If you’ve read our post about what we have planned for the next 12 months, you’ll already know that we’re going to be very busy!
We have a huge amount planned and so many jobs to complete that my head is already spinning. We really need every bit of help and motivation we can get for the year ahead and for us the best motivation is always looking back at how far we’ve come.
So, to kick off this year, we’re looking back at our top 5 favourite before & afters and home transformations.
#1 Master Bedroom Fireplace
This was the first fireplace that we ever restored. It took so much longer than expected (we had a much improved method when stripping the second fireplace) but it’s easily one of our favourite transformations.
I’ll never forget the moment we uncovered the original hearth tiles under the smelly bedroom carpet. It’s still hard to believe that someone would cover a gorgeous fireplace and pretty tiles in yellow paint.
#2 Staircase
This was epic and took forever – or at least that’s what it felt like. It took over 250 hours of stripping paint, sanding and then staining and painting everything.
I know it seems mad to spend so much time on removing paint only to repaint it again, but it was really the only way to get a result that we would be happy with.
#3 Hallway & Floor Sanding
The hallway still isn’t finished, but it already looks very different to when we first moved in.
We completely stripped, sanded and repainted our front door, painted the walls and sanded & varnished our floorboards.
We still need to replaster the walls, but sanding the floors and painting everywhere white has already made a huge difference.
#4 Garage Roof
This is easily the biggest single project that we’ve undertaken and one that we’re really proud of. It took months of work removing the existing covering, repairing the structure and then adding the new slates.
If you’d told us that replacing a roof would be something we’d end up doing ourselves we would have thought you were bonkers. When we first started out on our DIY journey we’d never have thought this was a project we could do ourselves. We still need to finish the driveway and tidy a few bits, but it’s definitely looking better than before.
#5 Garden Fence
We only completed this project last year but wish we’d done it sooner. Most of our outdoor projects never seem to be much of a priority, but they will all need doing sooner or later.
We love how the fence turned out. We weren’t really too bothered about privacy, but having a fence does make the garden feel a lot more finished.
Seeing the changes and hurdles we’ve already managed to accomplish is always a huge boost. We’d never have thought that we could achieve so much ourselves – fingers crossed we manage to achieve at least some of our 2016 goals.
What do you have planned for 2016? What was your biggest home improvement accomplishment? How do you stay motivated?
Well done to you both.
My advice would be to start 2016
by finishing the things that are nearly
complete before starting something else.
If you’re strict with yourselves you’ll be
amazed how quickly those projects complete.
Then you’ll start 2016 with ticks as you go on to
projects that will require you to keep being re motivated.
Thanks Lucy! A lot of the projects we have planned do revolve around finishing things. As always when doing one home improvement project it affects about 10 other things that then need doing. ;)
Cx
WOW these all look so amazing .Love the before and after. We have a lot to change in our house over the next two years here and it’s got me all motivated now seeing this. Just found your lovely blog and having a catch up now. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you, too. So glad you found your way over to us and happy to hear that you’re motivated to start your own projects.
We’re going to be tackling some big home improvements this year, hope you join us for the ride!
Cx
I just love your entry. The stained glass doors, the floors, that marvelous light and the stairs. Easily my favorite space in your house (so far!)
Thanks Susan – it’s one of our favourite places in the house, too!
Cx
You’ve done such amazing things in that house; I love following your progress. Keep up the great work in 2016!
Thank you so much Jessica! Glad to have you along for the ride!
Cx