Yesterday I shared a Home Goals worksheet for 2019. It’s fun to look ahead, but it’s equally important to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come—or simply be content with what you already have.
In the blog and Instagram world there’s a constant pull toward the next thing. That mindset can breed comparison and make you feel like you must always do more, move faster, or chase the next project or season in life—even when that frantic pace isn’t necessary.
Creating a home isn’t a race. Projects take time, and if you follow this blog you know I’m not always the quickest when it comes to home improvements. Some seasons I move quickly and finish many projects, and other times I focus on small updates or simply rearrange what I already own.
Today, in the spirit of gratitude and to remind myself that despite long to-do lists I have completed many projects, I’m sharing a roundup of updates and changes we’ve made around our home over the past few years.
Some projects took far longer than expected—our side yard was one of those long-haul efforts. Many home projects stretch into months or even years, so it helps to celebrate progress along the way.
Here’s a look at improvements, updates, and transformations we’ve completed over the last three years.
We finally installed a front gate—no longer gateless in Seattle! The gate is adorable, though it had a few hiccups, so the final reveal was delayed briefly while we sorted those details.
We transformed both the backyard and the side yard with landscaping and decking changes that made the outdoor spaces more functional and inviting.
We painted the brick exterior white to brighten the home’s curb appeal and give it a fresh, cohesive look.
We also painted the side yard concrete and steps, which made a big visual difference for a modest investment.
Inside, we added a white slipcovered sofa to keep the living room light and casual.
We warmed up the house with plantation shutters and bamboo shades, which add texture and privacy while keeping the rooms bright.
Our master bedroom received a soft makeover, creating a calmer, more restful space.
The galley kitchen was remodeled to add character and improve function, with a reveal that highlights how much can change in a small space.
That kitchen was photographed for Better Homes & Gardens and featured in The Cottage Journal, which was an exciting milestone for our home.
We replaced the front and side doors with Dutch doors to add charm and practical ventilation to the house.
Lighting updates throughout the home, including barn-style lights in the entry hall, helped improve both the ambiance and the functionality of our spaces.
Most of the walls in our home have been repainted; a comprehensive list of our paint colors is available for reference to anyone looking to recreate a similar palette.
We refreshed the small guest bedroom to make it cozy and welcoming for visitors.
The fireplace received budget-friendly makeovers—twice—demonstrating that meaningful updates don’t always require a big spend.
We carved out a small herb garden area in the backyard to bring fresh flavors and greenery close to the kitchen.
We added a special garden space for Lily, planting flowers and plants with her in mind.
Shiplap walls were installed in the dining room to add texture and a classic cottage feel.
We made several changes to our son’s room to better suit his needs over time, and updated the basement by removing carpet and installing new flooring for a cleaner, more durable surface.
In the basement we added a dividing wall to break up a large open area and created a separate home office, improving flow and function.
A hallway built-in received a simple DIY makeover to add storage and style without a major renovation.
We also created a Winter Wellness Station in the guest room closet to keep essentials handy during cold months.
Beyond the blog, many of these home lessons and stories appear in my books, where I reflect on the process of creating a comfortable, lived-in home over the years.
I’ll be back tomorrow to share thoughts about our next steps with this house.
You can fill out your 2019 Home Goals with the worksheet and Instagram story template I shared earlier—setting intentions can help you move toward projects without feeling rushed.
Follow The Inspired Room on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our home.