Hello Everyone!
As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and eagerly planning for the future. For homeowners, this often translates into a mental list of projects—big and small—that we hope to tackle in the coming year. Traditionally, my approach to home improvement has been a bit haphazard, driven by spontaneous desires rather than a structured plan. However, this year, I’m embarking on a much more intentional journey to transform our cottage bungalow, inspired by a brilliant concept that transcends mere aesthetics.
The genesis of this new strategy came from an unexpected source: my favorite YouTuber, KarenBritChick, who offers insightful advice on building a better wardrobe. Her core principle revolves around “searching for the holes in your closet” – identifying what you truly need or genuinely desire to make more purposeful purchasing decisions. This method ensures that every new addition contributes meaningfully to a cohesive and functional wardrobe. For instance, you might realize you lack a versatile black pump, a statement blazer, or a timeless trench coat. These are your “holes,” and focusing on filling them leads to a much more effective and satisfying wardrobe evolution.
A light bulb moment illuminated my understanding: this profound concept isn’t limited to fashion; it’s perfectly applicable to curating a home. Just as a wardrobe benefits from strategic additions, a home thrives when its functional and aesthetic gaps are thoughtfully addressed. Instead of simply wanting new decor or undertaking random renovations, I began to ask: “What are the ‘holes’ in our home? What’s missing that would significantly enhance our living experience?” This shift in perspective promised a year of home projects that are not just aspirational, but deeply rooted in utility, comfort, and our unique lifestyle.
Over the subsequent days, I immersed myself in a detailed inventory of our home’s shortcomings. I closely observed how we interact with each space, identifying the activities we wish we could comfortably perform but currently cannot due to a missing element. I pinpointed areas where functionality falters and brainstormed practical solutions. I considered the decor pieces I’ve long postponed acquiring, the temporary fixes that desperately need durable, quality replacements, and those cherished items I’ve desired for their sheer joy, even if not strictly “necessary.” This holistic evaluation revealed a clear picture of what our home truly requires to better serve our family.
Our journey into downsized living in #thecottagebungalow has always emphasized intentionality. The compact footprint demands that every square foot is maximized, and every item serves a purpose. We’ve dedicated considerable effort to renovating and updating the house with this philosophy in mind, and the upcoming year is about fine-tuning that approach. Applying the “holes in your home” concept, I uncovered specific areas demanding our attention. Here’s what I discovered needed addressing:
WE NEED A SLEEPER SOFA
This particular need is one I’ve tried to sidestep since day one, but its necessity has become undeniable. Our cozy two-bedroom, one-bathroom home lacks a dedicated guest room, making a sleeper sofa a pragmatic solution for accommodating visitors. The realization truly hit home during a recent period of back-to-back overnight guests, where finding suitable sleeping arrangements proved challenging. We managed by maneuvering beds and doubling up in bedrooms, but the experience underscored how much easier and more comfortable a sleeper sofa would have made things for everyone involved. Given that Naomi and I don’t live near our families, our home frequently welcomes out-of-town visitors throughout the year, cementing the sleeper sofa as a critical “hole” to fill.
My hesitation stemmed from the common reputation of sleeper sofas: they’re rarely lauded for being both exceptionally comfortable and genuinely stylish. We absolutely cannot compromise on comfort, as this will be our sole sofa in the single living area of our home. It has to serve as a primary seating solution daily, meaning its comfort level is paramount. Simultaneously, I desire it to be aesthetically pleasing and seamlessly integrated into our home’s design. Adding to the challenge are the inherent space constraints of our bungalow. Many sofas I’ve considered have been just slightly too large or too small, not deep enough, or too high in the back. While we’ve tried a couple of different sofas over our four years here, none have achieved that perfect balance. This has led us to a definitive decision: we’re going custom. Every detail, from dimensions to upholstery, will be tailored to our exact specifications. This bespoke approach ensures the sofa will maximize our available space while providing unparalleled comfort for both daily use and overnight guests, fulfilling a crucial need without sacrificing style or functionality.
OUR CLOSETS NEED AN INTERVENTION
I’ll be the first to admit, I am not an innate organizer. My home isn’t adorned with meticulously labeled bins, nor is everything alphabetized and perfectly tidy. However, some areas of our home, particularly our closets and pantry, are in dire need of a serious intervention. The pantry, which I rarely showcase due to its current state, along with the hall closet and the kids’ closets, have become significant points of friction. These hard-working areas are currently underperforming, failing to utilize their potential storage capacity. We are incredibly fortunate to have numerous closets in our small home, a luxury often scarce in compact living spaces. Yet, I feel we aren’t leveraging them to their full advantage at all. A major focus for the upcoming year will be to give these vital storage zones the thoughtful attention they desperately need, transforming them into efficient, functional, and user-friendly spaces that truly support our daily lives.
WE NEED HELLA RUGS
To be precise, we need five new rugs. While rugs are consistently one of the most challenging decor items to select due to the sheer variety of styles, materials, and sizes, their importance cannot be overstated. They are essential for grounding furniture, defining separate zones within open-plan spaces, adding warmth and texture, and significantly improving acoustics, especially in a smaller home with hard flooring. The laundry room, dining room, hallway, and living room all currently lack this crucial element. Selecting the right rugs will involve balancing durability, aesthetic appeal, and proper sizing for each specific area. This project, though seemingly minor, will play a huge role in making our home feel more cohesive, comfortable, and complete, tying together the various design elements and enhancing the overall ambiance. Fun times indeed, but a necessary and rewarding endeavor.
WHERE’S THE VACUUM?
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly two years since Naomi inadvertently disposed of our vacuum cleaner. This gap in our cleaning arsenal has become a glaring “hole” in our home maintenance routine. While sweeping rugs might work in a pinch for minor debris, it is by no means an effective or efficient long-term solution, especially with the multiple rugs we plan to introduce. A proper vacuum is indispensable for keeping floors clean, managing dust and allergens, and maintaining the longevity of our rugs and other floor surfaces. We’ve set our sights on a Miele, renowned for its exceptional quality, durability, and superior cleaning performance. This will undoubtedly be a significant investment, but the philosophy with Miele products is simple: you invest well once, and it serves you reliably for years. The challenge now is to research and identify the specific Miele model that best suits our needs, ensuring this essential appliance fills a crucial void in our home.
SPEAKING OF FLOORS
The flooring in our kitchen and laundry room has been a pending project for far too long—three years, to be exact. These high-traffic areas are not only aesthetically outdated but also functionally inadequate, detracting from the overall appeal and efficiency of our home. I’ve spent considerable time weighing various material options, oscillating between different styles, durabilities, and cost considerations. This indecision has led to stagnation, but the time for wavering is over. I am determined to make a definitive decision this year and get these floors replaced. New flooring will not only drastically improve the visual appeal of these crucial spaces but also enhance their practicality and ease of maintenance, completing another significant piece of our home’s puzzle and making our daily routines more enjoyable.
MASTER BEDROOM TRANSFORMATION
Our master bedroom stands as the sole untouched room in the house since we moved in. It was always intended to be a temporary arrangement, so I never invested significant thought or effort into its design or functionality. Consequently, it currently lacks the sanctuary-like quality a master bedroom should offer. We’ve been engaged in extensive discussions about its future. Part of me yearns for a major overhaul—imagining it torn down and rebuilt as a truly legitimate, integrated bedroom space within the house, rather than an afterthought. This ambitious vision, however, opens a complex dialogue. Are we still planning to move in the foreseeable future? Would such a substantial renovation represent a worthwhile financial investment for our long-term goals? This option necessitates a deep dive into the financial implications, meticulously calculating the costs involved to assess what is realistically affordable. At the very least, my goal is to give our bedroom a significant refresh with new paint and furniture, transforming it into a more comfortable, personal, and aesthetically pleasing retreat, even if a full rebuild remains a distant dream for now.
ART, ART, ART!
Last year, I finally began the delightful process of adding art to our walls, a project that instantly brought personality and warmth into our spaces. This year, I am committed to continuing this artistic journey, particularly focusing on the hallway. Art plays a pivotal role in making a house feel like a home; it’s an expression of individual style, a source of inspiration, and a way to add depth and character to otherwise bare walls. Beyond just filling empty spaces, strategically placed artwork can create focal points, enhance color schemes, and evoke emotions, transforming utilitarian passages into engaging galleries. My goal is to curate a collection that reflects our tastes and experiences, turning our home’s thoroughfares into visually stimulating and inviting areas.
FOCUS ON FINISHING
This particular “hole” resonates deeply with me, as it represents a personal tendency I’m determined to overcome. I have a notorious habit of initiating projects with great enthusiasm, seeing them through to about 90% completion, and then, for various reasons, moving on to the next endeavor. It’s almost always the small, tedious, yet crucial finishing touches that get left behind – tasks like painting trim, meticulously installing baseboards, or attaching hardware. These seemingly minor details, when left undone, collectively prevent a space from truly feeling complete and polished. The mental burden of knowing these tasks are pending is surprisingly significant, and it detracts from the satisfaction of a fully realized space. Finished spaces are one of the biggest “holes” in our home, and I am committed to addressing this comprehensively. My ambitious but achievable goal for this year is to bring the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom to 100% completion, ensuring every last detail is attended to, and every space can be fully enjoyed without the nagging feeling of something left undone.
THE SPLURGE ITEM
My philosophy on home decor firmly advocates for a balanced approach: a harmonious blend of splurge and save. I am a staunch proponent of investing in that one special item that might cost a little more than strictly necessary but brings immense joy and significantly elevates a space. For me, that coveted item is a grand Venetian floor-length mirror (among other things, but we’ll tackle one at a time, right?). I’ve longed for one for a considerable period and have finally decided that this is the year I will acquire it. Incorporating it into the master bedroom update makes this indulgence feel less guilt-inducing, although, truthfully, I carry no guilt whatsoever when it comes to pieces I genuinely adore. My ideal scenario involves finding a vintage piece with a rich history, but regardless of whether it’s new or old, its acquisition is a definite plan. This mirror will serve not just as a functional piece but as a statement of elegance and personal taste, reflecting both light and the unique character of our home.
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BACKYARD TRANSFORMATION
The past four years have been primarily dedicated to clearing and preparing our backyard, transforming it into a clean slate. The removal of a derelict shed last summer marked the final step in this extensive clearing phase, finally allowing us to shift our focus from demolition to construction. Now, the exciting work of rebuilding begins, with a clear vision to maximize every inch of this wonderful outdoor space. Our backyard was a significant selling point when we purchased this home, holding immense potential for outdoor living, entertaining, and relaxation. While there is undoubtedly a substantial amount of work ahead to bring our outdoor dreams to fruition, the most crucial step is to simply get started. This transformation will extend our living area beyond the confines of our small interior, creating an invaluable extension of our home that enhances our quality of life and provides a beautiful setting for future memories.
EMBRACING ENTERTAINING
Perhaps the most significant and, for me, the most disheartening “hole” in our home is our limited capacity for entertaining. I absolutely adore hosting gatherings; I love the warmth and camaraderie of sharing our space with friends and family. However, we currently don’t entertain nearly as often as I’d like, primarily because there always seems to be something preventing us from doing it in the way we envision. This ends now. A considerable amount of effort has gone into making this home lovely and special, and a core reason for this dedication is the desire to share it with others. By systematically focusing on filling the identified “holes” – from a comfortable sleeper sofa for guests to optimized storage and a fully realized backyard – we will, in essence, make entertaining much easier, more comfortable, and infinitely more enjoyable for both us and our cherished guests. This project isn’t just about physical spaces; it’s about fostering community and connection.
A ROUND COFFEE TABLE
This particular item is a fairly straightforward “hole” on my list. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect round coffee table for quite some time now, and I’m hopeful that this year will bring success. In our compact living area, a round coffee table offers distinct advantages over its rectangular counterparts. Its curvilinear form promotes better flow, reducing sharp angles that can impede movement in a smaller space and creating a softer, more inviting aesthetic. It also tends to be more adaptable to various seating arrangements and is generally safer in homes with children or pets. My ideal table would be somewhat large to serve as a central anchor, yet possess an interesting or statement detail – though I’m not entirely sure what that detail is yet. I trust that when I see the right one, I’ll instinctively know it’s the perfect fit, completing the central hub of our living room.
So, there you have it, friends. These are the “holes” in our home as they currently stand, a meticulously curated list born from a new, intentional approach to home improvement. As someone who appreciates all things beautiful and functional, this strategy will be instrumental in keeping me focused and deliberate, not only with our purchases but also with the broader design and renovation of our home. It ensures that what’s genuinely missing or truly needed remains at the forefront of every decision, helping me to resist the alluring “ooh, but it’s pretty!” trap of impulse buys. I wholeheartedly encourage each of you to explore the “holes in your home” as well. Take stock of your living spaces, reflect on how you use them, and identify what could truly enhance your daily life. You might be surprised by what insights you uncover, leading you toward a more intentional, satisfying, and beautiful home transformation.
Until next time, friends…