I love making lists, so here’s a practical, organized plan for our home improvement projects. Below I’ve boiled down what we want to tackle in the near term and what we’re saving for, plus the way we like to work: start small, learn as we go, and save for the big-ticket items. This approach keeps momentum and prevents decision paralysis. We’ll experiment with paint, hardware, and furnishings, move things around if they don’t feel right, and share photos and details as each project develops.
Our method is simple: list everything, circle the tasks we can do right away, cross off the quick wins as they’re completed, and underline the long-term projects that will require saving or professional help. Seeing the crossed-off items reminds us that small, doable changes add up, while the underlined projects keep us motivated to invest in more significant renovations later. Below is the prioritized checklist for renovations, painting, decor, and furniture—organized so you can follow our process and pick ideas for your own home.
To Do (But Not All At Once…):
- Find bold, saturated, or patterned fabric and DIY no-sew curtains for the living room, future dining room, office, guest bedroom, playroom, bedroom, and slider doors using a proven no-sew curtain technique.
- Paint every room gradually—working room by room to test tones and develop a cohesive whole-house color scheme that complements the architecture and light.
- Paint the dark wood trim (beams, baseboards, crown molding) in the living room and kitchen in a glossy white finish to brighten and modernize the spaces.
- Remove unnecessary bi-fold doors
- Frost the side door window that looks into the kitchen
- Remove the shelves next to the fireplace
- Prime and paint the kitchen paneling using a paint-and-priming method designed for paneling to update the texture without a full replacement.
- Redo the kitchen backsplash—research tile clearance and overstock options and compare local vendor materials for the best design and value.
- Replace all kitchen cabinet hardware; compare local shops, online retailers, and big box stores to find the best combination of style and price.
- Prime and paint the oak kitchen cabinets following a cabinet-specific painting method to refresh the kitchen without a full replacement.
- Refinish and reupholster a Craigslist rocker we bought; place it where it will get regular use and become a cozy focal point.
- Recover the leather Parsons chair in the living room with a bright, fun fabric slipcover to add color and personality.
- Replace multiple light fixtures throughout the house to improve lighting quality and update the look.
- Remove door handles, hinges, and knobs and spray them in oil-rubbed bronze to create consistent hardware finishes.
- Frame out the mirror in the hall bathroom to give it a tailored, finished appearance.
- Paint the vanity in the hall bathroom for an affordable refresh.
- Hang a thick velvet curtain in front of the walk-in closet for a soft, dramatic entry and easy access.
- Wallpaper or stencil the sink nook in the master bedroom for a small-area punch of pattern and texture.
- Frost or add curtains to the master bathroom window (and consider the other bathroom windows) for privacy and style.
- Turn the area between the addition and the original house with sliders into an outdoor cutting garden near the kitchen—plan to plant in spring and share the design and plant list then.
- Create built-ins around the washer and dryer to add mudroom function and replace upper cabinet doors with pull-out baskets or drop-down blinds for better access.
- Paint the front door a welcoming, bold color to boost curb appeal and create a focal entry.
- Frame out exterior porch columns so they read chunky and square instead of ornate to suit the rancher’s clean lines.
- Plant evergreen trees around the property edges to increase privacy—start with smaller specimens to save money and plan patience for their full effect.
- Improve curb appeal with targeted landscaping upgrades that complement the house and require low maintenance.
Short-Term Priorities (Circled Items):
- Paint the back of the future dining room built-ins in a fun, bright color to create depth and warmth.
- Update and paint the master bathroom vanity to modernize the space.
- Replace the small guest bathroom medicine cabinet with an attractive mirror to boost charm and style.
- Paint the dark brick fireplace in the kitchen using a brick-painting method to lighten and unify the hearth with the room.
- Paint the master bedroom in a restful palette tuned to the light and desired mood.
Long-Term Projects (Underlined Items):
- Refinish wood floors throughout the house in a single cohesive stain—consider dark brown, ebony, or a light gray for a modern, unified look.
- Explore converting the kitchen fireplace into a double-sided fireplace that opens into the living room—consult a mason for feasibility and estimates.
- Widen the doorway between the kitchen and living room to improve flow and sightlines.
- Create a large opening between the kitchen and the future dining room that aligns with the widened kitchen-to-living-room doorway for a more open layout.
- Design and install a custom island for the eat-in kitchen area near the fireplace to provide seating and storage.
- Convert the carport into an enclosed garage and choose an architectural garage door to add dimension to the rancher exterior.
- Add French doors between the future dining room and office to increase privacy while introducing charm and architectural interest.
- Replace flooring in the kitchen and mudroom/laundry with durable, comfortable options—cork is a candidate to consider for warmth and resilience.
Furnishings to Save For:
- A queen-sized bed for the master
- A large charcoal gray U-shaped sectional for a spacious living area seating plan.
- A larger TV stand or media center for the living room, ideally a thrifted or DIY piece that fits the scale.
- A large rug (for example, 8 x 10 or 9 x 11) to define the seating area and anchor the living room layout.
- Counter-height stools for a future kitchen island—look for affordable options that can be reupholstered for style.
- A giant round wooden pedestal table with an extendable leaf for the future dining room to seat large gatherings.
- Comfortable, upholstered chairs for the dining table—upholstered Parsons chairs provide a relaxed, library-like feel.
- Updated shower curtains, towels, and accessories for the hall and guest bathrooms to refresh those spaces.
- New energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen and laundry—watch for seasonal sales and consider scratch-and-dent or lightly used options.
- A full-sized bed frame, mattress, and box spring for the guest room, followed by a DIY headboard.
- A large cabinet or console table for the hallway off the kitchen, preferably thrifted and refinished to match the home’s aesthetic.
- A new entry console table that fits the front entryway to define the space and add function.
- His-and-hers dressers for the master bedroom that can be refinished—look for good-quality, inexpensive finds on local resale sites.
In short, our renovation philosophy is straightforward: write everything down, focus on achievable projects first, and save for larger remodels. We tackle projects based on mood and energy—while keeping safety and necessary repairs as top priorities—and we move from room to room to stay inspired. Expect to see a mix of quick DIY updates like curtains and paint, intermediate projects such as new hardware and refinished furniture, and long-term renovations that may take years to complete. We’ll share progress and details as each project unfolds.
Note: adorable “I heart lists” stationery is from Etsy, and our floor plan reference helps make some of the major layout changes clearer. We’ll post more photos and step-by-step notes as projects happen.