We thought it was a good time to update our to-do list (the original post is linked above) now that we’ve lived here five months and have crossed off several items — and added quite a few more. The list keeps evolving, which is part of the fun.
How we stay organized is simple: everything goes on one big list. We circle the small, immediate tasks, cross things off as they’re done, and underline long-term projects that require saving or more planning. Checking that underlined section keeps us motivated to save for bigger goals, and seeing the crossed-off items reminds us that small, manageable projects add up and keep the house feeling fresh.
Our approach isn’t complicated: write everything down, tackle the doable and inexpensive tasks first, and save the major undertakings for when the budget and commitment align. We usually pick projects based on mood unless something is urgent for safety or function. Below is the updated list with completed and newly added items marked in red.
To Do (But Not All At Once…):
- Find saturated or patterned fabric and make no-sew curtains for the living room, future dining room, office, playroom, hall sliders, and other rooms — maybe sew a few as well.
- Paint many rooms over time: dining room, office, small hallway, kitchen, playroom, sunroom, hall bathroom, guest bathroom, and others, following a whole-house color scheme we love.
- Gray-wash or otherwise update dark wood beams and trim to balance the room without overwhelming with white.
- Remove unnecessary bi-fold doors.
- Frost the side door window that faces the kitchen for privacy.
- Remove the built-in shelves next to the living room fireplace.
- Prime and paint the kitchen paneling — still deciding on a color.
- Redo the kitchen backsplash, shopping tile options from clearance and trusted vendors.
- Replace kitchen hardware, hunting local and online deals.
- Prime and paint the oak kitchen cabinets using our tested method; color undecided.
- Refinish and reupholster the Craigslist rocker we rescued.
- Replace numerous light fixtures around the house; we’ve already changed a few (master bedroom, nursery) and removed some awkward lights.
- Refinish all door handles, hinges, and doorknobs in oil-rubbed bronze.
- Frame out the mirror in the hall bathroom and paint the vanity.
- Hang a drapey curtain in front of the walk-in closet.
- Organize our closet and dresser and stop piling things on the floor — a long-overdue improvement.
- Improve the master sink nook (wallpaper, stencil, or paint) so it blends with the bedroom.
- Add window treatments in the master bathroom and other bathrooms; we’ve temporarily installed a mirror above the bedroom sink for privacy.
- Turn the area between the addition and the older section of the house into an outdoor cutting garden and alfresco dining spot near the kitchen.
- Build built-ins around the washer and dryer for mudroom function and replace upper cabinet doors with baskets or drop-down pulls.
- Paint the front door for a fresh curb appeal boost.
- Remove awkward mirrors and other odd fixtures that don’t function well with the rooms.
- Spray-paint or stain furniture legs and other small details for subtle updates — we used oil-rubbed bronze spray on some pieces.
- Frame the porch columns to give them a chunkier, simpler look instead of ornate profiles.
- Plant evergreen trees for privacy around the property; using smaller plants now should save money and require patience as they fill in.
- Improve curb appeal with landscaping upgrades and trim back trees that block views.
- Create mixed-and-matched white-frame “wallpaper” in the big hallway for visual interest.
- Paint the back of the future dining room built-ins a fun, bright color and add new hardware to lower cabinets.
- Replace the guest bathroom’s medicine cabinet with a charming mirror and fix odd towel bar placement in the hall bathroom.
- Hang a large grid of frames above the living room sectional and find affordable art solutions.
- Address ceiling details in the nursery and other rooms, and hang a ceiling medallion where needed to hide cracks.
- Update the master bathroom vanity base and remove bulky granite lip around the backsplash; we’ve already hung a new mirror and painted the walls.
- Paint the dark brick kitchen fireplace using our tested technique.
- Add crown molding in the guest room, playroom, and nursery.
- Stencil or wallpaper select areas for subtle pattern, possibly the office, hall bathroom, or playroom.
- Use chalkboard paint somewhere for a fun, practical touch for Clara.
- Stencil Clara’s closet and ceiling for a whimsical surprise.
- Build a DIY sandbox or shallow baby pool for Clara.
- Add organization to the laundry room wall — hooks for dog leashes, shoe storage, or a painted wall calendar.
- Make or find a long bench for the foot of the bed that better fits scale and color preferences.
- Find a vintage hanging chair for the sunroom and hang lanterns or paper pendants from the sunroom ceiling.
- Build a more formal compost bin and paint the rain barrel to help it blend into the yard, planting around it.
- Create raised beds for edible herbs, vegetables, and fruit.
- Make a beanbag or reading nook in Clara’s closet.
- Frame out the mirrored bathroom door for a more finished look.
- Add outdoor string lights and a swing from a backyard tree.
- Retrofit the playroom daybed for a pull-out trundle to allow extra sleeping space for kids’ sleepovers.
- Build a play kitchen and paint large canvases for color in unfinished rooms like the dining room, office, or playroom.
- Thrift or Craigslist bedside tables and refinish them for the master, aiming for hidden storage where possible.
- Recover the leather Parsons chair with a bright slipcover or reupholster it.
- Add patio lighting, path lights, and a clothesline for that fresh-linen smell.
Long-term Projects (Underlined):
- Create a 300-square-foot paver patio on the side of the house — a major outdoor improvement we’re excited about.
- Refinish the various wood floors throughout the house to one consistent shade for cohesiveness (mocha, dark brown, charcoal, or similar).
- Explore converting the kitchen fireplace to a double-sided unit that opens into the living room — consult a mason and get an estimate.
- Create a large, aligned opening between the kitchen and future dining room to take advantage of the dining room’s picture window.
- Build a custom island for the eat-in area of the kitchen near the fireplace.
- Convert the carport into an enclosed garage and choose a thoughtful garage-door design to add architectural interest.
- Add French doors between the future dining room and the office for charm and privacy.
- Replace flooring in the kitchen and mudroom/laundry room, considering cork for comfort and durability.
- Add a trellis arch around the new garage door and build a deck with help from family.
- Build Clara a swingset, consider a pool someday (a lofty idea), and possibly install a sunken trampoline.
Furnishings to Save For:
- A queen-sized bed for the master to replace sleeping on a mattress on the floor.
- A large charcoal U-shaped sectional for the living room when space and budget allow.
- Refinishable dressers for the master (we ended up inheriting a dresser and decided one dresser plus closet storage was enough).
- A larger TV stand or media center that fits the space better — ideally thrifted or DIY.
- Stools for the future kitchen island, reupholstered if needed.
- A round wooden pedestal table for the dining room and comfortable upholstered dining chairs.
- New shower curtains, towels, and accessories for guest and hall bathrooms.
- Energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen and possibly the laundry room, watching for great deals on scratch-and-dent or Craigslist finds.
- Patio furniture, planters, pillows, and a large wooden table for the deck — maybe even a Restoration-Hardware-style piece we build ourselves.
- A new console table for the entryway, a tall cabinet for the bedroom nook, and two statement chairs for the office to be refinished.
- The West Elm capiz chandelier we’re dreaming of for the future kitchen island.
We’ll tackle most of these projects over the next few years — our first house took 4.5 years to reach the finish line. We’ve learned to enjoy the process, take things one project at a time, and celebrate the small victories. Crossing things off the list feels great, and planning keeps us excited. Sometimes we jump from room to room to stay inspired; other times we focus on small details after a big project. Whatever comes next, we’ll share it: the good, the funny, and the imperfect moments.
Psst — check the linked floor plan and current house gallery in the original post to better visualize some of the major layout changes and completed projects mentioned above.