I can’t believe it’s already time for another home goals update. These posts are some of my favorites to write because they keep me focused and moving forward.
Writing down three to four priorities for the house for the next few months keeps me from project-hopping. Just like I jot down my top three daily tasks in my planner, outlining seasonal home goals helps get things finished—even when progress feels slow.
In the past I set goals each quarter, but this year I decided to plan in four-month increments: January–April, May–August, and September–December. The last quarter tends to be a holiday blur, and some projects needed more than three months to complete, so this schedule works better for our timing and budget.
What started in January mostly wrapped up in April, because we prioritized outdoor projects in spring. Our two biggest concerns were the trim and shutter colors and the front yard—both are now complete, and I’m so happy with the results.
Let’s go through how the last four months went and what’s next.
How I Did on my Home Goals for 2021, Part 1
Below I’ll share updates for each goal from January through April. I haven’t had time to write full project posts yet, but those are coming soon.
January through April
Most of my goals this period focused on the exterior—areas we neglected last year. Spring felt like the right time to tackle the curb appeal and the garage.
1. Get an Estimate for Painting the Trim and Shutterss
I expected this to stretch out—finding a painter, choosing colors, getting approvals, and waiting for good weather—but it all came together faster than I thought.
The trim, shutters, and front door have all been repainted, and I absolutely love the new look. The change is subtle in photos, but every time I pull into the driveway I smile. I’ll share a full reveal and the process in a dedicated post soon.
If you want an early peek, I posted a brief painting update previously.
2. Fix the Grass
After a yard company damaged our lawn last summer and refused to fix it, we decided to resod the front yard.
The sod was delivered the last weekend of April and a team helped lay it down. It’s already greened up a lot and we’re watering like crazy while it establishes roots. I’m taking photos over the coming weeks and will share tips and lessons learned once it fills in.
3. Finish the Kitchen Makeover
This was the smallest item on the list but has somehow stretched out the longest. Two remaining tasks were installing a stair runner and getting bar stools for the island.
- Stair runner: I ordered the runner I loved, but the installer mis-measured and we didn’t have enough to finish the top steps. Additional material was ordered and bound, and installation should be completed soon.
- Bar stools: I reordered a different set after the first pair didn’t feel right. They were backordered and are scheduled to ship in mid-June. It’s slow, but that’s the furniture market right now.
This mini-makeover has felt drawn out, but I’m excited to celebrate when everything is finally in place.
See the original kitchen mood board for reference from last year.
4. Organize the Garage
The garage is mostly organized now—just a few finishing touches remain before I photograph and write up the full before-and-after. It’s amazing how much impact simple organizing solutions can have on a space.
Stay tuned for the garage reveal.
While I finish writing and photographing the completed projects, I’m starting on the next set of goals for May through August.
Home Goals for 2021, Part 2
Now that most of those items are crossed off, I’ve planned a new set of smaller projects that I hope will be easier and quicker to complete. I aim for three to four updates every three to four months—this pace fits our budget and schedule, and I encourage you to find what works for you.
May through August
1. More Updates to the Front of the House
With the sod in and exterior paint fresh, I’m ready to refine the rest of the front entry and landscaping.
- Landscaping: Our flower beds need a serious refresh. We’ve hired a professional to help design and install practical, low-maintenance plantings.
- Planters: I’ll move the DIY wooden planters to the back of the house and add new planters at the front stoop—possibly with faux boxwoods for year-round polish.
- New porch light: I’ve had my eye on a classic lantern for a while and will confirm scale before ordering.
- Power washing: I’ve already pressure washed the front steps and plan to clean the driveway and sidewalk next for a big curb appeal boost.
My vision for the front stoop includes a classic lantern, coordinated planters, faux topiaries for low maintenance year-round, and a few finishing touches like a monogrammed door mat and an American flag for personality.
2. Mini Powder Room Makeover
I love giving tiny rooms a big personality. A bold choice in a small powder room or laundry room delivers a lot of design impact without much cost.
I’ve been collecting inspiration and plan to update the lighting, mirror, and wall treatment. Possible treatments include a wallpapered accent wall or a board-and-batten detail paired with a bold paper. I’m keeping the existing vanity and toilet to keep this project quick and budget-friendly.
- Change the light fixture
- Add a dramatic wall treatment—likely wallpaper, perhaps combined with board and batten
- Replace the mirror
I can’t wait to get started on this tiny but high-impact makeover.
3. Mini Butler’s Pantry Makeover
Another small-area refresh is on the list: the butler’s pantry. It sits between the kitchen and laundry and is perfect for bold choices that still feel cohesive with adjacent rooms.
Planned updates include wallpapering, repairing a broken cabinet glass panel, painting the countertops, and finishing the light and hardware updates I’ve already started. I love displaying family pieces here, like my great-grandmother’s crystal collection, so I want it to feel special.
- Wallpaper all the walls with a pattern that coordinates with the kitchen, dining room, and laundry.
- Replace broken glass in the cabinet door.
- Paint the countertops as a budget-friendly alternative to replacement.
- Finish lighting and hardware updates—already in progress.
4. New Window Treatments in the Upstairs Rooms
The girls’ bedroom and the playroom each have dormer windows that face the front of the house. The original tie-back curtains look cute from the outside but don’t block light well.
I swapped one room’s covering but it doesn’t fit quite right. I’m considering room-darkening Roman shades or another solution that looks good from the exterior while providing more light control inside.
That’s the plan for now. With a busy summer ahead, I might squeeze in a few more projects while the kids are at camp, but I’ll focus on getting these finished first.
What home projects are you working on right now? Share your updates—I love hearing what others are tackling.