Farmhouse 1820 Year In Review, Looking Ahead

Happy New Year! Boy, did I need a little break. And I took one, although a little longer than I projected, and for no specific reason really. I guess I was just restoring my juju, thinking about all that we accomplished here at the 1820 this past year, and started dreaming ahead of what we’d like to accomplish in 2021, with some serious Netflix binge watching tossed in there. Here is the Farmhouse 1820 year in review, along with looking ahead.

Of course, my top project of last year was building my garden house. A dream come true, it has already hosted a couple photo shoots and a few socially distanced cocktail hours. With the building of the garden house came two of my top viewed projects of the year: How to design a herringbone brick pattern floor, and DIY area rug using placemats.

We did a major bathroom overhaul, turning an embarrassing bathroom into a clean and bright one on a budget. Instead of ripping out all the tile and starting over,aiI painted the tile with this special paint, which still looks like new, and we opted for linoleum marble-looking tiles rather than the real stone. Praise be that the kids have managed to keep it clean and tidy.

In the heat of summer, I got down and refinished our two front porch’s floors. I sanded all of the paint off the wood, and used a gel stain that ended up being the bees knees. I loved working with it and it has really held up to the weather elements.

Some fun, smaller garden projects were in the mix, like this one and this one, and I’m already diving into garden planning for the spring.

One of my top decor posts was the one sharing tips on designing a gallery wall, and my top Quick Tip was this one!

This all brings me to the fun stuff we have planned for this year. Our eyes are probably bigger than our stomachs, but here’s a cliff notes version of hopeful projects, in no particular order:

Gut and remodel the master bathroom.

This bathroom is right at the top of the front stairs, and is as ugly as ugly can be. The tile is outdated, the wallpaper is curling up and the sink is the size of one found in an old Winnebago.

Remodel the laundry room.

Because right now, it’s just weird. I simply don’t know how else to describe it. I had nothing to do with the current sitch, but will have everything to do with the glamming up.

Create an organized tool room.

Have you ever had a room that was so unorganized that when you went to look for something you know you had but could’t find, you just went out and bought another one?

Totes guilty.

The tool room used to be a small kitchenette just off the mud room. When we moved into the 1820, we just took the cabinet doors off and starting shoving tools and stuff inside. We store things there that we buy in bulk, along with cleaning supplies, vacuums, mops, whatevs. You get my drift. We added a utility rack in there for extra storage, but this room has become just a gigantic mess. My plan is to take everything out, strip the wallpaper off (huge eye roll here), paint the walls white and install rubber flooring. Honestly. I’m excited about this project.

Finish our attic.

We have a walk up attic that is valuable square footage, yet has zero insulation. Though we use it for storage now, we’d like to add spray foam insulation (so heat doesn’t seep out like dollar signs), install dry wall while adding side storage, and design a home gym up there. Perhaps a small, cozy area for extra guests. This project might be wishful thinking, but I firmly believe where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Smaller decor projects.

Some smaller DIY projects are on the list too. Sean and I are going to try our hand at installing a stair case rug runner. We’ve read up quite a bit and were totally inspired by these peeps! We think we’re up for it.

Remember back when we had the foyer wallpapered? Well, the floor just in front of the front door is covered in cheap-y mc-cheap linoleum that just looks awful. Time to rip that up, and refinish the gorgeous wide-planked wood flooring below. This is a project that should have been done by now, but dang, I’ve been working on a lot of flooring projects the past couple years. 2021 is proving to be no different. I’ll get it done.

We’re going to add some new jewelry to the kitchen in the form of gorgeous tile, and speaking of the kitchen, I already have a slew of new recipes I’m going to share as well. I’m starting a new bi-weekly Saturday series called Cook With Brooke where I’m going to show you exactly how to cook a recipe. I’ll share the recipe and video right here, and on all of my social media platforms. I may or may not be cooking in my jammies.

And not to forget the outdoors, I’m going to share how to design and create a shade garden. I’ve wanted one for years, and now I’m going to have one. Situated right under perfect tree and just before the garden house, this garden will have shade-loving plants, and benches, and a birdbath (maybe), and will be the perfect spot for a serene moment. I’ll most likely need to add some sort of fencing because of the deer population, but we’ll see. Stay tuned.

So this is what I’ve got planned for 2021, and with so much more that isn’t listed. I’m really looking forward to and working on each project. And, above all else, I am so excited, and so grateful that you’re right here beside me, cheering me on along the way. I can only hope that I give great know-how, and inspiration.

Stay tuned y’all, because 2021 is going to be an AMAZING year here at the 1820!!

This post contains affiliate links.