As the final days of the year melt away, it always feels a little cliché to exclaim, “Where did the time go?!” Yet, here we are, reflecting on a truly monumental year filled with sawdust, paint, and incredible transformations. It’s only when we meticulously tally up all the completed projects that the sheer scale of our endeavors truly sinks in.
What started as ambitious goals back in January unexpectedly culminated in an astounding 21 home makeovers, DIY projects, and refreshing updates completed throughout 2021. The number itself is a wonderfully serendipitous coincidence, perfectly mirroring the year it represents, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. This comprehensive list not only showcases our passion for design and renovation but also serves as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a vision.
Looking back at these dramatic before-and-after reveals, it’s no wonder we often felt utterly exhausted by year-end! A well-deserved “snooze fest” between Christmas and New Year’s was definitely in order to recuperate from such an intense period of creativity and hard work. But every drop of sweat was worth it for the stunning results we achieved, transforming spaces into functional, beautiful, and inspiring areas.
Remarkably, despite a significant curveball — extensive water damage that threw a major wrench into our initial plans and required unexpected detours — we managed to tackle and surpass many of our ambitious home goals for 2021. This year taught us resilience, adaptability, and the sheer power of perseverance in the face of renovation challenges, proving that even setbacks can lead to stunning transformations.
Join us on a journey through these 21 inspiring home transformations. Prepare to be amazed by the “befores” and delighted by the “afters” as we unveil each unique project, big or small, that made 2021 an unforgettable year of home improvement. Let’s dive into a year of incredible design and DIY successes!
1. Kristina’s Rapid 1-Day Bedroom Spa Retreat Makeover
Kicking off our year of transformations, we embarked on a heartwarming mission to create a serene sanctuary for our dear friend Kristina. Her bedroom, though functional, lacked the personalized touch and tranquil atmosphere she truly deserved. In just one incredibly productive day, we completely reimagined her space, focusing on calming colors, soft textures, and thoughtful decor. The goal was to transform it into a relaxing spa-like oasis where she could unwind and recharge. Witnessing her reaction to her new, peaceful haven was an incredibly rewarding start to our year, showcasing how quickly a space can be refreshed.
2. Olivia’s “Big Girl” Boho Bedroom Refresh
As Olivia turned nine this past year, it was time for her bedroom to evolve alongside her. We transitioned her space from a child’s room to something a bit more “tween-ish,” incorporating elements that reflected her growing personality and interests. The refresh focused on a charming boho-inspired aesthetic, featuring playful yet sophisticated touches. The result was an absolutely adorable and functional room that perfectly suited her new stage of life, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat she loved.
3. The Carney Family’s Multi-functional Rec Room Renovation
Undoubtedly the largest room makeover we undertook independently this year was the incredible transformation of our neighbors’ rec room for their nine children. This project presented a unique and exciting challenge: creating a single space that could cater to a wide age range, from four to nineteen. By meticulously planning and implementing several distinct “stations” for various activities and integrating abundant storage solutions, we successfully crafted a multi-functional and organized haven where every child could play, study, and relax. It was a true test of design versatility and a testament to the power of thoughtful space planning for large families.
4. Kristina’s 1-Day Rent-Friendly Patio Spruce-Up
Our friend Kristina’s townhouse received another swift makeover in the spring, this time transforming her outdoor space. We focused on a budget-friendly and renter-friendly approach to spruce up her patio, proving that even temporary spaces can be incredibly inviting and stylish. With a few key decorative elements, comfortable seating, and vibrant greenery, we created a charming and functional outdoor retreat in just one day. This project highlighted how small changes can make a big impact on curb appeal and outdoor living enjoyment.
5. Our Inviting Back Porch Refresh
Our back porch has seen several iterations over the years, each bringing new character to the space. However, this particular refresh, centered around a complete furniture replacement, truly brought it into its best phase yet. By investing in comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture, we elevated the porch from a simple outdoor area to an inviting extension of our living space. The new arrangement not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also greatly improved its functionality, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and entertaining.
6. Our Organized Gardening Shed Overhaul
This project is undeniable proof that sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint and a few well-placed wall hooks to work some serious magic. Our gardening shed, once a chaotic repository of tools and pots, desperately needed an intervention. Through a simple yet highly effective overhaul, we transformed it into an organized and aesthetically pleasing space. The strategic use of paint brightened the interior, while clever storage solutions like wall hooks made every tool accessible, turning a functional mess into an efficient and enjoyable workspace for all our gardening needs.
7. Our Custom DIY Bocce Ball Court
As avid hosts of backyard gatherings, we are always looking for ways to enhance our outdoor entertaining space. This year, we decided to tackle a fun and unique DIY project: building our very own bocce ball court. This addition proved to be the perfect little enhancement, offering a classic game that friends and family of all ages could enjoy. It not only added a touch of recreational charm to our backyard but also provided another fantastic activity to keep guests engaged and entertained during our many outdoor hangouts, proving that DIY projects can be both practical and fun.
8. Rachel and Daniel’s Woodland Baby Boy Nursery Makeover
When my sweet cousin and her husband welcomed their precious baby boy this year, I eagerly seized the opportunity to help them create the perfect nursery. There’s something uniquely joyful about designing a baby’s room, and a boy nursery was a delightful creative challenge! We settled on a charming woodland theme, incorporating natural textures, soft colors, and playful animal motifs to create a serene and whimsical space. The finished room was a dream, filled with warmth and ready to welcome their new arrival, a true testament to thoughtful nursery design.
9. Our Ambitious DIY Pergola Cabana
This project was undoubtedly one that truly challenged us, physically and mentally. Building our poolside cabana was a massive undertaking that, honestly, probably warranted a chiropractic appointment immediately afterward! Thankfully, my dad and brother generously lent their expertise and muscle, joining forces with us to construct this impressive outdoor structure. Despite the strenuous effort, seeing the pergola cabana come together so beautifully and seamlessly integrate with our pool area made every ache worth it. It transformed our backyard into a luxurious and shaded retreat, proving that large-scale DIY can yield spectacular results with teamwork.
10. Our Innovative DIY Modular Outdoor Kitchen Built in a Day
Continuing our outdoor living enhancements, we tackled another ambitious yet incredibly rewarding project: building a modular outdoor kitchen in just one day! This efficient DIY was designed to maximize functionality and entertainment value. I absolutely cannot wait for the weather to warm up again so we can make extensive use of this fantastic addition. It’s perfectly set up for grilling, entertaining, and enjoying al fresco dining, promising countless memorable moments in our newly enhanced backyard. This rapid build proves that even significant outdoor amenities can be achieved quickly and affordably with the right plan.
11. Richard and Ashlee’s Serene Primary Bedroom Makeover
When our dear newlywed friends, Richard and Ashlee, completed their beautiful new house this year, we wanted to contribute to their fresh start by gifting them a complete bedroom makeover. Their primary bedroom, though new, needed a personalized touch to truly feel like their own peaceful sanctuary. We focused on creating a serene and inviting atmosphere, selecting a calming color palette, comfortable furnishings, and thoughtful accents that reflected their style. The transformation provided them with a beautifully finished space to accompany their new home, making it feel perfectly tailored and welcoming.
12. Regan’s Charming Toddler Bedroom Glow Up
A significant milestone this year was Regan transitioning out of her crib, signaling it was time for a proper “big girl” room transformation. We embraced a delightful cottagecore style, incorporating beautiful chinoiserie wallpaper for a touch of classic elegance. To accommodate future sleepovers with her big sister and cousins, we opted for twin beds, making the room not just a place to sleep but a versatile space for fun and bonding. The result is a whimsical and functional room that will grow with her, blending sophisticated charm with playful practicality.
13. Our Organized Paint Storage Closet Spruce Up
Sometimes the most impactful makeovers are those that simplify daily life. Our garage paint storage closet, though a freebie addition, was much needed and desperately required an organizing overhaul. Utilizing leftover paint and crafting shelves from scrap wood, we transformed this chaotic corner into an efficient and accessible storage solution. This budget-friendly DIY project not only tidied up our supplies but also significantly streamlined our future home projects, making our lives just a little bit easier and more organized. It’s a prime example of maximizing existing resources for practical improvements.
14. Our Classic Hallway Bathroom Refresh
While perhaps not a full-blown “makeover” in the traditional sense, this hallway bathroom refresh nonetheless made a significant difference. We executed a quick yet impactful decor swap to imbue the girls’ bathroom with a more classic and timeless feel. By carefully selecting new accessories, towels, and art, we elevated the space’s aesthetic without undertaking any major renovations. This project illustrates how even subtle changes in decor can dramatically alter the perception and ambiance of a room, creating a more sophisticated and polished look.
15. Our Elegant Classic Modern Dining Room Makeover
Our dining room had long been a space without a clear design direction, evolving haphazardly over the years. This year, we finally committed to an “official” dining room makeover, and the results exceeded all expectations. The centerpiece of this transformation was the stunning scenic landscape mural wallpaper, which brought an unparalleled sense of depth and artistry to the room. I am now completely enamored with the elegance and character that murals can add to a space. The blend of classic and modern elements turned this often-overlooked area into a truly captivating and inviting dining experience, far surpassing its previous form.
16. Our Budget-Friendly Home Gym Shed Renovation
This shed renovation was entirely conceived on a whim, but it quickly transformed into one of our most satisfying projects. After years of makeshift workout spaces, we finally have an “official” home gym, thanks to a series of budget-friendly DIYs. This included the significant effort of ripping out the old ceiling and installing faux brick wall paneling to create an inspiring, industrial-chic atmosphere. This project demonstrates how creativity and a willingness to get hands-on can convert an overlooked shed into a highly functional and motivating personal fitness sanctuary without breaking the bank.
17. Our Durable Playroom Refresh
Our playroom has bravely endured countless “Olivia and Regan tornadoes” over the years, accumulating wear and tear that signaled it was time for a much-needed overhaul. This refresh focused on creating a more durable, organized, and inviting space for play and creativity. While this year saw significant progress, we have ambitious plans to finalize the remaining elements of the room in 2022, ensuring it becomes a truly resilient and inspiring environment where imagination can thrive for years to come. The goal was to make it both kid-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, using washable and hard-wearing materials.
18. Our Bright and Welcoming Foyer Makeover
The unfortunate water damage incident this year, while disruptive, presented an unexpected opportunity for a complete transformation of our foyer. With the walls stripped down to the studs, we seized the chance to entirely reimagine this crucial entry point of our home. We opted to brighten the paint palette significantly, creating a more open and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, a strategic “switcheroo” of furniture and lighting fixtures completed the makeover, infusing the space with fresh energy and style. What began as a forced repair culminated in a beautiful and inviting first impression for our home.
19. Our Dreamy En Suite Modern Vintage Bathroom Remodel
If you had asked me in January 2021 if a total en suite bathroom renovation was on the horizon, I would have unequivocally said no way! It felt like a distant, long-shot dream. However, destiny had other plans, and despite enduring quite a messy and challenging journey to get there, this complete remodel has resulted in what is now my absolute favorite room in the entire house. Blending modern amenities with vintage charm, every detail was carefully chosen to create a luxurious and functional sanctuary. This transformation underscores the incredible rewards that can come from persevering through even the most extensive home renovation projects.
20. Our Cozy and Comfortable Living Room Spruce Up
This living room spruce-up was a long-awaited upgrade focused on comfort and quality. After diligently saving, we finally ordered the sofas and recliners we had always dreamed of back in January 2021. True to the times, they arrived a full nine months later – apparently, furniture these days has its own gestation period! However, the wait was absolutely worth it. The addition of these perfect pieces has transformed our living room into the ultimate cozy haven, and we are completely thrilled with how comfortable and stylish our main gathering space has become. This investment in quality furniture truly paid off, enhancing both the look and feel of our home.
21. Our Extensive Backyard Oasis Overhaul
Capping off our incredible year of home improvements was a monumental overhaul of our entire backyard, transforming it into a true outdoor oasis. A top priority on the list was replacing the old, weathered fence, which instantly elevated the privacy and aesthetic appeal of the space. Beyond that, numerous smaller projects came together harmoniously, from landscaping enhancements to creating inviting zones for relaxation and entertainment. The cumulative effect of all this hard work brought our backyard dreams to life, making it a functional, beautiful, and utterly enjoyable extension of our home, perfect for both quiet evenings and lively gatherings. It truly demonstrates the power of a comprehensive outdoor renovation.
Whew! Taking a moment to reflect on all 21 of these significant home makeovers and DIY projects, it’s clear that 2021 was an incredibly busy and rewarding year. Perhaps I do need to embrace that “hibernate a tad longer” mentality to fully recover from the whirlwind of renovations. But in all seriousness, despite the inevitable ups and downs, the unexpected challenges like the water damage, and the sheer volume of work, it truly was a good year.
The satisfaction of transforming spaces, seeing visions come to life, and creating more functional and beautiful environments for ourselves and our loved ones is immeasurable. Looking ahead, I’m already buzzing with ideas and dreaming up several exciting room makeovers we plan to undertake for friends throughout 2022. But for now, it feels wonderful to simply step back, appreciate the journey, and feel immensely thankful for how far we’ve come in shaping our home and helping others create their own cherished spaces. Here’s to continuous growth, creativity, and many more inspiring transformations!
