Since 2023 has just begun…. I think I can still post a roundup of our biggest projects from 2022. One thing that I’m really proud of is we did all the work ourselves. Custom projects, like custom homes, can be very expensive. One way that we cut costs is to do the work ourselves. And when I say “we”, I mainly mean Andy. 😉 That is why we call him “Handy Andy”.
In 2022, we completed two One Room Challenges. These were pretty big projects, total room renovations. We did several smaller projects, as well. While smaller projects may seem small, they can have just as big of an impact as huge room renovations. Stay tuned to the end for my wish list. So, let’s get to it.
Entryway Trim
January 2022, we added a picture frame molding accent wall to our entryway. It was such a fast and easy project that made a drastic change. We did 3 sections, each with a large section and a small section. The middle section was slightly wider in order to accommodate my vintage mirror. We finished this project in one weekend!
Mudroom
When we built our house in 2017, we left the room where the garage door entered into completely blank. It had walls and wood floors, but nothing else. Andy added a wall of shiplap with a shelf and bench. The walls were the same color as the rest of the house (light pewter) and the wall with the bench was painted white. I wanted something a little more dramatic. So, I went with Copley Gray for the bench wall and Stone Hearth for the rest of the walls.
Laundry Room
We decided to participate in the Spring One Room Challenge for the first time ever. Our Laundry Room was okay, but it definitely could be better. We changed the whole room, adding a surround cabinet for the washer/dryer, new cabinets, a basket storage tower, and a folding counter. We also added beadboard, wallpaper, open shelves, and a fun statement light.
Thrifted Lamp Makeover
I love a good pottery makeover. I have done so many thrifted pieces of pottery. I really wanted a dramatic lamp for our entry, and I found several on Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. But I have a Goodwill budget, so those were not in the cards for me. I found a lamp at Goodwill with good shape, but super ugly texture. I used the drywall mud technique that I’ve used in the past. I love how it turned out. I even kept the original shade…it looked perfect.
Theater Room
I love our first One Room Challenge experience, I wanted to do it again in the fall. We have an unfinished basement in our home, and we have been wanting to get it finished. But because of budget constraints, we really want to go slow and go room by room. The room right at the base of the stairs is the room that we wanted for a movie room. We created a dark and moody theater room with 2-tiered seating and a daybed. It’s such a fun room to hang out in and watch a good movie. We recently watched the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings (all the extended versions). We love MOVIES!
Project Wish List
So, what does my dream list look like? I have so many things that I really want to do. These are probably the most probable for year 2023.
Master Bedroom
I plan on giving the nightstands in the Master Bedroom a makeover. Last year, I painted them Revere Pewter (they were an off-white). Our bed is an off-white, and the Revere Pewter just isn’t enough contrast for me. I plan on painting them a darker color for more drama.
I also plan on painting the whole Master Bedroom. Our board and batten accent wall is currently Boothbay Gray and the rest of the walls are Repose Gray. I’m going to paint the whole room the Boothbay Gray, I want a more seamless look.
I have a bed that is on my wish list too, but it’s been out of stock forever….so that’s probably not going to happen. I also plan on changing out the curtains. I love the beige blush, but I want something a little more neutral. I’m also going to raise them up closer to the ceiling.
Pantry
The pantry has been on my to-do list for several years. A walk-in pantry was an absolute must have for me when building this house. We have two walls of shelving, but it’s just not working. I feel like a lot of the space goes unused, especially the vertical space. I’m hoping to do this project sooner rather than later. We really need a more functional pantry. I want to add cabinets on one side with counters and upper cabinets to the ceiling. Cabinets will go under the window as well, and then shelves will be on the other side. I think I even want to paint the floors! 😬😬😬 We really want to add some kind of fridge in the pantry, as well. Even if it is just a beverage fridge. Anything will help.
The Big Red Barn
This is number one on my husband’s list. When we found our property, the one thing that drew me to it, was the huge red barn on the property. We had such plans! When Andy initially tried to fix it up, he discovered the roof was in absolute shambles. He did a few patches here and there, but now it has a HUGE hole in the roof. So, we either need to get it fixed or tear it down. And we just can’t bear to think about tearing it down. So, it’s going to be very costly, but we’re hoping to get the roof done this year.
Conclusion
I hope you gained some inspiration to finish some projects in your own home. Even the smallest of projects can be hugely impactful. And you get the thrill of accomplishing something creative. Let me know which project was your favorite and which one you’re looking forward to in the comments. You know I love to hear from you!
Until next time Treasure Hunter!
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