I’m going to be honest.
Back in January 2012, I wasn’t sure any home improvement projects were going to happen On Sutton Place. Not that I didn’t have a list a mile long…but my plate was full with other things.
A full time job, an Etsy shop, a family. (Not necessarily in that order.)
However…I had this plan. I really, really, really wanted to quit my job and attempt to earn a small income doing what I love. Blogging and sewing. So I figured I had better get one major project out of the way while I was still earning a steady paycheck.
I am proud to say it turned out so much better than I expected. It is, without a doubt, my favorite project ever.
If you missed it you can read about the entire process of my entry renovation here, including a handy little tip on installing a gallery wall.
As most of you know, I did quit that job and have been self-employed (that sounds so legit) since June. Suffice it to say that the next project had no budget at all.
Zip.
Zero.
I had a dicey grout situation and needed a very quick and cheap fix. I found it with this product called Tile Guard. It was so easy. I applied the coating back in August. It still looks great and is wearing well. Although it’s not a permanent fix, for now at least, my tile is clean.
Our final project of 2012 was painting our gigantic deck.
Our deck finish was virtually non-existent and bare wood was showing through. I’m all for rolling up my sleeves and attempting DIY projects when possible…however, this project we left to the pros.
I loved the gray stain when it went on…but it definitely shows the dirt much more than the natural stain. The leaves and other debris from the trees made a mess of things. It will be interesting to see what it looks like when I clean it up in the spring. I’ll let you know.
There you have it. I’ll be back tomorrow with my most pinned post. Can you guess what it is?
Jordan@the2seasons says
Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 9:29 amGreat projects to me that shows a successful year on the project front. Cheers to 2013!
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 4:44 pmThree great DIY projects! :D I hope to get some projects accomplished this year. *hope* being the operative word…..
No Minimalist Here says
Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:09 pmHi Anne! The stairs look fabulous and I love your big deck. xx, Sherry
donna@anangloinquébec says
Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 10:09 amI have been wanting to do the same thing to our deck ever since. Actually we just discussed making the change in the spring but the number of trees has me a bit nervous. I absolutely love the look of your transformation though.
Nana Diana says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 8:03 pmAnn–Those are all pretty awesome (read big) projects and look what a great job you did on all of them. I love your stairs-they are just gorgeous. Blessings to you- xo Diana
Cathy@My1929Charmer says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 6:13 pmLove you new stairway color, like you I have “lightened” up a bit. Love the color also! The deck looks so inviting, and would spend a lot of time out there.
Donnamae says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 6:11 pmI really like your stairs…I have carpeted stairs too, but just subfloor underneath…I’ll just admire yours! They are gorgeous! :)
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 5:49 pmAnn, you have accomplished so much this year! I remember when you shared the newly painted deck, and shortly after, a major storm blew through your town! Everything looks so new and fresh in your beautiful home. Happy New Year!
KATHYSUE says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 5:19 pmAnn three great projects that made a huge difference in your home. I have used the grout coating too Love the fresh look it gave my grout. It was a temporary fix and that was 7 years ago!! lol,
xo Kathysue
Cindy says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 2:03 pmBeautiful updates, Ann, I love your staircase, it’s beautiful and looks professionally done. You have accomplished a lot this past year.
Hugs, Cindy
Jane says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 1:31 pmThese were big undertakings, Ann, and you did a wonderful job. I really love the stairs, what a difference!
XO,
Jane
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:18 amLove that staircase! I always enjoy reading your blog and can’t’ wait to see more in 2013!
Cheers! – Shelley
Keeping It Cozy says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:00 amYour projects are all great. I especially love the stair transformation. I always smile when I read about you quitting your job to blog and sew… I can’t wait to read about all the new year brings for you. :-)
Anne@DesignDreams says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:45 amIt all looks so fabulous! You must be so pleased with the results. Here’s to a successful 2013!
xox
Kelly says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:43 amLove the porch project, it looks great. You had a busy 2012. Also love the wood steps versus carpet, I guess I love the natural wood look better! Have a great weekend.
Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:38 amYou did some wonderful projects this past year! Happy New Year Ann!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:18 amHappy New Year, dear friend!!! I am going to tackle my stairs this year!!! I’ll be using your post as inspiration… and how-to!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Friday, December 28, 2012 at 10:13 amIt looks like a brand new deck, Ann! I remember you saying you would be out there a lot in the warmer months. Your foyer/entry was a great makeover, too!