How is your new year shaping up? I hope it’s off to a fantastic start! This year promises to be a whirlwind of activity, filled with exciting renovations and transformations. I have a lot to share with you this year that I hope will serve to encourage, inspire, or light a fire for you! I would not be a DIY and design blogger today, doing things like remodeling our half wall and column, tiling our bathroom floor and helping others to design and improve their homes, if a decade ago I hadn’t stumbled across blogs that truly empowered me and gave me the courage to go after some these pursuits There will be plenty of dust and demolition, but I am optimistic that, in the end, something truly beautiful will emerge.
As we dive into 2019, I am eager to share a series of projects that will not only challenge me but also, I hope, inspire and encourage you in your own home improvement endeavors. If a decade ago I had not stumbled upon DIY and design blogs that empowered me, I wouldn’t be where I am today—renovating kitchens, revamping flooring, and helping others bring their home improvement dreams to life. My favorite part of blogging is connecting with you and seeing how these projects resonate with your own homes. Here’s what’s coming in 2019!
The Kitchen Renovation!
Yes! After numerous starts and stops, our KITCHEN RENOVATION is finally happening! This long-awaited project is in full swing—cabinets have been ordered, appliances are en route, and contractors are lined up. Today, part of a wall is coming down, marking the beginning of this transformation. I cannot wait to share all the details with you in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!
Goodbye to those outdated countertops hallelujah!
The Floor Renovation!
Believe it or not, this might be an even bigger undertaking than the kitchen! The outdated 80s tile, along with layers of vinyl flooring in the kitchen and hallway, is finally being replaced. We’re installing white oak hardwood floors to create a seamless flow between our living room, dining room, and family room. Additionally, the existing hardwood floors will be sanded, stained, and sealed to bring them back to life.
To make this possible, we have to completely empty our first floor—moving all furniture out, taking down curtains, removing art and mirrors, and sealing off bookshelves to protect them from dust. It will be a labor-intensive process, but the final result will completely transform our home.
The Stairs – A Domino Effect!
With new flooring comes the need to update our stairs! Previously, I stained them ebony due to severe pet stains, but the dark color shows every speck of dust. Since the floors are getting a facelift, it’s time for the stairs to match. This means re-sanding and staining the treads—a task that makes me tired just thinking about it!
Since I’m tackling the stairs, I’m also considering upgrading the newel post, a carpentry project I’ve been mulling over for some time. Stay tuned to see how this unfolds!
One More Big Project – The Deck Makeover!
Once the weather warms up, we will be taking on a major deck renovation. Our current deck is quite literally falling apart, with huge holes making it a safety hazard. A few years ago, we tried to restore the mahogany decking, replace rotted railings, and rebuild the steps, but at this point, a full teardown and rebuild is necessary.
With the kitchen and flooring renovations consuming most of our home improvement budget, this will likely be a DIY demolition and rebuild. It will be a challenge, but I am excited to take it on!
Other Room Updates
Alongside these large-scale projects, I’ll be revisiting some unfinished rooms from last year:
- My son’s bedroom(which I started redesigning a year ago!)
- The dining room, where I adding moulding to my dining room walls and ceiling just before the holidays. Although it wasn’t finished in time for Christmas, no one seemed to mind, and we still had a fantastic holiday!
Introducing Three New Series!
This year, I am thrilled to introduce three brand-new series on the blog:
1. Better Way Friday
This series was inspired by a discussion on the Shine Your Light Facebook page, where readers shared their favorite home organization tips and tricks. Each Friday, I’ll ask you all about a specific area of your home, then share some of your responses along with my own solutions the following week. My goal is to keep this going throughout the year, helping us all tackle small projects together. Are you in? Be sure to follow the SYL FB Page to contribute your best ideas!
2. Design, DIY, Splurge & Save
Building on my popular Paint Color Crush design board series, this new series will help you refresh and update spaces with a mix of high-end and budget-friendly options. Expect recommendations on where to splurge on quality pieces and where you can save with smart DIY projects. Of course, I’ll still be sharing my favorite paint colors—because you know I can’t resist a good color refresh!
3. Monthly DIY Challenge
This year, I will be joining other bloggers in a monthly DIY challenge! Each month will feature a different theme, often aligning with my home projects and blog series. The first challenge kicks off in mid-February, with the theme “Build to Organize.” Stay tuned for a simple yet effective DIY project to help control the chaos in your home!
Looking Ahead
With so many projects and ideas on the horizon, 2019 is shaping up to be an exciting year! Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting Shine Your Light. Your engagement, ideas, and encouragement make this blogging community so special. I can’t wait to tackle these projects with you and see what transformations unfold in your homes as well.
Let’s make this a year of inspiration, creativity, and beautiful spaces!
Be sure to check back regularly for updates on these projects, and follow along on the SYL Facebook Page for real-time discussions and ideas. What projects are you planning for 2019? Let me know in the comments I’d love to hear about them!
