This year I changed how I set home goals. Previously I’d write a long list at the start of the year and treat it as a loose guide, only to forget half of it by mid-year. This time, I broke my plans into three focused goals each quarter.
The result? I love it. Revisiting goals every three months has kept me far more engaged and accountable. It’s helped me finish rooms I’d otherwise leave half-done and remember the small details that complete a space.
I still sometimes pause a project on purpose—waiting for inspiration or for the budget to afford a larger purchase—but shorter goal cycles have made those pauses intentional instead of accidental.
This year has had extra delays: shipping and lead times for furniture have stretched to three to six months in some cases, which has slowed several projects. I’m hopeful delivery times will shorten again, but the quarterly check-ins have kept my momentum steady even when items are back-ordered.
My aim for the year was one room makeover per quarter. I didn’t meet that exact target, but by year’s end I’ll have three rooms finished and a fourth nearly complete. And even though I hadn’t planned much seasonal decorating, I couldn’t resist fall—so I’m fully decked out for the holidays.
Revisit my Previous Home Goals & Topics:
Explore earlier goal posts to see how these projects started and evolved.
- Home Goals 2020, Part 1
- Paint
- Light fixtures
- The office
- Home Goals 2020, Part 2
- Girls’ bedroom & bathroom
- The office
- The living room
- Kitchen chandelier
- Home Goals 2020, Part 3
- Girls’ bedroom & bathroom
- Kitchen makeover
- Office reveal
The office took most of the year because I waited for back-ordered bamboo shades. That same delay has affected the kitchen project—details below.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
How did I do with my Home Goals from July to September?
Here’s a look back at the goals I set for that quarter and how each one progressed.
1. Finish the GIRLS’ BEDROOM AND BATHROOM MAKEOVER
I wrapped up most of the tasks in this space, though a few final decisions remain. You can see the progress in related posts about the bedding and how we installed wallpaper.
- Decorate with pieces we already owned – done
- Paint the window seat in Simply White – done
- Hem or change the curtains – pending. I’m leaning toward a roman shade instead of curtains.
- Paint the bathroom/shower room – done. We chose Baby Aqua (Behr) for the toilet/shower room to tie in with the wallpaper at the sink.
- Replace the old toilet paper holder and update hardware – done
Although most tasks are complete, the room still feels like it needs a finishing touch: a roman shade, additional decor, or a different furniture arrangement. For now it functions well and the girls enjoy it, so I’m parked on this project until inspiration strikes.
2. Add personality to the KITCHEN
The kitchen didn’t need a major overhaul, but it did need color and personality. I shared the concept on a kitchen mood board and began bringing those ideas to life.
- Custom window treatment above the sink – ordered, pending delivery. I ordered fabric weeks ago and am waiting for it to arrive.
- Install the light over the table – done.
- Replace all cabinet knobs – done. New brass knobs give the kitchen an updated look.
- Add a pendant over the island – undecided. Because the island sits over the stove with no hood, I’m weighing whether a pendant will require extra maintenance from grease buildup.
- Add wall decor – deferred. With many windows, wall space is limited, so this may not move forward.
- Add a runner in front of the stove – done. I chose a washable rug for easy cleaning.
- Rug under the table – undecided. I’m cautious about crumbs and wear from kids.
- Bamboo blinds for the French doors – done.
- Replace counter stools – planned. I’m aiming for swivel rattan stools and waiting for the right sale.
- Other possibilities: curtains, a backsplash, or painting the pantry door or island. I already painted the pantry door Comfort Gray.
Many changes are visible in the fall home tour, and I continue to tweak the space as pieces arrive.
3. Share the OFFICE reveal
This one is finished — I published the office reveal, and it was a satisfying project to wrap up after waiting on some back-ordered items.
Home Goals for 2020: October – December
With the holidays approaching, I set smaller, attainable goals for the final quarter. Here’s what I plan to finish before the year ends.
1. Finish the Kitchen Makeover/Update
- Order a lamp for the counter area. I love the warm glow a lamp brings to a kitchen in the evenings.
- Receive and install the roman shade above the sink. It was ordered months ago and I’m awaiting delivery.
- Find a charming soap dispenser that fits the new aesthetic.
- Order counter stools for the bar once a sale appears.
2. Add a runner to the stairs
This is a straightforward project that should only take a few hours once the runner is ordered. The challenge is selecting and ordering samples quickly enough to receive them before winter.
I’ve been collecting stair runner ideas and have a few favorites to inspire the final choice.
3. Create a Design Vision Board for our Master Bedroom
The master bedroom needs a longer timeline because furniture orders can take months. My goal for this quarter is to assemble a clear vision board that will guide the full makeover next spring.
We recently painted the bedroom and bathroom, which made a big difference. Removing the old pistachio green felt like an immediate improvement and made me excited to plan the next steps.
I’m confident I can assemble the vision board between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and that will set the pace for next spring’s makeover. Thank you for following along on this home journey.
xo, Laura