Psst—For everyone asking what we did for Easter and what Clara found in her basket, check out those details on Young House Life.
This post is long, so feel free to skim. It began after readers asked how we organize our to-do list. We keep one long running document and, since people kept asking to see it and follow along as we update it, we decided to share a refreshed version. You first saw this list months ago and we’ve crossed off a bunch since then. We also added percentage estimates at the end to show how finished each room or space feels. This is essentially the document we use to remember what’s on the agenda and to decide what to tackle next.
How we use the list: we circle small tasks to tackle right away, cross things off as we finish them, and keep a separate section for long-term projects and larger items we’re saving for. Reviewing long-term items keeps us motivated to save for them, and seeing smaller items crossed off keeps us excited about making steady progress. Our approach is simple: write everything down, chip away at doable tasks, and save for the bigger projects when we’re ready.
That’s why the kitchen redo took nearly a year to begin. Our priority process is mostly mood-driven, unless something is urgent or a safety concern. Below is the current list, with recently completed and newly added items noted:
To Do (But Not All At Once…):
- Find saturated or patterned fabric and DIY curtains (no-sew and sewing methods) for various rooms including the office, playroom, and future dining room.
- Paint rooms throughout the house over time—small hallway, sunroom, hall bathroom, guest bathroom, and other spaces—considering a cohesive whole-house palette.
- Stencil or wallpaper feature walls where it makes sense.
- Refresh dark wood trim where needed; in one case we gray-washed beams to balance the gray sectional and white frames.
- Remove unnecessary bi-fold doors and other awkward fixtures.
- Frost the side door window that looks into the kitchen for privacy.
- Remove built-in shelves that don’t work and reconfigure storage where appropriate.
- Prime and paint the kitchen paneling, update the backsplash, replace hardware, and refinish or paint cabinets.
- Refinish and reupholster a Craigslist rocker we’ve been saving for.
- Install mirrors in the office for dry-erase messages and hang new light fixtures throughout the house.
- Refinish exterior sliders and the front door hardware; plan to refinish interior doorknobs and hinges in oil-rubbed bronze.
- Frame and paint bathroom mirrors and vanities for a more finished look.
- Hang a drapey curtain for the walk-in closet, organize closets and dressers, and avoid piling clothing on the floor.
- Plan an outdoor cutting garden and alfresco dining area near the kitchen with a deck and potted herbs—research, draw plans, and obtain permits when ready.
- Create built-ins around the washer and dryer to add mudroom function and better organization.
- Paint and update exterior siding and trim to a moody gray with crisp white trim; stain the concrete porch floor to improve curb appeal.
- Plant evergreen trees and improve landscaping with curved garden beds, hydrangeas, and other plantings to boost curb appeal.
- Frame porch columns for a chunkier look and address exterior finishes.
- Hang a gallery of mixed white frames in the big hallway and add art solutions and ceiling details where appropriate.
- Update the main bathroom vanity and plan a Phase 2 for tile and flooring updates later.
- Add crown molding in guest room, playroom, and nursery and consider wallpaper or chalkboard paint in playful areas.
- Build or buy kid-friendly items: sandbox/baby pool, beanbag, play kitchen, dollhouse, and a swingset.
- Add organizational elements to the laundry wall: hooks, shoe storage, ironing board storage, and a calendar.
- Acquire or build furniture slowly: a long bench for the bedroom, a hanging chair for the sunroom, outdoor lanterns, string lights, and patio furniture.
- Improve composting and rain barrel aesthetics, start raised beds for herbs and vegetables, and add a clothesline for fresh-smelling laundry.
- Retrofit the playroom daybed with a trundle for sleepovers.
More Long-Term Projects:
- Construct a 300-square-foot paver patio on the side of the house.
- Refinish all wood floors in a cohesive shade so the house feels more unified.
- Explore making the kitchen fireplace double-sided to open into the living room; consult a mason for feasibility and estimates.
- Create a large opening between the kitchen and the future dining room and build a peninsula for an eat-in area and more storage.
- Convert the carport into a garage and select an architectural garage door; add a trellis arch and other exterior features for charm.
- Add French doors between the office and future dining room for privacy and character.
- Plan and build a deck with family help and consider a pool or sunken trampoline in the distant future.
- Eventually transition Clara into the playroom as her big-kid room when the time comes.
Furnishings To Slowly Save Up For:
- A proper queen-sized bed and a larger media console for the living room.
- A big charcoal sectional for the living room and rugs to define seating zones.
- Dressers that can be refinished, a long console between the back wall and the sectional, and a larger TV stand or media center—preferably thrifted or DIY.
- Stools for a future kitchen peninsula, a round dining table, and upholstered chairs for a casual library-like feel.
- New shower curtains, towels, and bathroom accessories, plus energy-efficient appliances when we find the right deals.
- Patio furniture, planters, a tall armoire for a bedroom nook, and a large wooden table for an outdoor dining area.
- A showstopping chandelier to hang over the dining table, potentially DIYed.
General Room/Space Rundown And Completion Estimates:
- Front Yard: 15% complete — entry improvements and tree trimming done, but landscaping needs more work.
- Carport: 0% complete — planning to convert it into a garage in time.
- Living Room: 70% complete — major elements are in place but artwork, a larger media cabinet, and floor refinishing remain.
- Office: 75% complete — functional with built-ins and seating, but needs window treatments, a rug, and eventual floor refinishing.
- Hall Bathroom: 5% complete — small updates made; painting, framing, and artwork remain.
- Big Hallway: 90% complete — happy with the frame collage and console; a runner would be a nice finishing touch.
- Small Hallway: 0% complete — plans include wainscoting, crown molding, art, and new lighting.
- Dining Room: 50% complete — table and built-ins are in place, but lighting, entry details, and floor refinishing are needed.
- Laundry Room: 90% complete — one of the most finished spaces.
- Kitchen: 85% complete — big updates are done, though transitions, trim, chalkboard/message area, and rugs are pending.
- Playroom: 0% complete — needs clearing, painting, and furniture planning.
- Clara’s Room: 80% complete — mostly done, with crown molding and floor refinishing on the list.
- Sunroom: 0% complete — clutter removal and layout planning come first.
- Our Bedroom: 35% complete — still a work in progress awaiting new ideas and finishes.
- Our Bathroom: 80% complete — near finished, with a future Phase 2 planned for tile work.
- Guest Bedroom: 60% complete — basic furnishings are in place; wall art, molding, and updated pieces will come later.
- Guest Bathroom: 5% complete — mirror and curtains done; more updates needed.
- Basement Workshop: 0% complete — currently a catch-all that needs major organization.
- Side Lot: 2% complete — aim to naturalize and develop into a small orchard.
- Deck: 2% complete — research and permits are the current steps.
- Patio: 60% complete — patio finished, planting beds still need attention.
- Backyard: 0% complete — a big project for down the road.
We’ll complete most of these projects over the next few years—our first house took 4.5 years—so we’re enjoying the process and celebrating each crossed-off item. We tend to jump from room to room to stay excited, alternating big projects with smaller wins to keep momentum.
Psst—Check out a floor plan post for more clarity on major layout ideas and visit our Current House page to see many of the crossed-off projects in progress.