Happy New Year! 

As we all get into setting goals for the new year, whether that’s personal, financial, health, etc. —  Troy and I take the time to get on the same page for all the things we’d like to accomplish for the home this year.

In 2022, we didn’t accomplish as much as we had hoped, but this year is going to be different. Our focus last year was on our clients, not on ourselves (I’m sure others who are in the construction industry also undergoing their own project can relate). This year we’re going to be limiting the amount of projects we take on and spending a lot more time on our property and taking the time to celebrate each accomplishment. 

Here is our 2024 list of home projects:

1. Mudroom

The project Troy is most excited about is the mudroom. Without pantry storage or coat and shoe organization, life’s getting a little messy. While this list is not in order, this will be the first project we’ll be working on this year. The first step is designing the shop drawings and picking the colour.

2. Powder Room

With it being a powder room / half bath, the only piece you can ohhh and awe is the sink so we’re wanting to make it something special. I had hoped to find a simple antique table to use as the base but we haven’t found it yet. I’m still holding out hope, but if not, we have another idea in mind.

3. Fireplace 

This is our blank slate project and one that the vision hasn’t changed, but the details have. Narrowing that down is going to be a challenge but this year we’re figuring it out, making a decision and sticking to it.

4. Office

This is one of the projects I’m most excited about. I can’t wait to finish and furnish this space, and make it a place I look forward to working in day in and day out. And for those who know me — organize the crap out of it.

5. Bedroom Closets

And speaking of organization, this one is high on our list and yet not a priority. Likely because we know it’s a big project. First we’ll start with our daughters (because it’s more manageable) and then we’ll move on to ours.

6. Courtyard, Fire Pit & Landscaping

This is THE project that we both cannot wait for. One of those projects that you’ve had planned but just never had the time (and let’s be honest… money) for. This is the year. If you’re inside our Private HQ, you can see our plan reveal here.

7. Kitchen

Our kitchen is close but not entirely done. We have quite a few small details that we’d like to complete before it’s ready for photos. One of the details includes our talented neighbour.

8. Chicken Coop / Duck Den

This year we’d like to get some chickens and ducks. And before we do, we’d like to make them a home. This will be designed with the extra material we have from our house to help keep costs down.

9. Garden (& Green House?)

What’s on everyone’s mind is growing their own food to save a massive monthly expense. While I don’t have a green thumb at all, I’m hoping I’ll learn a lot this year and grow some great fruit and veggies. Step 2 will allow us to do this year round but we’ll see if we can get to it this year.

10. Carport / Wood Storage / Generator

This is a huge project and one that we hope to get to sooner than later this year. However, it’s going to be costly so this one might be the one that bumps others off the list for the following year. Not fun and exciting but we’ll be thanking ourselves when the power goes out for hours and sometimes days come those November storms.

11. Barn

Our barn isn’t really a barn, but it sure looks like one. Below is a workshop and upstairs is a blank slate. We’re playing with ideas of a games room mixed with a workout space. We’ll see what comes of it.

12. Furnishing / Decorating

I was going to put dining room in here, but it’s really not high on our list. Since we came from living on a boat (a story for another day), we really need some furniture. We’ll be piecing together throughout the year, starting with the key items like a sectional chaise and kitchen island stools, and personal items like family photos and art / antiques. By the end of the year, we’re hoping that our house will look like a home.

Stay tuned as we’re sharing our progress and reveals on this years personal home projects. 

Are you working on any home projects this year? What’s on your list? We’d love to hear all about it! Join us and other homeowners as we share our stories and experiences inside Homeowner HQ.

Here’s to a brand new year, new intentions and new home projects!

— Chelsey