We moved into our home a year ago yesterday, and celebrating this little milestone feels a lot like watching a child turn one. Join me as I stroll down memory lane and reflect on a year of decorating, renovating, and making this house our home. Time has a funny way of stretching and shrinking; some days it feels like we’ve lived here forever, and other moments it seems like we just unpacked the last box.
If you’ve followed along for any length of time, you know this blog began as a way to document our home renovation and decorating journey. One of my earliest posts covered the big project of moving in and getting started. That first push set the tone for a year of small changes that add up to a lot.
Below are some of the before and in-progress snapshots. Fortunately, I saved some of the listing photos, since I forgot to take our own “before” pictures before moving in. Those original images were a helpful baseline for planning paint, layout, and furniture placement.
The living room hasn’t seen a huge transformation yet, but it’s next on my to-do list. I’ve been measuring for board and batten trim and testing paint colors to find the perfect palette. Once my saw is fixed, I’ll be tackling the trim work and adding more personality to the room. For now, the living room is cozy and full of potential.
This photo shows the living room in full holiday mode. I’m excited to replace the temporary elements with fresh paint, new trim, and meaningful artwork—more of who we are on these walls.
The breakfast nook has had a few updates: I painted the space and recently added a large magnetic chalkboard that’s both practical and playful. The chalkboard brought instant character and is already a favorite spot for reminders and little sketches.
The nook still needs curtains to soften the light and add warmth. I have several fabric ideas in mind and I’m waiting for the right pattern and texture to pull the space together.
The kitchen has been mostly untouched aside from a fresh coat of paint. It’s functional, but I have larger plans for cabinetry, countertops, and styling that will come as the project timeline allows. For now, it’s a blank canvas ready for improvement.
Miss A’s room is the most finished space in the house. It’s a bright, cheerful nursery that has already adapted to daily life, and we anticipate more changes as she transitions to a big-girl bed over the next year.
Our master bedroom has been refreshed and feels so much more like our retreat. We’ve added a photo wall and updated bedding and headboard details. There’s still one side of the room left to complete, and I hope we can reveal that before the house’s second anniversary.
When we first moved in, the bedroom was simply painted and sparsely furnished. Over the year, it evolved into a comfortable, styled haven with a king-size bed, patterned bedding, and a farmhouse-style headboard that anchors the space. Small DIY projects, like nightstand hacks and curated accessories, added charm without breaking the bank.
I still have a long list of projects: more paint, trim work, window treatments, landscape improvements, and decorative finishing touches. In fact, we bought trees for the front yard yesterday, and once we get them planted we’ll check off another outdoor goal. Those small victories matter and move the house closer to the home we envision.
What I love about decorating and renovating is how a home becomes a reflection of the people who live there. Each decision—paint color, furniture choice, framed photo, or DIY project—tells a piece of our story. Sharing that process here has been a joy, and I hope these updates inspire others working on their own homes.
Thank you for being part of our first year in this house. I’m looking forward to many more updates, projects, and moments to share as we continue to shape this space into a place that truly feels like ours.