At the beginning of each year, Chris and I set out to make a list of all the projects we hope to do in the year. And at the end of each year, we revisit the list and grade how well we've done! It's always fun to see which goals we totally conquered and which ones totally flopped. We can't always anticipate the twists and turns that occur during a home renovation, but it's always fun to reflect on everything we accomplished (and didn't accomplish)!
1. Wallpaper and More in the Music Room Study: A+
Mural | Rug | Chandelier | Table | Desk Chair | Ottoman | Sling Chairs
First on the list is the mural room! I gave it such a high rank because it has come so, so far. In the span of a year, we installed wallpaper, installed a wainscoting wall treatment, painted it olive green, and repainted it this soft blue-gray color. The furnishings have been rearranged a dozen times, and it has even been transformed into a formal dining room space! In conclusion, the future of this room isn't set in stone, but I'm so pleased with this calm welcome space near the front of our home!
2. Making Our Backyard Plans a Reality: A+
Woven Planter | Faux Cedar Pine | Chaises | Striped Umbrellas | Umbrella Side Table | Dining Table | Dining Side Chair | Dining Arm Chair
It's hard to believe this is even the same backyard. What once was a small concrete courtyard is now a vacation oasis! Last week, we put the finishing touches on the outdoor kitchen, including the pergola and the lanterns (pictures and a reveal post to come), and everything is officially finished!
The landscaping will take some time to mature, but we're thrilled to have a fully fenced-in backyard for our girls and also our new puppy, Cricket!!!
3. Build an Upstairs Laundry Room: B+
Wallpaper | White Tile | Gray Tile | Washer | Dryer | Light
Time to address the elephant room in the house, AKA the laundry room! Everything was going really smoothly until everything got put on pause because of the countertops we chose! To make a long story short, we decided to pivot entirely and choose a countertop material from a local stone yard. From there, cabinets can finish being hung, and the crown can be installed! All of that happens this week, so we're finishing this room before the year is up!
4. Greta's Bathroom: A+
Vanity | Knobs | Sink Spout | Faucet Handles | Mirror | Sconces | Hand Wash | Towel Ring | Hand Towel | Canister | Tile
Everything about this room is A+, a true showstopper!
5. Turn the Downstairs Laundry Room Into a Pool Bathroom: F
This room has remained completely untouched, but it's at the top of our 2023 list, especially now that we have Cricket! This is where we will keep her crate and all her belongings!
6. Finish the Kitchen: A+
You all know that the kitchen hasn't come this far without multiple bumps in the road, but despite the hardships and the months and months of waiting on delayed appliances, it's officially finished and prettier than ever.
7. Finish the Dining Room: B+
Wallpaper | Rug | Table | Pendant | Stems
I wouldn't say the dining room is "finished" finished, but it's at a beautiful point. Installing the wallpaper and painting the doors and trim was 100% the right move, and I can't wait to see how this room evolves more in the next year.
8. Phase One in Faye's Room: D
Scalloped Bed | Rabbit Table Lamp | Sheets | Canopy
Does swapping out the bed count as a "phase one?" Haha, I think not.
9. Kitchenette in the Home Office: B
Rug | Chair | Play Tent | Flush Mounts | Lamp
In no way did a kitchenette build occur in the "home office," but I'm giving it a B because we completely pivoted in this room entirely! After discovering that we can't base our team out of our home, we cleared out, and this room has been housing rugs and other miscellaneous decor and stuff. We've gone back and forth about what this room could be, and after much consideration, we've proclaimed it as the bunk room/ playroom! More to come in the new year, but you can already see it with the stairs taken out!
10. Phase One in Our Primary Bathroom: F
This bathroom is still green, the seashell tub still exists, and I'm still seeing double with mirrors everywhere. Help.
Other 2022 Home Progress
Of course, there's a list of things we didn't plan to do, but we did anyways! Seeing this list of progress around the home makes me feel a lot better about the things we didn't do haha.
Wallpaper Back Hallway
This back hallway can be seen from the kitchen to the right of the refrigerator, and it got a grasscloth wallpaper treatment that I'm still in love with. There are two garage door entrances, a laundry room entrance, a game closet, and a staircase that leads up into the bonus room, and it's a darling little reprieve amidst all the doors.
Bedroom
Bed | Bench | Chandelier | Rug | Vase | Peonies | Floor Lamp | Floor Mirror
Rather than renovating our bathroom, we took on our bedroom! We added box trim everywhere, installed beadboard on the ceiling, and painted it all a rich, raisin brown. I can't think of a more luxurious getaway within our own home!
Greta's Bedroom
Rug | Bed | Comforter | Pillows | Nightstands | Horse Art
Greta's room was painted in 2021, but in 2022 I gave it the extra time and attention that it needed.
Guest House Refresh
Bed | Mattress | Ceiling Fan | Side Tables | Table Lamps | Curtain Rods | Curtains | Curtain Rods | Roman Shades | Frames | Art
The guest house is another space that I zhooshed in the last year. We painted the windows black, hung curtains and art, and brought in the most beautiful bed!
Home Gym
Ceiling Fan | Yoga Mats | Weight Bench | Ergatta Rower | Dumbell Set | NordicTrack Treadmill | The DB Method
This space wasn't on our list at all, but I'm so grateful to have a little gym reprieve within our home. With the stairs now gone, we have a bit more work in here to do in the next year that I can't wait to show!
Front Entry
Sconces | Branch | Bowl | Swivel Chairs
The front entry is looking more beautiful than ever! In 2022 we added sconces, a new chandelier, and painted the front door and the balusters black! In the future, we hope to add a runner to the stairs so Cricket can have a less slippery experience going up and down the stairs!
Round Rug | Sconces | Chandelier | Ruffle Top | Jeans
Removing the Stairs
Last but certainly not least is the decision to remove this staircase! I have a feeling this room is going to kickstart our 2023 project list ;).
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I love the choices you make and following you had definitely changed my approach to my home. I'm more courageous with moody colors and mixing textures and styles. Now that you have Cricket, I'd recommend adding a dog bath/shower to the outdoor bathroom if you have room for it. It will make that chore so much easier for you and the pup. Happy holidays and happy dreaming/creating/planning!
Julia and Chris your projects always come together beautifully! It has inspired me to be very diligent in my projects renovating my own home built in early 1900’s. Thank you for sharing your home.
You guys did SO much this year. The backyard and kitchen are epic. I don't know if I can pick my favorite between the two. I can't wait to see what the pool bathroom looks like in 2023. Julia's mood board that she shared for that room is such a vibe.
Wow. I don’t know how you can do all these projects so exquisitely you and your husband are so talented. Love seeing the projects evolve can’t wait for 2023.
Could you carpet the back staircase for Cricket?
Love all of it A+
I follow your account and love watching, from a distance, all of your renovations. They are an inspiration. I would like for you to consider manufacturing at least some of your rugs in a 8' round size. Some of us have rooms that must use a round rug. I really like your rugs and would have purchased if they had been available in the round size.
Always a joy to follow along! Really beautiful progress!! So exciting to see the stuff to come, like your master bathroom!
I always love these progress reports and the list of projects you’d like to tackle, regardless if it really happens. I heard you mention that you have 5 more years of renovating this house, but at the pace you go I don’t see how that could be!
This is one of my very favorite posts to read each year! Thank you
The mural room is my favorite! Oh, the kitchen too, of course.
Aww! I adopted a dog Labor Day weekend and named her Cricket! She's a mixed breed shepherd/collie that loves to hop on everything so the name fits! Hope you all love your Cricket as much as I love mine!
So much beauty and comfort added to your home!