Happy New Year, my dear, sweet, and wonderful readers!
I hope you had a peaceful and joyful holiday season, filled with relaxation and time with loved ones. As we step into this bright and promising new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the most popular projects from 2016. Whether you missed them the first time around or just want a little DIY inspiration, here’s a roundup of the top projects that captured the most attention last year. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of these standout transformations!
How to Lime an Oak Table
Furniture makeovers are always incredibly satisfying, and this oak table transformation was no exception. Liming wood creates such a soft, timeless look, and it’s a fantastic technique for brightening up tired furniture. If you love a good before-and-after, you might also enjoy these other furniture flips:
- A Teen Girl’s Dream Thrift Store Score – A budget-friendly makeover that turned an outdated piece into a chic and stylish addition to a teen’s bedroom.
- Side Table Makeover with a Little Surprise – A small but mighty transformation that added a fun, unexpected touch to a thrifted table.
How to Install a Pea Stone Patio from Start to Finish
One of the biggest outdoor projects of the year was installing a DIY pea stone patio complete with a stone fire pit. This project was a labor of love, and it all started with my son and me renting a sod cutter to clear the space. If you’ve ever considered adding an outdoor entertaining area to your home, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process.
How to Install Stone Veneer on a Fire Pit
Speaking of outdoor spaces, this fire pit upgrade was another popular project of 2016. Adding stone veneer gave it a polished, high-end look that instantly elevated our backyard. If you’re thinking about tackling a similar project, check out these related posts:
- Installing Fire Brick – Essential for creating a fire-safe and durable fire pit.
- Designing and Installing a Capstone – The finishing touch that gives the fire pit a custom, professional appearance.
IKEA Hack: Rustic Industrial Bookcase
This project was a game-changer for adding stylish, functional storage without spending a fortune. By using two simple metal utility shelves, I created a rustic-industrial bookcase that fits perfectly into our home’s aesthetic. If you love woodworking and DIY furniture, you might also enjoy:
- Rustic-Industrial “Floating” Desk – A sleek and space-saving workstation with a modern edge.
- Simple Picture Ledges – A quick and easy way to display artwork and family photos.
Large-Scale Block Art from a Photo
Turning a favorite photo into oversized wall art was one of my favorite creative projects of the year. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your decor without spending a fortune. Another fun wall art idea? I transformed my son’s snowboard into functional decor. You can check out the tutorial here:
- How to Hang a Snowboard as Wall Art – A great way to showcase sports gear while keeping it organized.
How to Convert Two Twin Beds into a King
Need a flexible sleeping arrangement? This simple solution for combining two twin beds into a king-sized bed was a hit with readers. It’s a great option for guest rooms or shared spaces. Plus, I built a low-profile headboard covered in a special vintage tablecloth to complete the look. See the full tutorial here!
Cinnamon Honey Butter: The Perfect DIY Gift
One of the few recipes I shared in 2016, this homemade cinnamon honey butter was a huge success. Packaged in cute jars, it made the perfect holiday gift! If you enjoy easy and delicious homemade treats, here are two more popular food-related posts from the year:
- Turkey, Rice & Vegetable Soup – A comforting, hearty meal that’s great for using up leftovers.
- What to Buy at Trader Joe’s – A guide to my must-have items from everyone’s favorite grocery store.
Simply White is Just Right
One of the biggest changes I made in my home last year was painting the entire first floor Benjamin Moore Simply White. The crisp, fresh look completely transformed our space, and an unexpected bonus was having our home featured by Rhoda of Southern Hospitality—a huge highlight of the year for me! If you’re considering a whole-home paint update, check out the full tour and see how Simply White brightened up every room.
Tiling Over a Brick Fireplace Surround
Giving our old brick fireplace a facelift with new tile was a dramatic yet surprisingly straightforward project. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of transforming a dated fireplace into a stunning focal point. Want even more details? Here are related posts covering the entire remodel:
- Fireplace Reconstruction – A deep dive into the structural changes we made.
- Sealing Marble – Essential tips for protecting and maintaining marble tile.
- Painting the Interior of a Fireplace – A simple trick for refreshing the inside of your firebox.
Tiling Over a Brick Hearth
Another major fireplace update involved replacing the old brick hearth with elegant marble tile. The difference was night and day! Sometimes, small updates can make a huge impact, and this project was the perfect example of that.
Reflecting on 2016’s Top DIYs
Looking back, I’m amazed at how many projects I tackled last year. While these were the most popular posts published in 2016, I’ve been blogging for almost seven years now (can you believe it?), and only a few of these even made it into my top ten for overall traffic on Shine Your Light!
Clearly, my readers love practical DIYs, home improvement projects, and creative solutions—with a little bit of artistic flair thrown in for good measure. And guess what? That’s exactly what I plan to share more of in the coming year!
Tomorrow, I’m excited to kick off 2017’s My Five Favorites series with my dear friends Pam, Kris, and Jennifer, along with a very special guest host who happens to be an expert on our theme for the month—organizing! Be sure to check back for tons of inspiration and ideas you can use in your own home.
Thank You for an Incredible Year!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey. Your comments, encouragement, and enthusiasm make blogging such a joy. While I love sharing DIY projects and home inspiration, my greatest hope is that Shine Your Light brings you ideas to make your life easier, the confidence to try something new, or even just a little happiness in your day.
Here’s to a 2017 filled with joy, creativity, and plenty of DIY adventures!
