In yesterday’s blog post, we looked back at some of my favorite projects of 2023. Today, let’s look ahead to 2024 and the home projects we have on the list. They might not all get done this year because other priorities might pop up or we might be unable to fit some of the bigger projects in our 2024 renovation budget, but it doesn’t hurt to aim a little high!
paint the dining room
This one has been on the list for a while and I already have paint for it, so there is no excuse not to get this one done, soon! A part of the delay is I have been waffling on which color I want to use and if I want to attempt another full-room landscape mural. I initially thought I would paint the dining room in Light Blue, the same Farrow & Ball color I used in the foyer and hall, but I think I’m now leaning toward Oval Room Blue. We used that color on the walls in the basement of our MN home and I never fully finished that project. I have some paint cans left and I think a stronger blue might work well in this room. I would then paint a landscape mural above the chair rail and install picture frame molding below. I’m still weighing out my options, but that’s the way I’m leaning.
I need to install the trim and paint the ceiling before I can even start on the walls, so I’ll just need to take it one step at a time.
trim & paint the primary bedroom
Our bedroom was the first room we worked on when we moved in. Mom and I stripped the wallpaper, removed the glue, painted the ceiling, and then the walls. I wasn’t really ready to make color choices and I liked the idea of giving the room a fresh coat of white paint, so I went with Decorator’s White. Once we were a bit more settled, I started painting the doors and trim in Stonington Gray. That color was the perfect blue/gray in our Minnesota house, but it leans more gray in this light and I don’t love it as much. I stopped painting the trim until I decided what I wanted to do. I bought some samples in December to test out on the walls and I hope to get this room repainted this year.
paint the back of the house
We painted the front and driveway side of the house last fall and we’re going to continue along the back and left side of the house when the weather warms. The two sides of the house we painted were definitely the most involved with lots of doors, shutters, the porch, and siding.
The unfinished sides of the house are mostly brick and there is only one door to paint, so it will be a much quicker and easier project. The original shutters were removed, so we’re going to replace those and paint them to match the shutters on the front
We are also planning to replace the windows along the back side of the house, but that’s one of the projects that might get sacrificed in favor of others depending on the priorities. Installing new windows is pretty high on the list, though, so we hope we’ll be able to get it scheduled this year.
Also in the backyard, we’re going to replace the fence pickets. The posts are in good shape and we already replaced the gates, so we just need to install new rails and pickets to replace the old pickets that are deteriorating. This will be a good DIY project to chip away at in sections in early spring.
Install a 1/2 bathroom & renovate boys’ bathroom
We were planning on renovating the two bathrooms in our house shortly after we moved in since they are mostly original and need an update, but we ended up getting a new roof instead. Anytime I get a little bummed at our dated bathrooms and lack of a tub in the ensuite bath, I just remind myself we have a beautiful new roof that’s guaranteed for 50 years and that is a good trade in the world of home renovation.
Since the boys’ bathroom isn’t going to be rearranged, we decided to focus on that one first. I removed the wallpaper and primed the walls a couple of months ago and I also repaired, primed, and painted the ceiling. The room isn’t a total gut job, but everything from the tub, tile, vanity, soffit, and lighting will be removed and updated. We’ll also update the waterproofing since standards have changed over the 50+ years since the bathroom was built.
I have met with our contractor already on this project and I’m waiting for a quote so we can start planning and allocating funds to the project. In addition, we’re getting a quote on adding a 1/2 bath to the former pantry-turned oversized hall closet. Originally, there was a 1/2 bath in the floor plans and the original owners decided not to install it and use the space for storage. We’d like to add that 1/2 bath back in so there is a sink next to my studio for washing my hands and brushes as well as a non-family bathroom for guests to use.
I hope we’ll be able to renovate our bathroom in 2025, but having these two done would be awesome!
replace guest room wallpaper
This room and the primary bathroom are the two rooms left with floor-to-ceiling wallpaper and I am looking forward to tacking this room! The plan is to remove the old wallpaper and, instead of going through the headache of washing every bit of glue off of the walls, we’ll hang new paper. I feel like guest bedrooms are a great place to use stronger patterns because you don’t see them as often and are less likely to get tired of them.
Before we install the new paper, though, I need to put a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling, the trim, and the doors.
The paper we’ll be hanging is Bramble in Navy. Isn’t it so charming? I think it’s classic, but not dated or overly fussy. Rifle Paper Co. is brilliant at balancing the modern with the classic.
landscaping
This is a project that will be ongoing, but I hope to get started on adding some new bushes and plants around the front of the house. We need to do some grading, tackle some weedy areas, and address a few other foundational issues of the yard, but I hope we’ll make some progress to boost the curb appeal.
We’re also planning to do more organizing in the basement and garage and might even start to make some updates to the thoroughly dated basement! It has crazy wallpaper, and dated paneling, and the floor is concrete with remnants of carpet glue. All of that to say, it isn’t very inviting! We use it primarily for exercising, playing ping-pong, laundry, and storage, but it would be nice to have it feel a bit more homey. We’re looking into installing waterproof laminate or vinyl wood-look floors, which would improve the space dramatically along with some primer paint on the wallpaper and paneling.
As usual, I’m probably trying to fit 5 lbs of flour in a 1lb sack, but as I said before, there’s nothing wrong with making lists and plans. I also know the power of chipping away at projects. Great progress can be made on big projects in just a few hours each week.
What are some projects you have planned for this year?
29 Responses
That wallpaper isn’t named correctly. It’s name clearly is MARION❣️
A lot to look forward to ! Marion,, how many square feet is the house, including the basement ?
It’s around 3,300 sq feet.
When I saw it I thought that is
Soooooo Marion!
I bet many others have your same thought.
I am exhausted just reading through your list. You are indeed inspiring! We have wood vinyl plank floors in our kitchen and family room. They have been on the floor for over 18 years, and still look amazing! I had ordered timber, but our floor was too uneven. My disappointment soon changed to happiness when I realised the hardy and great looks of the vinyl planks. So I absolutely recommend them as a choice.
Your home is coming along beautifully & what you have accomplished so far is amazing! I love the Rifle Paper Co wallpaper – also love the idea of blue paint for the dining room! Great progress &results!
Since we replaced all the windows and the front & back doors in 2023, we’re going to keep our to do list on the less expensive side. Hoping to replace the wallpaper in the downstairs powder room and we have 2 rooms that need the switchplates and outlet plates replaced. Not much, but it makes me happy
Nice to know even Miss MS has unfinished projects!!!
Can’t wait to see the finished house!
Love the wallpaper…I wallpapered some of my 1829 house but that was a long time ago. I loved how it looked. I am not sure if I would remember how to do it. ( Is wallpapering like riding a bicycle? )
WHAT??? Not planning on keeping the aqua sink in the guy’s bathroom???😂
Excited for y’all as you turn this home into your own. The wallpaper for the guest room is so beautiful! And love the plan of your painting another mural wall in the dining room. ❤️
Isn’t it interesting how paint can look so different in different houses? I tried Stonington Gray in mine based on your gorgeous photos, but it looked so cold and gray. I’m curious to see what you end up choosing for your primary bedroom colors.
All my projects from last year fell apart when we found out we were facing an eminent battle. We’re still fighting, but I hope to repaint my mudroom/laundry room before spring, and add some folk style accents to the kitchen.
I would enjoy seeing another mural in your dining room. 😍
I love that Rifle wallpaper! I have been looking at those colors in a couple of other styles they’ve had for awhile ❤️. It would be fun to play with coordinating paint colors with that paper too 😍
You are an inspiration. I love what you have accomplished so far and your plans for the new year. I especially love the wall paper.
Like you I tend to plan more than is humanly possible to accomplish in the time frames I set. I moved 2 years ago, the first year was organizing and unpacking the main areas of the house. This year I got my basement and shed unpacked and organized. I also painted the cement blocks in the basement with white drylock and hung cloth shower curtains over all the storage racks. I also got a new carpet and an extra single daybed. I want to create a reading nook. I am still looking for the right bookshelves. I added some pictures and accessories and it is quite transformed. I have one wall to finish painting in the basement.
This year I want to paint the inside of the shed and organize it further and create a potting station. I also want to paint the Entry way and put up a new peg rack with a shelf. I want to paint the guest half bath and experiment with paint rollers that have a design. This is my alternative to wallpaper. I also have some peel and stick tiles, and I want to sew a sink skirt. I want to make new curtains for the kitchen and new drapes for the dinning room and living room. I want to take down some cabinets in my kitchen and paint the wall. I bought a wardrobe I want to make into a kitchen pantry, and I want to create a faux stone backsplash along the counter and stove area with joint compound. I plan to shape the stones on the wall then paint them to look real. I want to move my microwave which is over the stove, to the new pantry cupboard and have a wood hood vent made. Then put up new lights in the kitchen and dinning rooms. I would also like to pannel the ceiling in the kitchen with toung and groove or beadboard and then put some beams over the top. I am looking for a hutch top with glass doors to replace one or two cupboards. I want to paint the hutch top and wallpaper the bàck for my dishes. I would also like to paint the main bath and two bedrooms and unpack and organize my office. I still have about 10 boxes to unpack. That should keep me busy. I will also be planting a vegetable garden and getting chickens. I am hiring someone to build my run. Whatever I don’t finìsh this year I will carry over to ñext year.
What a list you have Marian! Your home is so beautiful now with all the changes you have made! You have accomplished so much in the short time you have lived in your home — and everything you have done is so lovely. You are so amazing, Marian! Everything you do is so well thought out and planned.
I loved the mural you painted in your last home and if you do a mural in this living room, it will be so beautiful.
The wallpaper you have for the Guest Bedroom is so pretty — and, yes, it is absolutely “you”!
We look forward to seeing all you accomplish this year! Thanks for always sharing your plans with us,
Marian
Just a thought to throw out regarding landscaping. I haven’t/can’t see your “weedy” part but you might consider native plants that are pollinator friendly.
I was thinking the same thing! There are so many benefits to having native plants and they look beautiful!
I sold my 103 year old home last year and moved into a ranch one floor builder grade home. The list is like yours Marian. I have made some head way but more needs to be done. Good luck in 2024.
This post was just the motivation I needed to make my own list of projects! I have so many ideas in my head that it will be good to get them down on paper.
Also, I was so excited to see that you had selected the Bramble pattern from Rifle, I had just ordered a sample of that pattern (and in the same color!), for our guest bath. Knowing that it is “Marion approved” made my day!
Hi Marian
Please consider a vapour barrrier under the new basement floor. There are products akin to the ones used in showers, but, for floors. No, ‘ moisture proof’ plank flooring is truly moisture proof. For a truly water proof product, use tile, which we did, an area rug can warm up the room. Our town is not neccessarily prone to flooding, but the so called 100 year flood happened in 2004 [ Peterborough Ontario’s flood made CNN! ], which has impacted renovation decisions since.
Kim
I love the oval blue paint so my vote is for that and a mural.
I love the Oval Room blue paint. The fabric swatches you showed with it are gorgeous. Perhaps they could be used for draperies or upholstery? A hand painted Marion mural would be beautiful. The Bramble wallpaper is so pretty.
My situation is completely different in that I moved into a 1200 sq foot apartment with an extra large garage(thank goodness). I went a little crazy buying curios and chandeliers and am Done with buying those. I’m so happy with what I’ve done, but I can’t have real candles and I can’t have a garden, just silk plants, which happen to suit me right now. I’m downsizing now and reselling on etsy, consignment shops and garage sales. It certainly keeps me busy and although I still go to fabulous estate sales, my shopping has slowed to a stop….no more room. It’s all good…I brought so much with me so it’s all a process. I have lots of copper so I have a beautiful arrangement of copper on copper rods in my kitchen. I love it and your copper in your kitchen. Your making lists is such good inspiration for me as I make decisions as to what to “release” and “let go”. Thanks for the boost.
Whew! You are ambitious, and I love it! Do you realize how many of us are cheering you on, being inspired along the way, and learning all the things? Thank you, and have fun as you make even more progress on your new home this year!
I actually think the little blue egg-shaped sink is awesome! It’s so retro. It would be fun to repurpose that somewhere else – even in the workshop or finished basement, or potting shed or something. You could design around that and it would be a fun little retro twist.. (since it’s not typically your style..) 😉
yes!!!
I would remove the boxed in area above the bathroom sink.
I love the wallpaper!
Fingers crossed for finished projects!
That wallpaper is amazing. I love the colors. It sort of reminds me of Polish Pottery. The same basic color pallet is repeated throughout all their pieces. I love it. Blues greens creamy whites etc. Just classic
Can’t wait to see what the year brings. It’s been fun following along all these years. Good luck
I’ve had to have a serious rest after reading your wishful list!! I suspect though you WILL get a major amount done. As a fellow Marylander I hope you are getting used to the bitter cold followed by the 70s in the same week. But don’t worry, I doubt we’ll see snow again this year!
That sink is a collectible! nuff said…