Then I move on to dreaming up a plan of attack for the DIY projects I want to accomplish throughout the year. I have a big list this year!
Some of them I’ve been dreaming of for a long time, some I just decided on recently. I’ll be undoing a few previous projects and adding some warmth and detail to others.
Most of these aren’t massive room makeovers — just tweaks that will make each room more calm and cohesive.
Here’s my list of DIY projects I’d like to complete in the next 11(ish) months.
Laundry room:
It functions SO much better for us now, and is just so beautiful. That floral wallpaper is the first thing we see when we walk in.
There are a few more updates I’d like to make, and one DIY I’d like to undo.
I can’t remember when I added this shiplap to the window wall but I know it was before the makeover:
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It’s always felt out of place to me, especially with the softer design in the wallpaper. The horizontal lines make it feel busy.
I have a long list of updates for this room, but the biggest is removing the shiplap. (I plan on reusing it in another room later.) I’ve already started this project, and it is turning out to be waaaay more work than I imagined. I’ll be sure to update you on that!
Because I’m tackling that wall, I decided I might as well finish up the other to-dos as well, like replacing the baseboards with something beefier and more substantial.
So far this part of the project has been the most difficult. I discovered years ago that our home builder used MDF on most of the trim in the house, which is not ideal (especially in a room that could have moisture or water issues).
Gahhhh. Removing baseboards would normally be the quickest project, and now it’s taking absolutely forever.
That was one of my very first projects in our house and I went with a very simple stained trim.
While I’m at it, I plan to add Craftsman-style trim to the tops of the doors and window to match the open doorway to the kitchen.
Family room:
It’s been at least six years since I added this wall treatment to the family room, and I’ve always planned to extend that treatment to the other two stair walls as well:
You can’t see the third wall (upstairs) here, but you get the idea. 🙂
I’ve put it off for years, mostly because I’ll have to find a ladder I can use safely on the stairs. We’ve seen them here and there, and I’m hoping I can rent one maybe?
My other big project in here is to replace the subway tile on our fireplace surround:
My dream would be to do a solid piece of marble, but I have a feeling that will get expensive. I think something with some organic movement to it would be lovely!
Main bedroom:
It seems I’m always tweaking this room, but it’s finally thisclose to what I’ve envisioned:
The beams are staying, but I’m playing around with painting them and the ceiling and/or adding a coffered ceiling with trim. I don’t have a final design in mind just yet, but I definitely want to work on it this year.
I’d love to hear your ideas!
Kitchen/pantry:
This space functions so well now, and the added countertop space is especially great when we’re entertaining.
During that makeover, I installed a peel and stick “stone” tile backsplash around the shelves. It didn’t take long for me to absolutely hate it. 😂
Not only is it incredibly rough and will cut ya (not really, but it’s rough), but the edges of the tiles continually pop up and don’t stick to the wall.
This design is what I had in mind from the start, but I was afraid it would be too trendy at the time. Well, years later I still love it. (And if I love it I don’t care what’s in or out.)
I’ve had some of the tiles leaned up against the backsplash for a few days, and every time I walk in I LOVE them.
No idea if the peel and stick tile will come off cleanly. I’m guessing it’s going to be a total nightmare, but I will be sure to let you know how that goes! I’m hoping to borrow a heat gun that may help with removal.
The other big project in here is to continue the vertical shiplap I installed around most of the room:
And add it to the walls on either side of the doorway:
Not sure why I didn’t do this at the time (yes I do…I was worn out), but it will make this room look more finished.
Kitchen:
Now I’d like to add some custom touches to the island as well:
But it’s looking harsh to me lately — it needs some softer touches like trim on the “legs” and baseboards. I can’t wait to tackle this project!
At some point I’d love to replace our countertops as well. I’ve always dreamed of soapstone, but the maintenance (and cost!) has kept us from doing it.
Lately I’ve seen some lovely, honed dark counters that give the look of soapstone. We really don’t have a ton of countertop space (most of it is our butcher block island), so I don’t think it will be CRAZY expensive…but we will see.
Basement:
The basement is our coziest spot in the house, and I want to keep adding character and warm touches to this area.
I started adding this picture frame molding around the family room part of the basement, but need to finish up the other half:
That project isn’t difficult, it’s just time consuming. It’s always so worth it in the end!
Also, this stairway gallery wall was painted to match the rest of the basement years ago:
But since then I’ve added more frames on all of the basement stairway walls. The frames are up, but half of them are empty and the walls need to be painted.
I’ll need a stair/ladder contraption to accomplish this one as well!
My biggest DIY project planned for this year is in the basement. I’ve been dreaming up the bathroom makeover for years and I’m determined to at least start!:
I’ve barely touched this room as far as DIYs are concerned…but I have a very dramatic makeover planned!
The entire plan will be shared in a separate post, but it involves new flooring, tile, vanity and even a new ceiling treatment.
I’ll be continuing this rich wine color (called Rojo Marron) that I painted the hallway right outside:
I’ll need some professional help with some of this makeover, but I think I can do most of it on my own.
It’s going to be a fun year! Our home is ever-changing, and that’s the only place I don’t mind change in life! 😁
