Warning: this post contains more words than a handful of housewives can sling around in one of those two hour reunion episodes. So feel free to skim it or read it in three sentence intervals over the next five years. These posts actually came about when people asked how we organize all the stuff we have on our to-do list. We explained that we basically just have one long run-on document, and when folks kept asking us to share it (and update it as we went along), it sounded like our idea of a good time. So it’s high time that we actually updated it (sorry to everyone who has been asking for this for a while!).
You first saw it here and then saw us revise it here and here – and in those past few posts, it always felt kinda jumbly and crazy (which is usually par for the course) so I decided to try to clean it up for this update, and organize it by room. I also thought it would be nice to separate what we’ve done in each room from what we’d still like to do, so we have an active list and a wahoo-it’s-done list (you know, for spur of the moment Elaine-like happy dancing). Then I added in how finished each area is (in the form of an estimated percentage up near the title of that area). So without further ado, a to-do list that might still make your head spin… but hopefully a little less.
-The Front Yard (25% complete)-
Done:
- limbed up the magnolia
- removed the bushes that hid the house
- updated some garden beds, added landscaping
To Do:
- we still have a lot of things to transplant/plant/trim/figure out (we tackled three of about ten garden beds out there)
- change the roofline out front (add some peaks for dimension and to make it more cohesive with the house’s shape from the back)
-The Front Porch/House Facade (35% complete)-
Done:
- furnished it with stuff we had from our first house’s porch
- planted some shrubs/flowers
- painted the front door yellow
To Do:
- frame out the porch columns so they’re chunky and square instead of ornate and curvy
- stain the concrete porch floor to gussy it up
- paint the porch/rest of house’s siding a moody gray color (and the cream trim a nice crisp white)
- add window boxes around the house and shutters on the side and back windows (they’re only on the front)
-The Carport/Garage (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada
To Do:
- we can’t wait to convert it into a garage (once we’re more sure what we want with regard to windows/door/etc)
- add a trellis arch around the new garage door so it’s all lush and pretty
- replace the light fixture for something awesome (big and lantern-ish maybe?)
-The Living Room (70% complete)-
Done:
- painted the walls
- hung curtains
- gray-washed the beams
- got a new sectional
- got a giant rug (it’s a huge room, so we initially didn’t even realize how big of a rug we’d need)
- built a console
- get a larger TV
To Do:
- we still have a lot of bare walls (need art, and some furniture in the corners near the kitchen)
- still want to DIY/upcycle a bigger media cabinet for our new bigger TV
- also want to add a tall armoire or bookcase-ish cabinet to the wall with the sofa on it (over by the window where it’s bare)
- replace the doors with french doors (including the one in the hallway that leads to the deck for a total of three)
- turn the fireplace in the kitchen into a double-sided fireplace that also opens up into the living room
- make the beams in the ceiling into a coffered ceiling (create boxes instead of just lines) for a more luxe effect
- refinish the floors down the line
-The Office (85% complete)-
Done:
- we made a built-in desk
- painted and upholstered some secondhand chairs
- painted and stenciled the walls
- upgraded the old brass chandelier with new color, bulbs, and a giant shade
- added a chair and a file cabinet for more function
To Do:
- some of the walls are bare
- we definitely need some window treatments
- add french doors between the dining room and office (for privacy and architecture)
- we’d love to refinish the floors eventually
-The Hall Bathroom (5% complete)-
Done:
- hung the shower curtain higher
- added some window trim for more balance (and to hide a demo hole)
- hung a new light fixture above the mirror
To Do:
- paint the walls
- frame out the mirror
- hang art
- paint the vanity and update hardware on it
- add a window treatment
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- accessorize the heck out of it (my favorite part…)
-The Big Hallway (90% complete)-
Done:
- we’re so happy with our frame collage and the console table that lives in there, so we’re not planning anything major
To Do:
- laying a fun patterned runner down on the floors would be nice
- eventually refinish the floors
-The Small Hallway (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada
To Do:
- add wainscoting
- paint the walls (hmm, or maybe wallpaper above the wainscoting)
- add crown molding
- hang art
- switch out the light
- replace old hollow core doors with solid paneled ones
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- refinish the floors
-The Dining Room (70% complete)-
Done:
- painted the walls
- painted the back of the built-ins dark teal
- made curtains
- got a large round dining table that’s functional for our big family
- hung some art
- brought in a chippy old painted buffet and hung some yard sale art over it
To Do:
- the entryway area that we want to add is only about halfway there (need art and other furnishings/accessories to “define” that area)
- we want to personalize the yard sale art over the buffet (it’s feeling kind of hotel-ish to us, but the size/price was right)
- add a nice big show-stopping light fixture over the table
- deal with the chair issue (whether they’re frumpily slipcovered or not, they’re still not our dream chairs – so maybe someday we’ll get it right…)
- build a giant lazy susan for the middle of the table, so it’s awesomely functional when we host dinners (sometimes stuff in the middle is hard to reach)
- refinish the floors
-The Laundry Room (95% complete)-
Done:
- painted the walls
- removed the old shutters from the window
- frosted the big glass side door
- painted the cabinets & replaced the hardware
- replaced the old washer & dryer (and craigslisted the old ones)
- added built-ins next to the washer & dryer
- replaced the laminate flooring with cork
- hung some art
- made a clothespin chandelier
- hung our ironing board on the wall
To Do:
- Possibly add a window treatment (woot! this baby is the furthest along, maybe because it’s only 3.5′ wide? haha)
-The Kitchen (85% complete)-
Done:
- primed and painted the paneling
- painted the brick fireplace
- replaced all the old mismatched appliances with energy efficient stainless ones
- knocked out a huge opening to connect the kitchen and dining room
- redid all the lighting (added can lights, glass pendants, etc)
- rearranged the cabinets (moved the pantry and the fridge, added a peninsula, etc)
- primed and painted all the cabinets (and added new hardware)
- sold our old granite on craigslist and got new white corain counters
- tiled the backsplash (all the way to the ceiling on one wall)
- added floating shelves
- built a microwave cabinet with ventilation to hide it
- hung a new range hood found on craigslist and built a wood cover
- replaced the old laminate with dark cork flooring
- got stools for the peninsula and painted them
- added art
- brought in a rug to define the sitting area by the fireplace
To Do:
- add something to the back of the peninsula (trim, etc) to finish it off
- add window treatments over the sink (maybe a fun fabric roman shade)
- possibly add a message board or chalk board to the side of the pantry
- beef up the crown molding around the room (it’s skinnier than the stuff in the dining room, living room, and office…)
- continue to add coziness/finish off the sitting area by the fireplace
- add trim to the top of the cabinets (we tried this once and didn’t like it, but we keep wondering if we should give it one more try)
- beef up the hood like we mentioned in the reveal post (still contemplating this option)
- repaint the walls??? (this is a big wild card that we go back and forth on, so we’ll have to see where we end up)
- eventually reface the fireplace to have a chunky wrap-around wood mantel and a pretty stone/tile surround and hearth
-The Playroom (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada
To Do:
- everything (ack! the room is full of secret book projects that we can’t auction off for charity until Fall when the book is out along with other stuff we need to deal with and yard sale/reuse/craigslist, etc)
- then once it’s cleared out we have to paint it, furnish it, accessorize it, etc (it’ll eventually be Clara’s big girl room and a possible future kiddo would move into the nursery)
- specifically we’d love to retrofit our daybed in the playroom so that it looks built in with a trundle that can be pulled out beneath it (so it can sleep two people instead of one in a pinch – good for kid sleepovers I think)
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- refinish the floors down the line
-Clara’s Room (80% complete)-
Done:
- painted the walls
- hung curtains
- moved in all of her existing furniture
- hung art and added baskets/toys for form & function
- replaced the light fixture with Clara’s capiz chandelier (the only light we brought with us from our first house since it was so sentimental)
- built a play kitchen for Clara
- redid the closet by stamping the walls and sewing a beanbag to create a little reading nook for her
To Do:
- hang more art on some of the bare walls
- add crown molding
- paint or stencil the ceiling
- refinish the floors
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- we’re sure things will completely evolve in here if a second baby ends up using it as their nursery and Clara moves into her big girl room (and nope, I’m not prego Mom!)
-The Sunroom (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada (we just plopped down old furniture from our first house, without much rhyme or reason – and now it’s full of secret book stuff too)
To Do:
- paint the walls (which are lofted, so that should be interesting…)
- whitewash the brick wall (keeping the old brick character but making it less jarring and orangy-red)
- furnish the room (most likely with a lot of stuff we already have)
- add window treatments for some optional privacy
- upgrade the fan to either another more modern fan or a light fixture we love (since we have an AC unit in that room)
- replace the doors with french doors
- add some open shelving or something built-in on the walls (or a big bookcase – the room needs something)
- hang art
- create some sort of fun ceiling detail since it’s sloped in one direction (ex: hang a ton of lanterns or paper pendants from the ceiling)
- eventually replace the flooring (the old beige tiles just aren’t our favorite)
-Our Bedroom (60% complete)-
Done:
- took off the dated bifold doors between the sink nook and the room
- hung a mirror over the sink window (and removed an off-center medicine cabinet on the right wall)
- removed the granite backsplash on the sink to make it look more like a piece of furniture
- got a new bed (since we sold our first home with our bed since it was built into the sleeping nook)
- painted (and then repainted) the walls
- traded the old brown fan for a light and playful Ikea chandlier
- hung some art
- hung curtains
- rearranged the furniture
- made an upholstered headboard
To Do:
- convert the window that looks out onto the deck into a french door
- bring in furniture for the bare wall across from the bed
- possibly raise the ceiling to follow the roof line (so it’s a nice peak with a ton of cozy ambiance)
- update/paint the sink vanity
- possibly tile the entire back wall of the sink nook with something dreamy and gleaming (it’s a small space so it won’t cost much)
- make/buy/refurbish a long bench for the foot of the bed (ours is too small and a bit darker than we’d like)
- add french doors between the sink nook and the room, just for more architecture
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- paint or even wallpaper the closet and amp up the built-ins with molding to add more polish
- refinish the floors
-Our Bathroom (75% complete)-
Done:
- hung the shower curtain at ceiling height
- painted the walls
- hung some art
- painted the off-white trim and door a glossy white
- added privacy to the window with frosting film
- replaced the toilet
- replaced the boob light with a glass pendant (and centered it on the window and door)
- replaced the dated tree border tile with white glass subway tile
To Do:
- in Phase Two we’d like to retile the floor (maybe with gray hex tiles) and possibly reglaze the beige tile so it’s bright white
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
-The Guest Bedroom (60% complete)-
Done:
- painted the room
- furnished it (mostly with leftover stuff from other rooms)
- hung curtains and a mirror
To Do:
- add crown molding
- hang art on those bare walls
- paint or rub-n-buff the round mirror so it pops more
- replace some of the older just-using-what-we-have furnishings (like our scratched six year old Ikea dresser that has seen better days)
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- refinish the floors
-The Guest Bathroom (5% complete)-
Done:
- removed the most awkward mirror in the world that hung on the back of the door (it reflected your whole body while on the toilet)
- hung a new shower curtain and added a bath mat
- hung some art
- replaced the mirror over the sink
- replaced the light fixture
To Do:
- paint
- possibly replace some of the tile (not sure what we want to work with and what we want to upgrade so that’s TBD)
- get a glass shower door instead of a weird cubby hole with a curtain
- frost the window for privacy
- replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges
- hang more art on all the bare walls
-The Basement Workshop (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada
To Do:
- clean the giant mess that has taken over
- after a major organization-fest, we’d love to create a functional workshop/tool cave (with storage, some fun stuff on the walls, a painted concrete floor, a more finished feeling, etc)
-The Side Lot (10% complete)-
Done:
- Planted two trees
To Do:
- Plant a bunch more trees (we want to naturalize it and make it sort of an orchard – now it’s just a weed-and-leaf-fest)
-The Deck (60% complete)-
Done:
- cleared/transplanted the bushes and shrubs in the way
- mapped out a deck plan and got it approved by the county
- demo’d out the rickety old balcony
- dug our post holes and framed out the deck
- started adding deck boards
- completed the deck boards
To Do:
- complete the railing and steps
- furnish the deck (by adding a large dining table, chairs, planters, etc)
- add a pergola or just swag some big bulb string lights over the deck
- add greenery in the form of some plantings around the deck to screen the side of the steps and the AC unit
- create a paver patio beyond the deck for a place to park the barbecue
-The Patio (70% complete)-
Done:
- cleared out all the weeds/bushes/dead trees to make a spot for a patio
- planned and purchased materials to build the patio
- leveled the ground, laid gravel and sand, and laid our pavers
- created a custom curved edge and landscaped the area around the patio
- built a rock box for Clara to play in (and added a rain barrel to save water)
To Do:
- furnish the patio (other than two adirondack chairs, it’s all just old furniture that the last owners left behind)
- add some lighting (string lights around fence or from trees?)
- add some other fun outdoor activities, like a large outdoor chalk board along the brick wall and maybe even a slide for Clara
-The Backyard (0% complete)-
Done:
- Nada (well, we did build a compost bin, but that’s it)
To Do:
- remove the ivy growing up/chocking some of the large trees
- clear out a bunch of crazy overgrown beds so we can actually have more grass for dog/kid playing
- remove the brick path surrounded by monkey grass that leads to nowhere in favor of more grass
- plant some trees in the way back to naturalize that for more privacy (we’d love a nice grassy yard with a big woodsy forest behind that)
- add raised bed gardens for vegetables, fruits, and herbs
- transplant a number of pretty shrubs so their placement makes more sense
- reseed the grass that has died in various areas
- paint the basement door and remove the old broken screen
- build Clara a swingset
- build/buy a shed for storing things instead of stuffing the basement with them
- hang a swing from a tree out back
- add a modest in-ground saltwater pool (my pipe dream, John’s still not necessarily on board)
Of course we’ll do a lot of the remaining to-do stuff over the course of the next few years (our first house took us 4.5 years to finish) so there’s no need to cry for us or anything. Haha. We’ve learned to do our best to just enjoy the journey and take things one day/project/victory at a time. And seriously, is there anything more fun than crossing things off? As for the method to our “project order,” we don’t really think there is one. We generally just do whatever we’re in the mood for (barring anything that needs to be moved to the top of the list for safety or other extreme-urgency reasons). So we definitely jump around from room to room just to stay excited and avoid feeling too forced into doing something that we might not be ready to deal with yet.
We generally like to keep the bigger projects that we want to save up for in the back of our mind for a while (until we’re feeling more sure about our approach so there’s no shoulda-woulda-coulda going on later). Thinking about those long term/bigger projects keeps us excited to squirrel away as much loot as we can to make them a reality down the road. And seeing all the crossed off smaller items reminds us that bite-sized undertakings can really keep you motivated and excited to keep moving. After a big project, sometimes we’re happy to take a breather and tackle the little stuff for a while. And other times we’re psyched to keep our momentum up and start planning the next big project right away. But enough about us, how do you make your house to-do lists? Are they on your phone? Or are you old school and you actually have a piece of paper that you consult? How do you decide what to tackle next? Is there a method to your madness?
Psst- Check out this floor plan post which might make some of the major layout changes & renovations that we’ve listed above a bit more clear. And check out our Current House page to see a ton of the crossed off projects mentioned above.
Lauren L says
If someone has already asked this I apologize (I tried sifting through the comments first but didn’t have the stamina to make it all the way through). Why don’t you guys use an updated pic of your living room with your new big tv? Did you do a secret project you don’t want to reveal yet? ;D
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’re just lazy and there are Clara toys everywhere, so to snap one would mean cleaning the whole room just to take a pic that looks identical to the last one except with a bigger TV. Haha! Once we made a more noticeable change (like updating the media cab) I’ll definitely clean the whole room and snap updated after pics for ya!
xo,
s
Jeri says
I’m so excited to finally see the word “wallpaper” pop up in one of your posts. Have been hoping you might play with it one of these days. I used to hate the stuff, but have totally fallen in love with it over the last few years (though the hanging process is still not awesome). Fingers crossed that you go for it!
Stacy says
Oh wow! So funny that so many people ask to see your to-do list. Crazy list people are not satisfied with their own lists, I suppose :) Anyway, I think what could make this really fun is turning this list into a poll of sorts. Let your YHLovers pick your next project (within reason, of course). For me, I can’t wait to see the french doors added, especially between your master bedroom and bathroom vanity. So dreamy!
YoungHouseLove says
Alas, that would be tons of fun, but we don’t have the budget to tackle those just yet! We’re waiting to finish this darn deck and then honestly the only process that works for us and keeps us motivated and excited is for us to be honest with ourselves and each other and just see what we’re most psyched to tackle next! We’ve found that rushing into things we’re not ready for makes us total stress cases! I think in general two parents working at home with each other and a toddler can end up wanting to jump out of a window if they don’t “set themselves up to succeed” – which in our case is just looking at the list and seeing which thing looks manageable after such a backbreaking (and budget-stretching) big deck undertaking!
xo,
s
Gina says
Amazing list!! I just subscribed so I can (hopefully!) get some of your young house love to rub off on my very old house that needs more love!
Now a HUGE request/suggestion…if your list had links imbedded to all the old posts of the things you’ve completed, I would be completely, absolutely in LOVE! ( I think I hear screaming?)
YoungHouseLove says
Check out the House Tour page! It links to each past that we mention over there!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I love the idea of making a big list like this. You guys have a lot left to do but you’ve already done SO MUCH. I’m glad to know there’s plenty of blog content for the next couple years. :)
My list dilemma is that this isn’t my forever home by far and I’m doing this alone. So there’s a line between what I want to do and what I CAN do.
Maybe I need two lists?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, two lists are better than one! I say the more lists, the merrier!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I’ve got it! I’ll make one list and break it down into sections.
-To Do
-Possibly Do
-If I Win A Million Dollars Do
Now… how to deal with an open concept Kitchen/Dining/Living/Entry/Stairway. Is it one room? Is it 5? (Is it a bird? Is it a plane?!)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s Superman!
You’re cracking me up today Stephanie. I like those three lists. Like a lot.
xo,
s
Andrea says
Where is the light on your front porch from?? I have been shopping around for 2 for our porch and I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It actually came with the house but I think Home Depot had something similar. Or was it Lowe’s? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kasey says
What type of spray paint do you use for your door knobs and hinges? Mine are 80’s brass and I would love for them to be updated to nickel or chrome!
Thanks for your advice! It’s amazing how you can totally transform houses. Love the blog and all the inspiration you give your readers!
YoungHouseLove says
If you check out our project page (see it under the header?) there’s a post on that for ya (Rustoleum Universal in oil-rubbed-bronze, but there’s some prep work to do too). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
tricia says
I have to say that in reading your list of to-do’s and ta-done’s I feel a bit better about how many projects we do around here! I get a lot of jabs from friends about how we are ripping up a brand new house- but just like an older home I feel like we are making it “us”. Love what you do and your sense of humor/style along the way!
Wendy says
Wow, you guys have been BUSY and should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Wendy!
xo,
s
jeannette says
this really is the tool to move forward with — it makes the work seem not overwhelming, but just a checklist. writing it down really un-demonizes the load.
i notice that hanging art is a recurring theme. i love good art and am broke. have found a solution — inexpensive $8 art books on amazon which can be razored (i know this is a sin) for prints to hang.
in my african room, we’re getting razored prints of winslow homer in the tropics, for example.
http://www.amazon.com/Winslow-Homer-Tropics-Value-Publishing/dp/0517517795/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344972804&sr=1-1&keywords=winslow+homer+in+the+tropics
in the chartreuse hall here at the Rancho Atomico, we’re getting razored prints of patrick nagatani:
http://www.amazon.com/Nuclear-Enchantment-Eugenia-Parry-Janis/dp/0826312721/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344973083&sr=1-4&keywords=patrick+nagatani
and i need to find a place for the grant wood iowa landscapes i’ve always had a jones for. used to be on amazon for $8 or so, need to track it down.
i know both of you are sophisticated art customers, so i thought i’d pass this on.
jeannette says
yep. here’s the grant wood url.
http://www.amazon.com/Grant-Wood-American-Master-Revealed/dp/0876544855/ref=pd_sim_b_4
YoungHouseLove says
Cool!
xo,
s
YoungHouseLove says
Such an awesome idea!
xo,
s
Chrissie says
I love that! I also like the idea of using pages from kids books (Dr Seuss would be great) for art in a nursery – although I’m pretty sure my dad would call it sacrilege to cut up books for any purpose!
Jessica says
First, you guys are amazing and so incredibly motivated. I love it and so inspired by the progress you have made!
Second, I can’t believe you’re thinking about changing the color in the kitchen!!! I LOVE the grellow….I hope you don’t change it!!! But I can totally see how it would be annoying to have the color not read as well on the blog. I just think it’s refreshing and so fun in a house with lots of gray walls (I love the gray too….just love the pop of color in the middle of it all!!)
Third, I really, really, really wish you dudes would get on that sunroom already! lol! It would be my absolute fave room in that house! I would sip coffee and check emails there every single morning. I know its filled with stuff but please promise you will at least TRY to do something in there soon! It may change your life. (ok, maybe a bit dramatic)
Last, just curious….do you guys ever let Clara get in on the fun? I know certain projects are impossible to let a toddler “help” with, but are there any that she is able to jump in on at this point??
YoungHouseLove says
She does have fun watching daddy out there on the deck, and it’s always really fun to involve her in things like when I painted her crayon truck blue and then let her scribble all over it! I always keep an eye out for a way she can “help” (like how she pretended to screw our stools together in the kitchen with daddy – it was so cute to see them working together on the floor). And as for the sunroom- I’m with you! I can’t wait to make that room functional because with all the light that it gets and the lofted ceiling we know it’ll be awesome someday!
xo,
s
Dalenna says
“replace/spray paint the old door knobs and hinges” is on the list a lot – seems like you could do a “spray paint the knobs day” and get a lot marked off at once! (makes the list less daunting that way in my mind)
YoungHouseLove says
You know I’d love that! Haha.
xo,
s
Laura says
Hey there! We bought our current 1300 sq.ft. house about 2 years ago and have made a lot of great progress with renovations (learning a lot from you and John!) But with every decision, every penny we spend, we have “resale resale resale” in mind (will we get this back?). We know that this is not our “forever home”. As a result, most things we buy are decent but lower-grade and neutral. What we’re not sure about, however, is when will be the right time to trade up for something bigger, newer, etc?
Did you guys know that about your first house (about 5 years?) and are you feeling that at all in the decisions you make for this house? Did you then, or have you now, given yourself a timeline as to when you’ll want to move on — whether it be in years, projects complete, or number of kids you have? Do you think you’ll move on or do you feel like this is your “forever home”?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh gosh, we were so naive! Me especially! I thought our first house was our forever house, just because we were in love with it and got married in the backyard, but then we had a baby and John came home to work full time with me and we were bursting at the seams! We only had one full bathroom, and were trying to use a guest room as a home office and a playroom so it was just crazy cramped and we knew we were delusional if we thought it made sense to stay there forever. So I very sadly admitted it wasn’t our forever house and then we went house hunting and something strange happened. I went from so sad and grieving the eventual loss of our first
lovehouse, to downright giddy and excited about a new house.So now I have a theory, much like real love between humans, that “when you know, you know.” It’s hard to project beforehand when you’ll be ready to move on, but going house hunting can probably tip you off about where your head is at (if you’re so sad you might not be ready to go, but if you get crazy excited at all the promise of a new place and admit that the current place just isn’t working for you anymore, you can rest assured you’re ready to move on). It was still bittersweet to leave our first home, but I’m 100% sure it was what was best for our family. Now Clara has a room to play that isn’t also a guest room with two of her parents pounding away at our laptops all day. And we have more than one full bathroom! Amazing! Haha.
xo,
s
Carly says
We put up this window film stuff in our laundry room, which is awesome because it lets the light in and also gives you privacy. Plus, it doesn’t add any bulk to a small room :) We have the stained glass looking kind, but they also make kind of a rice paper look…
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100608533/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=window+film&storeId=10051#.UCqsR6mPWSo
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo
s
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
It’s nice to know you want be moving anyone soon! The house looks great but it looks like you still have big dreams for it. That’s the best thing about flipping a house.
Shellie says
Well, I made it as far as the deck before I started to skim, lol.
I don’t know if I missed the news before, but OMG you are auctioning the book items?!? Please ohh please make it be online and items shippable so us west coasters can get in on it. Owning something you guys worked on would totally become my most prized possesion!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re trying really hard to work that out. We have been shut down a few times for a few different reasons, but we’re still trying desperately to make it work!
xo,
s
Jessie says
Nice list. I feel like my home project list just keep growing as i go through Pinterest and blogville.
I love the “and nope, I’m not prego Mom!” comment.
I am a VBAC momma and want another baby. I reached out to my ICAN group asking if once a VBAC always a VBAC. Well, my Doula was quick to text me (on the side) to see if I was already expecting! LOL
come one baby! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so funny! Whenever anyone from the family sees us I feel them staring at my tummy! When Clara hit two it was like they suddenly went on high alert! Hah.
xo,
s
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says
Reading this post makes me want to tackle our never-ending project list even moreso!
Elizabeth E says
I love that your sunroom is “0 % complete”…it looks more put together than most rooms in my house!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, if you could only see it now! We’re not allowed to show the secret book projects that basically fill it to the gills (along with the jogging stroller and two bikes- it’s a MESS!).
xo,
s
Lia says
I’m a huge list addict, but my life got a lot easier when I started to use evernote. It’s great to collect everything in one place + it’s free. Love that!
http://evernote.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Amy says
We have a similar list! Lots of “dream” items and even more “we can actually do this” items. We’ve accomplished a lot this year, and now that school is starting back up, I hope to get a lot more done.
I have been looking everywhere for extra long shower curtains and can’t find them anywhere – do you have a source?
YoungHouseLove says
I found two of them on amazon.com (searching 95 inch shower curtain or extra long shower curtain). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
1. I’m lovin’ this new list format. Much easier to read.
2. A lazy susan in the dining room would be awesome :)
3. So many french doors! Can’t wait to see how you guys make out with that…
4. Full length mirror on the bathroom door = super awkward
K, that’s all. Loved your update, as usual!
Delia says
Impressive! Oh and I had a trundle bed growing up – yes it was perfect for sleepovers! I liked it better than my the bunk bed my brother had. And I love making lists on my Iphone notes app. I keep a running grocery list so that way whenever it pops into my head that I need something I just type it in and don’t lose my list!
Heather W says
Don’t forget the new light fixture you added to your hall bathroom….
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah! Off too add it!
xo,
s
heyruthie says
i loved this post!
i would like to add that i have small children, and have had a similar buffet setup in my entryway. i discovered (over time) that the lamps on the buffet got broken. every time. every single one. they just ended up getting knocked, or run into, or something. i know you’ve already lost one lamp, and several nice items!
eventually, i switched over to two small sconces that flank the buffet/entry table. OMG. i ended up thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner??” It freed up so much visual space, with the buffet top open. plus, i got to stop cringing when my kids, or their playdates ran past the buffet, and out the door. Ikea sells some cute sconces that don’t have to be hard-wired. i used those, and they look great, and didn’t break the bank. (i did notice that they looked WAY better after I affixed the wire to the wall with little cord staples, rather than letting the cord hang slack!)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s really smart!
xo,
s
Maggie Rose says
We have wall-mounted (not hardwire) sconces from Lamps Plus and they sold a little metal cord cover that also mounts to the wall – we left them the same as the lamp finish, but I know some people will paint them to match the wall. Just an alternative to the cord staples!
Rachel Dowd says
I am inspired to work on my list! I love lists while my hubbie hates them and feels overwhelmed by them. Do both of you handle the length of this list with great attitudes? Any tips for me in encouraging my hubbie not to freak out about mine? I tell him all home owners have long lists, but he struggles to see the “hope” in making plans and only sees the expense and work. I love him, and I’d like to find a way to encourage him as we fix up our home. (1950’s ranch style home in rural WA.) You guys keep me smiling, good luck with your list!
YoungHouseLove says
John doesn’t like lists (well, he doesn’t hate them, but he doesn’t love them like I do) so I make these for my sanity, and he mostly keeps things in his head. If I ask him what he wants to tackle next, we both can think of about 50% of the items on this list offhand, so we just go from there and pick what sounds good (and works with our budget and supply availability). I think doing whatever works best for your hubby to keep morale and spirits up is best, so if he doesn’t like lists don’t overwhelm him, just try to come up with something he’s excited to tackle next and have at it!
xo,
s
KathyG says
I had to comment, b/c this sounded so much like my hubs way-back-when! Everything I suggested, he resisted.
The only way that worked was to absolutely let him decide what he wanted to work on, and how he wanted to do it. Even if it was wayyyyyyy down on my list. Then bragging, encouraging, and most of all helping by being right there with him.
Time and many projects later, that has changed alot. It actually changed rather quickly when I look back on it. I get to choose the projects, and even add my input as to the how (although he still makes most of those decisions).
He told me many years later that he was secretly afraid that I’d just give him a list and then leave and go off shopping or something. HA…now he sometimes makes me leave!
IMO, the best DIY husbands have a patient and encouraging wife behind them. Find some things that would make HIS life easier and happier, and start there. It will take some patience, but consider it an investment. Any time, energy, patience, encouragement you give right now will come back 10 fold in the long run. I promise. (take it from an old married woman!)
Liz says
Hi guys! I love the house, especially the front door. We recently painted our house and front door. We have a grey house and yellow door with white architectural trim. Unfortunately, the light by the door attracts bugs and they stick to the yellow front door! Do you have this problem? Have you come up with anyway to keep the bugs off your light colored door? We live in Florida, which is practically jungle, so it may just be our climate. Appreciate any help!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, maybe it’s a Florida thing? Moths occasionally land on it but when we open it they fly away. Anyone have tips for Liz?
xo,
s
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
I love Listy McListerson! You guys are so organized.
We have a room that’s similar to your play room. We call it the dropping zone. It’s where things go to hide. Have you thought about what you’ll do with that space if you decide not to have another kiddo? Will Clara still get a fancy big girl room, or will she stay where she is? (I think her room is so sweet.)
YoungHouseLove says
I think no matter what she’ll have to move since the nursery is really small so even a twin bed would be pretty crowded in there. Hopefully someday we’ll give her a brother or sister so the nursery can continue to be enjoyed!
xo,
s
Christie says
What about connecting your sunroom to the new garage? I can’t tell if that’s even possible from photos, but wouldn’t a mudroom/sunroom be amazing?!
I’m so impressed that you get so much listed … because I know you’ll actually get to doing it!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be awesome! Sadly they don’t line up (the sunroom is behind the kitchen, so the garage/carport is further off the house).
xo,
s
snosie says
Love your list-y posts, and of course you inspired me to write one back in late Dec when I bought my teeny tiny one bedder! Pleased to say, after yesterday off and the weekend (and a nice tax refund!) I have the tapware all changed in the bathroom (which means less rain shower and more ‘eco shower’ :(( something I did not think of!) and got curtains up in the loft bedroom (cause by MAGIC Vivan came back into stock a day after I visited ikea, I swear, I’m stalking that place, and it pays off!).
Sorta makes me sad that my list is almost done (though happy the $$$ spending is almost done, so now I can bunker down and save for my Oct holiday!). All I have left is one piece of furniture, bedside lamps, maybe new pillows and doona (though both work well now, so I’m not rushing… they are just ‘well worn’). But I’m sure now that some of my big ticket jobs are done, I’ll imagine up some more!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like you got so much done! Congrats!
xo,
s
Parke says
These posts are my favorite!! They make me so excited to see what happens :) Thank you for putting in the time to put them together- it doesn’t look easy!
Anyways do you think you guys will hold the charity auction for all the book projects in Richmond? I’m from here and am crossing my fingers I’ll be able to make it- I would love to treat myself to some early Christmas presents!
YoungHouseLove says
That seems to be the most viable option but we keep hitting various snafus! Will keep you guys posted for sure!
xo,
s
Nina says
Thanks for proving you two aren’t superhuman! Sometimes in looking to your site for how-to and inspiration, it’s easy to forget that you also have what seems like an endless list of things you want to do just like the rest of us. Looking at them on a list is less daunting and while many days feel like 24-hours isn’t enough. Thanks for the reminder to clean up our master to-do tonight to stay on the right track! You guys are awesome…and too cute.
tracy a says
Thanks so much for this post!! I just moved in to my first home (yippee!!), and oh boy is it hard for me that not everything is done. It is so helpful for me to see what a work in progress your place is too! I should make a list like this so I can see what I’d like to do, but mostly so I can see what type of progress we’re making! Thanks again…
Jillian {Her Split Ends} says
Listen here Mr & Ms Listy…i’m TOTALLY inspired to make a giant house list now!! {ah thank you!} I LOVE seeing all the progress you guys have made {the house is just becoming so fab-a-licious} I also love how you have decided to just tackle what you feel like tackling as it comes to you. Totally a great way to keep that creativity flowing!
Thank you for sharing your method to madness ;)
Cheers
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
Kate says
These entries are so fun!
Hannah C. says
I love how the rooms that are further along have the longest to-do lists :)
Ash says
In addition to a couple of lists on my phone (and in my head), I’ve started “double-pinning” things on Pinterest. I’ve got about 200 projects I want to do on my “Crafty Creations” board, and that’s kind of overwhelming to look at. So I picked my top 10%-ish (about 20) and created a new project called “Upcoming Projects” and repinned from my originals over there. I chose them based on supply availability/cost, or how long they’ve been on my To-Do List (it’s all very subjective :P). Then when I’m done I’ll delete the duplicate pin, essentially being a “check – DONE!” moment of satisfaction but I haven’t lost the original pin so I can still go back and find it if I need it later.
Hi, I’m OCD :D
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that!
xo,
s
kelly says
Love this post and all your projects you have planned. It is a huge inspiration! Keep the posts coming!
Michele @ Moonfield Lane says
Oooh, you had me at coffered ceiling!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, here’s hoping we can pull it off!
xo,
s
Paige says
I love a good list! Looks like plenty of projects for a long blog life…and maybe another book or two. Pre-ordered the first one, so excited for you!!!
Stephanie says
Have you seen those art projects where they tape off letters (“write” out a cute/clever saying with letter stencils) and then spray paint over the art piece; them remove tape to reveal art-y letters underneath? This could be a fun option for your yard sale hotel art. I’m explaining it horribly. . .pinterest help!!
Also, the frame could look pretty sweet gold leafed. . .sorry, just having fun decorating your house for/with you!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that project! So many folks recommended it so we’d love to try something in that vein! Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Christine says
Just in case noone said it yet, I think your house looks awesome already.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Christine!
xo,
s
Lynn says
Long time reader – first time commenter. What caught my eye (besides the long list of accomplishments & to-dos) was how lush & green your yard/lawn looks! I’m not terribly far from you (in Maryland) and my yard is a mess – so brown & dry & weedy because of the lack of rain. Anyhow, great blog & looking forward to reading more!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lynn! It definitely browns up over the summer (those photos were taken in the spring). As soon as we make some updates we’ll have to take new pics! Haha.
xo,
s
Katie says
I am inspired! My house to-do list is a jumbled mess. I like how y’all track not only what you want to do, but also what you’ve done, and I love the percentages. Y’all are awesome – can’t wait for your book!
Jenna at Homeslice says
Wow! Overwhelming! I just take projects as I think them up and it’s all a little willy nilly. I like your organization though! Impressive!
Natalie @ barnesdailycircus says
Our first to do list. Very basic and easy.
http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-large-to-do-list.html
And then we crossed stuff off :) It felt soooo good. You guys are fast!
http://barnesdailycircus.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-big-bad-to-do-listcut-in-half.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!!
xo
s
Michael says
Wow, amazing progress and transformation! What countertops did you use for your bathrooms / guest bathrooms / and kitchens?
Keep it up :)
YoungHouseLove says
We used corian in the kitchen, the master bathroom was inherited granite, and the guest bathroom is just a floating ceramic sink.
xo,
s
Koliti says
Really??!! What??!!
I kept saying that throughout your post because I don’t think your finished percentages are HIGH enough!
I for one vote that the Laundry Room is officially 100% done – TA DA!! (The window looks fine and unless there’s a HUGE privacy concern then a curtain/window treatment seems too much for that space).
I hope voting is this easy in November ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Koliti!
xo,
s
Andrea says
I know you only have one car, but will the “carport turned garage” project be a 1 car garage or 2 car garage? I would imagine a 2 car garage would be better for resale (and for storing more stuff) but wasn’t sure what your plans entailed. Can you explain your reasoning either way? Love all of your ideas!
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly our property ends right next to the carport, so we couldn’t make it a double without going onto our neighbor’s lot. We have a ton of space to the left of our house as you face it (which we call our side lot) but nothing on the right beyond the carport!
xo,
s
Chrissie says
The list is heaps easier to follow in this format! It’s great to see all your progress so far, and kinda nice to know that there are a lot more adventures still to come.
You mentioned in the list that you have an A/C unit in the sunroom – what do you guys think about the aesthetic of those units? We have to rely on A/C, living in a very hot climate with houses that are not well designed for said heat, but with the individual units they always look so chunky and kinda scream “HELLO! I’M HEEEERE! LOOK AT ME!”
Just wondering if anyone else has that problem and how one can keep the A/C from distracting or detracting from the room.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, I wish AC units weren’t such big boxy eyesores. I generally think if you create other focal points with color around the room (pretty fabric roman shades to draw the eye up and not down) that maybe it takes the emphasis off of them?
xo
s