Every year Robert and I share our big goals for the year in a New Year, New House post, and we love hearing what you want to see. This week I gave myself some quiet time to reflect — not because I felt lost, but because the direction for Bless’er House has felt a bit blurry lately. I needed to breathe and think about what matters most.
We still have plenty to do in our current home, and when those projects are finished, we don’t plan to move just for the sake of content. That would be unrealistic. We’re real people with a real home, and we want this blog to be useful and meaningful to our community.
One of the most energizing ideas for this year is to do more makeovers for friends and neighbors. I’d also love, someday, to offer decorating services to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or help create comforting teacher break rooms — because teachers deserve so much more than a quiet corner. Eventually, I’d like to launch an official Bless’er House Design Service or renovate a vacation rental, too. Those plans feel ambitious, but so did starting this blog once upon a time.
For now, here’s what 2022 looks like for us on the to-do list.
1. Room Makeovers in Our Community
We’re planning a couple of quick room makeovers in the coming weeks. These one- to three-day spruce-ups are some of our favorites — they’re fast, impactful, and perfect for helping friends and neighbors refresh a space on a budget. Hopefully these projects will give you practical ideas you can adapt in your own home.
2. Playroom Storage
Last year we added doors to our built-in IKEA bookshelves for hidden storage and swapped furniture for more flexible seating — a simple playroom refresh since our girls are getting older. That side of the room looks much better now, but the opposite wall still needs a rethink, especially since we recently added a TV (one more episode of Peppa Pig was all I could take!). We’ll be re-evaluating storage, layout, and kid-friendly styling soon to keep the room functional and tidy.
3. Staircase Revamp
Our staircase has always felt like it could use a runner for safety — we’ve all slipped on those slick steps — and a set of more streamlined balusters that suit our style. I’m picturing something simple but cleaner in profile that will change the look without being over the top. Fingers crossed it’s a straightforward DIY we can tackle without any major issues.
Just a subtle simplification — the right runner and balusters will make a big visual impact and improve traction for everyone in the house.
4. Breakfast Nook
The traffic flow in our tiny breakfast nook has always driven us a little crazy — there are four doorways in that small space, including the main entry from the garage. Next year we plan to reclaim some garage space to create an addition with a pool-access bathroom, laundry, and mudroom, which will require moving a couple of doors in the nook. It’s a big job, but it will greatly improve how our home functions.
I keep picturing a cozy banquette in this spot — the kind of small built-in seating that makes a morning cup of coffee feel special. We’ll scale the idea to fit our space, but a banquette would instantly add charm and utility.
5. Garage Makeover
Our garage has needed a refresh for a long time. Even a fresh coat of paint would make a big difference, but we plan to go further with better organization, durable finishes, and improved lighting. A garage overhaul was on last year’s to-do list but unexpected events pushed it aside. This year we’re ready to tackle it properly.
6. Back Porch Fireplace
I still dream about adding a fireplace to our back porch. It’s not guaranteed to happen this year, but the idea is on the list. A simple electric fireplace insert with a framed surround could be an easy, cozy solution that extends the porch’s usability into cooler months. We’ll see how the budget and timing shake out, but I’m optimistic.
7. Powder Room Refresh
The powder room feels ready for a refresh. There’s nothing wrong with it, but the painted vanity was a temporary solution and I’m curious about swapping in a piece that feels more like us. A new baseboard color, fresh wallpaper, or a different vanity could shift the room’s personality in meaningful ways. The ideas are turning, and I’m excited to explore options.
8. Improving Landscaping
Our lawn has taken a beating while we focused on backyard projects over the past year. Now it’s time to turn attention back to the trees, grass, and planting beds. We want healthier turf, better drainage where needed, and layered planting for year-round interest. Small investments in landscaping go a long way toward improving how a home feels and functions outdoors.
9. Concrete Stamp the Pool
This might be a 2023 project, but we’d love to stamp the concrete around the pool to look like brick pavers. Textured, colored concrete would tidy up the pool edge and give the area a finished, cohesive look without adding maintenance-heavy materials.
10. Kitchen Remodel Planning
We aren’t planning a full kitchen remodel this year, but we’re deep in the planning stage. This time around I want to be thorough — we missed some planning time on our bathroom remodel because of a rushed schedule, and I don’t want that to happen again. We’ve even discovered what looks like an old secret doorway behind the shelves beside the stove, which has sparked some fun layout ideas.
Though our kitchen is on the smaller side, thoughtful design can deliver high impact. We’re collecting ideas, finishes, and layouts that maximize storage and function while keeping the space feeling open and intentional.
We’ll be sprinkling in plenty of smaller makeovers and projects along the way, too — the list is long but exciting. My goal is always to share projects and tips that genuinely help you, because you are the reason this blog exists. Your feedback shapes what we do next, so please tell me what areas of your home you’d like help with this year — leave a comment on the post, respond to our newsletter, or share ideas on social.
Thank you for being here. I’m so grateful you share this home journey with us, and I can’t wait to bring you along for the many good things ahead.
