Warning: this is long, so feel free to skim to the areas you care about. People have asked how we keep track of our home projects, so we decided to share our ongoing master list — split into what’s done and what’s left — and update it as we go. We’ve separated completed items from remaining tasks for each room and added a rough percentage to show how finished each area feels. Here’s the current status of our home renovations, organized room by room.
The Front Yard (40% complete)
Done:
- Limbed up the magnolia so it no longer blocks the house.
- Removed the dense bushes that hid the facade.
- Planted grass in the bare patches created when bushes were moved.
- Updated several garden beds and added new landscaping.
To Do:
- Transplant, plant, and trim several remaining beds (we’ve tackled about three of ten).
The Front Porch and House Facade (35% complete)
Done:
- Furnished the porch using pieces from our previous home.
- Planted shrubs and flowers to add curb appeal.
- Painted the front door a cheerful yellow.
To Do:
- Frame out the porch columns to make them chunky and square instead of ornate.
- Stain the concrete porch floor.
- Add window boxes and shutters on side and back windows.
The Carport/Garage (5% complete)
Done:
- Replaced a tiny light fixture with a large black lantern.
To Do:
- Decide whether to convert to a closed garage or enhance the existing carport with beefier columns and a pergola-style entry to keep light into adjacent rooms.
The Living Room (85% complete)
Done:
- Painted the walls and brightened the trim (it was dark wood).
- Gray-washed the ceiling beams.
- Added a new sectional that we really love.
- Built a console behind the sectional and brought in a larger media cabinet.
- Hung subtle patterned curtains and added a new rug, ottoman, and desk chair.
- Built a leaning chalkboard near the back of the room to balance the tall slider.
To Do:
- Add overhead lighting (a pendant near the back table and possibly recessed cans).
- Turn the kitchen fireplace into a double-sided fireplace that opens into the living room.
- Refinish the floors at a later date.
The Office (85% complete)
Done:
- Built a long built-in double desk for two workspaces.
- Painted and reupholstered secondhand chairs for a fresh look.
- Painted and stenciled the walls and added sentimental art.
- Updated an old brass chandelier with color, new bulbs, and a large shade.
- Brought in functional storage like a file cabinet and an old chair.
To Do:
- Add window treatments (bamboo blinds are an option).
- Consider installing French doors between the dining room and office for privacy and architectural interest.
- Refinish the floors eventually.
The Hall Bathroom (100% complete)
Done:
- Raised the shower curtain rod to ceiling height to improve scale.
- Added new window trim to balance the window and conceal previous demo work.
- Installed a new light fixture above the mirror and painted the walls.
- Framed the mirror, added art, made a chunky shelf, updated vanity knobs, and installed a homemade window shade.
To Do:
- None for now — we’re happy with this space.
The Big Hallway (90% complete)
Done:
- Completed a frame collage and a console table that we love, so no major changes planned.
To Do:
- Add a patterned runner and eventually refinish the floors.
The Small Hallway (5% complete)
Done:
- Spray painted the old doorknobs in an oil-rubbed bronze finish for a cohesive look.
To Do:
- Add board and batten, paint the walls, install crown molding, hang art, replace the dated light and doorbell chime, and someday refinish the floors.
The Dining Room (95% complete)
Done:
- Painted the walls and the back wall of the built-ins a dark teal.
- Hung homemade curtains, added a large round dining table, chairs, a chippy painted buffet, and a show-stopping pendant over the table.
- Personalized yard-sale art to add character.
To Do:
- Build a large lazy Susan for the center of the table and eventually refinish the floors.
The Laundry Room (98% complete)
Done:
- Painted the walls, removed old shutters, frosted the large glass side door, and updated cabinets and hardware.
- Replaced appliances with energy-efficient models, built custom shelves, replaced flooring with cork, added art, and created a clothespin chandelier.
- Mounted the ironing board on the wall to save space.
To Do:
- Possibly add a window treatment.
The Kitchen (85% complete)
Done:
- Painted the brick fireplace, primed and painted paneling, replaced appliances with stainless energy-efficient models, and opened a large pass-through to the dining room.
- Redid lighting (can lights and glass pendants), rearranged cabinetry, painted cabinet fronts and hardware, and installed new white Corian counters.
- Tiled a tall backsplash, added open shelves, built a microwave cabinet, installed a range hood cover, replaced laminate with dark cork flooring, and added stools and a rug.
To Do:
- Finish the back of the peninsula, consider a message board on the pantry side, add or rework cabinet crown molding, decide whether to repaint the walls, and eventually reface the fireplace with a chunky wood mantel and a new surround.
Playroom / Big Girl Room (75% complete)
Done:
- Cleared clutter via yard sale and donations, painted the walls, made and hung curtains, added a rug, and brought in child-sized furniture and storage.
- Swapped a ceiling fan for a pendant, created a frame collage of meaningful items, hung birdcages to balance the window, and cleared the closet for play storage.
To Do:
- Paint the ceiling, add crown molding, refinish or repaint the dresser, and refinish the floors down the line.
Nursery (90% complete)
Done:
- Painted the walls, hung curtains, moved in furniture, added art and storage baskets, and installed Clara’s sentimental capiz chandelier.
- Built a play kitchen and fridge, restyled the closet with stamped walls and a sewn beanbag reading nook.
To Do:
- Hang more art, add crown molding, and eventually refinish the floors. The room may evolve if family needs change in the future.
Sunroom (60% complete)
Done:
- Spray painted hardware, painted the walls and an oddly placed brick box, furnished most of the room from existing pieces, and added art and a bookcase for storage.
To Do:
- Furnish remaining corners, add window treatments, and eventually replace the beige tile flooring.
Our Bedroom (80% complete)
Done:
- Removed dated bifold doors, added a mirror over the sink window, removed a granite backsplash to make the sink nook look like furniture, got a new bed, and reworked paint and lighting.
- Added an upholstered headboard, rearranged furniture to improve flow, and brought in furniture for a previously bare wall.
To Do:
- Possibly convert the deck-facing window to a French door, tile the sink nook back wall, and refinish the floors later.
Our Bathroom (75% complete)
Done:
- Raised the shower curtain, painted the walls, added art, painted trim and doors glossy white, frosted the window for privacy, replaced the toilet, swapped the ceiling light for a centered glass pendant, and replaced dated border tile with white frosted glass subway tile.
To Do:
- Phase two may include retiling the floor (gray hex is a contender) and brightening or reglazing the beige wall tile, or adding beadboard.
Guest Bedroom (70% complete)
Done:
- Primed and painted the walls, furnished the room using leftover pieces, and hung curtains and a mirror.
To Do:
- Hang art, add crown molding, repaint or replace the round mirror, replace some worn furnishings, and refinish the floors eventually.
Guest Bathroom (10% complete)
Done:
- Removed an awkward door-mounted mirror, added a new shower curtain and bath mat, installed a new mirror and light fixture, and hung some art.
To Do:
- Paint the walls, possibly replace or upgrade tile, install a glass shower door, frost the window for privacy, and hang more art on bare walls.
Basement Workshop (85% complete)
Done:
- Cleared and donated clutter, organized tools on pegboards, painted pegboard frames, stored paint and hardware efficiently, and added functional shelves and sawdust-proof art above the main workspace.
To Do:
- Paint the basement back door and consider staining the floors and counters.
The Side Lot (10% complete)
Done:
- Planted two trees as a start.
To Do:
- Plant many more trees to naturalize the lot and turn it into an orchard-like, low-maintenance space.
The Deck (80% complete)
Done:
- Cleared shrubs, got deck plans approved, demolished an unsafe balcony, dug post holes, framed and installed deck boards and railings, and furnished the space. We also added a new French door to replace a rotten old one.
To Do:
- Stain and seal the deck, string large bulb lights, conceal a utility box, and add planting to screen steps and the AC unit.
The Patio (85% complete)
Done:
- Cleared weeds and dead trees, planned and purchased materials, leveled the site, laid gravel and pavers, created a curved edge, landscaped around the patio, and built a rock box for Clara with a rain barrel for water conservation.
To Do:
- Furnish the patio with appropriate outdoor pieces and consider adding lighting such as string lights.
The Backyard (90% complete)
Done:
- Built a compost bin, cleared overgrown beds to create more lawn, removed invasive monkey grass from brick paths, transplanted misplaced shrubs, and reseeded the grass.
To Do:
- Remove ivy choking trees, plant more privacy trees in the far yard, install raised vegetable/herb beds in the sunniest spots, and consider a swingset or other play feature.
In summary: it’s motivating to review everything we’ve crossed off and also to see the remaining items. We try to enjoy the process and tackle projects in the order we feel excited about, unless something becomes urgent for safety or functionality. Bigger projects stay in the back of our minds until we’re ready and have saved up, while smaller wins keep momentum going. Right now, the next projects we’re considering are:
- Adding crown molding to three bedrooms.
- Boxing in and beefing up the porch columns.
- Redoing the carport.
- Renovating the untouched guest bathroom.
How do you organize your home to-do list? Do you use a phone app, sticky notes, an online document, or a handwritten notebook? How do you prioritize projects and decide what to tackle next?