I absolutely cannot believe 2024 is here! I said this in my 2022 Project Recap and I’ll say it again… I’m not quite sure I’m ready. It was a year of highs and lows and through it all, I’m just so grateful for my community here and the opportunity to create a home we love! My creative projects are such a big part of my life and sharing as I learn along the way is half the fun!
This year we had more visitors than ever before, we had a few family members join us in Knoxville, and of course, I reached a huge milestone in launching Monarch Home!
If I could tell myself a year ago when I thought 2022 was the peak of intricate projects, I had no idea what was coming. Although at times it was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when one project would lead to anther, a walk down memory lane has proven to me how much trusting the process works both professionally and personally.
Guest Room Refresh
The guest room refresh feels like the perfect place to start as it encompasses my favorite project (of potentially all time). Although a refresh may sound small, it’s filled with so much work behind the scenes. This room has housed endless loved ones, so it felt like the ideal place to highlight the reveal of Monarch Home.
My love of wallpaper has been growing for as long as I can remember, so after a lot of courage I decided to jump into my next venture and create a custom wallpaper collection. Although I love all the prints the same, Bryton (named after my gorgeous niece) felt just right for this space. Sometimes I just sit in this room and remember all the fear and excitement during this time. I treasure these memories so much. To read the complete guest room refresh + Monarch Home announcement – click here.
We had at least 5 different friends and family members stay with us throughout the year – all of my hard work was SO worth it!
Pool Installation + Backyard Revamp
Although it wasn’t the most emotional project of 2023, the pool installation and backyard revamp was my largest project. Although I like to say it’s one project, there were actually a million little projects that went into finishing this space.
The pool ended up being the catalyst for several other projects that I now can’t imagine our home without. Over the summer, our home was a revolving door of family and friends which meant our outdoor space was enjoyed to the fullest.
Here is a list of just a few projects leading up to the final reveal:
It has been my dream since moving into our Tennessee home to completely transform this backyard into a gorgeous space for our family and friends. After months of having our backyard torn apart, it truly transformed into everything Craig and I had always wanted. To check out all the details of our pool and backyard reveal, read my post here.
Pool House
The finished reveal of our pool house was such a fun project to share with you all. This one-off space has been many things (garden room, storage space, makeshift kitchen during our reno, even an at-home office), but it’s finally found a permanent spot as our pool house.
Our family has spent the entire summer outdoors and after watching my boys run in and out of the pool house a million times, I’m so glad we chose this option! It’s the perfect combination of white and color, plus I had to tease the Ryleigh wallpaper before the official announcement. To read all the details on the finished pool house design – click here.
I used RTA Cabinets in this room after having a great experience in our main kitchen! All of these cabinets were built and installed by Craig and I. Once installed, I added my favorite brass hardware, installed butcher block counters, and it was almost as if the room had been this way all along.
We use the pool house to store towels, pool supplies, backyard equipment and refreshments.
Boy’s Dream Backyard
Like I mentioned before, our outdoor space snowballed into several projects like our trampoline, basketball court, and the play set! I know this seems like a lot, and it is, but these smaller projects and additions fuel my creativity. The play set was purchased from RuffHouse, but adding the flower boxes and butterflies was an afternoon well spent. The basketball court took a few hours using the $15 stencil I bought from Amazon.
I’d love for you to check these projects out if you missed them because they are easily recreated! Adding detail to your space can be done on any budget and with any DIY skill level.
Here are the big three play projects I added:
As a mom whose boys have provided her endless amounts of joy, it warms my heart everytime I see them outside playing together. Although the trampoline, playset, and basketball court are playground staples, I still wanted them to feel elevated and like me. I love that everything is a gorgeous bright white.
ADDING CABINETS TO THE WORKSHOP
2023 is the year of RTA cabinets! They are very labor-intensive to assemble, but there isn’t a better solution for high-quality cabinets at this price point. I’ve saved thousands on cabinets this year.
If you’re wondering about seeing my workshop before – you have! This 2023 version is heavy-duty with enough storage space for any tool possible.
To see all the details on the new and improved Mallory’s Workshop, read my post here.
A Small Glimpse Into 2024
Although it’s early, I see 2024 as a year of total physical and emotional wellness. I try my hardest to make sure I’m caring for myself each year, but in 2024 I’m placing a large priority on it. As for projects, I’ve got a couple up my sleeve I cannot wait to share with you all!
What are you 2024 goals? Please let me know in the comments!
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