2025 Summer Project List

Sharing all of the projects we’re hoping to tackle around the house this Summer.

You know how much I love a list. Whether it’s daily tasks, project materials or eventual project ideas, there’s something about writing things out that I just can’t resist. I think it really just helps me keep track of all of the ideas rolling around in my head.

It’s been a while since I’ve put together a proper project list (one whole year to be exact!). We’ve been SO darn busy with our second floor renovation that we haven’t really had time for anything else. Though we’re technically still working our way through that list, we have had a few other ideas pop up that we’d love to make happen through the summer ahead if we can. I wanted to put together a list so I can make sure we’re focusing our time and energy in the best ways this Summer, taking advantage of my time off work (I’m a teacher!) and also making sure we’re tackling the outdoor projects while we can (Winter will be back before we know it). Some of these are simply repeats from last Summer’s list, some are the priority projects from our second floor reno and the rest are new ideas that we just really excited about. I’ll admit, this list is ridiculously ambitious, but hey, a girl can dream, can’t she? Read on to see all of the projects we’re hoping to tackle – I’ve listed them in order of priority, mostly for my own benefit, but it’ll give you a good idea of what we’ll be focusing on first.

Summer Project List

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ONE: Finish Carson’s Bedroom (or at least get him in there).

Moving C into his new bedroom space is at the very top of our to-do list. While this space has come SO far, we’ve still got a long list of things to do in here before this space is ready for C to move in. Here’s what we’ve got left still:

• install hardwood floors
• install baseboards
• paint trim
• install lights
• install window shades and curtains
• build, install and paint closet system
• build, install and paint built-in cabinets
• build, install and paint built-in desk
• source or paint nightstands

For the sake of getting C in here and still having some time to tackle some outside projects while the weather is warm enough, we may postpone the built-ins until Fall/Winter. Priority one is just finishing the space so that he can move in.

TWO: Touch up Ensuite paint.

We have a few spots in here that just need a bit of touch up paint. I’m not the type to call a space “done” until it truly is, so getting this space 100% finished is really high on my priority list right now. It’s probably just a couple of hours worth of work, but I really want to make sure it gets done while I’m off for the Summer.

THREE: Add more mulch to our gardens.

Our first full Summer here was just months of landscaping. These gardens were an absolute disaster. It took me several weeks to get these gardens cleaned out of all the overgrown plants and many years worth of weeds. I finished it all off with 12 cubic yards of mulch – that was 12 big totes dropped onto our driveway for me to spread all around our gardens. It was SO MUCH work, but also, so worth it. The cedar mulch not only looks and smells amazing, but it also helps to make weeding all this garden space much more manageable. It’s been a couple of years now since bringing these gardens back to life and the mulch has settled considerably over that time. I’d like to spread a couple more totes around the gardens, just to freshen it all up again.

FOUR: Paint the fence.

This one is a repeat from last year, because we never did get around to it. C and I painted the front sections of our fence a couple of years ago and it made such a difference, I’d love to paint out the rest.

FIVE: Replace the deck.

Whew. This is a big one. Assuming we make it through C’s room, we sure would love to tackle this one. Our current deck is in pretty rough shape, but we’re hoping we can reuse the structure underneath – this means we’ll have to keep the same shape and layout. It’s a really large deck with a quirky layout to it. I think most people would probably get rid of all those extra angles, but we’ve got SO many memories growing up with it, we’re happy to honour the nostalgia of it. Plus, it’s actually quite conducive to layout out different zones for eating, lounging in the shade and soaking up the sun. Here’s hoping we can find the time to get to this one before the snow flies again.

SIX: Remove the outdoor fireplace and concrete patio.

The old owners had a big fireplace built beside the house and, while it’s a lovely idea, it’s never really worked well in real life for us. The shape of it is quite limiting in terms of gathering around the fire – only 2 people can fit comfortably around it, any more than that and the people in the middle end up too far away from the fire. We actually ended up placing our SoloStove beside it to gather around instead and the fireplace has gone unused ever since. Removing it, along with the concrete patio around it is going to be a big job. Not sure that we’ll actually get to this one this Summer, but a girl can hope.

SEVEN: Paint the stair railing.

I’ve been on the fence with whether we should paint out this stair railing for ages, but I think I’ve finally decided it’s the right way to go. Still not at all sure on a colour yet, but I’d love to take on this time consuming project before I have to go back to work in the Fall.

EIGHT: Replace the mudroom lights.

I’ve had the new lights for this space for ages now and swapping them out should have been a quick and easy task, but there’s something quirky going on with the lights here that’s going to require some investigation from a professional I think. Here’s hoping we can get an electrician in here this summer to get to the bottom of things so we can finally get these new lights up.

I’m well aware that this is a ridiculously long list to tackle in just one short Summer. It’s quite likely we won’t get around to it all, but knowing I want to make the most of the Summer ahead, it always helps me to think through a scope and order (and the ambitious kind is truly my specialty!). Are you working on anything exciting this Summer?

Wishing you SUCH a lovely day my friends! 

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