Blogging can feel like a funny hamster wheel: we install, build, buy, or try something, write about it, and then move on to the next project. Because we’re focused on new updates, we don’t always circle back to report how older changes have fared. That means readers often ask for follow-ups from the archives. Here’s a fresh roundup of updates on several items and projects around the house—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what we still love.
Our Nest Thermostat: This remains the most frequently asked-about item in our home. Short answer: we still love it. It saves energy and makes day-to-day life more convenient. The features we highlighted previously—auto-away sensing, adaptive scheduling that warms or cools areas based on where we are, and remote control from our phones—continue to be useful. It’s one of those upgrades you notice every day: practical, slightly luxurious, and reliably convenient.
It’s difficult to pin down the exact savings since we installed the Nest shortly after moving, but the unit reports we’ve saved more energy than 70% of other users in our area, which is encouraging. The auto-away feature alone is fantastic. We used to manually program the thermostat for trips or weekends away; now it senses absence and switches to energy-saving mode automatically, even on days when we’re out running errands. We also appreciate being able to preheat or precool the house from the car so it’s comfortable when we arrive home. In summary: Still a favorite and worth every penny.
Outdoor Plantings: The large holly trees we invested in for privacy have thrived—big, healthy, and deer-resistant. Their presence has done exactly what we hoped. On the other hand, the smaller privet we planted proved to be a surprising flop: rather than being invasive in a way that crowds the yard, it became deer bait and was completely eaten. Fortunately the nursery offered a one-year warranty, so we’ll return the remains and replace it with something more robust, likely another holly. In summary: Hollies are winners; the privet didn’t stand a chance.
Living With Stairs: Moving from a single-level home to a two-story layout sparked lots of questions about how we’d adjust. The transition has been smoother than expected and largely positive. One practical benefit is hosting: when guests arrive, we only need to tidy the main level since most activity stays downstairs, cutting our pre-arrival cleanup time in half. Another welcome change is the reduction of full bathrooms on the main level—having a half bath simplifies cleaning and reduces upkeep. The house also feels more zoned: bedrooms are quieter and more separated from workspaces, which helps maintain a better balance between work and relaxation. In summary: We’ve embraced the stairs and appreciate the extra separation.
Older Appliances After Having New Ones: People ask if reverting to older kitchen and laundry appliances is difficult. So far, it hasn’t been a major issue. The fridge, stove, dishwasher, and washer all function well enough for daily use. That said, our washer recently developed problems: a detached belt and heavily rusted bolts suggest a more complicated repair. We’re waiting for a technician; the expected cost to fix it seems reasonable compared to replacing the whole machine right now. If the repair turns out to be impractical, we’ll shop for a new washer later. We’re also dreaming about a future gas stove upgrade. In summary: Mostly fine—except for the washer, which needs attention.
Rejuvenated Wood Floors: The cleaning and sealing treatment we applied in the office, dining room, and living room continues to hold up well after several months. The floors look essentially the same and remain easy to maintain. In summary: No complaints—still looking great.
Nikon D3200: Our camera upgrade turned out to be a happy accident. We still use the Nikon D3200 regularly and appreciate its video performance, auto white balance, and overall usability. It fits our needs for photo and video content and continues to perform reliably. In summary: We remain pleased with the camera.
Living Without a Two-Person Office: Not having a fully functional two-person workspace has been a minor inconvenience. Currently, John works from the office while I use the kitchen table, which requires frequent clearing for meals. It’s manageable but not ideal. We’ve drafted plans and researched options to make the office more efficient and give each of us a proper workspace—likely a project after the nursery is finished. In summary: It’s tolerable now, but we want a better setup.
Open Kitchen Shelving: We still love open shelving in the kitchen. It makes daily tasks—grabbing plates, unloading the dishwasher—easier and more pleasant. The practicality and aesthetic appeal of open shelves keep us committed to them in this kitchen as well. In summary: Can’t quit the open shelves.
Restoration Hardware–Style Table: Our raw-look kitchen table has handled daily use remarkably well. Spills like grape juice and a big soy sauce incident haven’t left lasting marks, and we’ve seen no problematic water rings. It appears to have a matte protection that keeps the surface resilient without a glossy finish. In summary: Durable and low-maintenance so far.
Karlstad Sofa: After years of heavy use—kids, pets, and adults—the Karlstad sofa continues to perform impressively. The dark sivik gray cover is durable, resists pet nails, and is machine washable, which helps keep the sofa looking fresh. The cushions remain comfortable and supportive. In summary: Karl is family-approved and holding up great.
Stenciled Bathroom Floor: The stenciled floor has stayed in excellent condition. Daily foot traffic and a dog that taps around with claws haven’t caused peeling or flaking. The clear sealer we applied has held up, and accidental paint drips wiped off easily once dry. In summary: The stenciled floor is a success.
That’s the current round of updates—what in your home has surprised you by performing well or let you down? We always enjoy hearing recommendations and warnings from others so we can learn from their experiences.
For previous projects and lessons learned, check earlier update posts and “mistakes and tweaks” reflections in our archives—course-correcting as you go tends to pay off in the long run.