Goals for 2026

Hi Friends!!

At the beginning of each year, I sit down and write out a project wish list for our home. While some of these projects have been on my wish list since we moved in, taking the time to sit down and rewrite the list, noticing the projects that have been completed, and the ones yet to be tackled, helps me organize my thoughts and what I hope to accomplish around our home in the coming year. Just like my personal goals, our home goals aren’t about rushing or checking things off a list as quickly as possible. They’re about creating spaces that feel thoughtful, functional, and full of character — spaces that support everyday life while still feeling special.

Here are my Goals for our Home in 2026 ~

Why I Write Down Home Project Goals

Writing down our home projects helps me stay focused and intentional. It keeps me from jumping into quick fixes or impulse projects that don’t truly serve us long term. Instead, it allows me to evaluate what areas of our home need attention most and tackle them thoughtfully, one project at a time.

Some of these projects may happen quickly, others may take longer (or even roll into another year), and that’s okay. Having a plan gives direction, even when life shifts.

Paint the Pantry

This project has officially lived on my goals list for the past three years, so I’m really hoping that this will finally be the year it happens. Our pantry sits at the end of our mudroom, tucked between the entrance to our living room on one side and the kitchen and dining room on the other — making it a space we pass through often.

I’d love to give it a fresh coat of paint and swap out the door to help it feel more intentional. Sometimes it’s the smaller, overlooked spaces that benefit most from a little attention.

Expand Our Raised Bed Garden

This is a goal that has been on my list for the past two years. A great example of how sometimes life happens, unexpected circumstances that require all of your time and energy pull you away and things get put on hold.

We had every intention of starting this project last spring, but my dad’s unexpected cancer diagnosis and losing him 8 weeks later meant all of our springtime projects got put on hold. I don’t for one minute regret caring for my dad during that season, and am forever thankful that I had the time and space to do so. My dad loved landscaping and would often help us with projects around our yard when he would come to visit. I know that this is a project he would have loved, and am very much looking forward to starting it this year.

I’m so excited about the thought of having a larger area to grow both flowers and vegetables — a space that supports creativity, beauty, and practicality all at once.

Add More Character Throughout Our Home

One of my ongoing goals is to continue adding character to our home in ways that feel both personal and timeless. That includes small but meaningful changes, like adding wallpaper to our front hallway, as well as more traditional architectural details.

I’d love to incorporate wainscoting in the dining room to bring in a sense of historical charm, something that feels classic, layered, and true to the style of our home. These are the kinds of projects that don’t need to be rushed and often have the biggest long-term impact.

Add Sconces and a Wall Treatment to the Upstairs Hallway

The upstairs hallway is another space I’d love to give more intention this year. Last winter I began by tackling our upstairs hallway with a fresh coat of white paint on all the walls and trim (not pictured below). One tiny step towards the design I envision for the space. Adding sconces and a wall treatment would not only bring in warmth and character, but also help the space feel more finished and cohesive.

Hallways are often overlooked, but they connect so much of the home. Giving this space a little extra attention feels like a small change that could make a big difference.

Holding Our Home Goals With Flexibility

As always, I’m holding these projects with open hands. Not everything may get completed this year — and that’s okay. Homes are lived-in, evolving spaces, and progress doesn’t need to be rushed to be meaningful.

My hope in sharing these goals is simply encouragement. If you’ve been thinking about projects in your own home, I’d encourage you to write them down and focus on what will best serve your life right now. Small, thoughtful changes — done with intention — can transform a home over time.