We updated our home to-do list after living here five months. We’ve crossed off several items and added a bunch more—typical for any ongoing renovation and decorating plan. Below is a cleaned-up, prioritized list of projects, ideas, and long-term goals that help us stay organized and excited about turning this house into our home.
Our process is simple: we write everything down in one master list, circle the small, immediate tasks, and underline the longer-term projects we want to save for. Crossing off smaller items keeps momentum, and revisiting the big plans helps us save and visualize the end result. We also tend to work on whatever we’re in the mood for, unless something becomes urgent for safety or function.
To Do (But Not All At Once…):
- DIY no-sew curtains for multiple rooms (living room, dining room, office, playroom, hall sliders) or sew them if time allows.
- Paint several rooms gradually: dining room, office, small hallway, kitchen, playroom, sunroom, hall bathroom, guest bathroom, and master bathroom as budget and mood allow.
- Gray-wash or refresh exposed beams and trim to balance large furniture and avoid visual overload.
- Prime and paint the kitchen paneling to modernize the space; decide on color after sampling.
- Redo the kitchen backsplash and replace kitchen hardware for an updated look.
- Prime and paint oak kitchen cabinets using proven cabinet-painting techniques.
- Refinish and reupholster a secondhand rocker we picked up long ago.
- Replace and update light fixtures throughout the house for style and efficiency.
- Refinish door hardware in oil-rubbed bronze for a cohesive finish across rooms.
- Frame the mirror and paint the vanity in the hall bathroom for a quick cosmetic upgrade.
- Add a drapey curtain to conceal the walk-in closet when desired and finish closet organization.
- Frost or add curtains to bathroom windows for privacy, and use mirrors creatively to block sightlines as needed.
- Create an outdoor cutting garden or alfresco dining spot near the kitchen for herbs and seasonal meals.
- Build built-in storage around the washer and dryer to add mudroom function and better organization.
- Paint the front door to boost curb appeal and make a welcoming entrance.
- Paint or refinish furniture legs and other small details (we used oil-rubbed bronze spray for subtle metallic accents).
- Frame porch columns to simplify ornate profiles into clean, chunky square posts.
- Plant evergreen trees around the property perimeter for privacy and year-round screening.
- Upgrade landscaping and hardscape to boost curb appeal and outdoor usability.
- Hang gallery-style frames and create inexpensive art solutions to personalize large walls.
- Update the master bathroom vanity base and continue improving the backsplash and mirror area.
- Paint the kitchen fireplace brick and explore other fireplace enhancements.
- Add crown molding where appropriate to elevate smaller rooms like the guest room, playroom, and nursery.
- Use stencils, wallpaper, or tone-on-tone patterns in select spaces such as the office or bathrooms for subtle interest.
- Chalkboard paint for a fun, functional surface for kids and family organization.
- Create play-focused features: a sandbox/baby pool, a play kitchen, a reading nook, or a beanbag in Clara’s closet.
- Install outdoor lighting, string lights, lanterns, and possibly a swing in the backyard to make outdoor living more inviting.
- Build practical outdoor elements like a compost bin, raised beds for an edible garden, and a screened rain barrel area.
Long-Term Projects (Savings & Planning Required):
- Refinish interior wood floors for a cohesive stain and finish throughout the house.
- Explore converting the kitchen fireplace to a double-sided feature that opens into the living room.
- Create a large, aligned opening between the kitchen and the future dining room to improve sightlines and flow.
- Design and install a custom kitchen island tailored to the eat-in area near the fireplace.
- Convert the carport into a garage and select an architectural garage door to enhance the facade.
- Add French doors between the dining room and the office for light, charm, and privacy.
- Replace flooring in high-traffic zones like the kitchen and laundry/mudroom with durable, comfortable materials (cork is a consideration).
- Build a deck, swingset, and other family-focused outdoor features when budget and time allow.
- Consider future landscaping and structural changes such as roofline adjustments or creative yard elements like a sunken trampoline or a pool, weighing cost and feasibility carefully.
Furnishings to Save For:
- A comfortable queen bed and frame for the master bedroom.
- A large sectional for the living room to define seating and accommodate family time.
- One or two dressers, refinishable finds from thrift stores or Craigslist for budget-friendly storage.
- A larger TV stand or media center, ideally thrifted or DIY-built to fit the room proportions.
- Area rugs to anchor seating zones and the master bedroom—measurements and textures to be decided based on layout.
- Counter stools for a future island; consider inexpensive stools that can be reupholstered.
- A durable outdoor dining table for a future deck, possibly a DIY build to save cost and customize scale.
- Patio furniture, planters, and textiles to make outdoor spaces comfortable and usable.
- A standout light fixture for the kitchen island and a tall armoire or cabinet for a bedroom nook.
We expect this work to unfold over several years—our first house took 4.5 years to feel finished—so we’re in no rush. We enjoy the process, alternating between big projects and smaller wins to keep things fun. Crossing items off the list brings real satisfaction, and revisiting long-term ideas keeps us motivated to save and plan wisely. We’ll continue sharing progress, surprises, and lessons as we go.