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Listy VonListerson: Latest Update & New Features

These posts began after readers asked how we keep track of our long to-do list. We explained that we basically maintain one ongoing document that we update as projects progress. When we first shared this list in May, nothing had been crossed off yet. Several months and many small wins later, we were asked for an update. I couldn’t wait to cross things off—46 little victories later, it feels great. Lists are my weakness and crossing things off is oddly satisfying.

– The Front Yard (10% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove invasive ground cover that spreads quickly
  • Cut down trees that are dead or diseased (inspector confirmed)
  • Aerate, level, and reseed the lawn
  • Create planting beds in front, add mulch and new plants
  • Repaint exterior siding and trim where paint is peeling and wood is rotting
  • Replace the cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door with a curved path flanked by planting beds
  • Add raised stone beds or other hardscaping for curb appeal
  • Plant several small green maple trees for structure and interest
  • Install subtle exterior up-lighting for nighttime charm
  • Add low curved brick borders with wired lighting along the driveway
  • Pave the driveway

– The Portico (25% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Repaint the portico and sidelights
  • Consider arching the portico ceiling to create a more elegant entry
  • Add planters, a new doormat, and updated porch lighting
  • Paint the front door

– The Garage (0% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Repaint the garage doors and add hardware for depth
  • Install a pergola above the double doors with climbing vines
  • Finish the interior with drywall to create a workshop and perimeter storage
  • Repurpose kitchen cabinets for garage storage if they’re not salvageable
  • Repair or rebuild the four steps from garage to kitchen
  • Build a rolling box for scrap wood storage
  • Consider retro lockers painted in fun colors for additional 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 and refinish wood
  • Paint the blue trim in the foyer
  • Paint the stair balusters
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint the walls
  • Remove doors that block the flow into the kitchen to open the sightline
  • Decide later whether to add a stair runner
  • Update or repaint the foyer light
  • Repair or replace tile only if unsalvageable
  • Convert the extra foyer closet into a craft and toy storage closet with shelves

– The Half Bathroom (30% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove wallpaper
  • Repaint trim and door
  • Upgrade door hardware and hinges
  • Paint walls
  • Install a larger mirror
  • Paint the vanity with odor-blocking primer
  • Upgrade lighting
  • Replace the leaky faucet
  • Plan for a Phase 2 update: replace vanity and seashell sink, and possibly the tile floor
  • Consider adding tasteful wallpaper or a tiled accent wall since this room has no tub

– The Dining Room (5% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Clean and reseal the wood floors
  • Update the built-ins—remove ornate tops, consider extending to the ceiling and painting white
  • Paint all blue trim
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint walls
  • Upgrade lighting and window treatments
  • Add furniture, an area rug, and artwork

– The Living Room (5% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Clean and reseal the wood floors
  • Prime and paint the bright pink walls
  • Remove old curtains
  • Prime and paint the lower woodwork white
  • Whitewash the brick fireplace for a cozier look
  • Install gas logs as a Phase 2 upgrade
  • Add recessed lights for even illumination
  • Consider turning the exposed beams into a coffered ceiling
  • Build or find a built-in-style cabinet to house the TV

– The Office (7% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove old curtains
  • Clean and reseal the wood floors
  • Paint walls, trim, and ceiling
  • Add a double desk area and storage—built-ins around the bay window are an option
  • Bring in shelving, a file cabinet, and window treatments
  • Create a brainstorming wall with a cork or chalkboard
  • Add large potted plants near the front windows

– The Kitchen (3% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove old curtains
  • Strip wallpaper and paint
  • Convert the large triple window into French doors to the deck
  • Open the wall between the kitchen and living room and add built-ins on each side
  • Prime and paint the lower woodwork
  • Plan a full kitchen renovation: replace linoleum, damaged cabinets, laminate counters, lighting, and appliances
  • Consider heated floors under new tile, possibly extending into the foyer
  • Organize the pantry with pull-outs, bins, and a fresh door or frosted glass
  • Enhance the command center area opposite the triple windows
  • Choose a paint color for the new French doors and the sunroom door
  • Install an under-sink water filter
  • Add a pendant over the sink and a larger fixture for the eat-in area
  • Create a drop zone for coats and shoes, possibly in the garage

– The Sunroom (10% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove old carpet and padding
  • Remove the broken baseboard heater
  • Consider retiling the floor with outdoor-safe stone in Phase 2
  • Open the sunroom into an enclosed covered porch with new columns and replace failing sliders
  • Potentially add a brick outdoor fireplace adjacent to the sunroom
  • Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint it a soft blue for a classic porch feel

– Our Bedroom (10% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Replace old carpeting with hardwood floors
  • Repaint cream trim and doors
  • Install wood blinds on windows
  • Repaint ceilings and walls
  • Install built-ins with window seats and hidden storage along the window wall
  • Add a ceiling light fixture
  • Possibly add subtle textured wallpaper to the ceiling for interest
  • Bring in artwork, curtains, and finishing touches

– Our Bathroom (5% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove the glass shower door
  • Add privacy to the window (frosting or a treatment)
  • Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
  • Upgrade the mirror and lighting
  • Remove carpet in the sink area to prepare for tile
  • Plan a complete Phase 2 remodel to expand the footprint, replace worn blue hex tile, and create a cohesive space with a tub or tiled shower and double sinks

– Our Closet (0% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Repaint cream trim and paint walls and ceiling
  • Install a new light fixture
  • Remove the carpet to prepare for future tile so the bedroom wing has cohesive flooring
  • Design and build custom cabinetry with drawers, shelves, and varied hanging heights

– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint all blue trim and doors glossy white
  • Replace corroded hinges and doorknobs
  • Install a Nest thermostat
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Replace or refresh hallway light fixtures
  • Convert the linen closet into built-in open shelving or cabinets
  • Add crown molding and consider wood wainscoting to break up the long run of hallway

– Clara’s Room (20% Complete) –

To Do:

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

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

To Do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint mauve trim and doors
  • Add blinds and curtains when the room’s purpose is decided
  • Hold off on major decorating until the room has a defined use
  • Paint walls and ceiling, add crown molding and a ceiling fixture when ready

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

To Do:

  • Replace carpet with hardwoods
  • Repaint cream trim and doors
  • Paint walls and ceiling
  • Add a bed and a multifunctional dresser/desk for sewing and crafting
  • Build organized craft storage and shelving in the closet
  • 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 quick Phase 1 refresh
  • Plan a full Phase 2 remodel to address stained or cracked tile and leaking fixtures—consider slate herringbone, marble, or long rectangular tiles

– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Replace carpeting with hardwoods
  • Install washer-safe flooring under appliances
  • Completely redo with new doors, energy-efficient appliances, counters, and cabinets
  • Add a tile backsplash, art, and updated lighting to make it a pleasant utility space

– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Keep it as a large storage area for now
  • Long-term: add drywall, flooring, lighting, and finished closets
  • Eventually convert into a media or bunk room with built-in beds and comfortable seating

– General Whole House Ideas (0% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Gradually replace all lighting with LED fixtures
  • Replace old switchplates and outlets throughout the house
  • Upgrade frames, drapes, bedding, and curtain rods over time

– The Back Deck (20% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove a massive oak tree that threatened the foundation
  • Patch the deck where the tree stood
  • Strip, stain, and seal the deck
  • Replace rotten or warped boards
  • Add wide stairs that align with the future kitchen French doors
  • Build a pergola near the future door location
  • Build outdoor furniture like a dining table or lounge seating

– The Backyard (0% Complete) –

To Do:

  • Remove stray slate, aerate, and reseed the lawn
  • Transplant plants for better composition and move peonies to more thoughtful locations
  • Plant privacy holly bushes along the property line
  • Build a wooden playhouse tucked into the woods for Clara
  • Create an edible garden and add a swing set
  • Repair the cracked concrete walkway between the garage and deck
  • Plan tiered plantings, raised beds, hardscaping, and a patio area
  • Construct a wooden lean-to hideaway and plant vines for mystery and shade
  • Screen the air conditioner with a wooden cover

Don’t be overwhelmed by this long list—we genuinely enjoy the process of improving a home. For us, the journey of small projects and steady progress is more rewarding than the finish line. We tackle tasks based on mood and priority, addressing safety issues first. Right now we plan to repaint the living room walls, whitewash the fireplace, strip and restain the deck, and refinish the foyer light—those are coming up next. How do you manage your home projects—apps, a single running note, or a color-coded spreadsheet?