Blogging can feel like a perpetual hamster wheel: we build, buy, install, or try something, write about it, then move on to the next project. That means we don’t always circle back to older topics, so readers often ask for updates on things from the archives. Here’s a long-awaited round of follow-ups—this is the second compilation we’ve shared (see our first update post for other topics).
Our Nest Thermostat: This remains the single most-asked-about item in our house. Short answer: we still love it. It continues to save energy and makes day-to-day life easier. The features we praised initially—auto-away sensing, schedule learning (like warming the second floor when we tend to be up there), and the ability to change temperatures remotely from a phone—are still fantastic. It’s one of those upgrades you notice every day: practical, convenient, and a little luxurious.
It’s tricky to quantify exact savings because we installed it shortly after moving, but Nest reports we’ve used less energy than about 70% of other Nest users in Virginia. The auto-away feature has been a particular win—no more manually programming the thermostat before trips or long errands. We can also turn the heat or AC on from the car if we’re returning from a weekend away, so the house is comfortable by the time we walk in. In short: still truly, madly, and deeply in love.
Our Outdoor Plantings: The holly trees we splurged on for privacy are thriving—tall, healthy, and deterring deer. On the flip side, the privet we planted turned out to be a deer magnet and was completely eaten. Ironically, many warned that privet can be invasive, but our experience was the opposite: it didn’t overtake the yard; it simply didn’t stand a chance against local deer. Thankfully the nursery offered a one-year warranty, so once it warms up we’ll return the remains and likely replace it with another holly.
Living With Stairs: People ask whether transitioning from a ranch to a two-story home was difficult. It wasn’t. In fact, we’re enjoying stairs more than expected. One practical perk: when guests come over we usually only need to tidy the first floor since most socializing happens downstairs, so pre-arrival cleanups are shorter. We also like that the bedroom areas feel more separated from work and living spaces—fewer laptops drifting into bedsides—which has helped re-establish clearer work/relaxation boundaries. In summary: stairs are working out great for us.
Old Appliances After Having New Ones: We get asked whether it’s hard to revert to older appliances after living with new models. So far, the older fridge, stove, dishwasher, and laundry units are doing their job and haven’t been a major burden—probably because we accept upgrades as gradual projects. That said, our washer recently broke. After taking it apart we found rusted bolts and a detached belt, so we called a repair technician. If the fix is affordable—around $75—we’ll repair and wait to replace it later when we can get a great machine. If the tech deems it beyond repair, we’ll start hunting for a replacement. We’re also daydreaming about switching to a gas stove someday.
Rejuvenated Wood Floors: The simple cleaning and sealing treatment we used in the office, dining room, and living room is holding up well. Seven months later the floors look essentially unchanged and still fresh. No complaints there.
Nikon D3200: Our accidental camera upgrade continues to deliver. It still impresses with video capabilities and color handling, and it’s been a reliable tool for photos and home projects. If you’re considering the D3200, the original post and its comments include useful details and user experiences.
Living Without a Proper Two-Person Office: Not having a dual workspace has been inconvenient. John works at a desk in the office, while I usually work from the kitchen table, which means clearing the table for meals. It’s tolerable, but not ideal. We’ve sketched plans and researched ideas to make the office more functional and hope to tackle it soon—possibly after the nursery project. For now, it’s manageable but on our improvement list.
Open Shelving in the Kitchen: We still adore open shelves. They make grabbing dishes and unloading the dishwasher quick and easy, which is why we used them in this kitchen as well as the last. They remain one of our favorite functional design choices.
Our Restoration Hardware Outlet Table: People asked whether the raw-looking kitchen table has been trouble with stains after everyday use. Surprisingly, it’s held up through grape juice spills and a soy sauce mishap without lasting damage. We haven’t seen water rings or deep stains, so the finish seems to provide more protection than its appearance suggests.
Our Karlstad Sofa: Karl is still going strong. After years of use with a kid, a dog, and two adults, the sofa’s cushions and overall appearance remain in good shape. The dark sivik gray cover has proven durable—almost denim-like—and resists pet nails. Being machine washable has also been a major plus. Karl continues to be a comfortable and practical family member.
Stenciled Bathroom Floor: The stenciled floor has held up perfectly. Daily use, a dog tapping around with claws, and the usual foot traffic haven’t caused peeling or flaking. The clear sealer we applied did its job, and a few stray paint drips wiped off easily after drying. The stenciled floor still looks mint.
That’s the long update dump—thanks for sticking with it. What in your home has surprised you by performing wonderfully or let you down? We love learning from other people’s wins and “don’t do this” lessons.
For more past tweaks and lessons learned, check our earlier posts on mistakes, living room changes, smaller adjustments, and the first update roundup. Course-correcting as you go has worked out well for us in the long run.