2025 recap and 2026 project goals!

2025 recap and 2026 project goals!

• 12.29.2025

2025 was a year of finishing touches and classic upgrades—the kinds of projects that make our historic home feel more polished and personal. Here’s a look back at the projects I actually completed and documented this year, plus what I’m dreaming up for 2026.

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2025 Home Project Recap

1) Dining Room Updates

In January (worst time to refinish furniture outside) I refinished a vintage Ethan Allen table. Such an improvement from the Target farmhouse-ey one I had had for years.

And then, after years of trial and error, I found the right size rug for this room! I landed on this classic jute rug in a square (comes in so many sizes and multiple shapes!) that actually fits this square room and makes it feel finished.

3) Wallpaper Projects

I swapped the old peel-and-stick for a tree-and-daisy print that suits the Tudor vibe of my house, and is an instant mood lift the second you walk in.

I also added wallpaper to my upstairs bathroom in this charming floral and bird print that makes it feel like a treehouse! I did some other updates there too, like a sink skirt and painting the cabinet. I love it in there now.

4) Window Treatment Upgrades 

I upgraded several rooms from worn fabric shades to woven bamboo with top-down options—so much prettier and more practical.

In my bedroom I replaced some sad old Target blackout curtains and layered a blackout Roman shade with pinch-pleat linen curtains (with ribbon trim!) which I love against my custom peachy-pink walls!

5) Timeless Style Updates to My Plain All-White Kitchen

I was so excited to replace my old DIY industrial shelves with these pretty curved painted brackets that are much more appropriate for my home's style, and look pretty with my trim and plate walls.

I did some other small swaps too, to get more of a Nancy Meyers kitchen feel and less of a confused 2018 modern traditional boring fee. I added warmth and character with my polished nickel hardware, sink skirt, and more) to align with my classic style.

6) Sod and More for the Yard 

This spring I spent a lot of money having my backyard redone (it was a wreck after the patio project), plus the front and side yards, with sod, fresh mulch, and some cleanup/pruning. I bought a hose sprinkler system and timers and kept it watered (unfortunately that meant three $300 water bills this summer) and it all is still looking great!

Here it is right after install. So flat and smooth... ahhh...

But it needed something. I had them remove 2-3' of sod around the edges and plant a million hydrangeas, small shrubs, and other plants I bought at a local garden store's fall 40% off sale. I have yet to see it all in bloom, but already it looks a little better (as good as it can in its sad Oregon winter yard dress).

Plus we added some classic swings to the cherry tree, and new chips under it, and new plants tucked in elsewhere too. Here's a lovely Oregon winter photo for you.

7) Major Living Room Upgrades

The living room finally feels balanced thanks to a custom-size jute rug—proof that the right dimensions are so important.

Getting the new sofas in here was so important, too. I started with these and then got a second of the blue velvet, we love it so.

2026 Project Goals

Here’s what I’m planning for the year ahead...

1) Finish the Basement Media Room

This fall after Micah moved in, we got a TV for the basement, and he brought his weights down there to use as a gym sometimes. It was not looking cute so I brainstormed... decided to get some pre-assembled kitchen cabinets and install them as built-ins! And I found a classic slipcovered Pottery Barn sofa on Facebook. And added this nice rug.

But... it's still a work in progress. I'm not sure what to do on that big blank wall with the outlet in the middle (was meant for a TV when I had a different layout planned), it needs art/interest (that lamp on the cabinets is temporary), and we need a coffee table or ottoman. Sometime in 2026!

I'm also working on the toy areas down here, with more storage, getting rid of the little kid stuff, and creating a Barbie village for Lucy that you can see parts of here.

2) Lucy's Room Updates

I think it's time for an update to this darling room now. Lucy got some American Girl doll things this Christmas and currently has about 5 doll beds taking up space on the long wall.. I just moved the rocking chair out, but I think she needs some more storage of some kind here. Plus that DIY Roman shade I made years ago has finally stopped retracting when I push it, so I think it's time for a new one in a cute pattern she can help choose.

3) Yard/Garden

Now that I've spent the big bucks on sod and polishing, it's time to add in layers with pretty plants... I'm excited to see what I've planted bloom! Hope it all does well. I'm not sure what else I'll need next. Probably a few more smaller, filler plants here and there.

4) Minor Decor Updates

It feels like such a privilege to have such a short list! After almost 7.5 years of projects here (including the hard ones), it's a wonderful feeling that aside from some function upgrades, mostly I'll just make some minor aesthetic changes like I hope to replace one of my gold mirrors with something more antique, and I need some better lamps for the basement. On the thrift/antiquing list!

As always, thanks for following along—here’s to a cozy, classic, and creative 2026!