I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the projects we’re tackling at The Mindwelling — from the master bathroom and kitchen to a second nursery. Some readers worry they missed a reveal (nope, I just take my time finishing rooms) and others ask what’s next. So I put together a clear, updated list of what we’ve completed, what’s in progress, and what’s still to come. I’ll update this post as rooms are finished so it stays useful and current.
Making a running project list has been motivating for me. I don’t always stick rigidly to timelines, but having a target helps us move forward. Below is the state of the house as of this update.
The Home Projects We’ve Done So Far
New (or Refinished) Floors, Roof, Air Conditioning + Interior Paint
Completed: July 2017
Before moving in we took care of major systems: a new roof, a new HVAC system, and a full interior paint refresh. The house also had pest issues that required attention. We refinished the original hardwood floors and replaced stained carpet in the master with matching hardwood. Finally, everything received a fresh coat of white paint (we used Dunn Edwards “White”) to brighten and unify the interior.
Arlo’s Room (Our First Nursery)
Completed: January 2018
Arlo’s nursery was the first finished room and remains one of my favorites. The space already had unique features like a built-in ledge and curved walls, so we kept the renovations minimal — a yellow-painted door back and removal of the ceiling fan were the main changes. The result feels cozy, personal, and functional for a toddler.
Converted Kitchenette into a Master Closet and Laundry Room
Completed: February 2018
The master suite had an attached uninsulated porch turned kitchenette from a prior rental configuration. We transformed that space into a walk-in closet and laundry room. It’s one of the best decisions we made — having a washer and dryer inside the closet is incredibly convenient and makes the morning routine easier.
Dining Room
Completed: April 2018
The dining room is the smallest room in the house but adding floor-to-ceiling bookshelves made it feel like a true living space rather than a pass-through. It grounded the room and gave it personality and function.
Master Bedroom
Completed: September 2018
We removed heavily stained carpet and installed hardwood to match the rest of the home. A small, makeshift closet was taken out to open the space, and we swapped the ceiling fan for a light fixture and updated outdated sconces. The changes made the master feel more cohesive and restful.
Exterior Updates
For privacy reasons we don’t show much of the exterior, but we repainted the entire house about a year after moving in, replaced the front door, and added a hanging chair on the porch. The exterior still needs work, but those changes were a solid start.
In Progress Home Projects
Master Bathroom
Completion Goal: February 2019
The master bathroom was in poor condition when we bought the house — the toilet was falling through the floor and the tub didn’t function. We did temporary fixes at first, then started a full renovation. The remodel took longer than anticipated, but the work wrapped up around early 2019 and we’ve been refining styling ever since. We’re very close to the final reveal.
Kitchen
Completion Goal: March 2019
The kitchen has been the biggest interior project. The previous installation had nonfunctional appliances, drawers that didn’t fit, wonky countertops, and a dishwasher held together with tape. We seized an opportunity to renovate sooner than planned and stripped it down to rebuild properly. Right now the space is a construction zone, but progress has been fast and we expect to share the finished kitchen soon.
Projects We Still Need To Do
Backyard
Completion Goal: Summer 2019
The backyard was a major reason we bought this house — it’s huge — but it’s been largely unused and unsafe for toddlers. We missed earlier target dates, but demolition of problematic elements like a nonworking hot tub and crumbling pergola has started. We have big plans for making the yard usable and family-friendly and will share details as the project unfolds.
Living Room
Completion Goal: Spring 2019
Our oversized clearance couch has served us well but is nearly as large as the living room and now shows toddler wear. With the kitchen opening up into this space, the living room will be our next interior priority. New rugs and a refreshed layout will make the room more functional and visually connected to the rest of the house.
Second Nursery
Completion Goal: Summer 2019
With a toddler already in the house, I know I won’t have much time to design a nursery once a second child arrives. So I’m starting the room ahead of time. I’m excited to create a space that works for a baby and complements the rest of the home.
Converting the Garage into a Playroom
Completion Goal: Fall 2019
We’ll take a pragmatic approach to the garage conversion — a basic renovation rather than a full build-out — so we can enjoy the space sooner. The plan includes swapping the garage door, adding drywall, installing click-lock flooring over the concrete, and dividing off a front storage zone. The rest will be a dedicated, playful area for the kids.
Kid’s Bathroom
Completion Goal: Late 2019 or Early 2020
The kids’ bathroom is functional, so this is lower priority. We’re planning to add a bathtub for resale value and rework the layout to make better use of dead space. Because plumbing changes are likely, this will be a more involved project than some of the other updates.
Hallway
Completion Goal: Summer 2019
Hallways are an opportunity to add character. I want a runner that feels right for the space and a family-photo-forward gallery wall that blends art and personal photos. Adding additional light with sun tunnels is also on the list to brighten the corridor.
Front Closet
Completion Goal: Fall 2019
The front closet sits directly by our door and could function as an organized drop zone for shoes, bags, and coats. Right now the living room often becomes the landing spot for daily clutter; making the closet more functional will help keep the main living spaces tidy.
Arlo’s Closet
Completion Goal: Fall 2019
Arlo’s closet is awkwardly proportioned and underused. I’m considering turning part of it into a cozy reading nook or fort hidden behind hanging clothes — a playful space he can enjoy as he grows.
Front Yard
Completion Goal: Sometime in 2020
The front yard is last on our priority list. It needs a lot of attention, and I want to be thoughtful about a design I’ll actually love. For now the yard remains a lower priority compared with interior and backyard projects.
That’s the current status of our home projects. One of my goals for the year was to make the house a primary focus so we could enjoy it more as a family. Renovating has also been part of my work, which helps balance priorities. I’d love to hear what you’re working on at home — big renovations or small updates — and any tips you’ve picked up. I’m looking forward to the phase where we can focus on smaller, finishing touches around the house.