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2019 Renovation Review… What Happened + What Didn’t

Lifestyle· Renovations

19 Dec

It’s my favorite post of the year and friends, I cannot wait to talk all things house-related with you. We’ve been pretty quiet on the blog this year so some of what we’re sharing will be a first-time-ever. What I love about these posts is that we get to look back at the list and then retrospectively, see what happened. And of course, because it’s life, unexpected things pop up. Only a few weeks after sharing the 2019 renovation plans post, the company Brett worked for unexpectedly closed their doors. With him being the main income source for the house at the time, it put a lot of our plans on hold. After the company closed, we decided to reevaluate our plans and discussed taking out a home equity loan. Thankfully, he found a job fairly quickly and was back to work in April. Since we decided to move forward with the home equity loan, we put the projects on hold until the application was approved and the paperwork in hand – which ultimately meant that renovations were on hold from the end of February to the first week of June. When I think about our accomplishments with that little caveat thrown into the mix, I’m even more proud of all the work that we achieved this past year. There were a few touch-and-go moments (of course) that had me questioning our sanity and really just needing a long nap, but overall it was a really good year. Sidenote: If you want the live, exclusive updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter HERE. We share all the renovation updates real-time, along with behind-the-scenes planning thoughts and other random musings.  To catch up on the full post of 2019 renovation/remodel plans, click here. And to read the 2019 landscaping plans, click here. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

The Basement

What was planned: Frame in the mancave + closet

Mancave – Before

What actually happened: Brett was so excited to get this space up and running. It quickly turned into his favorite spot, especially during the hot days of summer. Also, with his new job, he works from home quite a bite more and added in a little office corner that’s not pictured.

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

Mancave – After (hunting season just ended so excuse the mess! :-P)

Yay / nay? Big Yay!

The Guest Bathroom

What was planned: Clean up the guest bathroom walls. What actually happened: Well, nothing. Although every time I go into that room I see the “defects” they haven’t ticked me off enough to actually do something about it. And, as you’ll see below, we have had other things to do so this once again was dropped off the list. Maybe next year? 😛 Yay / nay? One big fat ‘nay’.

The Laundry Room

What was planned: Make the laundry room/mudroom more functional What actually happened: Again, nothing. Similar to the bathroom, this space is working. With the garage finished, I’m definitely starting to notice things that could make it more functional, but we have other projects higher on the priority list. We’ve also thrown out the idea of completely redoing this room so we might wait until that happens to make any changes. Yay / nay? That’s a nay.

The Pantry

What was planned: Get the pantry up and running.

unfinished pantry in north country nest home

Panty – Before

What actually happened: It only took a few short days to get this baby packed to the brim with #allthethings. I was in basket heaven, picking out different sizes and styles and then spent a ridiculous amount of time arranging. I cannot begin to tell you how much joy this pantry has brought me. It’s so nice to have everything in one area. Once we get the new kitchen in, I am sure I’ll be doing another walkthrough and rearranging yet again, but for now it’s working like a gem.

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

Pantry – after(ish)

Yay / nay? Absolutely YAY!

The Linen Closet

What was planned: Finish the linen closet

unfinished linen closet at north country nest home

Linen closet – before

What actually happened: For the third time, nothing… with the exception of some light organizing – this area is no longer the drop zone for anything and everything that we don’t want to see. It actually houses things that might be in a linen closet, like lightbulbs and board games.

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

Linen closet – no change 🙁

Yay / nay? Sadly, nay.

The Office

What was planned: Finish the office. What actually happened: She is done and better than ever. I have spent an obscene amount of time in the space this past year (cheers to having the best year yet in business!) and having a finished area makes it that much better. The only to-do on my list is to get a new office chair. As pretty as the one I spent months finding, it’s not that comfortable. And dare I say it (I’m cringing inside as I type these words), it’s not great for my back (Brett, you were right…). So, back to the drawing board for an office chair that looks good AND is comfortable to sit on for hours on end.

rustic home office with blue walls and shiplap

The office – after

Yay / nay? Yay!

The Garage

What was planned: Finish the garage

unfinished garage at north country nest

The garage – before

What actually happened: FRIENDS. IT’S DONE! A few things come to mind when I think back to the garage project this past year. The first is that I will never, ever do blown-in insulation again. (Of course that’s a lie, as Brett so lovingly pointed out to me when I told him this. We still have to insulate our attic, once all the projects are completed). On Brett’s list of “never want to do again” is probably installing ceiling sheetrock. All joking aside, we worked our asses off this summer to finish the inside of the garage in time for winter and it’s. done. Electrical, drywall, paint, storage, spray foam insulation on the walls, blown-in insulation in the ceiling, gas heater installed… It was A LOT. Even better, the exterior is done as well. The siding and stone work was started in September and they wrapped everything up end of November. It looks so good – I smile ear to ear every time I drive up to the house.

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

The garage – after

Yay / nay? Hell yes to the yay.

The Fireplace

What was planned: Build the fireplace

unfinished living room at north country nest

The fireplace – before

What actually happened: This baby got BUILT. We purchased the fireplace in August, built the frame in September and installed the tile in October/November. We had a little snafu with the fireplace door hinge that broke only two weeks after installation, so that put everything on hold while we waited for a new part. Thankfully, they sent a new one without any hassle and the door has been working perfectly ever since. In terms of heating, it’s been a game changer. Brett just commented the other day, “For the first time since we moved in, I can wear just a tshirt in the house during the winter and not be cold.” Friends, it’s the little things in life 😛

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

The fireplace – after

Yay / nay? Big YAY!

The Landscaping

What was planned: Remove the wood retaining wall, replace with a stone; Build a pergola and built-in bar top on the deck; Expand the garden; Plant lilacs along the fence line and remove the cut flower garden

landscaping plans for a minnesota home

Retaining wall – before

What actually happened: New retaining wall. New front porch. I’ll start out by saying that landscaping work is at the bottom of the fun list in terms of projects. It ranks right down there with the blown-in insulation. On the positive, you actually get to the see the fruits of your labor and boy does this new retaining wall and front porch make a difference. Especially with the finished siding and stone. As for the other items on the list, the garden was expanded (so many cut flowers!) lilacs were planted along the fence and we pulled out a LOT of weeds/overgrowth in that middle area. When we reevaluated the project list based on the home equity loan, the deck was moved to a ‘maybe’ and ultimately taken off the list entirely.

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

Retaining wall – after

Yay / nay? Yay for the retaining wall and front porch (I know, that one wasn’t on the list), nay for the deck.

Anything not on the list?

Well, duh. If you’ve been here for any length of time, you know that we absolutely loooove adding on projects in the spur of the moment. As I already mentioned above, redoing the front porch was not on the list but it sure makes the entryway look good! Also not on the list: an entryway remodel. We decided to ditch the white built-ins and build something more functional for us and the dogs. It was a completely impromptu project that lasted a few weekends in January and February. The end result is something that both Brett and I are happy with, so that’s a win!

how to lay interior brick pavers in the entryway
Entryway – before
modern rustic entryway with blue built-ins and brick floor
Entryway – after

I tackled our master bathroom this summer (which led into fall) and did a budget-friendly refresh. For less than $200, I was able to try a few new DIY projects and completely make over the space.

Master bath – before
Update your bathroom without breaking the bank with these modern rustic master bathroom decor ideas from North Country Nest!
Master bath – after

The kitchen. While we haven’t technically started the renovation, we have started the planning process and purchasing of new appliances and cabinets. The goal is start the demo after the holidays. Both Brett and I are giddy with excitement – we’ll be sharing the full renovation plans on the blog soon!

Sharing all the details on the 2019 Renovation at North Country Nest - what happened, what didn't | Home renovation planning | #northcountrynest #renovationplanning #homerenovation

New kitchen area testing: hutch = new set of cabinets

A small mini-projet was ripping up all the carpet in the house, with the exception of our bedroom. We are officially a subfloor home – yay! 😛


What. A. Year. We did so much and I finally feel like our home is starting to feel like that – a home. Not just a construction zone anymore but a place that is ours. As always, this blog would not be possible without our amazing readers, so THANK YOU. I know it was a quiet one around here in 2019 but we so appreciate your support, even during the slower times. We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – we can’t wait to share 2020 with you!

All our best,

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Related posts:

When Waiting Isn’t so Bad Our Favorite Minnesota Thrift/Occasional/Antique Stores Default Thumbnail2016: Looking Back at the First Year of North Country Nest North Country Nest: 2017 Year in Review

2 Comments

Previous Post: « Rustic and Minimal Entryway Holiday Decor + Fireplace Reveal
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Comments

  1. Trina says

    December 20, 2019 at 8:59 am

    Kell & Brett – The house looks AMAZING! I know the entry way wasn’t planned, but holy cow do I love the face lift on it! And the fireplace construction! Holy crap. I just love every part of what you got done this year! Love you both!

    Reply
    • North Country Nest says

      December 27, 2019 at 7:39 am

      Aww thank you!! <3 <3

      Reply

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We’re Brett and Kelly! A husband and wife team tackling our first complete home renovation. We love all things DIY, our two furbabes and lazy summer days out on the lake. Our mission? To share the journey of turning a house into a home.

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the archives

Who doesn't love a good before and after?!? Who doesn't love a good before and after?!?
Last summer, Brett and I didn’t get out on the w Last summer, Brett and I didn’t get out on the water at all – not once did we take the boat out.

Given the fact that we live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, I felt like the worst Minnesotan. How could we not enjoy the water when there’s three within five miles of our house?

This year? We've been able to get out on some body of water at least once per week - how cool is that?!

What’s been really great about these last few months is that we’ve seemed to have found a nice “balance” between go-go-go and taking time to enjoy whatever it may be.

While this season of relaxed work is probably not the norm, it's been a pleasant surprise that we'll be enjoying for as long as we can!

Enjoy the week, friends!
If you need me, I'll be here gazing lovingly at ou If you need me, I'll be here gazing lovingly at our newly trimmed windows and painted walls 😍

We have to add trim to the slider, install the baseboards and frame up + install the pantry door.

And then...

This kitchen will be DONE! 🙌
Yesterday, #ontheblog we did a mid-year check in o Yesterday, #ontheblog we did a mid-year check in on our renovation list and shared two new projects we're adding (of course!)

The second addition? Giving a little refresh to this laundry room by pushing back the washer, dryer and cabinets.

We finished it wayyyy back in 2017 but there was a small frustration: the washer and dryer cover the window.

Every few months we'd circle back to the space and see how we could make it work. It was one of those little issues that might not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but here's the thing - you deserve to LOVE your home.

After four and a half years of constant projects, I often find myself wondering why in the hell we are doing this and I keep coming back to this idea that a home is meant to be loved, to share a story, to work for you, to be a space that you can relax in and enjoy.

So while the washer and dryer covering a window might be insignificant to a visitor, for us, it's something we see every day. And, after three years of brainstorming, we finally found a solution that felt good.

I guess that's the bonus of being four years into a reno - the idea of knocking down a wall seems like an easy project nowadays 😂😂
Just in case you missed it - new last Thursday #on Just in case you missed it - new last Thursday #ontheblog is a tour of our front porch and a few summer decorating ideas!

Hope you all had a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🧨
Sometimes, it's not all rainbows and butterflies.. Sometimes, it's not all rainbows and butterflies... especially when it comes to neighbors.

New post #ontheblog today all about the lawsuit we've been in with our neighbor for the last year. And it started all because of our garage.

In short: three years ago the county required us to get a survey done on our property in order to build the garage. The results showed that the easement our neighbor was using to access her property was not in the right place - it was inside our property lines instead of outside.

Fast forward to July 2, 2019 when we were served lawsuit paperwork from said neighbor, claiming the rights to the easement location - and it's been a long, stressful process since then.

But, we received the good news last week from our lawyer - everything is finalized and we can finally put this whole mess behind us!

Cheers to starting the week off on a high note!
One more coat of mud on the walls and then it'll b One more coat of mud on the walls and then it'll be time for paint in the kitchen!

In other news, Brett scored big time and found a giant rug for our living room - it was half off and arrived last week. Now we're patiently waiting until we get the new floors down until we roll it out. Check the stories if you want to get a sneak peak!😁😁 Enjoy the day, my friends!
Spent the evening at my parent's with two of my si Spent the evening at my parent's with two of my siblings and their kiddos.

Brett showed up around dinner time and proceeded to spend the next hour in a water + cake fight with six kids under 10.

Yup, I'm married to an adult child. 😂😂 Kidding aside - I had one of those 'I love summer' moments, watching them all run around outside, laughing their heads off.

Hope you're enjoying the start to your week, friends! 🙌
So, here's the deal. The kitchen tile project was So, here's the deal. The kitchen tile project was not all sunshine and roses.

Two words: dried grout.

On the plus side, you can in fact clean dried grout from tile. On the negative, it's a complete pain in the ass... And doesn't get you back too 100%. #ontheblog today, I'm diving into all the details on how we cleaned the tile... And the (now funny?) story on how it even happened in the first place (hint: renovating with your husband on an empty stomach never has a positive outcome) 😂
The last four years have been a constant experimen The last four years have been a constant experiment of finding the balance between function and design.

We started this entryway with white built-ins and light walls. Damn it looked good in pictures but real life? With two black dogs and a lake... Well let's just say the functionality of the design choices were at an all time low.

So, we overhauled the space and darkened the walls and built-ins. While I was a little nervous to go so dark, I have to admit Brett's instincts were right one this one.

So, here's to continuing to find that balance of function and design - and I'd love hear, have you compromised anything because it just didn't fit with how your family lives in your home?!?

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