5 DIY Renovation Goals to Transform our Home in 2024

What’s the saying…. You can overestimate what you can do in a day and underestimate what you can accomplish in a year. Going into year 2 of owning this house I have so many renovation goals and projects floating around that I want to accomplish. BUT if we are only working on projects, and not truly living or “Getting out and seeing something” what the heck is the point?

So this year I have a goal list (might be time I share it with my Husband) of renovations I would love to have completed by the end of the year. Actually, I want them all completed by 10/31 because …. No projects can interfere with the Christmas season!!!

We have big plans for the massive renovations, the one where we want the roof raised, a porch put on, and extra square footage added to the living room (oh, and did I mention a new kitchen will come with this project). But with our desire to invest in a business, and purchase real estate the project is getting pushed until the Winter of ’25.

In the meantime, I have 5 BIG projects I want to complete before it’s time to put up the Christmas Trees. And perhaps by putting it out into the universe, it will be some sense of accountability to get it done…

So here is my 2024 Renovation Goal List:

1. Primary Closet & Bathroom

Let’s dive into the primary bedroom project we embarked on towards the end of 2023—it was a major undertaking for me, and I was fully committed! While we managed to spruce up the main room, the closet and sink area have been sorely neglected, and let me tell you, it’s a hot mess! Those shelves in the closet? They’re practically begging to be replaced, and don’t even get me started on the sink area—it’s a total eyesore. It’s high time we tackled these spaces because, let me tell you, the bedroom itself turned out fabulously. But having these neglected areas just throws off the whole vibe.

My main mission? Say goodbye to those hideous wire shelves (seriously, they’re barely hanging on), and hello to some serious storage optimization. Living in a compact house means every inch counts, especially in the closets. I’m dreaming of adding some custom-built dressers and maybe some cute matching bins up top. I just need that closet to be functional, tidy, and, of course, adorable!

And then there’s the sink area—oh boy, don’t even get me started. You can see it plain as day from the bedroom (no door, remember?), and frankly, it’s been functional but far from fabulous. I’m beyond ready for a makeover. Picture this: charming tree wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint for the vanity, new mirrors, new lights—the whole shebang. I’ve had the supplies on standby for months now, just waiting for us to make it happen.

2. Hallway

Picture this: a hallway transformed from a bland..boring…white…blah to a cozy retreat full of visual interests and vibes of a cozy lakeside cottage or a rustic Adirondack home. Injecting character and warmth into this often-overlooked space can work wonders in elevating the overall ambiance of your home.

I plan to wallpaper the hallways, with a warm pattern. Originally I was considering using pinstripe… but due to the the space not being square, I think that might just highlight all the imperfections. In addition to adding wallpaper, I want to put up a gallery wall. Perhaps a mix of duck prints (yes you read that right, I have a weird unexplainable obsession with ducks) and family adventure photos. Admittedly the space is small, and I am worried about making it feel smaller… but we need some character in this home!

Now if you have suggestions for wallpaper or duck art (🤣) please send it my way!

3. Craft Space

My little girl loves to craft, and so do I. Her room is way to small for a desk, or any place to hold the fun crafts. And honestly, I don’t want the mess or clutter in her room. I feel bad that she doesn’t have a space to get creative with paints and beads and all the things she loves.

The other week, as I was walking downstairs I had an Epiphany. If I move out the exercise equipment (and let’s be honest, it’s not getting much use) it would be the perfect spot for a long corner desk where we could create together.

I could have storage on the walls and under the desk. If done right, this could be a perfect spot to create not only art but more importantly memories. I don’t have the vision for the space perfectly ironed out, but creating this space is a top priority.

4. Laundry Room

This house doesn’t have a laundry room, rather the laundry is in this awkward closet-esq area… hard to explain. But GOSH it is such an eyesore. This is a project that will require moving the washer and dryer, drywalling plus hanging shelves or cabinets or something.

The only thing I want to be a part of when it comes to this renovation is designing and shopping for the cute laundry jars. I am going to ask Ryan to tackle this one as a Birthday present.

Side note: is asking for home renovations as a birthday present a sure sign that you are old? If so I am good with that… Last year, he gave us a brand-new mailbox and it is stunning! If you haven’t pulled the “birthday card” for your renovation wish list, I strongly suggest you try it!

5. A “BIG GIRL” Room for My Little Girl

Moving to South Carolina was hard on Lindsey, not only did she leave her first “best friend” in Texas but she also went from having a HUGE toy room and a decent-sized bedroom to a small playroom and a micro bedroom. And since she has the largest toys (thank you Barbie Dream House, I am sure she feels it more than the rest of us.)

I shared the story of her asking if we were poor now, it breaks my heart that it has hit her differently. So in an effort to make her feel special, I want to make her room truly special even if it is micro in size.

Lindsey is obsessed with all things Paris, and girly. So I envision giving her room a true remodel. Perhaps I will even adventure out of the house color palette 🎉. I haven’t completed mapped it out, but I know her closet needs to be more functional, her dresser could use some updating along with her headboard. Accessories, gosh maybe even wallpaper (I am obsessed with all things wallpaper lately). I am hoping to tackle this one, before her birthday in July.

6. Outdoor Oasis

For living at the lake and being obsessed with being outdoors, our outdoor setup is sad. And in desperate need of some TLC and a refresh. It feels like a catch 22 though, as this space is getting a complete remodel when we do the “BIG” renovation (hopefully winter of 2025).

I would love to remove the hot tub, the pergola thing (if that’s what you can call it) and make it a more inviting space to want to spend time in. I mean it does have the best view, we just need the space to match the environment. 

But That’s Not All

In addition to revamping these spaces, I would love to create tablescapes and fireplace mantles that I love! After we put the Christmas decor away, it has seemed rather blah in here… i LOVE a curated space, and this house is missing just that!

Now, if you are into interior design or have some ideas to share- please send me a message on social! I need all the inspiration
But what I really want to know is, are you doing any DIY renovation projects in 2024? What are you hoping to update/change?