Home Goals for 2014 { + Thoughts on My Own Expectations}

So, I know I started the week dedicating the posts to progress made in our finished basement, but there's been a change in plans. The über-cold temps have kept me away from that cold, underground space. Can you blame me?

Instead, I wanted to share my home goals for 2014...and to talk a little about handling my [often overblown] expectations with projects around the house. Let's chat.

I should start by explaining that I have a tendency--and my husband can confirm this--to try to squeeze a ridiculous number of projects into a small period of time, like a weekend. In my head, I'm thinking that project X, Y and Z are all feasible in a few short hours, even minutes, causing a build-up of expectations that are almost never met.

This happens again and again. My poor husband is always in charge of talking me down from my disappointments when, say, we didn't manage to plant all 1,200 bulbs in the garden AND replace all of the old electrical outlets around the house AND change each doorknob in the house in a single weekend. [Seriously. I'm not even exaggerating for effect.]

That's why this year I am giving myself 2, somewhat vague goals for our house: making improvements to the living room and to the master bedroom. If I get too specific, I get disappointed. See how that works? Do you ever feel the same about the expectations for your home projects?

That said, here's our formal living room today: 

...and here's how I'd like to improve the space over the coming year:

-install crown molding (calling upon, once again, our fabulous carpenter Rich);

-rework the built-in cabinet to the left of the fireplace (again, we'd hire Rich for this);

-re-paint walls and trim in white;

-replace existing can lights near bay window with white versions;

-replace the existing fireplace screen with a spark guard like the one in our den;

-have the pair of open-arm club chairs reupholstered (fabric TBD); and

-have our tufted sofa reupholstered.

Doesn't that seem like a lot? That's my limited list, I swear. Notice very little mention of decorating, just a focus on the bones of the space.

Onto the master bedroom, which you may recall is right off the foyer on the main floor. I also had a revelation about this space recently. 

I have realized that, when I buy something in haste (even at a thrift store), I tend to regret my purchase. That's why my 2014 plans for our master bedroom include addressing permanent repairs and enhancements rather than decor. But first, here's what the space looks like today, large and mostly-empty:

We hired Rich to install crown molding in our bedroom way back in August (and we love it!) but we haven't done anything more to the space. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that we haven't even painted the primed molding. So, here's the plan:

-paint crown molding, ceiling, doors and trim in white;
-paint walls in "Iced Cube Silver" by Benjamin Moore (I've had a sample on the wall for months);
-replace existing closet doors with classic 6-panel doors on Adam's closet;
-trim out Adam's closet to match other doors in the room;
-replace slatted bedroom door with classic 6-panel door;
-replace all bisque electrical outlets and black light switches with white versions;
-replace missing section of radiator cover;
-replace old brass door knobs with oil rubbed bronze versions.

(all via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

I used 'replace' quite a bit, didn't I? Yeah, that's because I'd like to tackle these improvements before dedicating a moment's energy to the actual decor of the space. I'd like my thoughts on bedroom design to simmer for awhile.

That way, when I do dive headfirst into decorating decisions, I know they are the right choices.

Whew....I realized I gabbed a lot here, but I hope it was an interesting chat. I'm doing a lot of reflecting lately and, as I said before, I'd like to live by the "buy once, buy right" motto. With a foundation of new crown molding, new outlets and a fresh coat of paint, I'm convinced the rest will fall into place at some point.