redecorate and organize
WWe’re in the thick of a major home project right now: redecorating and organizing as we install new hardwood floors. I’ve been sharing progress photos on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, so if you follow along you’ve probably seen the steady stream of before-and-in-progress images. It’s a little chaotic, but exciting.
With the carpet scheduled to be removed for the new floors, it made sense to repaint a few rooms while everything is cleared out. If you’re already pulling up carpet, why not freshen the walls at the same time?
I’m especially happy with my new bedroom color, Glidden Polished Grey, and the family room ceiling painted in Glidden Wood Smoke. I’ll be posting more photos and updates as each room progresses and when the transformations are complete.
Since the floors and walls are being worked on, painting ceilings now is practical — it’s easier to do before new flooring goes in. Once you start, it’s tempting to tackle every related task while the house is in project mode.
But these updates mean one unavoidable step: you have to clear out almost everything. Pantries, cupboards, dressers and shelves all get emptied so contractors can work. The house gets chaotic, but it’s also an efficient time to overhaul and reorganize.
As you remove items, you start deciding what truly belongs back in the home. This purge is a great opportunity to keep only what you love and use — and to make room for new pieces you’ve been eyeing. I admit I picked up a few things at a recent HomeGoods preview event and now have the space to bring them home.
Clearing everything out also reveals forgotten or expired items — and that’s when you get ruthless. Old spices, broken items and things that no longer serve a purpose get tossed. It feels freeing to let go of the stuff that clutters drawers and closets.
Once the momentum builds, you’re cleaning, sorting and reorganizing everything in sight. Pantries go from messy to streamlined. Closets get edited. Even long-held, bulky items become candidates for removal if they won’t fit the new, simpler vision for the space.
This is the perfect time to say goodbye to anything you don’t want or need anymore. Removing excess items creates a calmer, more organized home and makes room for pieces that truly enhance the space and your daily life.
Sometimes that means hauling out decades-old heavy furniture or electronics before the new stairs and floors are installed — better to remove the awkward, oversized items now than risk damaging new finishes later.
Good-bye, everything.
Stay tuned for more updates on these projects, plus seasonal ideas, decorating and organizing tips, and a few summer giveaways along the way.
PS — my blog was moved to its own server this weekend, so the site should be faster and more reliable. Expect more posts this week now that things are running smoothly; I have lots to share.
Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend?
Giveaway winners:
Seattle winner: Susan
National winner: Amanda Gray
Both winners have been notified and their gift cards will be mailed this week. Thanks to everyone who entered and shared their enthusiasm for HomeGoods — it’s a fun place to shop!