I’m not going to lie: lately this is pretty much all I want to do (add Burger, Clara, and John and I get even more smitten). For everyone who asked for an updated Listy post, I finally finished it. We last shared our running to-do list in November, so this check-in was overdue — and it’s satisfying to see everything we’ve crossed off since then. Picture me making Zoro-esque slicing sound effects with every slash (Teddy thought it was hilarious).
These posts started when readers asked how we organize our long list of projects. I explained that we keep one long document we update as we go, they asked to see it, and now we post updates a few times a year to track progress and celebrate wins. Revisiting the remaining items also inspires new ideas for the next projects. Plus, we snag some updated photos—like these springy outdoor shots.
– The Front Yard (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove trees that are dead, decaying, or diseased (arborist and inspector confirmed which ones must go)
- Repaint all exterior siding and trim and repair any rot or peeling paint
- Dig up rapidly spreading groundcover (we’ve cleared many mulched beds and seeded graded areas)
- Aerate, level, and seed the yard
- Create planting beds up front, mulch, and plant them
- Transplant crowded boxwoods beside the portico into better spots
- Redo cracked concrete walkway from driveway to front door with curves and planting beds on both sides
- Add tasteful hardscaping like raised stone beds for structure and dimension
- Plant a few green dwarf maples for scale and interest
- Add low curved brick borders along the driveway with wired lights
- Pave the driveway
– The Portico (30% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint the portico and sidelights to address peeling paint
- Paint the front door
- Arch the portico ceiling to create more architectural interest and allow for a larger lantern
- Paint and panel the front triangle area after arching
- Add planters, update the door mat, and improve porch lighting
– The Garage (3% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace the tiny rusty lights over the garage doors (attempted once, may replace again)
- Repaint garage doors and add hardware for visual weight
- Add a pergola above the double doors with climbing vines
- Finish the interior with drywall, creating a workshop zone and perimeter storage with pegboards and shelves
- Reuse kitchen cabinets for garage storage where appropriate
- Refinish or rebuild the steps from the garage to the kitchen
- Build a mobile box for scrap wood storage
- Consider vintage lockers painted fun colors for versatile storage
- Possibly add plumbing for a utility sink in the workshop area
– The Foyer (80% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove doors that interrupted flow into the kitchen
- Paint blue trim, doors, and sidelights
- Strip wallpaper and repaint walls
- Replace the old foyer light
- Convert the extra foyer closet into a craft and toy closet for Clara
- Repaint the foyer ceiling
- Address grout and evaluate tile — replace only if unsalvageable
- Turn the other foyer closet into a functional shoe and coat closet with built-ins
– The Stairs (90% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet from the wood stairs
- Paint railing spindles blue and trim
- Stain top rails dark to match the runner
- Paint walls, ceiling, and stair risers
- Install a striped runner with an underlay
- Hang art and consider a chandelier for the tall stairwell
– The Half Bathroom (35% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls and trim
- Upgrade door hardware and hinges
- Install a larger mirror and update lighting
- Paint the vanity with odor-blocking primer and replace leaky faucet
- Plan a Phase 2 replacement of the vanity and seashell sink if needed
- Assess tile floor for replacement in a later phase
- Consider adding wallpaper or a tiled accent wall since there’s no shower — a fun opportunity for personality
– The Dining Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and reseal wood floors
- Update the built-ins: remove ornate tops, consider building up to the ceiling, and paint white
- Paint the trim and walls, remove remaining wallpaper
- Upgrade lighting and window treatments
- Add furniture, a rug, and art
– The Living Room (10% Complete) –
To do:
- Clean and reseal wood floors
- Prime and paint the bright pink walls and remove old curtains
- Whitewash the brick fireplace wall and paint the lower woodwork white
- Decide on window treatments (bamboo blinds, curtains, or printed roman shades)
- Add recessed lighting to even out illumination
- Consider turning overhead beams into a coffered ceiling
- Plan for a built-in-like cabinet to house the TV
- Save for gas logs and potential fireplace upgrades in Phase 2
– The Office (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove curtains, clean and reseal floors
- Paint trim, baseboards, crown, walls, and ceiling
- Install a shared double desk and add more storage like bookcases and file cabinets
- Get comfortable desk chairs and update window treatments
- Create wall-mounted brainstorm zones such as bulletin or chalk boards
- Designate a kid zone for Clara and Teddy and add a cozy rug
- Place large potted plants for life and scale
– The Kitchen (35% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove curtains and wallpaper and simplify shelving around the sink window
- Reposition cabinet over the fridge to be more accessible
- Add a table to the eat-in area and update lighting
- Paint pantry and garage doors and prime and paint woodwork
- Paint or stain cabinets as a Phase 1 refresh before a full reno
- Replace the over-stove microwave with venting and relocate the microwave to the pantry
- Refresh appliances with affordable fixes and organize the pantry with shelving and baskets
- Update counters with concrete resurfacing and consider peel-and-stick tile floors as a Phase 1 finish
- Plan a full Phase 2 kitchen reno with heated floors, new cabinets, counters, appliances, and backsplash
- Convert the triple window into french doors to the deck and open the wall to the living room with built-ins on either side
- Enhance the pantry with pull-out drawers and improve the command center area
- Decide on paint color for new french doors (black, charcoal, soft turquoise, or white)
– The Sunroom-Turned-Veranda (80% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove old carpet and the broken baseboard heater
- Convert the sunroom into an open covered porch with new columns and no sliders
- Loft the ceiling, add beadboard painted soft blue, and add two ceiling fans
- Retile the floor with outdoor-safe stone to improve traction and appearance
- Add sconces to posts, hide exposed wiring, and furnish with deck-friendly pieces
- Potentially add a brick outdoor fireplace after the room is opened up
– Our Bedroom (15% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpeting with hardwoods and repaint cream trim and doors white
- Add faux wood blinds and update wall color
- Repaint or add texture to the ceiling and consider built-ins along the bed wall for storage and a cozy nook
- Install a ceiling light fixture, add art and curtains, and consider a fireplace as a long-term dream
– Our Bedroom Sink Nook (50% Complete) –
- Remove carpet in the sink area and replace the mirror
- Paint walls, trim, and ceiling, stencil and seal the subfloor
- Add shelves to balance the vanity and refinish the vanity with new hardware
- Phase 2 will combine this space with the bathroom in a full renovation
– Our Bathroom (30% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove the glass shower door and add privacy treatments for the window
- Remove wallpaper and repaint walls, trim, and ceiling
- Replace the mirror and update lighting
- Plan a Phase 2 complete redo expanding into the sink nook with new tile, a soaker tub or tiled shower, and a double sink
– Our Closet (40% Complete) –
To do:
- Repaint trim, walls, and ceiling; remove carpet and stencil the subfloor
- Decide whether to extend bathroom tile or bedroom hardwoods in Phase 2
- Install a new light fixture and customize the closet with cabinetry, shelves, and rods
– Upstairs Hallway (75% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpeting with hardwoods, repaint trim and doors glossy white, and replace rusty hardware
- Upgrade to a Nest thermostat and refinish the bannister and posts
- Paint walls and ceiling, replace hallway lights, and convert the linen closet into built-in shelves or cabinets
- Add crown molding, consider wood wainscoting to break up the long corridor, and hang art
– Clara’s Room (90% Complete) –
To do:
- Install hardwoods, repaint trim, add blinds and curtains, and finish painting walls and ceiling
- Create a canopy wall with lights for her bed and make the deep closet a playhouse
- Add crown molding, hang art, and install a ceiling light fixture
– Nursery (90% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods, repaint trim, add blinds and curtains, and furnish the room
- Build-in storage around the crib, add crown molding, and finish styling details like a crib skirt and mobile
- Install a ceiling light fixture and add finishing touches like lined curtains and a changing pad cover
– The Guest Bedroom (12% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods, repaint trim and doors, and organize the closet
- Clear out clutter and paint walls and ceiling
- Add crown molding, a ceiling light fixture, and multi-use furniture such as a bed plus a sewing-friendly desk
– The Hall Bathroom (8% Complete) –
To do:
- Paint trim, walls, and ceiling
- Update faucets, lights, and mirrors as a Phase 1 refresh
- Plan a Phase 2 full redo for stained or cracked tiles and leaking fixtures — considering herringbone slate, marble, or long rectangular tiles
– Laundry Nook (20% Complete) –
To do:
- Replace carpet with hardwoods and upgrade washer and dryer to more efficient models
- Install a stable platform under the machines and redo the nook with new doors, cabinets, and shelving
- Add a tiled backsplash, art, and lighting to turn the space into a small, stylish utility room
– Unfinished Storage Room (0% Complete) –
To do:
- Use this as large storage for now, and someday finish it as a movie room or bunk room with drywall, flooring, lighting, larger windows, closet buildouts, and built-in beds and seating
– General Whole House Ideas (7% Complete) –
To do:
- Slowly upgrade all lighting to LEDs to save energy
- Replace outdated switchplates and outlets throughout the house
- Upgrade frames, drapes, sheets, and curtain rods over time to achieve a more polished, grown-up look
– The Back Deck (50% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove the large oak tree growing close to the house and patch the deck hole
- Strip, stain, and seal the deck, replacing rotten boards as needed
- Add double-wide stairs aligned with future kitchen french doors and consider a pergola for shade
- Build outdoor furniture such as a table or lounge seating
– The Backyard (15% Complete) –
To do:
- Remove random slate pieces and aerate, level, and reseed the yard seasonally
- Plant holly bushes and other privacy screening, transplant specimen plants for better placement, and add tiered plantings over time
- Build a swing set, raised planters, and hardscaping and consider a patio area
- Create a wooden lean-to hideaway for Clara and plant vines
- Build an A/C cover using wood boards to conceal equipment
People often ask how we decide what to tackle next. Mostly we choose what sounds fun and what fits our current budget, except when safety or urgent repairs jump ahead. We jump around between projects to keep momentum — instead of slogging through one long update, we mix quick wins with longer phases. Recently we painted and stained cabinets over the holidays and updated the counters with Ardex. What’s next: continuing to add storage and function to the freshly painted office, finishing the nursery, organizing and painting the guest room, removing the blue trim in the dining room, and getting back outside for privacy plantings once it warms up a bit.
How about you — what does your to-do list look like these days? Long and detailed, all in your head, or a short “on deck” list to avoid feeling overwhelmed? For some reason writing everything down helps me feel more in control, and it lets John and me focus on a few next projects while tucking the rest out of mind for later.