These posts started because readers asked how we keep track of our long to-do list. We explained that we keep one ongoing document that we update as projects progress. When we first shared this list back in May, nothing had been crossed off yet. A few months later people asked for an update, and I couldn’t wait to start crossing things off. It turned out we got to cross off 43 items — a number that makes me oddly nostalgic for the days of beepers. Lists are my jam, and this updated version is a satisfying snapshot of where we stand.
– The Front Yard (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Dig up the quickly spreading ground cover
- Remove trees that are dead or beyond repair (inspector confirmed which ones)
- Aerate, level, and seed the lawn
- Create front planting beds, mulch and plant them
- Repaint exterior siding and trim where needed
- Replace the cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door with a curved path and planting beds
- Add raised stone beds or other hardscaping for interest
- Plant a few small green maples for year-round structure
- Add subtle exterior up-lighting for nighttime curb appeal
- Install low curved brick borders along the driveway with wired lights
- Pave the driveway
– The Portico (25% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint the portico and sidelights to address peeling paint
- Consider arching the portico ceiling for a taller, more elegant look
- Add planters, a new doormat and updated porch lighting
- Paint the front door a fresh color
– The Garage (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint the garage doors and add hardware for a more finished look
- Add a pergola over the garage doors and train vines to grow over it
- Finish the garage interior with drywall and create a workshop area and perimeter storage
- Reuse kitchen cabinets as garage storage if they’re not suitable for the kitchen renovation
- Redo the four steps from garage to kitchen (remove carpet and repair or rebuild)
- Build a wheeled box for scrap wood storage to keep things tidy
- Consider finding old lockers, painting them, and repurposing them for storage
- Possibly run plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (35% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet from the wood stairs
- Paint the stair balusters and trim
- Remove wallpaper and repaint the walls
- Open the sightline into the kitchen by removing doors that block the flow
- Consider adding a stair runner depending on how the stairs wear over time
- Replace or refresh the foyer light fixture
- Repair or replace damaged tile only if it can’t be salvaged
- Convert the deeper foyer closet into a craft and toy closet with shelves for Clara’s things
– The Half Bathroom (30% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove remaining wallpaper and repaint
- Replace leaky faucet
- Replace vanity and seashell sink in a future phase
- Decide on the floor tile: repair if possible, or replace in Phase 2
- Consider adding new wallpaper or a tiled accent wall since it’s a small powder room
- Upgrade mirror, lighting, and hardware as budget allows
– The Dining Room (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and reseal the wood floors
- Refinish or update the built-ins and consider painting them white
- Paint trim and remove wallpaper
- Repaint the walls, update lighting and window treatments
- Add furniture, a rug and art to complete the space
– The Living Room (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and reseal the wood floors
- Prime and paint the bright pink walls
- Replace or remove old curtains
- Paint the woodwork that wraps the room white to highlight the detail
- Whitewash the brick fireplace for a cozy, updated look
- Install gas logs as a later upgrade
- Add more recessed lighting for balanced illumination
- Consider turning the overhead beams into a coffered ceiling
- Build or install a large built-in unit for the TV and storage
– The Office (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace curtains and refinish the wood floors
- Paint walls, trim and ceiling
- Add a double desk area and additional storage such as built-ins or bookshelves
- Install window treatments and hang inspiring art or a brainstorming wall
- Add large potted plants to soften the space and add life
– The Kitchen (3% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove curtains, strip wallpaper and repaint
- Convert the large triple window into French doors leading to the deck
- Open the wall to the living room and add built-ins on either side for continuity
- Paint or refinish the woodwork that wraps the bottom half of the room
- Complete a full kitchen renovation: replace damaged cabinets, counters, flooring and appliances
- Consider heated floors under new tile as a long-term upgrade
- Organize the pantry with pull-outs and containers and refresh the door
- Enhance the command center area and update lighting and pendants
- Plan a drop zone for coats and shoes, possibly in the garage
– The Sunroom (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet and the broken base heater
- Eventually retile with outdoor-safe stone to upgrade the concrete floor
- Convert the sunroom into an open covered porch with new columns and remove problematic sliders
- Consider building an outdoor brick fireplace once the space is opened up
- Add beadboard to the ceiling and paint a soft color for a breezy feel
– Our Bedroom (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwood floors
- Repaint trim, doors, walls and ceilings
- Install wood blinds and layered window treatments
- Consider built-ins along the window wall with window seats and hidden storage
- Add a ceiling light fixture and bring in art and textiles
– Our Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove the glass shower door and add privacy to the window
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim and ceiling
- Replace mirrors, upgrade lighting, and remove carpet in the sink area
- Plan a full bathroom remodel in Phase 2 to expand the footprint and update tile, tub/shower and fixtures
– Our Closet (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint trim, walls and ceiling and add a new light fixture
- Replace carpet and plan cohesive flooring with the adjacent bathroom
- Build out the closet with cabinetry, drawers, shelves and rods for efficient storage
– Upstairs Hallway (60% Complete) –
To do:
- Refinish or repair walls and ceiling and replace hallway lighting as needed
- Convert the linen closet into built-in open shelves or cabinets
- Add crown molding and consider wainscoting to break up the long space
– Clara’s Room (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods and repaint trim and walls
- Add window treatments, art and built-ins, possibly bookcases around the windows
- Build a bench seat in the closet nook with beadboard and wallpaper accents
- Add crown molding and a ceiling light fixture
– Spare Room / Possible Nursery (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Hold off on major decorating until the room has a defined use
- Replace carpet with hardwoods, repaint trim and walls, and add crown molding and a ceiling fixture
– The Guest Bedroom / Craft Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet, repaint trim and walls
- Furnish with a multifunctional bed and a desk or dresser that accommodates a sewing machine
- Organize closet storage for craft supplies with shelves and bins
- Add crown molding and a ceiling light
– The Hall Bathroom (5% Complete) –
To do:
- Paint trim, walls and ceiling
- Replace faucets, mirrors and lights as a Phase 1 refresh
- Plan a full Phase 2 redo for stained or cracked tile and leaking fixtures
– Laundry Nook (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Install washer-proof flooring under appliances and upgrade the nook with new doors, counter, cabinets and energy-efficient appliances
- Add a tile backsplash and thoughtful lighting and art to make it a cheerful space
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Use as storage for now, and consider finishing later as a media or bunk room with drywall, flooring, lighting and built-ins
– General Whole House Ideas (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Gradually replace all lighting with LEDs to save energy
- Replace outdated switchplates and outlets throughout the house
- Upgrade frames, drapes, sheets and curtain hardware over time
– The Back Deck (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove a dangerously close oak tree and patch the deck
- Strip, stain and seal the deck and replace rotten boards
- Add wide stairs aligned with future kitchen French doors
- Build a pergola for shade and architectural interest and add outdoor furniture
– The Backyard (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove scattered slate debris, aerate and seed the lawn
- Transplant plants for better layout and add privacy hedges
- Build a wooden playhouse and swing set for Clara and plant an edible garden
- Redo the concrete walkway, add raised planters, a patio area and privacy plantings
- Create a small wooden lean-to hideaway and build an AC cover for aesthetics
Don’t let the length of this list overwhelm you. We genuinely love the process of upgrading a house — the work is part of the fun. Taking projects one at a time, celebrating small victories and letting mood and urgency guide the order keeps us energized. Right now we’re planning to tackle a few things next: repaint the living room walls, whitewash the fireplace, strip and reseal the deck, and change the foyer light finish. How do you manage your home projects — apps, a single running list, or something more color-coded and organized?