As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s a cherished tradition for Robert and me to share our most ambitious aspirations and detailed plans for our home, a ritual we lovingly call “New Year, New House Goals.” But more than just outlining our projects, this annual post is an invitation – a moment to pause and ask *you*, our incredible community, what design dilemmas you’re facing and what inspiring content you’d love to see grace these digital pages.
The dawn of this particular New Year has brought with it a period of profound reflection and soul-searching for me. While I wouldn’t say I’ve felt entirely “lost,” the direction of Bless’er House, our shared journey in home design and renovation, has felt somewhat indistinct. Granting myself the grace to step back, take a breath, and truly reflect has been invaluable, allowing a clearer vision to emerge for the path ahead. Our home is a continuous canvas, and while Robert and I certainly have a substantial list of projects remaining, our commitment is unwavering: we will not move simply for the sake of creating new content. Our lives are genuine, and so are our stories. We are real people, living real lives, and our home evolves with us.
This blog, Bless’er House, is evolving too. Beyond showcasing our personal home transformations, my heart is increasingly drawn towards leveraging this platform for good within our community. Imagine more heartwarming room makeovers for friends and neighbors – projects that bring immediate joy and practical improvement. That’s definitely happening this year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Looking further down the line, as our children grow, I dream of dedicating our design expertise to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, offering decorating services that transform houses into true homes. Or perhaps creating serene, inspiring break rooms in schools, providing teachers with much-needed sanctuaries. They truly deserve so much more than we can imagine.
And who knows? Maybe these aspirations will eventually lead to the launch of a full-fledged Bless’er House Design Service, collaborating with actual clients to bring their dream spaces to life, or even renovating a beautiful vacation rental home. These might sound like ambitious, even lofty goals, but then again, this very blog started as a distant, aspirational dream itself. With faith, hard work, and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, anything is possible.
So, with renewed clarity and boundless enthusiasm, here’s a glimpse into what 2022 holds for us at Bless’er House. Get ready for a year filled with exciting transformations, inspiring DIYs, and plenty of lessons learned along the way!
1. Spreading Joy: Community Room Makeovers
One of our absolute favorite ways to use our skills is by giving back. We are incredibly excited to announce that we’re planning a couple of heartfelt room makeovers for friends and neighbors in our community in the coming weeks! These aren’t just cosmetic changes; they’re about creating spaces that truly enhance the daily lives of those we care about. These quick 1-3 day spruce-ups are incredibly rewarding for us, allowing us to bring a fresh perspective and much-needed transformation to spaces that have been overlooked or simply need a little love. Our goal is not only to brighten the homes of our loved ones but also to provide you, our dear readers, with practical, budget-friendly ideas and inspiration that you can apply to your own homes. Whether it’s a living room refresh, a bedroom update, or a functional office revamp, these projects will showcase impactful changes achieved in a short timeframe, proving that big transformations don’t always require endless budgets or months of work.
2. Mastering Mess: Dynamic Playroom Storage Solutions
Our playroom is a constant work in progress, evolving as our girls grow older and their needs change. Last year, we made significant strides by adding custom doors to our existing IKEA built-in bookshelves, creating invaluable hidden storage that keeps toys and clutter out of sight. We also updated the furniture with more flexible seating options, successfully completing a quick playroom refresh that catered to their maturing interests. However, the other side of the room still presents a considerable design challenge. Especially now that we’ve introduced a TV into the space (a necessary evil to escape the endless loop of certain animated pig shows!), the need for smarter, more efficient storage and a cohesive design has become paramount. We’re currently reevaluating this area, aiming to integrate stylish yet highly functional storage that can withstand the rigors of play while maintaining a sense of calm and order. We envision a space where toys have a designated home, art supplies are easily accessible, and there’s plenty of open space for imaginative play. This project will delve into creative ways to maximize storage in a high-traffic kids’ zone, ensuring durability and timeless appeal.
The remaining portion of the playroom needs a serious design intervention. This untouched corner, where the new television now resides, is ripe for a complete overhaul to complement the refreshed side. We’re exploring various options, from integrated cabinetry to modular storage units, all designed to blend seamlessly with our home’s aesthetic while being incredibly practical for daily use. The goal is to transform this currently underutilized section into a vibrant, organized, and inviting extension of the existing playroom, making it a truly harmonious and functional space for our growing family.
3. Elevating Elegance: A Sophisticated Staircase Revamp
Our staircase has long been a focal point that calls for a refined touch. For years, I’ve envisioned a beautiful, durable runner gracing these stairs, not only adding a layer of warmth and texture but also significantly improving safety – a crucial concern, as we’ve all experienced a slip or two on these inherently slippery treads. Beyond the practical benefits of a runner, we plan to upgrade the balusters to a more streamlined, contemporary style that truly reflects our evolving aesthetic. Our current balusters, while functional, don’t quite align with the modern yet classic feel we strive for throughout our home. We’re hoping this will be a relatively straightforward DIY project that we can tackle efficiently, transforming the entire entryway without major disruptions. The impact of a well-chosen runner and elegantly updated balusters can be surprisingly dramatic, setting a more sophisticated tone from the moment you step through our front door. We’ll be researching various materials, patterns, and installation techniques to ensure a flawless finish that stands the test of time.
Our vision for the staircase isn’t about anything overly extravagant, but rather a thoughtful simplification that makes a profound difference. We aim for a refined look that feels more “us” – a subtle yet significant upgrade that enhances the architectural integrity of our home. Inspiration often strikes from unexpected places, and I’ve particularly admired the minimalist yet elegant smaller balusters featured in Marie Flanigan Interiors’ portfolio. This style perfectly captures the balance of traditional charm and contemporary clean lines that we’re hoping to achieve. We anticipate this revamp will not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of our foyer but also significantly improve the functionality and safety of this central thoroughfare.
4. Optimizing Flow: A Functional and Charming Breakfast Nook Transformation
For as long as we’ve lived here, the traffic flow and furniture arrangement in our breakfast nook have been a constant source of frustration. This seemingly tiny space is surprisingly complex, featuring *four* distinct doorways, one of which serves as the main entry from our garage. The constant crisscrossing and bottlenecking make it less enjoyable than it should be. However, we have an ambitious, game-changing plan for next year: building a significant addition that will repurpose a section of our garage to create a much-needed pool-accessible bathroom, a spacious laundry room, and a highly functional mudroom. This large-scale project will necessitate moving two of the existing doors within the breakfast nook, a substantial undertaking but one that promises to drastically improve our home’s overall function and daily livability. With these structural changes in mind, I constantly envision the installation of a charming banquette in this redesigned space. A custom banquette will not only provide efficient seating but also create a cozy, quaint atmosphere, transforming a previously problematic area into a delightful and highly utilized part of our home. This project will involve careful planning to ensure the new layout maximizes space, enhances flow, and integrates seamlessly with our existing kitchen and living areas. We’re exploring various banquette designs, from built-in benches with hidden storage to freestanding units, ensuring comfort and style are paramount.
The concept of a built-in dining nook, particularly one by Jaci Daily, has been a significant source of inspiration for us. While our breakfast nook will naturally be on a slightly smaller scale, the idea of maximizing seating and creating an intimate, inviting atmosphere with a banquette is precisely what we aim for. This transformation will go beyond just aesthetics; it’s about optimizing every square inch of this high-traffic area, making it more efficient for family meals, homework sessions, and casual gatherings. Imagine a custom banquette upholstered in a durable, family-friendly fabric, paired with a stylish pedestal table that allows for easy ingress and egress. The redesign of this space will truly embody the fusion of form and function, proving that even challenging layouts can be transformed into beautiful and practical areas.
5. Reclaiming Space: The Ultimate Garage Makeover
Our garage has been patiently, or perhaps not so patiently, awaiting a serious intervention. For far too long, it has served as a chaotic dumping ground rather than a functional extension of our home. Even a fresh coat of paint would work wonders, but we have much grander plans for this often-neglected space. A comprehensive garage overhaul was on our list of to-dos last year, but as often happens with large home projects, a few unforeseen circumstances completely derailed our intentions. However, with a brand new year comes renewed determination, and we are absolutely up for the challenge of transforming our garage from a cluttered abyss into an organized, efficient, and even aesthetically pleasing area. Our vision includes not just painting the walls and floors but also implementing robust storage solutions like shelving, cabinets, and pegboards to maximize vertical space. We’re considering durable flooring options, improved lighting, and perhaps even a dedicated workbench area. This makeover will be about creating a versatile space that serves multiple purposes, from practical storage for tools and seasonal items to a potential hobby zone or even an interim project staging area. Say goodbye to lost items and tripping hazards, and hello to a garage that functions as beautifully as the rest of our home!
6. Cozy Evenings: Envisioning a Back Porch Fireplace
There’s something incredibly inviting about an outdoor fireplace, and the dream of having one on our back porch persists. While there’s no absolute guarantee that this project will come to fruition this year, I’m putting it out into the universe with hopeful anticipation! An outdoor fireplace would undoubtedly elevate our back porch into a true year-round oasis, providing warmth on cooler evenings and a captivating focal point for gatherings. It would extend the usability of our outdoor living space, allowing us to enjoy the fresh air and ambiance even when temperatures drop. We envision a space where friends and family can gather around a crackling fire, sharing stories and making memories. This project is about creating an atmosphere of comfort and luxury right in our own backyard. We’re exploring various designs and materials, from stone and brick to more modern cladding options, to find the perfect style that complements our home’s exterior.
Perhaps, with a bit of clever DIY ingenuity, adding a back porch fireplace could be surprisingly simple. Could it be as straightforward as integrating an electric fireplace insert and custom-framing around it to create a bespoke mantel and surround? This approach would circumvent the complexities and costs associated with traditional gas lines or wood-burning chimneys, making it a much more accessible and achievable project. Electric fireplaces offer the cozy ambiance of a real flame without the mess or maintenance, and modern designs are incredibly realistic. The thought of relaxing on our porch, warmed by a gentle glow, fills me with excitement. I have great faith in our ability to research, plan, and execute this project, turning a long-held dream into a beautiful reality. This would be a fantastic example of achieving a high-end look on a more manageable budget, a theme often celebrated here at Bless’er House.
7. Small Space, Big Impact: A Powder Room Refresh
The powder room, that often-overlooked yet frequently used space, is definitely due for a refresh! While there’s nothing inherently “wrong” with its current state, my style has evolved, and I feel a distinct pull towards a new direction for this small but mighty room. Last time, I opted for a quick paint job on the existing vanity as a temporary fix, but now I’m ready for a more permanent and personalized update. We’re thinking about swapping out the vanity entirely for one that truly reflects our current aesthetic, perhaps something with more character or a different finish. Other ideas swirling in my mind include introducing a new, bolder color on the baseboards, exploring different wallpaper patterns that make a statement, or even experimenting with unique lighting fixtures. A powder room is an ideal space to experiment with bolder design choices, as its smaller footprint allows for more adventurous selections without overwhelming the entire home. This refresh will be about injecting personality, elevating the style, and making this guest-frequented space feel utterly intentional and beautiful. We’ll explore texture, color, and unique design elements to make this small room truly shine, offering inspiration for anyone looking to make a big impact in a compact area.
8. Cultivating Curb Appeal: Significant Landscaping Improvements
With so much focus on backyard projects last year, our front and side yard landscaping, particularly the grass, has unfortunately taken a backseat and looks rather sad. This year, it’s time to shift our attention outdoors and give our landscape the comprehensive care and aesthetic upgrade it deserves. Improving our landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about creating a welcoming environment, enhancing our home’s overall value, and enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces. We plan to address several key areas, starting with revitalizing our lawn – thinking about aeration, seeding, and proper fertilization to achieve that lush, green look. Beyond the grass, we’ll focus on the “trees, grass, and plants” situation, which includes thoughtful planting of new shrubs and perennials, strategic pruning of existing trees, and potentially installing new garden beds. We’re considering drought-tolerant plants to ensure sustainability and ease of maintenance, alongside a vibrant mix of colors and textures. This project will involve a mix of DIY efforts and possibly professional help for larger tasks like tree care or irrigation system adjustments. We want to create harmonious outdoor zones that complement our home’s architecture and provide year-round visual interest, making our property truly blossom.
9. Poolside Perfection: Stamped Concrete Pool Deck
While this might be more of an ambitious 2023 project, the idea of stamping the concrete around our pool to resemble elegant brick pavers is already high on our long-term wish list. The current concrete deck, while functional, lacks the character and sophisticated appeal we desire for our backyard oasis. Stamped concrete offers an incredible way to achieve the look of high-end materials like brick or natural stone at a more accessible cost and with superior durability. This transformation would significantly elevate the aesthetic of our entire pool area, creating a more luxurious and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining. We envision a beautiful, textured surface that not only looks fantastic but also provides a slip-resistant environment, enhancing both safety and style. This project involves careful consideration of patterns, colors, and sealing options to ensure a long-lasting, visually stunning finish that perfectly complements our existing backyard elements. Planning for this will involve researching local contractors, understanding the different stamping techniques available, and selecting a design that integrates seamlessly with our outdoor decor. It’s a project that promises to bring a truly custom, high-end feel to our poolside experience.
10. Culinary Dreams: Strategic Kitchen Remodel Planning
Let’s be realistic: a full-blown kitchen remodel is definitely not happening this year. Kitchen renovations are significant undertakings, both in terms of time and investment, but we are absolutely diving deep into the meticulous planning phase! This year will be dedicated to designing our dream kitchen, considering every single detail. And speaking of details, we’ve recently stumbled upon an exciting discovery: what we thought were simple shelves beside our stove actually conceal an old secret doorway! This revelation has sparked a flurry of creative ideas, hinting at unexpected possibilities for space optimization and unique design elements. This discovery alone could completely reshape our kitchen’s layout and functionality, making it an even more personalized and intriguing space. Last year, our bathroom remodel was somewhat rushed due to unforeseen circumstances, which taught us invaluable lessons about the importance of thorough planning. This time, with our kitchen, we are leaving nothing to chance. We’re committing ourselves to a detailed design process, exploring cabinet layouts, material selections (countertops, backsplash, flooring), appliance choices, lighting schemes, and storage solutions. Our kitchen, though on the smaller side, holds immense potential. We’re determined to figure out how to pack a serious design and functional punch into every square inch. We believe a well-designed kitchen, regardless of its size, can be the heart of the home, combining efficiency with undeniable charm. We’re drawing inspiration from stunning spaces like this one from Park & Oak, which perfectly exemplifies how to create a highly impactful and beautiful kitchen within reasonable dimensions. Our aim is to craft a kitchen that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly practical for our family’s daily life, a true testament to thoughtful design and meticulous planning.
The inspiration from designers like Park & Oak resonates deeply with our vision for a kitchen that is both beautiful and highly functional. We’re focusing on intelligent storage solutions, durable and aesthetically pleasing finishes, and a layout that optimizes workflow despite the kitchen’s modest footprint. From innovative pantry systems to integrated appliances and smart lighting, every element will be carefully considered. This planning year is crucial for making informed decisions, budgeting effectively, and ensuring that when construction eventually begins, it proceeds smoothly and results in the kitchen of our dreams. We’re excited to share our research, design dilemmas, and breakthroughs with you, demonstrating how a smaller kitchen can still be incredibly grand and efficient. This remodel is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s an investment in the functionality and enjoyment of our home for years to come.
Beyond these ten major goals, we’re sure to sprinkle in plenty of other small makeovers and spontaneous DIY projects throughout the year. As you can tell, Robert and I definitely have our work cut out for us! But every nail hammered, every brushstroke painted, and every space transformed is a labor of love, driven by our passion for creating beautiful homes and sharing our journey with you.
My ultimate goal with Bless’er House has always been to share content that genuinely helps and inspires *you*. You are the heart and soul of this blog, and your engagement is the reason it continues to thrive. We love hearing about your home aspirations and challenges, as it helps us tailor our content to be as relevant and helpful as possible.
So, would you do me the biggest favor and tell us what home improvement projects or design questions you need help with this year? We would be immensely grateful if you could share your thoughts in the 2022 Bless’er House Reader Survey. Your input directly shapes the future content we create, ensuring we’re addressing the topics most important to you.
I genuinely don’t say it enough – thank you so much for being here, for reading, commenting, and being an integral part of our home journey. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and we sincerely hope that in return, we provide you with valuable ideas, practical tips, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We cannot wait to see all the good things that lie ahead and share every step of the way with you!
