I’m not going to lie. These days this is pretty much all I want to do (add Burger, Clara, and John in there and I’m even more mooney-eyed and kissy-faced). But to everyone who requested an updated Listy post, I finally got ‘er done. We last shared our to-do list in November, so this check-in is well overdue – and I figured it could make us feel somewhat accomplished just to look at all the stuff we’ve crossed off since then. Picture me making Zoro-esque slicing sound effects with every slash (Teddy thought it was hilarious).
These posts were born when people asked how we organize all the stuff on our to-do list and I explained that we basically have one long run-on document that we update as we go. They said “share it!” and I said “done” and now we post it three or four times a year, just to see where we’re going and to take a second to soak up what we’ve accomplished. The bonus side effect is that looking at all of those not-crossed-off-yet bullets helps to get our brains going so we can plan the next few projects we want to tackle. Plus we get to snap some updated photos. Like a few spring-y outdoor shots like this.
– The Front Yard (20% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove the trees that are dead/decaying/diseased beyond repair (an arborist and a home inspector helped confirm which ones should go)Get all exterior siding and trim repainted (there’s peeling paint, some rot, etc)Dig up all the quickly spreading ground cover(we still have some mulch beds to tackle, but the parts we graded and seeded are groundcover free)Aerate, level, and seed the yard- Make planting beds up front and mulch and plant them
- Transplant some of the crowded/overlapping boxwoods on either side of the portico (around the back or into other planting beds out front?)
- Redo old cracked concrete walkway from the driveway to the front door (add curves and pretty planting beds on both sides)
- Add some nice hard-scaping around the front (we’re so inspired by this house’s landscaping – so we’d love to add some raised stone beds)
- Plant a few green dwarf maples (it’s our favorite thing that we planted one at our previous house – you can see it in this post under the window on the right)
- Add low curved brick borders on either side of the driveway wired with lights (some of the houses nearby have ‘em and we love them)
- Get the driveway paved
– The Portico (30% Complete) –
To Do:
Repaint the portico and sidelights (peeling paint = everywhere)Paint the front door- Arch the portico ceiling (it’s low and one house up the street has an arched ceiling with a gorgeous hanging lantern)
- Paint and panel the front triangle thing once we arch it (or before? the gray triangle just feels flat lately)
- Add a few planters,
a new double-wide door mat, new porch lighting, etc
– The Garage (3% Complete) –
To Do:
Change out the tiny/rusty light over the garage doors(we attempted this, hence the 3% ranking, but we’re not sold, so we might replace them)- Repaint garage doors and add some nice hardware to beef them up
- Add a pergola over the double garage doors with vines creeping over it
- Finish the interior of the garage with drywall to create a workshop on one side and storage around the perimeter (add pegboards, shelving for paint and tools, etc)
- Reuse kitchen cabinets in the garage (they’re dinged up in a bunch of spots around the doors and frames, but would be great for the garage)
- Redo the four steps that lead from the garage to the kitchen (remove old carpeting and paint them? rebuild them completely?)
- Build a box on casters for scrap wood storage in the garage (we need a system to keep it from being all over the place)
- Maybe we should get old lockers and paint them fun colors and remove some of the doors for storage? (love these!)
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink out there (we’ve always wanted one in our “workshop”)
– The Foyer (80% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove the doors that block the flow into the kitchen (and the pretty view out the back windows that will someday be french doors)Paint blue trim, doors, and sidelights
Remove wallpaper and repaint the wallsReplace the old foyer lightTurn the extra toy closet in the foyer into a craft and toy closet for ClaraRepaint the foyer ceilingDeal with the grout that haunted my dreams- Replace tile? (only if it’s unsalvageable – there are a few areas where it’s pretty beat up)
- Turn the other foyer closet into a shoe/coat closet with some functional built-ins
– The Stairs (90% Complete) –
Remove the old carpet from the wood stairsPaint blue railing spindles and trimStain the top rails dark to match the runnerPaint the walls and ceilingPaint the stair risersInstall new striped runner with a rug pad under it- Hang some art
- Possibly hang a big chandelier overhead since the ceiling is so lofted above the top of the stairs
– The Half Bathroom (35% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove wallpaperRepaint all blue trim (and door)Upgrade door hardware & hingesPaint wallsNew mirror (something larger and higher – John can only see up to his shoulders now)Paint vanity (use odor blocking primer)Upgrade lightingReplace leaky faucet- Replace vanity & seashell sink (Phase 2) Note: We like to live with kitchens and bathrooms (and give them smaller budget-friendly updates) for at least a year before doing any major gut-jobs or renovations (this helps us get a better feel for how we use the space, and allows us to save our pennies for something thoughtful that we won’t regret (more on that here)
- Replace unsalvageable tile floor? (Phase 2)
- Here’s a shocker since this house is covered with old wallpaper, but we’re actually flirting with adding some cool new wallpaper since there’s no tub/shower in there (grass cloth? something charming like this or this?). Could be fun! Or a tiled accent wall… (Phase 2)
– The Dining Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
Clean and reseal the wood floors- Upgrade built-ins (remove scrolly tops? build up to ceiling? paint white?)
- Paint all of the blue trim
Remove the wallpaper- Repaint the walls
- Upgrade lighting and curtains
- Add
furniture, a rug (?) and art
– The Living Room (10% Complete) –
To Do:
Clean and re-seal the wood floorsPrime and paint the bright pink wallsTake down the old curtainsWhitewash the brick fireplace wall- Prime and paint the thick woodwork that wraps around the bottom half of the room’s walls (we LOVE it, and think it’ll be gorgeous in white)
- Figure out window treatments (bamboo blinds + curtains? printed roman shades?)
- Add more recessed lights to evenly light the room (there are just three near the fireplace)
- Turn the overhead beams into a coffered ceiling (like this)
- Build/find a nice big built-in-looking cabinet that holds the TV?
- Get gas logs after we save up our bucks (Phase 2)
- Add stacked stone or built-in molding around the fireplace? (Phase 2)
– The Office (20% Complete) –
To Do:
Take down the old curtainsClean and re-seal the wood floorsPaint all the blue trim, baseboard, crown, etc (66 window mullions = yikes)Paint the walls and ceilingAdd a double deskthat J & and I can share somewhere (we’re about halfway through this one, hence half the cross out)- Bring in more storage (bookcase, file cabinet, craft/photography zone, etc)
- Get good desk chairs
- Add curtains/window treatments
- Hang art & create a brainstorm-zone on the walls (bulletin board? chalkboard?)
- Make sure there’s a kid zone for Clara and Teddy (we have a table for them, but we want to update that area)
- Get a big cozy rug
Add two large potted plants (lemon trees? fiddle leaf figs?)
– The Kitchen (35% Complete) –
To Do:
Take down the old curtainsRemove the wallpaperRemove shelves thank flank the sink window and add shelves thereMove the cabinet over the fridge forward so it’s accessibleGet a table for the eat-in areaPaint the wallsUpdate the old kitchen lights(although we’re still on the fence about the pendant near the stove, so that might end up in our bedroom)Paint the pantry door and the door to the garagePrime and paint the woodwork and trimPaint/stain the cabinets(they’re too beat up to keep forever, but they’ll eventually end up in the garage when we do a full kitchen reno)Remove almond microwave over stove and add an inexpensive vent (put microwave in pantry)Update the old almond fridge and dishwasher with affordable fixes (appliance paint and a panel change-out)Organize the pantry (prime & paint it, add shelves & baskets, etc)Update the old counters with concrete & seal them
- Update the old floors with peel & stick tile like our first kitchen (this would be the end of Phase 1)
- Full kitchen reno for Phase 2 (new heated tile floors, new cabinets, new counters, new appliances, backsplash tile, etc)
- Convert giant triple window behind table into french doors leading onto the deck
- Open the wall between the kitchen & living room and add built-ins on either side (sort of like the dining room built-ins in our last house)
- Further pimp the pantry with pull out drawers (and replace the door with frosted glass?)
- Amp up the “command center” area across from the triple windows
- Paint the new kitchen french doors and door to the sunroom (black? charcoal? soft turquoise? white?)
– The Sunroom-Turned-Veranda (80% Complete) –
To Do:
Rip up old carpet and paddingPermanently remove the broken base heaterConvert sunroom to an open covered porch with new columns and no more sliders (many of the sliders are bad and the posts are rotten)Loft the ceilingAdd beadboard to the ceiling and paint it soft blueRedo the electrical to get two fans in therePaint all the trim, window trim, walls, and the french door into the living roomRetile the floor with outdoor-safe stone to upgrade the old concrete floors so they’re less slick, more level, and less stained- Add sconces to the posts around the room
- Build a box to hide the wires that creep down the brick wall near the french door
- Furnish the room with deck-friendly outdoor furniture
- Build a brick outdoor fireplace off of the sunroom after we open it up? Kind of like this, but different…
– Our Bedroom (15% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint all of the cream trim and doors white
Add faux wood blinds to all windows for privacy/light blocking
Repaint the walls- Repaint the ceiling (or even plank it or wallpaper it like this for texture?)
- Possibly add built-ins along the entire bed wall so there’s a nook for the bed to tuck into? Or some sort of window seats? More built-in storage would be great.
- Add a ceiling light fixture (there’s nothing in there)
- Bring in art, curtains, etc.
- Add a fireplace (this is a Candice Olson inspired pipe dream)
– Our Bedroom Sink Nook (50% Complete) –
Rip up the carpet in sink area (we didn’t put hardwoods there because we eventually want to tile it)Replace the mirror over the sink for something biggerPaint the walls and the trim and the ceilingStencil and seal the subfloor (to tide us over until Phase 2)Add some simple shelves to the empty side of the vanity for balanceStain/paint the vanity and add new hardware- Phase 2 (a full reno where we knock down a wall and combine the bathroom with this sink nook area)
– Our Bathroom (30% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove the glass shower doorBring privacy to the window with some blinds
Remove the wallpaperPaint the walls and trim and ceiling- Replace the bathroom mirror & upgrade the lights
- Completely redo our attached bath down the line for Phase 2 (the fun blue hex floor tile is in rough shape and we want to expand the footprint into the sink nook area so it’s all one space (soaker tub? tiled shower as well? double sink? should be fun!)
– Our Closet (40% Complete) –
To Do:
Repaint all of the cream trimPaint the walls and ceilingRip up the carpet and stencil the subfloorPhase 2 (we’ll either extend the tile from the bathroom or the hardwoods from the bedroom into here, just have to decide if we’re moving the door or not)- New light fixture
- Organize/build out/pimp the entire space (we’re envisioning cabinetry with drawers, shelves, rods at different heights, etc)
-Upstairs Hallway (75% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint all of the blue trim and doors glossy whiteGet all new hinges and door knobs (they’re not only bright brass, many of them are rusted/corroded so they can’t just be sprayed)Upgrade to a Nest thermostat (we hear nothing but great things about them, and John is drooling for one)Stain/paint the bannister and postsPaint the walls and ceilingReplace the old hallway lights- Convert hallway linen closet into built-in open shelves or cabinets with shelves over them (sort of like this?)
- Add crown molding
- Maybe add thick wood wainscoting (like we have in the kitchen and living room) to the upstairs hallway to break up the long space?
- Hang art
– Clara’s Room (90% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint all of the blue trim and doorsAdd window blinds & curtainsPaint the walls and ceilingMake a canopy wall for Clara’s bed (with lights)Paint the door to her closet bright pinkAdd crown moldingHang art & bring in things like her play kitchen when the crib moves to the nursery- Make her deep sloped ceiling-ed closet into a little playhouse within her room
- Add a ceiling light fixture (boo! there’s nothing in there!)
– Nursery (90% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint all of the mauve trim and doorsAdd wood blinds (for light blocking) and hang curtainsFurnish the room (rug, bring in crib, changing area, toy zone, chair for nursing, etc)Make built-ins on either side of the crib (to accommodate a future twin bed lengthwise or full/queen widthwise)Add crown moldingRepaint the walls and ceilingMake a crib skirt and a mobile, hang art, etcPaint the door a fun color like Clara’s (green?) and organize the closet- Add a ceiling light fixture (boo! there’s nothing in there!)
- Finishing touches (line the curtains with blackout fabric, get a changing pad cover, add something on the crib wall, etc)
– The Guest Bedroom (12% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsRepaint all of the cream trim and doorsOrganize the closet that’s overflowing with gift wrapping supplies, fabric & sewing stuff, crafts, etc.Clear out all the junk in this room since it sort of exploded when we tackled the nursery(we got this done 48 hours before Teddy was born, just in time for Nonna’s arrival)- Paint the walls and ceiling
- Add crown molding
- Add a ceiling light fixture (nope, there’s nothing in there either!)
- Bring in
a bedand a dresser/desk that can accommodate my sewing machine so this room can multi-task (it has the prettiest view/light – I’d love to creep in there and sew on Sunday afternoons)
– The Hall Bathroom (8% Complete) –
To Do:
- Paint
the door andtrim - Paint the walls and ceiling
- Replace the faucets
and mirrorsand lights for a mini-update (Phase 1) - A complete redo is in order (Phase 2) since the old tile is stained/cracked and the tub & fixtures leak. Maybe we’ll do herringbone slate? Marble? Extra long rectangles of tile like this?
– Laundry Nook (20% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove old carpeting and install hardwoodsReplace the washer & dryer with something more energy efficient down the line(the washer died on this, so we tackled this faster than we thought)Lay something under the washer and dryer(we used wood planks that we stained and sealed like we did at our last house to add stability and blend in with the hardwoods)- Completely redo the nook (new doors for noise control, new cabinets/shelving – or more cabs/shelves if we re-use the existing ones)
- Add a swanky tile backsplash and some great art/lighting (I want to make it a fun little surprise jewel box at the end of the hallway)
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To Do:
- This will serve as an awesomely large storage room for a while (we have no current need for additional finished rooms), but down the line we’d love to finish it – maybe as a movie room / bunk room for older kiddos? This’ll be waaay down the line, but we dream of:
- Adding drywall
- Getting flooring
- Adding lighting
- Possibly enlarging the windows to let in more light
- Building out the closets (so there’s still some storage under the eaves)
- Furnishing the space with built in beds, a TV, a big sectional for lounging, etc – wahoo!
– General Whole House Ideas (7% Complete) –
To Do:
- Slowly upgrade all lights in the house to LEDs to save energy
- Replace all of the gold/wallpapered/off-white switchplates and outlets in the house (we’ve replaced around 50% of them so far)
- Upgrade to nicer frames, drapes, sheets, and curtain rods over time (they’re not cheap, but we’d love to be “grown ups” someday – even if it takes us 10 years or so to get there!)
– The Back Deck (50% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove the giant oak tree that’s practically growing into the housePatch the deck hole after the tree is removedStrip and stain/seal the entire deckReplace any rotten/ warped boards as we go
- Add double wide stairs off the back of the deck that line up with the new french doors that we’ll add off of the kitchen
- Possibly build a pergola for more architecture and shade off of the back of house where the future kitchen french doors will be (square to the sunroom)?
- Build outdoor furniture like a table or lounge chairs for the deck
– The Backyard (15% Complete) –
To Do:
Remove random slate pieces from the backyardAerate or level the yard
Seed the yard in the fallPlant large holly bushes for privacy from the other houses that our wooded lot backs up to- Transplant a few things for a better layout, like the pretty peony bushes in the middle of nowhere (not pictured)
- Reseed again in the spring/fall
- Build a swing set
- Plant an edible garden (not sure what the deer won’t eat, so I’ll have to do some research)
- Redo the old cracked concrete walkway between the garage and the deck
- Add more privacy plantings around the rest of the yard – tiered trees, bushes, and flowers (we plan to save up for these and add more each year)
- Build some raised planters and hardscaping
- Possibly add a patio area somewhere around the deck?
- Make a wooden lean-to in the corner of the backyard with Clara and then plant some vines to grow around it to make a cool little hideaway
- Build an air conditioner cover with wood boards like this
Whenever we share this list people wonder how we choose what to do next or know what order to tackle stuff in. We just do whatever sounds fun and whatever works with our current budget (barring anything that needs to be moved to the top of the list for safety or other extreme-urgency reasons). We jump around a lot, which seems to keep our momentum up, so instead of being so sick of doing small updates to the kitchen for ten weeks in a row we painted/stained the cabinets over the holidays and recently dove back in to update the counters with Ardex. As for what’s next on the list, we’re hoping to:
-
- continue adding storage/function in the freshly painted office
- finish up the nursery
- organize and paint the guest room
- nix the blue trim in the dining room
- get back outside and do some privacy planting as soon as it’s a tiny bit warmer
What does your to-do list look like these days? Is it super long and detailed? All in your head? Just a few “on deck tasks” to keep you from getting overwhelmed? For some weird reason I feel more in control when I write it all down (just to get it out of my head I think) and then John and I can zero in on a few “next projects” and push the rest into the backs of our minds.
Mary Beth says
I have to say, you guys are unreal. I cannot believe what you’ve taken on and how much you’ve accomplished all while settling in and expecting #2!
You are my inspiration.. as a mother of 3 who stays at home, if you guys can do all this, SO CAN I!
The place looks amazing and you should be super proud.
xoxo
MB @ http://www.hystericallyeverafter.com
Mary Beth says
oh PS – is it weird that my favourite room in your entire house is your front hall? LOL… THAT LIGHT! sigh.
Pam the Goatherd says
Mary Beth, I sigh with pleasure at that entryway/foyer/front hall, too. It’s so airy and fresh and welcoming…
bridget b. says
thanks for the update. looking forward to the journey of seeing it all play out.
can you please share where the two wall mirrors in the hall bathroom are from?
thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Those were from HomeGoods a little while ago.
xo
s
Megan says
Just gotta say, if you guys wanted to go ahead and leave out anything home related for the next oh, couple months or so, and just post family pictures, I wouldn’t have any complaints. :) (Although your list is quite impressive already! You two are my inspiration!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Megan!
xo
s
Julie says
haha I totally agree with Megan. I think I’ve come across the picture of you and Teddy at least 5 times (through Facebook, Instagram, your website, etc) and each time I stare at him and squeal to myself about how cute he is.
Sherri says
The two rooms with the most progress are for Clara and Teddy, and that says so much about the focus in your life overall! Awesome progress so far! :)
Heidi says
I can’t wait to see what you do with that bonus room above the garage! We attempted to restain our patio furniture turquoise and it was a disaster! Luckily, with only about 10 hours worth of sanding it down, it’s looking much better.
http://www.krusesworkshop.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-not-to-refresh-your-outdoor-patio.html
YoungHouseLove says
So glad it’s looking better!
xo
s
kdub says
love the idea of turning that storage room into a movie room. i’ve always dreamed of having one!
Melanie says
Ahhh Sherry thanks so much for sharing. I personally love the giant Listy Von Listerstein. When my fiancee and I started tackling our new home – his Grandparents old 1951 house – the first thing I did was start to make our own Listy Von List (for short) and it’s been amazing not to only keep track of what to do next (and we’ve had a LOT to do) but also becuase it feels so darn satisfying to watch things get crossed off! And Teddy is as precious as can be, congratulations :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that. Good luck with everything Melanie!
xo
s
Alyson says
Yay! I love that this list is so long and some things are still so incomplete! I look forward to all the DIY you have in the future. :)
Mary says
Thanks for the updates! I have a random question….the changing pad in Teddy’s room…is that attached to the furniture in any way? Trying to figure out a way to affix ours without damaging th dresser. Thanks! And congrats on your new addition!
YoungHouseLove says
That came with a snapping system to secure it to the back of the desk (here’s an old post with those details in it). Very convenient! It was from Buy Buy Baby, although you might be able to sew some strong tabs on and make your own.
xo
s
Haley says
We bought one from WalMart that has some kind of no slip bottom and it just sits on the dresser. With any weight on the pad, it won’t really move. I’m not sure how this would work if the child was rolling while strapped in, but I’d imagine you’re within a step of your child whenever you change them so it shouldn’t really be a problem.
Becky says
Mary, We use a rug pad cut down to size underneath our changing pad (it’s on a dresser) without any issues. Doesn’t slip or slide. It of course isn’t bolted down, but I don’t walk away during diaper changes anyway so I just needed it to not slip and slide all over. We did this thru our first (so 2 years) and never had a problem with it and it always held up!
Kate says
Do you really need to affix the changing pad to the dresser? I never did for any of my kids – you do not leave them there unattended anyway. If it is sliding around you could just get the rug liner as mentioned or there are those rubber cabinet liners that will give it enough grip.
Lydia K says
Man. I’ve been in my home a year and a half now and most rooms still look like we’ve just moved in. You guys are so inspiring. Keep up the amazing work, and congrats on your newest little family member!! <3
J.E. says
Your home is lovely and congrats on new baby! He is adorable!
I have a thing for foyers (my favorite room in a house) and what you see right when you walk into someones home. It sets the first feelings I think. Is your office right off the foyer and is so will you put doors up? You have a nice office and not bad to look at!! I live in a traditional older home with living/dining room off foyer…maybe i am biased! I know most people think living rooms are not functional anymore:) I just tend to be messy with my office!:) Just curious!
Thanks! Love your blog and sweet family!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, the office is on the left as you enter and the dining room is on the right. We’d love to add french doors or something down the line!
xo
s
Kathy says
Wait. That sounds backwards. When you walk in through the front door, the the office is on the right and the dining room is on the left. Correct?
rachael says
I thought the office was on your right when you enteresd the front door? :) baby braaaain!
Amber says
I think that’s reversed- office on right and dining room on left? I think it’s time for a nap with Teddy :)
I agree with the comment above that you could just skip DIY posts for a while and just show pics of the family. Y’all are so precious!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re right! I was facing the door when I thought about it, but when you enter it’s office on the right. Time for a nap! Haha!
xo
s
Lindsey P says
Just an FYI, the deer will eat everything. Don’t even bother trying to figure out what they will/won’t eat or the “tips and tricks” that some places will tell you about (cayenne pepper, wind chimes, fabric softener, or sprays) won’t work for long. You’ll need a fence if you want to be eating your own veggies instead of feeding them. Sad but true!
Kaitie says
The year my dad gave up was the year he had a 6 foot net fence around the whole garden and the deer STILL got in.
Julie J says
Growing up in MN our garden was in a planter box which had a frame around it and the entire thing was enclosed (sides and top) with chicken wire. It worked pretty well. Maybe something to consider?
YoungHouseLove says
Love that idea!
xo
s
Katie says
I cannot confirm if this is true, but I just heard on this morning’s radio program that dog fur can be used to deter pests (squirrels, chippies, deer).
Apparently fur solely from your own dog will not work; the pests are used to smelling your dog. The lady who was on the radio has been a dog groomer for 40+ years and figured out through trial-and-error that a mix of dog furs from multiple dogs will deter pests.
Here’s a link to the blog with more information. I don’t think they’re a huge operation yet; they are working with area groomers to get enough fur. http://doglessdoghair.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/dog-fur-to-drive-away-pests-from-your-garden/
P.S. – nope, don’t have any affiliation with this operation; just thought it was interesting to share given your deer challenges.
-Katie.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Katie! Sounds intriguing!
xo
s
Lindsay says
Looking great! We are currently finishing the unfinished 2nd floor in our cape with a looming deadline of August 16… when our first baby is due. Yikes! Hoping to see walls go up next week. It has been fun watching your pregnancy and I love that Teddy was born on my birthday :)
Also, the OCD in me cannot wait for the phase 1 sticky tile floor in the kitchen. It will be amazing!
J.E. says
French doors will be lovely!
Theresa says
I’d like to suggest a map wallpaper in the half bath. We did one of New York City and we get compliments on it all the time and there is always “reading” material in there for our guests and us. I’ve had ours up for five years and I still love looking at it; just one wall with a complimentary paint on the other walls. Happy baby snuggling.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds fun!
xo
s
Brynn says
If I may make a (totally selfish) request….PLEASE do the planked ceiling in your master. I’ve been contemplating the same treatment (T&G planks + some sort of crown, painted a nice semigloss white the same color as the rest of our trim) for our living room, dining room, and a guest room. We’ve got some unfortunate popcorn ceilings and I think this would be an awesome way to clean everything up. Only problem is we’re scared! Mostly scared that our arms would fall off tackling something like this. So, uh, yeah, I want you to try it first and confirm that we can do this project and come out on the other side with our arms still functional. Ha!
Also, isn’t it so sweet to see “Clara and Teddy” in some of your notes? You’re a legit family of 4 (+ burger). I’m expecting our second this fall, so perhaps I’m extra sentimental about that stuff now. Congrats you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Brynn! A planked ceiling would definitely be fun for the bedroom.
xo
s
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
Coming along!! It’s amazing to see the progress. I’ve gotta say, I’m totally smitten with your stair runner and open foyer. We’re in the process of house shopping right now for a new place, and an open foyer is at the top of the list :)
Shannon says
Good Morning from Cali! I had a question about light switch plates. You mentioned you had replaced about 50% of the old ones so far. I was wondering if you have dabbled in the land of decorative switch plates? I have some that I love, but the idea of a white light switch through the beautiful chrome or aged metal plate bothers me to no end!
Congrats to you and your family. You guys brighten my day for sure. :)
YoungHouseLove says
I know what you mean! I think that’s one of the reasons we like simple white plates and switches/outlets, just so they’re not focal points but they still feel fresh and updated.
xo
s
Jenny says
What are you guys thinking for paving your driveway? Cement, asphalt or other?
I have a gravel driveway now and didn’t think it was a big deal until we ended up with 80 inches of snow and I discovered gravel is difficult to shovel.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, that’s what frustrates us about gravel (weeds, hard to shovel, hard to rake leaves out of it, etc). I have been seeing a lot of pretty combo drives (with pavers and grass or pavers and cement or pavers and asphalt) so I think we’re still debating…
xo
s
Steph says
Wow! What a list. You guys make me feel bad about myself. My list looks like this right now.
-Get through the work day
-Get home
-Ignore all the things I could be doing to make this place better
-Cook dinner
-Wish my mom would come cook my dinner.
-Curl up in a ball and watch TV.
-Sleep
Realistically, I want to paint but I can’t wrap my mind around doing it myself. It feels like too much effort.
I think I just may be lazy. Or I should have been a cat.
Kati @ This Wandering Life says
Thumbs up to this. This is my list!
Cami says
Hey, I think maybe we are twins. I love painting but I put it off in the exact same way!
Bethany says
Yes to this list. It was always my childhood dream to be a cat. I’m still disappointed that didn’t work out for me.
Silke says
I second that! Get through work, get home, watch my husband cook dinner (guilty), sometimes go walking at the ponds, curl up and fall asleep in front of the TV.
I do wonder where you guys get the energy!
Diana says
Exciting to see all you’ve accomplished and all you plan to do! I keep a list on my phone but our to-dos aren’t nearly as long as yours since we’ll likely be moving within 3 years.
Sarah says
This would be time consuming to set up, but it would be awesome to be able to click on the crossed out items and see the posts that covered those projects. I don’t want to cut into baby snuggle time, but maybe something for the future.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah! You can check out a bunch of links to almost every project we’ve tackled here on our House Tour page for this house (it still has to be updated, but it’s somewhat up to date). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Aurélie says
This is a dream house, it is so lovely, it has so much potential! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Meagen C says
I really feel like for the nursery, you should have added “Have Teddy,” which obviously when checked off would have pushed your percentage up over 95% completion for that room.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Kaesey says
Wow, you’ve done so much already! With a little kids in tow, to boot. =) I think your front hall is still my favorite upgrade, although that’s tied with your deck/outdoor room, and both are due to wishful thinking on my part!
You ask if your readers are checking things off the list: Yes! Slowly. I finally finished up the hall nook with a bright red painted dresser with vintage-style knobs (take a peek here: http://kaesey.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/lady-in-red/) and am now searching for runners for the hallway. Black and white, or an oriental with red in it? The pantry and its peeling paint is next. I read your latest post on sealing your kitchen counters with great interest! =) Could be a good way to update our kitchen and pantry space without actually gutting the place.
Hmm, that reminds me: Any tips survival tips for renovating a space while still living in it?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post about that for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/diying-vs-living-in-your-home-enjoying-it/
xo
s
Kaesey says
Thanks! I get the part about patience and not rushing; that’s good advice. I think I’m more worried about not having a fridge or a toilet for a while, tho! Did you ever move out for a week or a few days while some major job was going on?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve always had a toilet (our first house had one and a half baths, so we redid the shower and were without that for a while but always had that other toilet) but we’ve gone without a working kitchen for a few renos (the thing about a fridge and microwave is that you can plug them in another room and still use them, you just don’t have a kitchen sink or stove to cook/clean with usually – so that’s a challenge). As for not having a shower, we used the gym shower and John’s sister’s shower for a week or so (it stunk, but we lived to tell the tale) and we also cooked a lot in the microwave for our kitchen renos. Never moved out, but we’ve timed things like floor refinishing for when we’d be gone on a family gathering so it could air out/dry while we weren’t there.
xo
s
Kaesey says
Thanks, Sherry. I’ll stop pestering you so you can get back to that adorable baby! =)
Diana says
We’re about to have that same problem…complete gut & redo of our only bathroom. The plan is to have the toilet back in the same day…but these things rarely go according to plan!!
Silke says
We have lived in our new house for SIX months (including a summer) without a shower. We both bike to work so we get to shower there, but (long) weekends were def. a challenge. Sometimes we went to a friend’s house or we’d leave a bit early on a family gathering to get ready there. So glad to have it working now, it was our gift to each other for new year’s :)
Blakely says
Love Listy updates! I just wanted to offer some unsolicited advice: I think those boxwoods by the front door are SO charming just as they are and I know y’all kind of prefer more sparse plant beds but I believe it will look so holey with some gone! Also, wanted to leave this with you for your consideration: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22060754/list/How-to-Build-a-Greener-Driveway
Mostly because I think it would make the house look even swankier!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Blakely! We love the boxwoods around the house, but in a lot of places they’re two or three deep, so we think spacing them out might give us more boxwood for our buck. As for the driveway, I love that link. So inspiring! We’re definitely open to something with pavers or grass in the mix.
xo
s
Janet says
Your kids’ rooms are so fantastic, I fall in love with them again and again every time you post photos of them. Color choices, accessories, organization, everything. Awesome!
Elizabeth L-A says
I loved this post! It’s so great to see what you’ve accomplished, but super exciting (as a loyal reader) to see all the ideas that lie ahead!!! Thanks for continuing to let us all into your family life, and for always keeping it real.
Cassandra says
Do the previous owners follow your temps? Do you hear from them at all? It’s already so changed! Congratulations on Teddy’s arrival! My April baby girl arrived on the 11 after an extended stay. I know exactly how moony faced you are :)
YoungHouseLove says
We have recently heard from the original owners which is so exciting! Hope to write a post about that soon (we LOVED hearing from the original owners of our first house- it’s one of our favorite posts in the archives).
xo
s
Rosemary says
I’d love to read the post about the original owners of your first house. Can you link it here?
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s that post! It was so much fun to hear from them (and see old photos!).
xo
s
Gena says
I love the fan in the nursery! Where is that from?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a Hunter fan from Bed Bath & Beyond a while back (used to be in our bedroom, we just stole it for him).
xo
s
Lauren says
If you are looking to pad the stats a little bit, you could always add “Have Baby” to the nursery list ;) Check!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha!
xo
s
Jess says
Silliest question ever – for the office the desk in the middle of the room, what did you guys do for a plug? LOL We have 9 month old twins and the wires are seriously becoming a problem because they don’t like the word no yet :) We have a sofa table and a desk in my office in the middle of the room and the wires drive me crazy!! Any suggestions or is my only option to put wall plugs in the floor?
YoungHouseLove says
We have yet to get a plug added, but that’s our plan (we hear it’s not too expensive to get one popped in the floor from the crawl space, just so each of our computers can stay juiced up while we work). We also want to add overhead lighting in there (there’s none) so we have that on the ol’ list too!
xo
s
Donna S. says
Everything so far looks great! I have a question…do you keep this list on the computer or “old school” paper? I can’t seem to find a “system” for keeping my list and measurement etc… Enjoy your wonderful family!
YoungHouseLove says
I just keep the list right here on the blog, since we can cross things off and just up the percentages as we go (they’re admittedly very rough guesses for the most part).
xo
s
Crystal says
We’re up to cutting holes in walls to add french doors for our future deck and we’re building a chicken coop to add a small flock to our backyard. We got the chicks last weekend…conincidentally just in time for Easter.
Would also love to re-pave our 60-year-old drive way and add some paver stones along the sides to border it.
heather says
First, Teddy is absolutely adorable and a HUGE congratulations. Second, when I saw the title of this (prior to clicking to read) I totally thought you guys were listing the house for sale!
Sonya says
I thought the same thing!
Barb says
Impressive list. When I see your house pictures…what I have to comment on is how bright, light and airy it looks. Absolutely stunning!!! You have come a long way.
But, more important…
How are you feeling? Getting any rest? Healing ? Sleeping when baby Teddy naps? Hope you are getting back to normal!!! Enjoy the baby and your lovely house…and Spring!!! Yes, Spring!
B.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Barb! I’m feeling good. Still healing, but very comfortable. And Teddy is AWESOME! We are so happy. Just in the baby love bubble, ya know?
xo
s
Samantha says
Loving Listy Von Listerstein! Loving the house as a whole! Loving cute little Teddy!
Suggestion for the vege patch, have you though about having bigish planter style boxes on the verandah? Then they would be close to the house so you wouldn’t have to go far to get fresh veges/herbs each day. Plus, and I’m just guessing here as we don’t have deer roaming our backyards in Oz, they could be/maybe close enough to the house that the deer will stay away. Don’t really know how close they tend to get to houses.
Enjoy every moment with Teddy :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that idea!
xo
s
Jennifer says
I know you’ve told us before but what color it’s the vanity in the first bathroom picture. Black/gray? My front door needs to be that color. Thanks
YoungHouseLove says
That’s Silhouette by Ben Moore.
xo
s
Christy says
Every time you guys post one of these updates and you explain you system to keep track of them, I wonder if you’ve ever heard of Trello.com. If not, you should check it out. It’s a free webapp that let’s you keep track of your projects.
BTW, congrats on Teddy…he’s adorable!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Christy!
xo
s
Dawn says
I’m a weirdo – having that unfinished storage room would make me giddy, because it could end up being ANYTHING! I’m such a sucker for potential.
PS I think Teddy should be photobombing every pic. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That would be hilarious!
xo
s
Christy says
So many exciting ideas! You mentioned peel-and-stick tiles… Have you seen this method? Makes me wish I had an area in my home to try it!
http://eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2013/08/diy-herringbone-tile-floor-using-peel.html
XO to little Teddy! Hope Clara is adjusting well too!
YoungHouseLove says
So cool!
xo
s
Ann says
We are also in the process of replacing all of the outlets, faceplates and switches in our house from the lovely cream color to white. Where do you buy yours? I went to Home Depot but became a little overwhelmed by the choices and the different amps. Any advice would help.
YoungHouseLove says
We get ours in contractor packs at Home Depot (they’re cheaper in bulk, and they’re nice and basic/clean looking).
xo
s
JP says
I use a Vittsjo laptop desk from Ikea for my sewing table. I spray-painted mine Kelly green – including the little shelf. I like its small footprint, its glass top, and its $39.00 pricetag.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome!
xo
s
deb says
Cannot believe how much you guys have gotten done already! Teddy is SO sweet…enjoy every minute if you can :)
Bri @ Posh Purpose says
This list post came at just the right time! My husband and I are considering one particular house that should be available soon, but it needs quite a bit of work. I have already been implementing your list strategy, although in my imagination. Congratulations on cute Teddy!
mary says
If you have any overstock stores in the Richmond area, I’ve found great deals on LED bulbs. I love mine so much! Haven’t had to replace one yet in almost 3 years and they don’t get hot. They’re so worth the price, and I think I paid like $20 for packs of 5 (at the most. Might have been 15 but I forget) at my local overstock store (which sold a lot of costco and target surplus).
YoungHouseLove says
THAT’S AWESOME! Thanks for the tip.
xo
s
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Why do *your* lists give *me* anxiety? LOL I think that’s why I don’t do to do lists because it would feel insurmountable to me if I reeeeally sat down to see all the things we probably should ‘get on that.’
Right now, I just want a working dishwasher. The Mr is currently threading picture hanging wire through our arm sprayers after a rather irritating service appointment this morning. :)
Karen says
You’re so funny, I wish my house looked as grown-up as yours does now. I can’t imagine what your idea of grown-up is.
Where did you get the pillowcases for the guest bedroom? They remind me of sheets I had as a kid.
YoungHouseLove says
They’re from Pottery Barn a while back (called woodland organic I think – maybe try ebay?)
xo
s
Erin says
Amazing!! :) what color is your master bedroom, please? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Black Pepper by Benjamin Moore.
xo
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Our list used to be that long, but thankfully it’s probably half that long now. With a baby and working full time it isn’t as easy to get those projects done anymore. lol. I love looking at your progress and I can’t wait to see how your home changes over time. Most of all enjoy that little baby now!!! So adorable!!! :)