Bring it on, 2020! We’ve got big plans and even bigger dreams, and while I won’t pretend we aren’t a little nervous, we’re ready to tackle this year one project at a time.
It’s about to get real — and probably messy — but we’re embracing the process. There’s a strange kind of joy in the mess: dust, demo, and all the elbow grease that comes with renovating and improving a home. I’ll be reminding myself of that when I’m up to my knees in yard work and renovation debris over the coming weeks and months.
Below is the full list of our major home improvement goals for the year. Some projects are definite, others are hopeful plans. Putting everything in writing makes it feel more real — and more likely to get done.
Fingers crossed.
Here’s the big 2020 plan:
1. Workshop Shed
For the last few years we’ve struggled to fit our gym gear, seasonal storage, and workshop tools into the garage. This year we want to build (or find and refurbish) a dedicated backyard shed to use as a proper workshop. Moving the sawdust and tools out of the house will be a major relief and will help us finally organize the garage.
We’re inspired by bright, functional shed-to-workshop makeovers and may try to salvage a used shed and update it, similar to other small space renovations we’ve admired.
2. Garage
Our garage desperately needs a makeover. Right now it’s overflowing and disorganized — and since Robert uses part of the space as his “office,” getting it functional is a priority. Our plan includes deep decluttering, clever storage solutions, and an overhaul to make the space efficient for tools, equipment, and a workspace.
We’re pinning beautifully organized garage inspiration as a goal — maximizing wall storage, clear zones, and durable finishes that will stand up to daily use.
3. Master Bedroom Closets
Our his-and-hers closets work, but they could be so much better. I can’t stand the existing wire shelving, so we’ll be replacing it with a solid, functional closet system. We’re exploring custom options and modular systems like IKEA’s Pax to find the best balance of storage and style.
We’re dreaming of clean lines, plenty of hanging space, and shelving for shoes and accessories — no wire racks in sight.
4. Home Office
Right now our designated office is essentially a giant storage room full of overflow. The plan is to convert it into a true, functional home office by adding built-in closets for storage, installing French doors to give the room more character (and make it a legal fifth bedroom), and adding cabinets and work surfaces to keep supplies organized and accessible.
We’re collecting inspiration for bright, efficient office layouts that balance storage and workspace while keeping the room calm and productive.
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5. Backyard & Fence
A new fence has been on our to-do list since we moved in, and this year it needs to happen. We’ve already cleared a lot of overgrown shrubbery, so Phase 2 will focus on installing a durable fence, improving the layout, and creating usable outdoor zones.
We’re imagining a cozy backyard with a fire pit and a playhouse for the kids — functional, family-friendly, and inviting.
Two sources of inspiration stuck with us: a charming DIY playhouse and a warm, well-designed fire pit area to gather around on cool evenings.
This playhouse by The Handmade Home is especially inspiring as a simple, practical build for kids.
We’ve also admired a classic fire pit layout that feels perfect for family evenings outdoors.
6. Outdoor Fireplace
We created a temporary faux fireplace in a small porch niche, but the goal is to upgrade it into a proper feature with an electric insert and a more durable surround. The idea is to build something simple, clean, and weatherproof that still feels cozy and inviting.
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7. Pool Deck
We hoped to update the pool deck last year, but other priorities moved to the front of the line. This year we’re reviving the plan to refresh the concrete around the pool — considering options from painting the surface to doing stamped concrete for a more finished look. We want a durable, slip-resistant finish that ties the pool area into the rest of the backyard design.
We’re looking at both budget-friendly concrete paint transformations and higher-end stamped concrete to determine which solution gives the right balance of beauty, longevity, and maintenance.
8. Landscaping
We’ve focused a lot on interiors, and the front and back yards have started to show it. This year we plan to tackle the lawn, add mulch to the beds, plant some durable hedges, and possibly install small retaining walls to clean up grades and create usable planting areas. A well-considered landscape will finish the look of the house and make the outdoor spaces more inviting.
From the start I imagined a classic hardscape walkway with pavers and neatly trimmed hedges — not everything will happen overnight, but step by step we’ll get there.
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Here’s to hoping for lots of sunny days because it looks like we’ll be working outside for many, many days ahead. We’re excited to share progress, tips, and small tutorials as projects move forward.
What are your home goals this year? We’d love to hear what you’re planning — share ideas and dreams in the comments and maybe we’ll swap a few project plans and tutorials along the way.
