In January, I outlined a few home decor goals for the year. Well, it’s hard to believe but we’re half-way through the year already. I figured it was time to check-in on my 2016 goals and see the progress. My guess is that a few new items will be added to the list too! Original text is in italics below.
- De-clutter: I think I mentioned before that we moved into our house 2 weeks before our wedding – which resulted in very quickly stuffing boxes and bins in closets until after the initial renovation. Plus, add wedding gifts and it’s taken us a long time to go back and get through everything.
- Progress: I give myself a solid “B” for this one. I can’t say that I’ve mastered the Marie Kondo method, but I did clean quite a bit out and organized what was left. There’s still more to do, but slowly, but surely we are getting there.
Cleaning out in January
- Hall Bathroom Refresh: While we don’t plan on doing a full renovation on the hall bath for a few more years, I think it’s a good candidate for a mini-makeover that should be cost-effective, but also impactful. I’m really excited about this one!
- Progress: Done. I came full circle on this one – from a planned mini-makeover to dreaming about a full renovation, and then back to a mini-makeover.
The “after”
- Finish the Master Bedroom: Like many master bedrooms, ours has been half-way done for quite awhile. Like the bathroom, it won’t be a full makeover and the main focus will be to decorate the big wall behind our bed, add a vanity and replace my husband’s nightstand.
- Progress: I recently shared the plan for the master, and things are moving forward. I stalked the MacKenna duvet from Pottery Barn until it went on-sale and got it on the bed a week or so a go. It looks great with the navy blue quilt I picked up from Target a few months ago. I also shared a sneak peek on Instagram of the gallery wall that’s in progress. I’m hoping to get it up this weekend and share an update of the room next week.
- Update Fixtures: I’ve been scouring the internet for new light fixtures for the hallway, foyer and laundry room – I’ve got a post coming on budget-friendly options, but I’m planning to start with the foyer and laundry room, then figure out the hallway. We also started updating the light switches and outlets throughout the house and am hoping to wrap that up this year as well.
- Progress: A little movement on this front, but overall, it’s less of a priority. Instead of doing new fixtures in the hallway, we replaced the bulbs with some new LEDs. The new lights make a huge difference. If you’re looking to do something on a budget, replacing your old light bulbs with the newer LEDs is a good way to go! I did update the fixture in the entryway, with this lantern from Ballard Designs. I found it for a great deal at the outlet. Before I replace any others, my eye is on the ceiling fan in the master bedroom.
New fixture in the light fixture
- Paint: I change my mind daily on if I like the paint color that’s in the living room and kitchen – sometimes, I think I nailed it. Other times, it’s so gold, I can’t stand it. Hoping I come to a decision and figure out a solution this year!
- Progress: I’m still not loving the paint color, and even purchased the paint for the kitchen. I’m stalling on this one for no reason but hoping it will get done soon! From there, I’ll be able to figure out what I want to do with the rest of the living space.
- Outside: There is a lot of work to do on the outside to create more curb appeal – we may get the house re-painted this year and do some other maintenance items. I expect this to be a multi-year project, but my priorities for this year are create a stairway from the front of our house to the street, add plantings around the foundation and plant some trees for privacy on the side yard.
- Progress: Done, but lots more to do! The biggest part – painting the exterior – was completed this past May. You can see all the before and after pics here and here. Next up, we’ll be tackling some of the landscaping. This will be a multi-year project, but hoping to share some plans for our yard soon. We’re meeting with the landscape architect within the next few weeks and I can’t wait to see what she’s put together!
Refreshed deck with new paint
What’s Next?
In addition to the above, I also participated in my very first One Room Challenge this past spring. It was so much fun! I’m hoping to participate in another round this fall and have my eye on a few different rooms. The big focus will be getting the master bedroom done, and then hopefully making some progress on landscaping. Oh yea, and finally painting the kitchen!
How is your year going so far? What else do you have on your to-do list?