I find it tricky to keep up with goals I set unless I break them down into smaller pieces. figured, as a syllabus meets accountability system of sorts, it would be great to outline what I have in store for over the next month and a half.
#1 Major Overhaul of the Half Bath
I’ve worked on the half bath for a few hours on Monday while AJ took the kids out. The walls got plastered and sanded… three times. I’m writing this post while I wait for hopefully the last coat to dry. Throughout this next month and a half I’d like to be able to reveal, in stages, a new paint color, a new pedestal sink, hopefully a new floor and mirror and some DIY artwork inspired by our beach time this past summer.
#2 Bold and the Beautiful Office Makeover
This is the last time you will see the office looking like this. It is a perfectly neutral color scheme but we have in mind something a little more daring (inspired by our former living room… hint hint). I’d love to repaint the desk, most likely a similar color to what it is now and pop some new pulls on it. I’m hoping to also do an organizing post after I tackle the Marie Kondo method of decluttering office supplies.
#3 Curtains Curtains Curtains
Pick out and hang curtains in the office and dining room. If they aren’t the identical they should definitely coordinate because you can easily seem them from each room. Have you ever used drop cloths? I’m wondering about doing this because curtains are so expensive… but I also don’t want it to look like I have hung drop cloths from my windows either. 🙂
#4 Guest Bedroom Progress
We are having overnight guests in March so that’s always motivation for me to get my bum in gear with the guest bedroom. We have a headboard that I’ve never revealed (THIS is the one I purchased) because we don’t have a bed to put it on (imagine that). I’d love to share with you a new bed with new linens, new curtains and a cornice in that space. I’ve been brainstorming adding some navy to most of our rooms to have them flow together and am toying with the idea of THIS incredibly simple bedding from Birch Lane… I can see some fun accent pieces to go with it! The two links in this paragraph are both affiliate links, at no additional charge to you..
Do you have an manageable goals that you can tackle by the end of February in order to keep yourself on target for your 2016 goals or resolutions? I’d love to hear them!
I need to make a small goals list, too. I keep starting things that I think will be quick and then realize there are lots of pieces to finishing that puzzle! It’s demotivating.
As for curtains: I’ve never used drop cloths, but I have used flat sheets. They are “light filtering” in a single layer, but for our 8′ wide window, doubling the sheets was still way less expensive.
Great idea on the flat sheets, Sarah! Thank you!
I always feel the same way about so many pieces that need to happen to complete each tasks. It’s so discouraging… that’s why I figured I’d break things down a little bit in these “syllabus” posts instead of just saying “office reveal” or something equally unrealistic!
Wow! You are ambitious! Good for you. Can’t wait to see the results. You go, girl!
I am ambitious… let’s hope I’m not ridiculous too. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!
I find wtitting down goals with timelines helps me stay on task. Unfortunately right now I’m sorting and organizing. While this will make life flow better, it isn’t the “wow” visual of painting or decorating! I have used drop cloths for many projects because I like the look and feel of it….after its washed a few times! I have added grommets to use as curtains. I have also used metal curtain rings with clips. It also takes fabric paint well, which I used to make faux grain sack pillows. Another cheap solution for curtains is flat sheets. Can’t wait to see your finished projects!
I always hate it when I’m at a goal that needs to happen but that has zero “wow” effect but sometimes those are the things that make life work so much better so that the “wow” tasks can happen, right? 🙂
Great advice on the drop cloths!!!
Love your goals for January and February. I am organizing using Peter Walsh’s 31 day method. Just ten minute projects everyday (these have led me to take on the whole room. But it has been fun to accomplish these tasks. It has made a difference. Drop clothes are great. Wash them first is my hint. Then you can paint or stamp them if you like. Don’t give up on Thrift Stores. I found my living room, dining room and office curtains one day at Valley Thrift in Cincinnati Ohio. One of my favorites. Split the curtains I had hanging in the office before and added lace panels in the center for the bedroom. The bedroom has two windows while the office only had one. My goal is to organize my jewelry in January and February is food month so I want to organize all the family recipes then. Best of luck and thanks for the inspiration. Your home is lovely.
Thank you for the encouragement, Liz! 🙂 I am going to have to check out the 31 day method… what a great concept! I’m glad for any advice on curtains I can get… never thought about checking out a thrift store for them. Thank you!
My word you are a busy young woman,but that is okay you get as much of it done as you can,i will be here rooting for you!!!
That’s exactly what I figure, Marlene… they are good goals and I will get as much done as I can! I’m priming the bathroom today! 🙂
I have used drop cloths for curtains and for covering sofa cushions. You have to be careful, not all drop cloths are created equal and they are not all the same color, best to buy what you need all at once from the same supplier. I love the sort of homespun way they look. I did end up lining the curtains because the light still came through them and interfered with watching the TV during the day, which we don’t do often – but …………..football. Hope this helps.
Hi Jen. Best wishes on your projects for 2016!
I have found success at buying curtains at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I have also used tablecloths and shower curtains. I find that if you measure the amount of fabric you are getting (in a tablecloth or shower curtain for instance), it is cheaper by the yard that way than equivalent fabric at a fabric store. I buy all these items are on the clearance rack. Hopefully, they have more than one item so I have enough fabric. I also use leftover fabric to make toss pillows. Also, sometimes I cut them down, to half – width, because at my house, the curtains only need to be decorative (hanging on the sides of the windows) because I have blinds on my windows due to living on a main road.
I read somewhere you can bleach drop cloths to get a whiter color if you are interested in that. I haven’t tried that yet, but I am thinking of it for a slipcover project.
I hope this all helps.
Christine
Thank you for the tips! 🙂 I love making curtains out of shower curtains and I’ve been prowling Marshalls / Home Goods! 🙂