new house. This comprehensive recap allowed us to truly appreciate just how much we had accomplished in a relatively short period – from major structural installations to subtle yet impactful decorative touches. Reflecting on the initial state of the house versus its current, remarkable transformation filled us with immense pride, renewed energy, and unwavering enthusiasm for the numerous projects still ahead, showcasing the rapid and loving evolution of our living space into a true home.
Most Cheerful: A Pop of Color for the Dining Room Built-ins
Our dining room built-ins received a delightful and instantly “most cheerful” upgrade this month by skillfully switching out their old, tired brass knobs. In their place, we strategically installed vibrant greeny-yellow knobs that immediately brought a playful burst of color, personality, and contemporary flair to the entire space. This seemingly small hardware change had a profoundly huge impact, effortlessly transforming the built-ins from merely functional storage units into charming, eye-catching focal points that genuinely make us smile every single time we see them. It’s a perfect and incredibly budget-friendly example of how simple hardware swaps can dramatically refresh, personalize, and inject unique character into any room’s aesthetic.
Most Packed Car: The Thrilling Craigslist Chair Adventure
The exhilarating pursuit of a truly good deal often leads to unexpected and sometimes physically challenging adventures, as vividly proven by our “most packed car” moment this month. We managed to somehow ingeniously stack and secure eight $25 Craigslist chairs – featuring a rather “crazy hotel pattern” – into a borrowed SUV for their journey home. This impressive logistical challenge was all worth it, as these unique finds were destined for our dining room, poised to be transformed into stylish, one-of-a-kind seating. It was a thrilling testament to the rewards of budget-friendly hunting, the vision required to see potential in pre-loved pieces, and the sheer determination to enrich our home with character, value, and a touch of adventurous spirit.
Best Tan: A Sophisticated Furniture Makeover for Karl’s Legs
Even beloved furniture pieces deserve a good “tan” sometimes to refresh their look! This month, we gave “Karl’s pale birch-colored legs” (likely referring to a piece of furniture like a console table or side table) a stunning and sophisticated makeover. With a careful, even application of oil-rubbed bronze spray paint, we skillfully transformed a light, almost unassuming piece into a rich, elegant statement. This simple yet incredibly effective DIY project perfectly demonstrates the immense power of paint to revitalize and completely transform furniture, imparting a warm, luxurious finish that perfectly complemented our evolving interior aesthetic and instantly added a touch of refined elegance to the room.
Most Likely To Result In A Blister: Limbing the Magnolia Tree for Enhanced Curb Appeal
Our unwavering commitment to enhancing both the interior and exterior aesthetics of our new home led us to a physically demanding, “most likely to result in a blister” project this month: meticulously limbing up a sprawling magnolia tree. The goal of this arduous task was twofold: to allow significantly more natural light to stream into our house, brightening our living spaces, and to dramatically improve our home’s curb appeal by making its beautiful facade more visible and inviting from the street. This labor-intensive project, though physically demanding, paid off immensely, dramatically enhancing both our home’s interior brightness and its exterior charm. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the biggest and most impactful transformations come from tackling the most challenging outdoor DIY projects with determination.
