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Listy VonListerson Updated: New Features and Release Notes

These posts began after readers asked how we organize our long to-do list. In short, we keep one running document that we update as projects progress. When we first shared this list back in May, nothing had been crossed off. A few months and many projects later, we’ve made some progress and people wanted an updated version. Truthfully, crossing things off never gets old for us—it’s oddly satisfying. This post is essentially a living house-project roadmap, and we refer to it often as we plan and prioritize.

– The Front Yard (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove fast-spreading ground cover and replant with more intentional choices
  • Take out dead, decaying, or diseased trees (inspector confirmed removals)
  • Aerate, level, and seed the lawn
  • Create planting beds up front, mulch and plant them
  • Repaint exterior siding and trim where paint is peeling and rot is present
  • Replace the cracked concrete walkway from the driveway to the front door with a curved path and planted borders
  • Add raised stone beds or other hardscaping for structure
  • Plant a few small green dwarf maples
  • Install subtle exterior up-lighting for nighttime charm
  • Add low curved brick borders along the driveway and wire in landscape lighting
  • Have the driveway paved

– The Portico (25% Complete) –

To do:

  • Repaint the portico and sidelights
  • Consider arching the portico ceiling to open the entry and add a hanging lantern
  • Add planters, a new doormat and updated porch lighting
  • Paint the front door

– The Garage (0% Complete) –

To do:

  • Repaint garage doors and add decorative hardware
  • Add a pergola over the double garage doors with vines
  • Finish the garage interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage (pegboards, shelving)
  • Reuse salvaged kitchen cabinets in the garage if they aren’t suitable for the kitchen remodel
  • Redo the four steps between garage and kitchen (replace or repair)
  • Build a rolling box for scrap wood storage to keep materials organized
  • Consider repurposed locker units painted in fun colors for storage
  • Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area

– The Foyer (35% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove old carpet from the stairs to reveal the wood
  • Paint blue trim in the foyer
  • Paint the stair balusters
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint the walls
  • Remove interior doors that block flow into the kitchen
  • Decide on a stair runner after living in the space (natural fiber or colorful runner)
  • Paint the existing foyer light and consider a future replacement
  • Assess and, if necessary, replace salvageable tile
  • Convert one of the foyer closets into a craft and toy closet with organized shelving for Clara

– The Half Bathroom (30% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove wallpaper
  • Repaint blue trim and door
  • Update door hardware and hinges
  • Paint walls
  • Install a larger, higher mirror
  • Paint the vanity using odor-blocking primer
  • Upgrade lighting
  • Replace the leaky faucet
  • Plan for a Phase 2 vanity replacement and possible floor tile update if needed
  • Consider adding a bold wallpaper or tiled accent wall since there is no tub—this could be a fun design moment in a later phase

– The Dining Room (5% Complete) –

To do:

  • Refinish and reseal the wood floors
  • Update built-ins (consider removing ornate tops, extending to the ceiling, and painting white)
  • Paint all trim
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint walls
  • Upgrade lighting and window treatments
  • Add furniture, a rug, and artwork

– The Living Room (5% Complete) –

To do:

  • Refinish and reseal wood floors
  • Prime and repaint the bright pink walls
  • Remove the old curtains
  • Prime and paint the lower woodwork white to highlight the architectural detail
  • Whitewash the brick fireplace for a cozy, updated look
  • Install gas logs as a future upgrade
  • Add recessed lighting for even illumination
  • Explore turning the overhead beams into a coffered ceiling
  • Design a large built-in cabinet or media wall to house the TV and storage

– The Office (7% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove old curtains
  • Refinish and reseal wood floors
  • Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
  • Add a double-desk work area
  • Bring in storage: bookcases, file cabinets, or built-ins around the bay window
  • Add window treatments and large potted plants for a calming work environment
  • Create a brainstorm zone with a bulletin board or chalkboard wall

– The Kitchen (3% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove old curtains
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint
  • Convert the large triple window into French doors out to the deck
  • Open the wall between kitchen and living room, adding built-ins on either side to create a cohesive look
  • Prime and paint the lower woodwork
  • Plan a full kitchen renovation: replace linoleum, damaged cabinets, laminate counters, outdated lighting and appliances
  • Consider heated floors under new tile, possibly extending into the foyer and hall bath
  • Organize the pantry with pull-out drawers and bins
  • Enhance the command center area opposite the future French doors
  • Choose paint colors for the new doors and cabinet faces
  • Install an under-sink water filter
  • Add pendant lighting over the sink and a larger fixture in the eat-in area
  • Figure out a practical drop zone for coats and shoes, perhaps in the garage

– The Sunroom (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove old carpet and padding
  • Remove the broken baseboard heater permanently
  • Eventually retile the floor with outdoor-safe stone to upgrade the existing concrete
  • Convert the sunroom into an open covered porch with new columns and replace failing sliders
  • Consider adding a brick outdoor fireplace when the room opens up
  • Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint it a soft blue for cottage-y charm

– Our Bedroom (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace old carpet with hardwood floors
  • Repaint trim and doors
  • Install wood blinds
  • Repaint ceilings and walls
  • Install built-ins along the window wall with integrated window seats and storage
  • Add a ceiling light fixture
  • Consider textured wallpaper on the ceiling or a subtle accent
  • Bring in art, curtains, and cozy textiles

– Our Bathroom (5% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove the glass shower door
  • Add privacy to the window (frosting, blinds, or treatment)
  • Remove wallpaper
  • Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
  • Replace the mirror and upgrade lighting at the sink and in the main bathroom
  • Replace carpet in the sink area in preparation for future tile
  • Plan a Phase 2 full redo to expand the footprint, replace the worn hex floor tile, and consider a soaker tub, tiled shower, and double sink

– Our Closet (0% Complete) –

To do:

  • Repaint trim
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Install a new light fixture
  • Replace carpet with tile to match the bathroom and create cohesive flooring in the bedroom wing
  • Build a custom closet system with drawers, shelves, and varied hanging heights

– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint trim and doors glossy white
  • Replace rusted brass hinges and doorknobs
  • Install a smart thermostat
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Replace or repaint hallway light fixtures
  • Convert linen closet into built-in shelves or cabinets with storage above
  • Add crown molding
  • Consider adding wainscoting to break up the long hallway

– Clara’s Room (20% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint trim and doors
  • Add window treatments, art, and accessories
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Consider a full wall of built-ins or bookcases around the windows
  • Build a bench seat in the closet nook with beadboard and wallpapered back
  • Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture

– Spare Room / Possible Future Nursery (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint trim and doors
  • Add blinds and curtains when the room is assigned a purpose
  • Hold off on major decorating until we know the room’s future use
  • Repaint walls and ceiling
  • Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture

– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint trim and doors
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Bring in a multi-purpose dresser/desk area to accommodate sewing and crafting
  • Organize the closet for craft and gift-wrap storage with lots of shelving and bins
  • Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture

– The Hall Bathroom (5% Complete) –

To do:

  • Paint trim, walls and ceiling
  • Replace faucets, mirrors, and lighting as a mini-update
  • Plan a Phase 2 complete redo to address stained and cracked tile and leaking fixtures; consider herringbone slate, marble, or long-format tile

– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –

To do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Install washer-safe flooring under the appliances to protect from leaks
  • Completely redo the nook with new doors for sound control, energy-efficient appliances, counters and cabinets
  • Add a tile backsplash and thoughtful lighting to make the space feel like a jewel box at the end of the hall

– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –

To do:

  • Keep this as large storage for now; long-term consider finishing as a media or bunk room
  • Future possibilities include adding drywall, flooring, lighting, built-out closets, built-in beds and comfortable seating

– General Whole House Ideas (0% Complete) –

To do:

  • Upgrade all lighting to LEDs over time for efficiency
  • Replace outdated switchplates and outlets throughout the house
  • Slowly invest in higher-quality frames, drapes, bedding and curtain rods over time

– The Back Deck (20% Complete) –

To do:

  • Remove a large oak tree that threatened the foundation
  • Patch the deck hole left by the removed tree
  • Strip and re-stain or seal the deck
  • Replace rotten or warped boards
  • Add wide stairs from the deck that line up with future kitchen French doors
  • Consider building a pergola for shade and architectural interest
  • Create outdoor furniture for lounging and dining

– The Backyard (0% Complete) –

To do:

  • Clear random slate pieces, aerate and seed the lawn
  • Transplant existing plants for a better layout and privacy
  • Plant holly or other screening shrubs along the property line
  • Build a wooden playhouse tucked into the woods for Clara
  • Start an edible garden and add a swing set
  • Repair the cracked concrete walkway between garage and deck
  • Add tiered privacy plantings and hardscaping
  • Build raised planters and a patio area near the deck
  • Create a wooden lean-to hideaway and plant vines to grow over it
  • Build a wooden cover for the air conditioner

Don’t let the size of this list intimidate you—we genuinely enjoy the process of improving a home. For us, the journey of upgrading and decorating is more rewarding than rushing to finish everything. We focus on one project at a time, prioritize urgent safety repairs, and otherwise follow whatever we’re excited to tackle next. Right now we’re thinking about repainting the living room walls, whitewashing the fireplace, refinishing the deck, and updating the foyer light. How do you manage your own house project list—apps, handwritten lists, or a colorful spreadsheet?