Wow! January went by fast and it’s already almost halfway through February. While I did a lot in January, I don’t really feel like I got that much checked off the to-do list (see here for 2016 goals) and have a little bit of project paralysis. There’s so many ideas swirling in my head, I’m having a tough time figuring out where to focus so nothing ends up getting done. To help me prioritize, I thought it’d be good to do a quick recap of the previous month and share a little bit of what’s coming up.
Refreshed winter decor after Christmas
First up, I started looking at lighting for the hallway and foyer, and found some great fixtures under $200. Since then, I’ve purchased the light for the foyer (this one from Ballard Designs) – not one of the original ones I had my eye on, but the carriage light was on my radar and when I found it at the Ballard Outlet for $74, I snapped it up. Now just hope it works! In the hallway, we decided to likely go with some can lights to help brighten the space rather than flush mount fixtures. Still on the to-do list is getting estimates for replacing the fixtures and finding something for the laundry room and closets. Happy to be making some progress on this one and I suspect the hallway and foyer will be done this month!
I shared some post-Christmas decor updates, including a few new touches of greenery in the living room (such as this wreath from Target) and my love for milk glass. I decluttered some of the decor surfaces, such as the shelving in the living room and the mantle, and got rid of a TON of clothes, decor and other items that had been taking up space in the house. It’s a great feeling to keep things more simple.
I restyled the living room shelves to streamline and freshen the space
In the kitchen and hallway, I started playing around with new paint colors after finally admitting to myself that I made a mistake when I chose the colors after we moved in (read more on lessons learned). I’ve settled on Oatbran by Valspar and hope to tackle the kitchen soon. I plan to do the kitchen first to make sure it’s the right color, and if so, will move on to the hallway. I’m really looking forward to brightening up these spaces and think it will have a huge impact in those spaces.
The top one is the winner – Oatbran by Valspar
Finally, I started exploring the possibility of renovating the hall bath instead of the more modest makeover I had been planning. While I would still love to tackle this one day, some other home priorities popped up that need addressing before we can take on what’s only a cosmetic update (thanks El Nino!). Instead, I’ll be doing a DIY update in the hall bath – more detailed plans coming on Monday and this will be my big project for the month. My goal is to have it done for HomeTalks’s DIY Spring Blog Hop on March 7 so check back then for the full reveal!
Looking out a little bit further, in March, I’m hoping to tackle our master bedroom and finish up the wall decor and some fun furniture refinishing. And, in April, if the weather holds out, planning for some landscaping!