Welcome back, dear friends and design enthusiasts! As we step into a fresh new year, the tradition of sharing our ambitious home project list for the upcoming months feels more significant than ever. Since embarking on this blogging journey in 2012, this annual ritual has become a cornerstone of our content, charting our progress as we transform our beloved home, one thoughtful project at a time. Like many of you, our approach to home improvement is a gradual one, carefully selecting projects that align with our available time, resources, and current inspirations. Sometimes, a specific design theme guides our choices; other times, the undeniable needs of an older home dictate our priorities, thanks to those inevitable #oldhouseproblems. And occasionally, the most exciting ideas spark from the simplest moments, like a sudden burst of creativity during a morning shower—such is the exhilarating life of a designer!
The year 2020, to put it mildly, was an extraordinary and challenging period for everyone. It felt relentless, heavy, and truly… a lot. I needed to navigate January, gather my thoughts, and find my footing before I could confidently share our vision for the year ahead. In light of the unprecedented circumstances, I’m extending myself a generous amount of grace for the home plans that didn’t quite materialize last year. You can revisit our 2020 home goals here, but suffice to say, adapting was key. This year, however, driven by an urgent desire to infuse our home with a whole new level of fresh, feel-good energy, we are thinking big—really big, in fact. Our 2021 home project radar is buzzing with grand plans, and I can’t wait to dive into each one with you.
Our 2021 Home Project Vision: Transforming Spaces and Elevating Living
Our home is a canvas that continuously evolves, reflecting our family’s needs and our evolving design sensibilities. After a year that forced us all to spend more time within our walls, the importance of creating functional, beautiful, and inspiring spaces has never been clearer. This year, we’re not just undertaking renovations; we’re embarking on a journey to redefine comfort, elevate aesthetics, and craft environments that truly support and rejuvenate us. Here’s a closer look at the ambitious projects we have planned for the year, promising a blend of essential upgrades and exciting transformations.
Kitchen & Dining Renovation: From Foundation to Finish
This is arguably the most significant undertaking on our list, and one that has been a long time coming. After six years of living with our “phase 1” kitchen, which served its purpose but always felt like a temporary solution, we’ve made the thrilling decision to embark on a full, start-from-the-studs renovation. Initially, the plan was a mere cosmetic refresh—perhaps new flooring and updated finishes while retaining the existing layout. But as any homeowner knows, once you start peeling back the layers, the vision often expands. We realized that to truly create the heart of the home we’ve always dreamed of, a complete overhaul was necessary. I cannot express my excitement enough! We are literally tearing it down and rebuilding the space from the ground up, reimagining every aspect of its functionality and aesthetics. The planning stages are well underway, filled with exhilarating decisions about layouts, materials, and fixtures. We’re currently awaiting necessary approvals and permits, and then, friends, the demolition begins! I’m so eager to bring you along for every step of this journey, from the initial chaos to the final reveal.
Crucially, this renovation also encompasses our dining area, which, believe it or not, might be my favorite part of the entire project. This space has been a design challenge since the day we moved in, struggling to find its true purpose and aesthetic harmony within our home. With the full kitchen redesign, we finally have the opportunity to integrate the dining area seamlessly, creating a cohesive, functional, and beautiful open-plan living experience. Imagine a space that flows effortlessly, perfect for everyday family meals and gracious entertaining. This comprehensive kitchen and dining remodel isn’t just about new cabinets or countertops; it’s about redefining the central hub of our home, making it more efficient, more beautiful, and infinitely more welcoming for years to come.
Living Room Refresh: A Breath of New Life
Our living room has quietly maintained its status quo for several years, a space that has been comfortable but undeniably stagnant in its style. Now feels like the perfect moment to inject it with a much-needed contemporary update and a fresh perspective. The impetus for this refresh largely began at the end of 2020 when we finally invested in a brand-new sofa—a significant purchase we’ve postponed for years. To put it in perspective, we haven’t purchased a new sofa for this house since we moved in, and the last time I bought a brand-new sofa was way back in 2006, before Naomi and I had even met! Our new sofa is currently in production and anticipated to arrive soon, promising to be the comfortable, stylish centerpiece our living room deserves.
Once the sofa order was placed, it triggered a cascade of other design decisions. I decided it was the opportune moment to address several other details I’ve been contemplating for quite some time. This includes updating accent furniture, perhaps a new area rug to define the space, refreshing our art collection, and selecting new window treatments to enhance both privacy and aesthetic appeal. The goal is to create a more cohesive, inviting, and visually engaging living room that reflects our current style and offers ultimate comfort for family gatherings and quiet evenings alike. I’m genuinely thrilled about the transformation this space will undergo, proving that sometimes, even a refresh can feel as impactful as a complete renovation.
Michael’s Room: Designing for a Teenager’s World
Can you believe it? Michael is officially a teenager! The mere thought often brings tears to my eyes, marking another beautiful milestone in his life. He celebrated his 13th birthday this past year, signifying that it’s high time his personal space evolved to reflect this exciting new phase of his life. Furthermore, with distance learning remaining a reality for the foreseeable future, it was imperative to design a room that not only felt age-appropriate but also functioned as an efficient and inspiring environment for at-home education. We’ve actually already made significant progress on this project and are nearing completion, so expect a full reveal very soon!
One of the most rewarding aspects of this renovation has been Michael’s active involvement in every design decision. From selecting the color palette to choosing the desk and storage solutions, his input has been invaluable, ensuring the room truly feels like his own sanctuary. We focused on creating a versatile space that can adapt to both studying and relaxation, incorporating smart storage solutions, comfortable seating, and personalized decor elements that celebrate his interests. The result is a room that is not only incredibly functional for his academic needs but also reflects his evolving personality and style. It truly looks so, so good, and I’m beyond excited to share the finished space with you all, highlighting how thoughtful design can cater to a growing child’s changing needs.
Office Studio: A Dedicated Space for Creativity and Productivity
This is a project I haven’t really touched upon before, but it’s a direct response to the lessons and changes 2020 brought into sharp focus. The past year underscored the undeniable need for a dedicated office space. My business has experienced significant growth, and with both children learning from home, the boundaries between work and family life became increasingly blurred. Finding a quiet, focused environment to work has become essential, not just for productivity but also for mental well-being.
We explored several possibilities to create this much-needed space, including the idea of converting our detached garage into a studio/guest quarters. While that concept had its merits, we ultimately decided on a more tailored solution: adding a small, purpose-built studio in our backyard to serve as my dedicated office. This approach offers the ideal separation between home and work, allowing me to step into a professional environment without leaving our property. We are still meticulously working through the design details and logistics for this exciting endeavor, envisioning a space filled with natural light, ample storage, and an inspiring atmosphere conducive to creativity. This project is high on my anticipation list, promising to be a game-changer for my business and my daily routine.
Primary Bedroom Completion: Crafting a Serene Sanctuary
Our primary bedroom was on the “to-do” list for last year, but unfortunately, we only managed to scratch the surface of its potential. The major accomplishment was the completion of our PAX closet system, which brought much-needed organization and functionality. Beyond that, the space remained largely untouched, waiting for its full transformation. This year, we are absolutely committed to completing this project, turning our bedroom into the serene, stylish sanctuary it deserves to be.
A primary bedroom should be a retreat, a space for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day. We plan to address all the elements that will elevate its comfort and aesthetic appeal, including refreshing the paint, adding carefully selected furniture pieces, incorporating layered lighting, and choosing luxurious textiles and window treatments. The goal is to create a cohesive design that feels both elegant and incredibly inviting, a true haven where we can unwind and recharge. I am certainly looking forward to bringing this space to its full, tranquil potential.
Side Porch Refresh: Enhancing Outdoor Living
Ah, yes, my beloved side porch! This charming outdoor space, conveniently located directly off our living room, holds a special place in my heart. While it’s functional, the goal for this year is to give it a much-deserved refresh with new outdoor furniture and thoughtful decor. This isn’t about drastic structural changes, but rather about enhancing its current charm and making it even more inviting and comfortable for everyday use and entertaining. We envision adding plush seating, stylish outdoor rugs, ambient lighting, and vibrant plant life to create a truly enchanting outdoor living area. The intent is to transform it into a tranquil oasis where we can enjoy our morning coffee, read a book, or simply unwind and connect with nature. Giving this space a little extra attention this year will undoubtedly elevate our outdoor living experience and add to the overall curb appeal of our home.
Front Lawn & Irrigation: Mastering Curb Appeal and Sustainability
Last year was undoubtedly the year of outdoor projects, and I’m incredibly proud to say we achieved every single one of those ambitious goals, culminating in our stunning new backyard, complete with a beautiful deck, a spacious patio, and a flourishing potager garden. It truly transformed our backyard into a dream space, and it marked just the beginning of our outdoor aspirations. This year, our focus shifts to the front of the house, where we plan to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the entire front lawn and irrigation system.
Currently, our front yard is, to be frank, a bit of a persistent challenge. After six years of struggling with patchy grass, ineffective watering, and general landscaping frustrations, Naomi is determined to rectify the situation. Her vision involves completely revamping the lawn and installing a much more efficient and sustainable irrigation system. This project is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about improving the health of our landscape, conserving water, and creating a welcoming first impression for our home. We envision a lush, well-maintained lawn complemented by thoughtful planting that enhances our curb appeal and reduces maintenance efforts in the long run. Naomi is taking the lead on this project, ensuring we implement superior systems that will provide lasting beauty and efficiency.
#NaomisPool: Making a Splash in Our Backyard
And now, for the grand finale—a project that has been the subject of much debate and excitement in our household: we are getting a pool! Or, more accurately, Naomi is getting a pool. For years, she and the kids have dreamed of having one, while I, admittedly, was less enthusiastic. However, spending the past year together, day in and day out, with our outdoor spaces serving as our primary source of entertainment, has undeniably changed my tune. I’m completely outnumbered on this one, and honestly, the thought of cooling off during our triple-digit summers makes the investment entirely worthwhile. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely been privy to the somewhat “rocky road” this journey has taken, complete with design dilemmas and numerous discussions! We’ve navigated a few twists and turns, but we’re finally nearing an agreement on a design that satisfies us both. Don’t tell Naomi, but I’m actually, truly, incredibly excited about this project! Envisioning family fun, poolside relaxation, and a refreshing escape right in our own backyard has transformed my initial reluctance into genuine anticipation. This pool isn’t just an addition; it’s an enhancement to our family’s lifestyle and a beautiful new feature for our home.
Well, friends, that just about covers our extensive list of home projects for 2021! This year truly embodies a “go big and stay home” philosophy, channeling our energy into creating the most beautiful and functional environment possible. There’s an incredible amount of work ahead, and I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and dive in. Let’s get these projects underway and bring our vision to life! Until next time, loves…