From Concept to Reality: Our Favourite Projects of the Past Year

I can’t help but wonder if it’s just me, but it seems like each year passes faster than the one before. The last twelve months flew by in a blur of memorable projects and special moments, and now as we usher in 2024, we are eagerly anticipating what the new year holds.

Before we jump into the new year though, I like to pause and remember all we accomplished in 2023. Last January, we made a list of projects we hoped to complete and while we didn’t finish all of them, we did tackle a lot, plus a HUGE spur-of-the-moment project we took on…

Our 2023 Project List

1. Cottage Remodel

We started last year off with a bang, deciding to take on a complete remodel of our shared family cottage in March. While we had been discussing the idea for years, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to finally do it. We were so grateful the whole family was on board and offered a helping hand throughout the process.

We took on the entire project ourselves and learned so much along the way. Now we have a beautiful cottage that feels completely cozy and inviting to enjoy every summer with our family and friends.

We shared the entire project, from start to finish, here.

2. Primary Bedroom

We have been slowly working on our primary bedroom over the past year. It’s still not quite where we would like it, but it is evolving and getting closer to feeling like a finished space.

3. Playhouse

With the cottage remodel taking up much of Nick’s time last year, he didn’t get the building plans finished for the girls’ playhouse, but we did share the very first look at the interior. It is such a sweet and whimsical space, and the girls and I had so much fun decorating it.

4. Dining Room

Like our primary bedroom, our dining room is slowly evolving into a space we love. Nick built this custom dining table last year to compliment the antique ladderback chairs I found on the Facebook marketplace. We also incorporated this beautiful sideboard, designed and built by Nick. These pieces help the space to feel more collected and lived-in, which I love.

5. Painted Our Kitchen Island

If you read our 2023 Project List, you’ll remember we wanted to add more character and charm to our renovated kitchen.

I’ve been debating painting our island since we renovated our kitchen in 2020, last month I finally committed to a colour and we painted the island this beautiful shade of green. It was the first step in adding some much-needed warmth and personality to the space. Next, I plan to source a set of counter stools in a rich wood tone to add a bit of texture and depth.