It’s always fun and important to look back over a year and reflect on everything that has been accomplished! 2015 was a quieter year on the blog for me. The blog took somewhat of a backseat to family this year as I focused on helping my youngest get out of a wheelchair and learn to walk again. You can read all about his story in my Zebras for Zephan post if you’re interested. It was one of the most difficult years for me personally and yet there were still many highs amongst the lows!
Here are some of the best highlights that you might have missed on Home Stories A to Z this year!
How to Overcome Decorating Differences
How do two become one when you’re a little bit of French Country and he’s a little bit of Art Deco? I wrote a three part series on how to decorate with your spouse that might just help!
- How to Overcome Decorating Differences
- Tips on Communicating with Your Spouse on Decorating Differences
- How to Blend Masculine and Feminine Decorating Styles
Lowe’s Screen Porch & Deck Makeover
Last spring, I had the opportunity to design and decorate a screen porch and deck for the winner’s of a contest hosted by Lowe’s. It was a challenging opportunity made all the more challenging by our tight timeline! We only had two days to pull off a dramatic transformation. I was so proud of how it turned out! There were many DIY projects that went into the making of this porch such as the framed engineer print, DIY box beam mantel, and painted rug. You can see the full reveal here.
Family Room Makeover
Our Ramie walls were painted Dorian Gray this year and I have loved the change! Of course once you change one thing it often creates a snowball of other changes in the room—but that is all part of the fun, right?! I love the challenge of keeping things looking fresh and this was a great summer makeover.
DIY Herringbone Doors
Adding interest and architectural detail to existing furnishings is something I enjoy! I have always loved the look of herringbone doors and was craving a different look for these boring doors. Using tongue and groove boards, liquid nails, and a few power tools I was able to achieve the exact look I wanted. Of course I detailed the full tutorial for you in case you want to make your own in 2016!
Sitting Room/Office Makeover
I helped my good friend Kathleen transform a tiny nook in her home into a lovely sitting room! Helping others transform their spaces is always rewarding. I hope to do more of it in 2016! Look at the full before and after of her sitting room here.
The Haven Conference
Few people know how much work, effort, and planning goes into pulling off a multi-day national blogging conference! If you’ve ever planned a wedding, church event, or party think about all that goes into making those few hours special and then multiply that planning times 10! I am so incredibly proud of the Haven team and all the years I spent serving Haven. I made the difficult decision to go off of staff in 2016, so Haven 2015 remains an important highlight for me!
Magazine Features & Brand Events
This year I had two magazine features! My Christmas porch from last year was featured in People Magazine’s special holiday issue and my witchy Halloween mantel from a few years ago was featured in Better Homes & Gardens Halloween issue. It’s always an honor to have your work acknowledged by others.
In the Fall I attended Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker event in NYC which was a blast! It’s an honor to get an invite to the event,and I was happy that it worked out to be able to go again this year.
Fall & Christmas House Tours
Decking my home out differently each fall and Christmas is one of the most challenging things I do all year—but it is also one of the most rewarding! I love decorating for each season and enjoy the challenge of recreating the same space into something fresh each year. You can catch the full fall tour here and the Christmas home tour here.
So what can we expect 2016 to bring for Home Stories A to Z? I know for certain that I will be redoing our home’s hallways, staircase, craft room, and (maybe) laundry room this year. We might also see a move to a new home in spring of 2016 if doors open in that direction–and I am really hoping that they do so thanks in advance for your prayers! I’m also currently working on a site redesign to make things around this “home” prettier, easier to find, and quicker to access. I cannot wait until my new desktop site is complete! Don’t miss a thing this year and sign up for my weekly newsletter. I only feature the best of each week and you can cancel at any time. 🙂 Thanks for following along!
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Megan says
LOVE those herringbone doors – I may have to try it out! You have an absolutely beautiful home. 🙂
-Megan
http://www.lifeonshadylane.com
Beth says
Thanks so much for stopping by Megan! 🙂 It’s fun to see IG friends over here and I’m a fan of your home as well.
Mindi says
Beautiful Projects, you had an amazing year!
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says
You accomplished so many wonderful things in 2015! Congratulations! The DIY herringbone door project is one of my favorites. Best wishes in the coming year!!!
Suzanne says
Hi Beth – You completed so many wonderful projects in 2015. Look forward to seeing what 2016 holds for you. Fingers crossed for your possibility of a new home.
Happy New Year,
Suzanne
Beth says
Thanks so much Suzanne! Happy New Year!
Marvelousmusings says
Merry Christmas Beth and Happy New Year to you and your family!
I’ve had your blog as a favorite for a very long time and I almost feel like an “insider”–watching it grow and witnessing your success in real time!
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you for being a bright spot on the internet 🙂
Beth says
Thank you so much for following along and cheering me on! This month will mark 8 years since I started blogging so it’s been a long journey! 🙂
Marvelousmusings says
Merry Christmas Beth and Happy New Year to you and your family!
I’ve had your blog as favorite for a very long time and I almost feel like an “insider”–watching it grow and witnessing your success in real time!
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you for being a bright spot on the internet 🙂