2012 Home Renovation Roundup: My Top Projects and Lessons Learned

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Happy almost end of 2012! What a year it has been. I gathered a roundup of the projects I tackled around our house this year, and after reviewing the posts I’m honestly surprised by how much we accomplished. It might be the busiest year yet — I likely left a few things out, but here are many of my favorite projects from 2012.

The largest project of the year, aside from installing new hardwood floors, was our kitchen makeover. It spanned more than six months and I shared multiple posts documenting the progress. The final reveal, including the pantry makeover, is coming soon—I can’t wait to show the finished result!
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Kids’ Bathroom Makeover

The kids’ bathroom was mostly completed in 2011, but the reveal happened in 2012, so it makes the roundup. I also shared a tutorial for a tin ceiling tile backsplash as part of that project.

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Baskets Hung on the Wall

Some of my favorite projects are simple updates — quick, affordable changes that make a big difference. In 2013 I plan to focus more on these smaller updates, including decorating, homemaking, and organization ideas as we wind down the major remodel work.

In early January I’ll share my Home Dreams and goals for 2013 and reflect on how I did with my 2012 goals.

Below is a roundup of many projects, improvements, and progress from around our home. Toward the end of 2012 we wrapped up a number of updates—new wood floors, fresh paint in the kitchen, and family room changes—so in 2013 you’ll see more finished rooms as final details come together.

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Striped Wall (completed end of 2011, featured in 2012)

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Driftwood Curtain Rod

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Lighten the Back of a Bookcase with Maps

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Five Minute Gardens — Terrariums

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Pallet Garden Remix

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Home Office Makeover

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Kitchen Makeover Begins

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Spray Painting a Goodwill Find

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Staircase Makeover with New Wood Floors

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Freshened Up White Chairs

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Adding Visual Flow and Paint Colors Between Connecting Rooms

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New Dish Cabinet

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Eclectic Gallery Stair Wall

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Filling the Awkward Space Above Kitchen Cabinets

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Updates to the New Gathering/Living Room

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Dining Room Makeover Updates

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New Subway Tile and Quartz Countertops — Kitchen Progress

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DIY Peacock Wreath

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Front Door Makeover

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Embellished Beaded Chandelier

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New Sectional and Media Room Progress

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Adding Character with Plank Walls

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Fireplace Makeover — Before & After

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Hickory Hardwood Floors: Kitchen and Family Room Makeover

Reliving all of that makes me think I might need a few more vacation days — what a year!

2012 was a great year not only for home projects but for The Inspired Room as well. The blog officially became The Inspired Room, LLC. I began pinning for Better Homes & Gardens, was featured in a House Beautiful spread about color, started a video partnership with a major network, helped Jack the Goldendoodle launch his own blog, traveled to New York and visited Ballard Designs headquarters, and was invited to be part of Martha’s Circle. These milestones made 2012 especially memorable.

I feel blessed to share my home, projects, and life here. Every day feels like a dream come true. Thank you for your support and encouragement in 2012 — I’m really excited for 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This post was shared with seasonal project roundups and year-end project parties celebrating the top projects of 2012.