Favorite Posts of 2015

Hello!

It’s hard to believe that 2015 is nearly over and a new year is already upon us.  Blogging is a great way to capture projects that we’ve done, and it’s always fun to look back and see that we actually did get some stuff accomplished around here.  Especially when I’m trying to put all of the Christmas stuff away and the house is a hot mess.

The Big Dig – Pond to Patio Transformation
The pond transformation is definitely the biggest project of the year around here, even if it doesn’t feel as big since we hired out the work for a change.  I’m so very happy to be done with the pond and it’s been awesome to have such a great outdoor space that is so much more functional and usable.  We still want to add a fireplace – maybe that will come in 2016.

A refresher, in case you forgot what it used to look like:

It was perfect for our summer fish fry – we set up a tent back there and everything.  I’m thinking when my oldest graduates from high school, I’m going to have this party thing down to a science.

One Room Challenge 
This year I stepped into the One Room Challenge Ring, and am so happy that I did.  As a girl who works best under deadlines that aren’t my own, the One Room Challenge fit me like a glove.  Having a six week deadline to knock out a project is daunting, but doable.

I finally got my master bathroom under control and complete with the Spring One Room Challenge, and it still makes me happy to go in there and see it all done.

In the fall, I tackled my daughter’s room, and she and I both love the result.  It’s another “happy place” in our house, and she is holding up her end of the bargain by keeping things neat and organized.

Client Kitchen Projects
I have taken on more client projects during 2015, which has been a lot of fun and a learning opportunity as well.  I love working with new products and tools, so expanding into furniture has been great.

I have tackled a lot of kitchens this year, both big and small, and can honestly say that I’ve learned something with each one.  I love working with people, and have been lucky to have great clients throughout my journey in growing my own small business.

Some client kitchen highlights – I loved working on this two-toned gray kitchen.  At the time, it was my largest job to date, and doing the two different shades of gray gave the kitchen a gorgeous and dramatic new look.  It was already beautiful, even as a “before” shot:

And the after is equally stunning:

The kitchen doesn’t have to be big for the change to be dramatic.  This oak kitchen got a completely new look with both the cabinets and the walls.  I love how subtle and pretty it looks now.  Here is the before:

And the after:

I know I gave you a peek at my biggest kitchen project to date, and I still have to share the finished result, but here is a peek.  I’ve been holding off since the homeowners were having the walls painted and a new backsplash installed, but it’s still dramatic.

Before – a gorgeous kitchen already, but the navy blue countertops were a 90’s throwback, and the homeowners wanted something light and bright.

A peek at the finished product – walls still need to be painted and the backsplash needs to be installed, but you can see the dramatic change already.  They added new quartz countertops too.  And the storage in this kitchen is insane.  More to come, I promise.

Speaking of cabinet painting, it was a thrill to visit Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick to kick off her kitchen cabinet painting project.  And her kitchen looks so good.  Check out her reveal here.

Furniture Projects
I have started diving into furniture projects as well – both thrifty finds and pieces for customers.  I have enjoyed testing new products and techniques in the process, and furniture also allows for more experimentation with color, which I love.

I’m still smitten with this Ballard Outlet scratch and dent find that I fixed and transformed for my daughter’s bedroom makeover.  Remember how the top was a hot mess?

Now it’s bright, cheerful, and perfect in my daughter’s room.

Details on how I fixed it can be found in this post.  Just goes to show that you can get deals on scratch and dent items in an outlet and transform them the same way you would when you purchase from a thrift store.

Another furniture project that I had fun with is this indigo desk redo.  I scored this desk at a local thrift shop and spiffed it up and sold it.  Talk about gratifying.

Whole House Color Palette
If you’re a regular reader here, you know that I’m pretty paint/color obsessed, so of course I posted the color palette of my own home in 2015.  I’m just happy it all flows together so well, since it certainly wasn’t part of my “master plan”. 😉



Stone Fireplace Tutorial
Although I updated my fireplace with stone in 2014, I shared my tutorial in 2015.  I still can’t believe I did this myself.  Although our winter has been so mild, that I’ve only used the fireplace once this season.  I’ll take snow over the rain we’ve been having thankyouverymuch.


House Stalker Series

I started a House Stalker Series this year, and didn’t get as many houses as I would like, but I sure love the ones I shared.  Hopefully I’ll be able to get you all some more material in 2016. 😉

How about this gorgeous character home remodel?  So spectacular, I needed a Part 1 and a Part 2 in order to cover it all.

Love it – so warm and cozy, as if it was always supposed to be this way.

It’s always a lot of fun to look back on the accomplishments of the past year, and there have been a lot of them.  I’m looking forward to a productive new year!

Speaking of the new year, I’m in the process of having my blog migrated to WordPress, so please bear with me as I make this transition.  Everything should transfer over seamlessly thus the reason I hired a professional, but I’m having nightmares about it (which might be why I’m up at 4:30am, finishing this blog post).  Cross your fingers that everything goes off without a hitch.

Have a wonderful day!

2 Comments

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Simply Sarah Style
    December 29, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    Absolutely love the client kitchen transformations! When we decide to pull the trigger on ours, I'm giving you a call.

    Happy New Year, my friend!

  • Reply
    Calypso In The Country
    December 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Jenny, you certainly had a busy year! I love seeing all these awesome projects and now I am going to pop over and revisit a few of the posts. Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
    Cheers! Shelley

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