Holy cow, is it really going to be 2012 on Sunday? December flew by. So before it scoots away for good, we like to take a moment to look back on all that we’ve done at a glance (and gather all the links in one handy place for ya). And of course we tossed in some never-before-seen stuff for kicks. This month we were all over the place as usual, but focused a lot of our time on the kitchen along with tackling a few other projects in rooms like the living room and the hallway while shoving a decent portion of holiday fun in there too. So let’s take a walk down memory lane, with yearbook-esque superlatives, shall we?
Most Improved: The three switcheroos in our living room that made a big difference (a larger rug, square ottoman, and more refined office chair).
Most Memorable: Looking back at moving day 2010 in celebration of our one year anniversary of living in this house. Oh how far we’ve come… and oh how far we still have to go.
Most Artistic: Clara, after we repurposed our old desk into a toddler-sized drawing table for her.
Most Artistic (Runner-Up): Sherry’s Dad, who sketched this owl back in the 1970’s and sent it to us so it could be framed in our hallway.
Least Artistic: Us, since doing some minor paint touch-ups in the kitchen before the counters arrived required little artistic talent. At least there was a paint brush involved.
Craftiest: The vendors at the Richmond Handmade Holiday event that we hit up (which explains why we didn’t leave empty handed).
Most Advent-urous: Our homemade advent calendar that turned an Ikea scarf hanger into an ornament-a-day countdown to Christmas.
Cheeriest: The ribbon covered stars of our 2011 Christmas card. Burger should also win the award for “Best Tongue”… if there were such an award.
Merriest (Tall Edition): Our toddler-friendly Christmas tree that’s decked out in paint swatches, ribbon, and other unbreakables (see updated photos of it here as the added advent ornaments filled things in each day).
Merriest (Short Edition): Our lil’ table-top tree that brought some sparkle into the living room, loaded up with the Pinterest Challenge ornaments that we made in November.
Brightest: Our first go at exterior holiday decorating. Hello candy cane lights, Moravian stars, big glowing lanterns, and some all-red (you know, as opposed to just red-nosed) reindeer.
Brightest (Runner-Up): The twenty-something tweaks to our hallway frame wall to bring a bit of the holiday cheer to this tiny space.
Brightest (Second Runner-Up): Our new countertops! Bright white Corian landed in Casa Petersik before we knew it. Though “landing” involved a few crazy contraptions, including this device that eliminated seams.
Most Free Spirited: Okay, it’s not really spirited – but this microwave was basically free (we bought it for $84 after selling our kitchen’s original over-the-cooktop one for $90). And working with our existing cabinets (like repurposing this one to house it) allowed for splurges in other areas – like new counters, backsplash tile, a giant wall opening, and cork floors.
Diciest: Cutting up a few leftover cabinet doors so they’d fit a few rebuilt or secondhand cabinets that we added to tweak the layout. It was a bit touch and go there for a moment, but after some pro pocket holes and some heavy duty screws, they turned out totally solid. The jury’s still out on the final result (we don’t want to jinx ourselves, so we’re waiting until all the paint is cured before saying they’re seamless).
Best Backside: Our new industrial-inspired stools for the peninsula scored for $33 a piece at a school supply site (they’re actually meant for a science lab). Geek is the new black.
Most Tedious: Little pre-painting projects in the kitchen, like recreating the windowsill, adding some toekick and trim, cleaning the sunroom, and finally picking a cabinet paint color.
Sandiest (TIE): John and the kitchen, after going on a putty-sanding-deglossing spree in preparation for priming and painting.
Biggest Tool: Our tool-tastic list of gift ideas for the DIYer in your life. Maybe it’ll help you spend some holiday cash or those lingering gift cards.
Most Date-d: Our homemade 2012 calendar (you can still download a free template of it if you want to customize a version for your family).
Most Resolute: Tossing a few 2012 resolutions out there into the world, in the hope that it’ll light a fire under us to get ’em done!
Most Transformative: Priming the cabinet doors and frames. Sing it with me: it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas a new kitchen…
Cutest Hat: Clara, who after opening this leopard print cap from my godmother on Christmas morning, refused to take it off for the rest of the day. Once we get around to posting Christmas photos on Young House Life, you’ll be seeing a lot of it. In the meantime you can check out Clara’s fun with letters and numbers here.
So there’s our last month of 2011 at a glance. Can you believe it’s about to be ’12? What did you guys eke out in December? Have you ever made a list of accomplishments to look back on? Feel free to use the comment section of this post to list what you’ve done (or just toss out a few highlights). It’s so nice to take a break from adding things to the ol’ to-do list for a second, just to look in the rear view mirror and appreciate the crossed-off tasks. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERY LAST ONE OF YA! We love you. Really. We do.
Psst- You can check out July’s superlatives here, August’s here, September’s here, October’s here, and November’s here.
Silke says
Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve you guys, and a happy, healthy and joyful 2012 !! Love from Belgium, Silke
Sew View says
Happy new year, John and Sherry. Thank you for providing education and inspiration this whole year.
Laurie says
So this one isn’t a home improvement but rather a life improvement: Made healing steps towards reconcilation with my family after the sudden, shocking, and very unexpected death of my sister 3 weeks ago. I am letting go of old wounds and mending relationships. To all your readers, I learned a painful lesson in a terrible way. I implore all of you to make 2012 the year you “fix your stuff”….not just your house but your relationships with those you love. Life really is short. Reach out to your friends and family. Even if they don’t reach back, you will feel better. I promise. Happy New Year to all of you.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Laurie, I am so so so sorry for your loss.
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I hope your new year is better. I lost my best friend (since the age of 6…and I’m 43) this past year after a very brief (6 months) battle with cancer. It is hard, but it does get better. I miss her every day, but I enjoy all the years of great memories. It really puts things into perspective about what is and what is not important in the grand scheme of life.
God bless you and your family…and here’s to a happy 2012!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Elizabeth, so sorry for your loss as well! Thinking of both of you guys!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
Thank you, Sherry. [cyber hug]
Rachel H. says
I am even more in love with your living room after those three changes. One thing I noticed is that the artwork above your sofa has changed…when did that happen, and how did I miss it? I wanna know what’s in there! lol.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, in the comments we explained it but will be back with some close up pics soon for ya!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I didn’t get a whole lot of home related things done in December other than cleaning and decorating for the holidays, but I am going to use the last day of 2011 cleaning out and straightening my garage so that my Christmas present to myself (with professtinoal installation as a gift from my parents)…a new garage door opener (this house has never had one!) can be installed in a hazard free environment! Wish me luck! LOL
and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE PETERSIKS…ONE AND ALL!!
Sarah B says
I have to admit -I wasn’t feeling the living room for awhile but now I’m loving it! Your new ottoman had me at “hello tufted top”.
Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says
I have accomplished very little in December (sigh). But, all of that will change as soon as all of the holidays are over this weekend. I am really looking forward to finishing our bathroom and starting our reading room! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Beth says
I haven’t noticed this before–you added white curtains next to your gray panels in your living room. Was that an effort to beef up the gray Ikea panels that you cut in half? Did you add an extra rod, or did you just clip them on the inside of the gray panels on the same rod? Whatever you did, it looks great–more substantial! Also, where’d you get the white curtains?
YoungHouseLove says
Stay tuned for a post all about that as soon as that project is done (haha, still have to hem them and take final pics, then I’ll spill all the beans!).
xo,
s
linda says
Oh, Clara is adorable in her hat!!! Thanks to you two, I actually got brave enough to do a few small DYI tasks around the condo (yay spackle and caulk!). And I can’t wait to pre-order your book!
Best wishes to you all for a very healthy and happy 2012!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Congrats Linda! I can picture you with your spackle knife going to town. Haha. Love it.
xo,
s
Clare says
Happy New year guys! Are you doing your annual sushi for NYE? I hope you enjoy your 2nd NYE with Clara and your new house. Best wishes to you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’re hoping to keep that tradition up for sure!
xo,
s
Elisabeth says
Happy New Year!
Thank you for the inspiration and fun you gave
to me 2011!
Gesundheit, Glück und Zufriedenheit für 2012
from my family to your family!
Elisabeth
Suzanne Supplee says
Your kitchen reno is like a suspenseful novel—I CAN’T WAIT to get to the end so I can find out what happens!
Selena says
Love, love, love Clara’s new hat! It’s so cute on her. I wouldn’t take it off, either :)
Amber V. says
Wow! Clara really does look like a Sherry’s mini me in that last picture!
PS- While I am glad you all are able to enjoy your holiday week (which I am sure translates into priming/painting), this work week has seemed to last FOREVER with only one post per day. It was bad enough having to work in an office building at 10% capacity!
Elizabeth says
I love Clara’s new hat! Just adorable. It’s been a wonderful 2011, best wishes for an even better 2012!
Justine says
Well done, you guys! I love following your projects, and can’t wait to see what you come up with next year!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
2011 was a great year and 2012 holds a lot more adventures. We’re currently trying to buy our first house! Fingers crossed! http://www.attemptsatdomestication.com/the-game-is-afoot/
Miranda says
2011 was a fabulous year in many aspects, and as far as what we got done in the house (a 1950 ranch) here’s our list:
– bought the house! (closed 3/31)
– ripped down paneling above fireplace
– painted the fireplace (using your tutorial)
– painted every room on the walk-in level
– ripped down a tub surround, battled mold, put up new one in the only bathroom
– ripped down another wall in bathroom to replace piping and bring it up to the 21st century
– installed new carpet in guest and master bedroom
– built a desk (using your tutorial)
And last but not least, we are starting the board and batten treatment in my office tonight. Not sure if we’ll get it done before the stroke of midnight tomorrow, but I’m happy with our progress nonetheless!
HAPPY NEW YEAR PETERSIK’S!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! And good luck with the board and batten – sounds amazing!
xo,
s
Maggie says
The changes you guys have made in your living room are amazing! It is so bright and colorful. I love the couch pillows! Where did you find them?
Have an amazing and Happy New Year Sherry and John!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! Those are from a mixture of sources, like Bed Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, and even from some clearance placemats from Crate & Barrel that I sewed to make pillows.
xo,
s
Elisabeth says
Happy New Year!
Thank you for the inspiration and fun in the
last year. Glück, Gesundheit und Zufriedenheit
in 2012 from my family to your family!
Elisabeth
Danielle says
Regular reader, first-time poster! We’re loving the play-by-play of your kitchen redo! You’re certainly building the anticipation. We’re anxious to see your finished product too – we’re sure it will be beautiful – as always! :)
We’re staying tuned to get ideas and motivation to start planning and saving for our own kitchen redo. It’s the one room in our new (to us) house that needs a big ol’ helping hand! The ’80s need our flooring, cabinets, countertops, light boxes, and appliances back!
Congratulations on all of your projects this year, good luck with all you have going on and thanks for the daily inspiration!
Pauline Cruz says
We got inspired by your blog and created a wall of frames in our stairway landing! Even updated one of the frames with a cut up giftbag that showed a wreath and spelled Merry Christmas! Waiting to see how your kitchen turns out. Our project for January will be to spruce up our 30 year old kitchen with paint on cabinets and new countertop.
Thank you so much for all the inspiration you provide and wish you a Happy New Year.
grace Nielsen says
Happy, Healthy, and Wonder-Full New Year to all of you!! I want to thank you so much for the pleasure and inspiration you’ve given me this year since I discovered you earlier in ’11 – it’s been SUCH a treat!! Thank You!!
All the Best ~
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Grace! You’re sweet.
xo,
s
kalibrooke says
Wow! That last photo of Clara is the first one where I’m really starting to see a Sherry resemblance as well…Happy New Year, Petersiks!
heather says
There is no doubt Clara got some of her mom’s “Jersey” in her. Love of animal print? Check! (okay, I admit it. When New Englanders think of Jersey we think of gold bling, too much tanning and animal print. Guilty as charged on the stereotyping front – at least I know it’s not actually true.)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- it’s awesome because John cringes at my love of leopard but our daughter clearly got my genes there! Haha.
xo,
s
heather says
Bahaha I love it. I admittedly had a gold purse for a long time in my early 20’s. My Grams has this awesome mirror I love with a vintage-esque frame. I told her I wanted it someday and I would paint it white. She told me she’ll haunt me from the grave if I do.
It’s gold, and she loves it. I may have to keep it just for her haha.
Sarah says
I vote my dog Daisy for the “Best Tongue” superlative :)
http://2.media.collegehumor.cvcdn.com/23/54/f14da326644e2637c07625a367bacd7d.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, she’s the winner. Hands down.
xo,
s
Kate says
I’m not sure I really got anything done in December; makes me look like an uber slacker next to you guys, lol! I’m hoping to take some time this weekend to either recover a chair I’ve been meaning to tackle (it’s insanely simple, so it should just be four seams and then my staple gun) or start on a side table from Ana White. Maybe I can start off the new year on the right foot!
YoungHouseLove says
I bet you did tons of holiday baking and wrapped gifts and saw relatives and hopefully drank some cocoa or eggnog! All accomplishments to be proud of!
xo,
s
Amy @ A New Old House says
You guys got so much accomplished this month!
December was a bit slow for us with 3 unplanned plumbing fixes (ugh!). I did finish up the master bedroom though- that felt good!
Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Best wishes for 2012!
Kelsey says
My husband and I have been in the tedious paperwork stage of our adoption. I’m so relieved and thankful to look back at December and say that we finally finished our dossier as well as met our fundraising goal for this stage in the game. Now comes the hard part-waiting! I am hopeful that this time next year we will know who our son or daughter is!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing! Congrats and keep us posted!
xo,
s
Wendy says
Wow, you guys should be proud of what you accomplished this month and year!
We did a wrap up of our accomplishments(http://www.oldtownhome.com/2011/12/30/2011-A-Year-in-Review/index.aspx) and although it felt like we didn’t get a lot done, I guess when looking at all of the projects and trips it’s been a busy and productive year!
Wishing you all the best in 2012!
Cara says
Second only to the kitchen, my favorite of your recent makeovers was your den. It was charming before but looks sophisticated now – a place kids and adults can relax.
Rad Designing says
Wow, I’m always SO surprised by how much you guys get done in a month! ‘m always surprised to fit one project in much less 12 large ones!
Daniela says
This month we found out we are pregnant! best way to say goodbye to 2011! we are sure 2012 will be one of the happiest years of our lives!
Feliz año nuevo! hugs from Mexico
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo- congrats and best wishes!
xo,
s
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
(almost) Happy New Year! Love Clara’s hat!
meryl rose says
Great job! I’ve started a year end recap blog post of a photo (sometimes two) and the projects we tackled each month at the end of the year to help make us realize that by the end of each year we have accomplished a lot, even though when you’re in the thick of hauling in 17 tons of pack for backyard pavers it seems like nothing is really happening…
http://picardyproject.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-year-in-pictures.html
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s so true! Looking back helps you see the big picture and realize how far you’ve really come!
xo,
s
Amanda Wells says
Happy 2012 guys! Can’t imagine what improvements you’ll make in the next year!
http://www.amandadovewells.com/?p=1370
Julie says
I was introduced to your site by a friend and I just want to say that you guys have been such a wonderful inspiration to me. My boyfriend and I just bought our first house in June (yay!), it’s a duplex – we rent out half and live in the other half. The house had been owned by a not so great landlord for years and the upstairs (where we live) looked like a run down overly rented apartment, thankfully the downstairs had been remodeled shortly before being put on the market.
After buying the house, we repainted everything (EVERY wall was typical “renter’s beige”), put in a new bathroom floor, a new kitchen floor, extended the driveway behind the house to create more feasible parking, re-graded the lawn and planted grass, dug gardens surrounding the house and had glass block windows installed in the basement!
I just want to say thank you for making me think that anything is possible when it comes to re-doing things in a house, and it’s possible to keep it affordable. Keep the great ideas coming and have a wonderful new year!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Julie. Thanks for the kind words and good luck with everything!
xo,
s
Becky says
I see so many comments asking about things that we haven’t heard about yet. It’s crazy to think you guys are up to more than your posts have already detailed. Busy, busy! I totally understand though, sometimes we get projects done and don’t get around to sharing details until weeks later…I guess I need to work on that! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s best explained in this post about how things usually take a little white to prep/start/finish/shoot/write up. So we usually have a bunch of smaller projects in some stage of progress throughout the house (like curtains that need to be hemmed and then photographed and shared). It’s actually nice because if we had to complete each thing before starting another one we’d probably share a lot less since sometimes changing gears when you hit a snafu or can’t find something you need to finish a project is the only way to keep moving!
xo,
s
Becky says
I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who tends to bounce from project to project leaving incomplete things to rest!
Ilana says
The kitchen looks great. Are you guys considering a pot-rack? They seem to match the open and easy access style of you two. If not, where are you planning on storing all your pots/pans?
YoungHouseLove says
We have a drawer under the stove that pulls out for pot storage and another big double base cabinet (next to the fridge) where we store the rest! Thankfully they all fit – even with room to spare!
xo,
s
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
I just fell in love with your kitchen stools all over again. Gah! Over here we finished our guest room, revamped a little mudroom nook, and spent a lot of time getting gifts ready for our neighbors and spending time with family. It has been such a wonderful month! This past week, when all of my sisters and I traveled to get together–we had some art time where we all completed an art project and then traded so we can each have something from each other.
http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2011/12/morning-art-project-falling-blocks.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love it so much!
xo,
s
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Hi Sherry and John, So many great projects for December! I’m looking forward to 2012! If you are looking for an awesome Champagne punch to celebrate the new year, I just posted the one I make each year at Between Naps on the Porch. It’s super easy and always a huge hit. You can also make it without champagne so sweet Clara can join in the New Year’s celebration. :) Happy New Year to you and and all your family!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Susan! Sounds delicious. Happy New Year!
xo,
s
Vanessa says
Hope you guys have a great New Year and cannot wait to see all that you have in store for us in 2012! Clara looks adorable in her little hat. She has the rosey cheeks!
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
I am simply so, so, so in love with your living room and how it is turning out. I can’t wait until it is “done” so that I can use it for inspiration when I re-do my own living room!
Amanda B. says
2011 was a slow year on the home improvement front for me, due to grad school plus working full-time. However, my mom helped me make over our master bath in just one weekend… We tore out wallpaper, scraped off ceiling texture, spackled/sanded forever, replaced the light fixture, blinds and shower curtain, and painted YHL-inspired cream-and-tan stripes! It feels like a hotel to me now, I just love it! Happy New Year, Petersiks!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh it sounds awesome!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I just did a huge recap of all we accomplished this year on my blog and it was so fun to look back and see everything! My big accomplishment this month was switching out the old Ikea bed in our guest room for a gorgeous, chunky brass bed. I’m so excited about it!
Michele says
Love your new kitchen barstools. “Geek is the new black” had me giggling! :)
Emma says
All the best in 2012 kids. I can’t wait to read your book! I live in DC and if you do a signing ’round here I’ll so be there. Cheers!
Shanna says
This blog is seriously the greatest. I look forward to your posts every day and am dying to see how your kitchen cabinets turn out!! We’re going to do a big kitchen cabinet re-do ourselves soon and will be using you guys as our guide. Thanks again :)
Happy New Year!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Shanna! Means so much!
xo,
s
Ethne says
One big accomplishment this year – a year’s worth of blog posts with my bff – my hubby thought we’d never have enough for a whole year. Oh yeah, we came up with enough. We have little kids – they’ll always say something to blog about such as: “I have toots in my tummy lining up for a message.” (real quote from a few weeks ago)
Ruthy T. says
wow…i can’t believe you accomplished so much in one month!!! Hmmm…December was not very productive for me…i was so caught up in Christmas all the projects got put on hold :)