2018 Project List!

We’re only talking house stuff here today, so the project to-do list is just the start of what I want to accomplish. There are big things to come and I’ve decided that 2018 is the year to go for it. Because in case you missed it…

I want everything I do to be a freaking DELIGHT in 2018.

Wear the top with the flouncy sleeves instead of the T-shirt. Paint the room, trim and all, a bold color. Make art. Push change. Offer assistance, share my strengths. Embrace the pop-ins and impromptu get-togethers. Go out for ice cream. Watch all the silly musicals.

GO FOR IT.

So onward!

Below are the broadest outlines of what I want to do around the Victorian this year. Things will change as we go I’m sure (because isn’t that the way with old houses and surprise projects), but I do always like to have a guiding list.

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The Second Floor Bathroom

In 2013, I said I wasn’t in a rush to change things in here. In 2018 though, we’re ready! We’ve repaired the antique pull-chain toilet enough times that we’re well over it. The wood floor is not holding up well to splashes (oak turns black when it soaks up water), and we might be ready for a sink without separate hot and cold water taps. Maybe. The sink is the only thing giving me pause. Keep or replace?

TO DO:

• Lots of demo
• Tile floor
• Original cast iron plumbing stack replaced (hire out to plumber)
• Lower the toilet water valves (hire out to plumber)
• Replace toilet
• Keep or replace sink?
• Paint outside of claw foot tub
• Repair and paint beadboard
• Remove wallpaper
• Paint or add new wallpaper
• New lighting

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The Bedroom

I still love the bedroom design from my first go at the One Room Challenge in the spring of 2016. It’s ready for a the next lived-in layer though. Mixing in new bedding, adding art to compliment the pieces we already have, and a lamp switcheroo. Easy updates to freshen things up!

TO DO:

• Layered art
• Different lamps
• Mix and match new bedding with existing

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The Bedroom Closet

Water damage, womp womp. We had a slow leak coming in through the turret portion of the roof which has now been fixed (post coming up about that), but we have some repairs to make on the inside now.

TO DO:

• Repair water damage to plaster walls and ceiling
• Paint wood trim

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The Living Room (Back Parlor)

The curtain rods have curtains on them! That in itself is a big change, but I also want to address the fireplace mantel. It needs a big, luxe mirror, right? (Pretty sure the answer is yes.)

TO DO:

• Hang window treatments (already done!)
• Source large Louis-Philippe-style mirror
• Swap peacock mirror for art (grid of frames?)
• Add accent chair?

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Calvin’s Room

His crib was replaced by a twin-sized bed ages ago and the glider is gone, but I’ve done little else to transition the room from baby to kid. I was able to find several of these pillowcases from a few years back, and I want to use the fabric as the jumping off point while still incorporating lots of Calvin’s personal likes.

TO DO:

• Window treatments
• Paint walls
• Paint built-ins?
• New lighting or a ceiling fan
• Bedding and accessories

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The Laundry Room

When I started the last round of the One Room Challenge and chose my office, I mentioned that I was between that space and the laundry room, and that both would get done eventually. So yep, a laundry room is in the plans for us this year. I so miss the one at our old house, and while the laundry is working well enough for us as it is, I know it could be a whole lot better.

TO DO:

• Tile floor
• Paint
• Add sconces
• Replace utility sink
• Keep or replace appliances?
• Address storage
• Hide water heater and utility area

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The Backyard

We would like to add a dog to our family again, but before we do, our fence needs to be repaired. I also want to get some new plants out back and rework the garden a bit. We updated our outdoor dining furniture before the weather cooled, and I want to make the surrounding area worthy.

TO DO:

• Replace both gates and the front and back portions of the wood fence
• Add privacy along the wrought iron fence (neighbor the the north)
• Repair or replace wood fence (neighbor to the south)
• Add trellises to garage
• Landscaping/patio?

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I cannot wait to get started and show you everything. I’m working on scheduling everything out, and I’d love to hear which projects you’d like to see up first!