Exciting times — Operation Ditch The Blue Trim is well underway. While we’re busy repainting trim on the second floor (four bedrooms, a long hallway, and at least ten doors), we wanted to share our master to-do list for the new house. If you’re curious about trim-painting photos and updates, we expect to finish that phase soon and will post a full report.
People kept asking how we organize everything, so here’s the rundown: one long living document that we update constantly. Sharing it publicly helps keep our momentum, and crossing items off gives a little thrill. This list will evolve as we go, but right now these are the projects rattling around in our DIY-loving brains.
– The Front Yard (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove fast-spreading ground cover
- Cut down trees that are dead or unsalvageable (inspector confirmed which ones)
- Aerate, level, and reseed the lawn
- Create planted beds up front, mulch and install new plants
- Repaint exterior siding and trim, and repair any rot
- Redo cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door with gentle curves and planting beds
- Add raised stone planting beds and other tasteful hardscaping
- Plant a few small green maples to add structure and scale
- Install exterior up-lighting for evening curb appeal
- Add low curved brick borders along the driveway with wired accent lighting
- Pave the driveway
– The Portico (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint the portico and address peeling paint
- Consider arching the portico ceiling to add height and charm
- Add coordinated planters, a new doormat, and updated porch lighting
- Paint the front door a bold color (leaning toward emerald or glossy red)
– The Garage (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint garage doors and add decorative hardware
- Install a pergola above the double doors and train vines over it
- Finish the interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage
- Repurpose salvageable kitchen cabinets for garage storage where possible
- Repair or rebuild the steps from garage to kitchen
- Build a rolling box for scrap wood storage
- Consider vintage lockers painted fun colors for organized storage
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet from the stairs
- Repaint blue trim and stair balusters
- Strip wallpaper and repaint walls
- Remove doors that block flow to the kitchen and future views
- Decide on stair gates and a runner after living in the space for a bit
- Replace or refurbish the foyer light fixture
- Repair or replace damaged tile as needed
- Convert the second closet into a craft and toy storage closet with shelves
– The Half Bathroom (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove wallpaper and repaint
- Repaint blue trim and door; upgrade hardware and hinges
- Replace the vanity and add a larger mirror
- Update lighting and consider replacing the floor tile if necessary
- Consider adding a tasteful new wallpaper since this powder room lacks a tub/shower
– The Dining Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and recoat the wood floors
- Refinish and possibly extend built-ins, then paint them
- Repaint all blue trim and strip wallpaper
- Upgrade lighting and window treatments
- Add furniture, rug, and artwork to complete the room
– The Living Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and recoat the wood floors
- Prime and paint bright pink walls to a softer palette
- Remove heavy curtains and paint the lower woodwork white
- Lighten the brick fireplace wall and plan a future re-tile or drywall/stone treatment
- Add more recessed lighting for even illumination
- Transform ceiling beams into a coffered ceiling
- Design or source a built-in-style TV cabinet that fits the room
– The Office (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove curtains and refinish the floors
- Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Create a double desk area and incorporate storage or built-ins around the bay window
- Add window treatments, hang art, and create a brainstorm area with a board
- Include large potted plants to bring life to the front windows
– The Kitchen (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Strip wallpaper and repaint; remove curtains
- Convert the large triple window into French doors to the deck
- Open the wall to the living room and add flanking built-ins
- Prime and paint the lower woodwork
- Complete a full kitchen renovation: new floors, cabinets, counters, appliances, and lighting
- Consider heated floors under new tile extending into foyer and hall bath
- Organize the pantry with pull-outs and containers; update the command center
- Paint new doors and add window treatments and pendant lighting
- Create a practical drop zone for coats and shoes, possibly in the garage
– The Sunroom (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet and padding and treat concrete to eliminate odors
- Stain or paint concrete as a first phase; later retile with durable outdoor stone
- Remove the broken base heater and rotten posts
- Convert the space into an open covered porch with new columns and no sliders
- Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint it a soft blue
- Consider building a brick outdoor fireplace off the sunroom in a later phase
– Our Bedroom (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace old carpeting with hardwoods
- Repaint trim, doors, ceilings, and walls
- Install built-ins along the window wall with integrated seating and storage
- Add a ceiling light fixture and consider a textured ceiling treatment
- Bring in art, curtains, and wood blinds for sun control
– Our Bathroom (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Fully renovate: expand the footprint, refresh floor tile, consider a tub and/or tiled shower, and possibly add a double sink
- Ensure window privacy with frosted glass or appropriate treatments
– Our Closet (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint trim, add a new light fixture, and build a custom organization system with drawers, shelves, and varied rod heights
– Upstairs Hallway (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods and replace or refresh hallway lighting
- Repaint blue trim and doors to glossy white; replace corroded hardware
- Convert the linen closet into built-in shelving or cabinets
- Install a smart thermostat, add crown molding, and consider wainscoting to break up the long run
– Clara’s Room (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods and repaint trim and doors
- Create built-ins or bookcases around windows and a bench seat in the closet nook
- Refinish dresser with new pulls, add crown molding and a ceiling light, plus blinds and curtains
– Spare Room / Possible Nursery (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and ceilings, and wait to finalize decor until the room’s purpose is clear
- Add crown molding, a ceiling light, and window treatments
– Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim and doors
- Bring in a bed and a desk that accommodates sewing and crafts
- Organize the closet with shelves and bins for craft supplies
- Add crown molding and a ceiling light
– The Hall Bathroom (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Complete overhaul: replace stained and cracked tile, update tub and fixtures, and choose a durable, timeless tile layout
– Laundry Nook (1% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods with washer protection, update doors for sound control, and replace appliances with efficient models
- Add counter space, cabinetry, a tile backsplash, and curated art and lighting to make it a pleasant utility area
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Use as storage for now, with future plans to finish the space as a media or bunk room: drywall, flooring, lighting, built-in beds, and closet solutions
– Whole House Ideas (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Upgrade all lighting to LEDs to save energy
- Replace outdated switchplates and outlets throughout the house
- Slowly invest in better frames, drapes, sheets, and hardware to elevate the home over time
– The Back Deck (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Power wash, stain/seal the deck, and replace rotten boards
- Remove a problematic oak tree whose roots threaten the foundation
- Build a pergola off the back of the house and construct outdoor furniture
– The Backyard (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove random slate paths, aerate, and reseed the lawn
- Transplant existing plants for a better layout and add privacy plantings
- Build a playhouse, plant an edible garden, install a swing set, and add raised planters and a patio area
- Repair the concrete walkway between the garage and deck and create a small hideaway with vines
- Build an attractive cover for the air conditioner
In short, we have big plans and a long list. We love the process of upgrading a home, and we try to take things one project at a time so it stays fun. Our current priorities to tackle before moving in include repainting second-floor trim and doors, installing new hardwoods in bedrooms and the hallway, replacing a few curtains, and removing several flow-blocking doors on the first floor. How do you organize your home projects? Do you use apps, notebooks, or sticky notes? We’d love to hear your approach.