Five Changes We’ve Made this Year with Huge Impact

I feel like my house has changed so much this year, and we still have quite a bit of the year left!  I think most of the major renovations and changes are done, but let’s take a look back at some of my favorites, big and small:

Henry’s Bathroom

I could not be more proud of this tiny space.  All the tilework came together beautifully.  Switching to a small vanity was a gamble, but it definitely paid off.  There’s so much  more room in there now and plenty of storage space (the recessed shelves next to the sink and medicine cabinet. 

I was a bit worried about using all that marble in a little boy’s bathroom, but it’s really worked out well.  We haven’t had any issues.  One thing I wish I had done differently was research matte black tile floors.  Although it looks cool, it has a white haze which I have come to learn is quite common with black floors and black grout.  Oh well, I still love the space.

Henry’s Bedroom

Although Henry didn’t mind his old room, he had really grown since it was last decorated when he was 2 years old.  We decided to give it a complete makeover and focus on a sports theme.  It was the right decision because now he absolutely loves showing off his room too all of his friends, and displaying his art projects and mementos on his built in shelves.

Hallway Sconces

I cannot begin to tell you how much of a game changer these lights have been.  I often talk about the importance of layering your lighting, but that can be difficult in tight spaces.  The wall sconces have really come in handy in the evening.  We turn them on instead of the big overhead chandeliers and they provide a nice soft light where you can still easily see your surroundings, but it doesn’t overwhelm your eyes with brightness.

Arhaus Ashby Sofas

I have three Ashby sofas.  But the two in the living room are my favorite places to sit in the entire house.  These sofas feel so luxe.  They’re firm, but deep and offer so much support.  They’re also crypton fabric which means they’re basically stainproof.  I plan on keeping them for a very long time.

The outdoor makeover

I had planned on giving our outdoor space an overhaul last year.  I knew I wanted to stain the deck and maybe get some cute furniture.  But we ended up staining the deck and the fence, buying all new outdoor furniture, changing all of the light fixtures (to something more modern) and having landscapers come in to give our front and back yard an overall.  I’m still not outdoorsy, but I can definitely see myself hanging out on the deck in the cooler months when the bugs go away.