Looking ahead and keeping it real

My home project and to do list is massive.  Shanna and I have been talking a lot about making our lists and prioritizing because the two of us dream all day about things we want to tear down and build and create.  While this is all good, we have to "keep it real" and stick to a plan.  Being realistic and kind to my budget at the same time means I cannot jump in and gut the bathroom, build a buffet, hang a new french door in the back of the house and repaint rooms in two weeks. 

Today I went around and took some pictures of realistic projects that I know will not break the bank but create a huge transformation to each room. I still have plans to do bigger projects but those work best for me when I focus on them alone rather than having smaller decor projects going on at the same time.  The most important thing I have learned as far as time management goes is that EVERYTHING takes me longer than I expect so along with a few other New Year's resolutions the one I have made when it comes to my projects is to finish one before I start another.  Yup, we will see if I can stick to this but I am sure going to try!

Let's get started:

This project goes hand in hand because it is the bottom of the stairs and going up the stairs.  This weekend Shanna and I will be hanging my big beautiful mirror and going for a second attempt at the moulding up the stairs.  Thank god she is bringing my niece and nephew because after our performance last weekend, I think we are seriously going to need their help.

I have big plans for the kitchen but like I said I need to control myself and do these updates first and go from there.  I am adding cabinet doors here (do NOT stare at the dirt under the cabinet, the cats did it :) ):

Pray for a pretty tax return because some of it will go to a shiny new over the range microwave so I can get rid of the one taking up counter space right now.  This may involve a new cabinet so the microwave isn't practically on the stove, this project may be bigger than I expect.  What I have learned from Shanna is that I will hire someone to install the microwave and that it is worth every last dime to bring someone in for this. 

Ah the den.  This is a loaded picture.  I would love to strip that mirror and make it look like reclaimed wood, then find a way to hang it securely.  I want to get that mantle beautified and sometime this century I will stop being scared and paint the darn brick wall!

We are still in the den here.  I ordered a paint sample for this room, it really needs some color STAT!  I also bought some blinds from Ikea that need to be cut down a smidge to fit (should be interesting).  The new colors and window treatments will add the warmth to this room that we have been looking for. 

Yup.  This room is still purple.  I plan on this being an office and haven't quite figured out the layout and design so it has become an afterthought.  BAD!  I need to focus and get this color out of here.

Middle guest room.  I painted you once and I plan on doing it again. While I love this color, this room gets so much light that it feels washed out.  I am going for a slightly darker green. 

If you guessed that this is the master bedroom then you have guessed correctly.  I tried to repaint this to my perfect tan months ago and never actually found it so my husband begged me to repaint the yellow just so he didn't have to stare at the fifteen paint swatches on the walls.  I am still not happy with the yellow and have a paint sample ordered that I think will be perfect.  I also need to make this room feel more grown up  so I have a plan in mind for a headboard and new lighting.Sorry, I didn't feel like making the bed before I took this and yes I drink seltzer at night :)

Boob light.  Gone.  Enough said.

I do have a lot of projects lined up but they are totally doable and do not involve ripping the house apart...yet. 

Do you find yourself tied up in multiple projects at once and getting spread a little too thin?  What is your plan of attack when it comes to your home projects?

Happy Friday!

See you swoon,