Happy New Year!  It can’t believe it’s 2020 already.  When I started this blog in 2019, my goal was to document and share the process of turning my builder-grade house into a modern farmhouse style home.  I invested in large pieces of furniture within the first year of ownership (2017); however, I didn’t make much progress with my efforts to complete the finishing design touches.

In 2019, I embarked on a few major projects, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.  In this blog post, I would like to highlight the completed projects and discuss a few projects I have in store for the new year.

Let’s start with the biggest project, MY COVERED DECK!

We started this project at the beginning of 2019 in the dead of winter.  Despite a brief wintry mix, the project was completed with no issues. 

This was a major renovation and required a lot of planning, approvals, and inspections.  It’s been almost one year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this outdoor living area. 

I had so much fun purchasing furniture and decorating the covered area of my deck for spring and summer.  We spent so much time on the deck, and the kids were thrilled to finally get outside and play in the backyard.   

I think we accomplished our goal of not over-improving our property by going to big on the deck.  We do want to include a patio with a built-in grill and fire pit in the future.  For now, we are happy with the addition.

The next project was installing trim in several spaces on the first floor.  I took my time to narrow down the trim styles for each of the spaces, and I joined a home renovation Facebook group to locate a great contractor.  I found an amazing contractor to not only extend my board and batten into the foyer but to create custom trim work in several spaces on my first floor.

The culminating project for 2019 was painting the entire first floor, the loft, and the second-floor landing.  I went with Sherwin Williams white for the major of the walls.  I used Agreeable Gray for the office, dining room and my kids’ playroom/study.  The paint made a huge difference in the overall look of my home. 

In addition to the projects completed in 2019, I would like to highlight my Top 5 Instagram looks that resonated with my followers in 2019.  Most of these are my favorites as well. 

I would like to wrap up this post with my 2020 renovation plans for perfecting our manor.  The initial projects will be more of a refresh for several spaces.  I will also continue to create pretty organized spaces throughout my home.  These are ever-evolving spaces, and I will kick them off in January 2020.

I did complete my powder room refresh last year, so I will reveal it very soon.  If you follow m on Instagram, then you’ve seen a sneak peek of my wallpaper.

In between organizing additional spaces in my home, I will give my kids’ bedroom (boy/girl twins) a total refresh.  I’ve already completed the accent walls in their rooms, so the next step is to source furniture, rugs, artwork and other décor pieces.

My kid’s playroom/study will also get a small refresh.  With the new accent wall and paint already completed, I just need to update it to reflect my growing kids’ needs.  I wanted to move away from the space being used for television viewing to a space for them to do school work, read and create.

Once I complete the refresh on the above spaces, I will tackle a behemoth project that has been on my list for a couple of years.  In 2019, I elected to take on the outdoor living space, and this year I’m taking on my unfinished basement.  I did hire someone to develop architectural plans for the space to include electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and the general build-out of the space.  I’m really excited about getting started with this project. 

My goal with the basement is to create a family-friendly space where we can hang out as a family and entertain our friends and extended family.  I have promised the kids a movie room, so that is definitely going to happen soon.  I do not have a completion date in mind; however, I do want to take my time and serve as the general contractor for the renovation. 

I will be very busy over the coming months, and I will bring you along on the journey of perfecting our manor.

Be on the lookout for more organizing and refresh projects really soon!