My DIY New Year’s resolutions are simple yet complicated. Because I love DIY projects, they’re fun to tackle. But for some reason, I always put off those bigger projects.
I’ve been in my home for almost 4 years. The original owners built it in 1965, and they never updated it. What was state of the art at the time is now just outdated.
To be fair, we have completed many projects that have improved the property. In fact, we’ve added crown molding to our living room, chair rail to our dining room, built raised bed gardens and added a screened-in porch.
Yet, we avoid some of the easier jobs that would have more impact. Here are my DIY New Year’s resolutions for 2018 and some images that inspire me as I decide on my next style move!
PAINT THE KITCHEN CABINETS
The original owners built solid heart pine cabinets. They are strong and sturdy. In fact, they’d be so costly to replace I can’t even fathom ripping them out. Instead, I will resolve to paint the kitchen cabinets, restore the hardware, and give my outdated “piney” kitchen a much-needed facelift. Indeed, it will also add value to the home.
I’m debating between a classic bright white or a fun trend color.
CREATE AN INVITING FRONT DOOR
Because I love to garden, I’ve spent my time and energy fixing up my backyard. It’s time to turn attention to my front door. Quite frankly, it’s rather boring.
A RESTFUL RETREAT
The prior owners painted my bedroom a medium, drab brown. It’s depressing. Literally, I am so depressed by the color that I don’t even want to spend time in there painting! I am putting this off no longer. By the end of 2018, the room will have a makeover.
BATHROOM RESCUE
Apparently, pink was a favorite bathroom color choice in 1965. The homeowners loved pink and it shows! The bathroom fixtures are all original…and pink. This includes the tub, commode, and sink. The floor tiles? Pink. The walls? Painted pink.
I love pink as much as the next gal, but this beats all!
While it’s not in the budget to replace all those fixtures right now, I will resolve to de-pinkify the walls, re-paint the dingy old cabinets, and buy an updated mirror.
In my defense, I did rip out the old, mildewed sliding shower doors with the geese stamped in them and replace it with a contemporary grey shower curtain.
UNCOVER THOSE HARDWOODS
Here’s the project that I’m most excited about. Recently, I noticed a corner of my bedroom closet carpet was pulling up. As I got on my knees to try to tack it down, I surprised myself! I realized that I have gorgeous oak floors under all the carpet!
In fact, my neighbors (who knew the original owners very well) told me that the lady of the house loved her oak floors and was afraid they’d get scratched. So she put down carpet just after moving in. This means that I have unscratched oak flooring underneath!
It looks like I will soon take on my first hardwood floor refinishing DIY project! I can’t believe it.
In conclusion, I will have a very busy 2018. My DIY projects are laid out in front of me. Of course, please leave comments with advice or thoughts on any of these projects!
My DIY New Year’s Resolutions for 2018: Revamping My Home
As the New Year approaches, many of us start making resolutions too improve ourselves or our surroundings. For me, one of the main focuses for 2018 is tackling DIY projects in my home. Over the past few years,I have developed a love for DIY activities,finding joy in creating things with my own hands. However, I’ve noticed a pattern of putting off larger projects, even though they excite me. This year, I am steadfast to change that and take on some ambitious DIY home improvement projects.
The State of My Home
I have been living in my current home for nearly four years now. The house was built back in 1965 by the original owners,who never bothered to update it. While some might appreciate the vintage charm, I see a lot of outdated features that need a modern touch. What was once considered state-of-the-art in the ’60s is now just plain old-fashioned.
Despite the lack of updates from the previous owners, my family and I have taken on several projects to enhance the property. We’ve added crown molding to the living room, a chair rail in the dining area, and made other minor improvements. These projects have not only added character to our home but also increased its value.
My DIY Resolutions for 2018
This year,I have set some DIY resolutions that are both simple and challenging. I am eager to give my home a fresh new look and feel by tackling some of the bigger projects that I have been putting off. Here are a few of the DIY resolutions I have lined up for 2018:
- Kitchen Renovation: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and ours is in dire need of a makeover. I plan to repaint the cabinets, update the backsplash, and install new countertops to give it a modern and fresh look.
- Bathroom Remodel: Our bathrooms are still stuck in the ’60s with outdated fixtures and tiles.I aim to fully remodel the bathrooms by replacing the fixtures, refreshing the walls with a new coat of paint, and adding some stylish accessories for a more contemporary feel.
- Flooring Upgrade: The original hardwood floors in our home have seen better days. I intend to refinish them to bring back their former glory or possibly replace them with new flooring for a more modern touch.
- Outdoor Living Space: With the warmer months approaching, I want to focus on creating a cozy and inviting outdoor living space.This may involve building a deck, adding outdoor seating, and landscaping to create a relaxing oasis right in my backyard.
Benefits and Practical Tips
taking on DIY projects not only improves the aesthetics of your home but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and ownership. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when embarking on DIY home improvement projects:
- Plan ahead and create a detailed budget to avoid overspending.
- Research and gather all the necessary tools and materials before starting the project.
- Take your time and work on one project at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help or advice from professionals for more complex tasks.
Case Studies: A DIY Success Story
One of my friends recently revamped her kitchen with a DIY approach and the results were stunning.By repainting the cabinets, adding new hardware, and installing a trendy backsplash, she completely transformed the space on a budget. Her success story has inspired me to take on my own kitchen renovation project this year.
my DIY New Year’s resolutions for 2018 are geared towards breathing new life into my home and making it a more comfortable and stylish space for my family. I am excited to roll up my sleeves, grab my tools, and start working on these projects in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on my progress and feel free to share your own DIY resolutions for the New Year.
With determination and a bit of creativity,anything is possible when it comes to DIY home improvement!
I love your ideas, Katrina! It’s always inspiring to see creative resolutions—can’t wait to see how you tackle them this year!
Thank you, Katrina! I’m excited to share my journey and hopefully inspire others to get creative with their resolutions too!