Our First Project List for 2026
The first projects we’re planning to tackle in 2026.
Last month, I shared our renovation plans for the year ahead. There are some BIG projects on that list – a deck, a bathroom, an entire basement paint and lighting swap (walls and ceiling), but there are also some smaller projects scattered in, mostly just things that need to be finished up from last year’s renovations.
There’s little I love more than a good list to keep me focused. With all of those projects (and ideas) circling around around my head, a list always helps me to prioritize and keep track of all the things – giving me a starting point and a better idea of where to go next so I’m not aimlessly wandering between projects. So today, I thought I’d break things down a bit and share with you my project plans for our first quarter of 2026. I don’t necessarily expect that we’ll get through them all, but it’ll give us a good idea of where to focus our efforts through the next few months at least.
2026 Q1 Projects
- Finish installing the new baseboards around our second floor. This one is nearly done, we just have the baseboards around our guest bedroom closet left to do.
- Paint the guest room. I spent this past weekend painting out the doors and trim in our new guest room. Hoping to finish up the walls and window bench next weekend.
- Set up the guest room. Once I finish up painting, we’ll be able to start moving furniture and decor in, which is always my favourite part! We’ll be using our old furniture in here, but I’m planning to update all of the textiles, lamps and artwork.
- Paint all of the new doors and trim through our second floor hallway. With the new hardwood floors, we also installed new doors, casings and baseboards. It took me ages to choose a colour (you can see my two favourites pictured above), but I finally ordered up some paint last week and I couldn’t be more excited to see it all painted out now!
- Paint our stair railing. This is a big one for me. I’ve never loved the honey oak, but there’s something about painting over wood that has always been hard for me, even a wood tone I don’t love. I know that keeping the honey oak isn’t the way I want to go and refinishing it would be more work than I’m willing to invest at this point, which means paint is really my only real option here. On top of that, there are a few spots on the stringers that need to be repaired, which paint would cover more easily than stain. I do think painting the railing and stringers is the right call for us, but there is a part of me that is worried I’ll miss the warmth of the wood. I’m really excited about the colour I’ve chosen though (after more than a year of contemplating options).
- Finish Carson’s built-in desk area. While I’ve gathered all sorts of inspiration for this project, I haven’t really dove into the planning stages of this one yet. If I happen to make it through all that painting, I’d say this is next on the list for us.
Whew! Looks like there’s a whole lot of painting in my future. Honestly, I don’t mind painting – it’s a great chance to listen to an audiobook or catch up with some podcasts. Plus, nothing changes the look and feel of a room more than a few cans of paint! I can’t wait to see these spaces transform over the next few months!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day my friends!ย
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure and privacy policies.
