Home renovation has been a dream of mine for over a decade. When my husband and I were finally in a position to buy our first home earlier this year, we were thrilled to find a house that had enough things to do to make it ours.

In the ten months since we bought it, we have already undertaken so many projects, from painting to wallpapering to replacing the floors and lighting.

Here are six of the best home renovations we’ve done this year.

Purchase of new kitchen appliances

If there’s one thing I’ve absolutely hated about renting apartments in the past, it’s using old, run-down refrigerators and ovens that have seen who-knows-how-many tenants use them before me. They never feel clean, and that’s one aspect of renting that always makes me feel like the space isn’t completely mine.

When we moved in, we thought we’d see how long we could live with the old white refrigerator that came with the house, but after a while the lack of space started to push both my husband and I up against the wall. After we replaced it, the old white dishwasher died, so we ended up having to replace it too – and the new appliances in the kitchen were a game changer.

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Installation of new floors

The faux wood laminate in our new home has seen better days. with chips and warping everywhere and it wasn’t the color we would have chosen either. So, before we even moved into the house, my husband tore out the floors in the living room and dining room, replacing them with beautiful hickory hardwood that completely transformed the space.

We had to wait a few months to replace the same laminate on the stairs and upstairs hallway, but now that we’ve finally said goodbye to the last of that laminate, the whole house feels more cohesive and comfortable, and much more ours.

Bathroom vanity update

I describe the bathroom in our house as “sad beige”. While you can tell it’s at least been renovated since the house was built, it’s clearly been renovated without any style in mind: the floors and shower are beige tiles from about 20 years ago, and the toilet was white with a brown laminate that was clearly the cheapest option available. .

And don’t get me started on the mirror and lighting.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the budget for a complete bathroom remodel right now, so I did what I could. I initially painted the walls a crisp white (goodbye sad beige), replaced the mirror and recessed lights with stylish brushed brass options, and painted the sink green.

Then, about a month ago, we replaced the countertop with faux marble laminate and installed a more modern sink and faucet alongside it.

While I still have to live with the beige tiles, the rest of the bathroom is so much brighter and more modern that I’m starting to forget it’s even there.

Replacement of lighting fixtures

Along with the floors, before moving in, we also replaced all the ceiling lighting in the house. The existing ones completely lacked any personality. Instead of the oddly placed matte black ceiling fan in the dining room, we opted for a sputnik chandelier made of brushed brass.

In the corridors and the entrance, we replaced the building lights with stylized built-in elements. And in the bedrooms, we’ve replaced the alarmingly low ceiling fans with a rattan option – the material and accent lights distract from the fact that they’re still fans.

Transformation of the yard

To say that the yard of our house was muddy when we moved in would be an understatement. Apart from the tall grass that completely occupied one side of the yard, there was not a blade of beautiful grass to be seen.

We started by building a shed in one corner of the outdoor space, then replaced the waist-high fence on one side with a wooden fence that matched the other two sides. My husband built a gate (the previous one was leaning against the side of the house), so we finally had a nice fenced yard for our puppy.

Over the spring and summer we filled the yard with sod, garden beds, shrubs and trees, and now it looks like a completely different yard.

Adding wood paneling to the basement ceiling

When we bought our house, the basement was recently finished (a blessing for a 1930s house in our area)—except for the ceiling. The whole thing was left exposed and the beams and wiring added such an eyesore to the overall look of the space.

But since our vision for the basement was to turn it into a cozy karaoke/movie zone with a retro feel, having a blank slate on the ceiling to do our own thing was actually pretty exciting. We replaced the fluorescent tubes with recessed lighting, and my husband installed wood paneling instead of drywall — and we couldn’t be happier with the result.

Decluttering your bathroom may seem simple, but a strategic approach can save you time and ensure you only keep what you really need. Before you go in, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few key questions to understand how extensive the cleaning should be, what’s actually causing the mess, and how you can make lasting changes for a tidy, functional space.

These are the main questions to ask before you start cleaning your bathroom, according to experts.

What is my cleaning goal in this bathroom?

Before you start removing items, take a moment to think about your ultimate goal. Do you want to free up more storage space, reduce clutter on your countertop, or simply make your bathroom more organized and peaceful?

“I personally prefer to feel like I can have a spa night whenever I want, so I follow my bathroom cleaning list like my health depends on it,” says Erin Tannehill of The Tannehill Homestead blog.

Understanding your “why” can help you decide how thorough the cleaning should be. If you’re trying to create a minimalist space, you might want to be more selective about what stays. If you just want to declutter, you may be able to keep more things as long as they are neatly organized.

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How often do I use each item?

One of the easiest ways to determine whether something should stay or go is to consider how often you use it.

Start with items you use every day, like toothbrushes and all your skin care essentials. They should have a designated place that is easily accessible. Then look at the products you use weekly, such as deep conditioners or face masks, and make sure they have a neat and proper place out of the way to stay.

Items that haven’t been touched in months are prime candidates for removal. If you’re keeping products “just in case” or because they were expensive, it’s worth asking yourself if they’re actually serving you or just taking up valuable space.

What causes disorder?

Before you start throwing things away, try to identify what is actually creating the clutter. Too many products on your desktop? Are the drawers cluttered with small, miscellaneous items? Maybe your storage space is underutilized, or maybe you simply have more product than you can realistically use. Knowing the root cause of clutter can guide you in finding effective solutions.

Do I hold on to expired or unused products?

There are often expired or forgotten products in the bathroom – take the time to check expiry dates, especially on skin care and make-up products, which can lose their effectiveness over time or even develop bacteria. As a general rule, discard anything that has a change in smell, texture or color, as it may be past its prime. Keeping only what you use and love will help your space feel fresher and more organized.

Do I have duplicates of any products?

It’s easy to end up with multiple similar items, especially things like shampoo, toothpaste, or skin care products. Review your items to identify any duplicates.

A good rule of thumb is to keep one backup of essentials (like toilet paper or soap) while donating or discarding excess duplicates. Keeping track of your inventory will prevent you from repurchasing items you already own and will help you keep your bathroom clutter-free.

Can storage solutions help my de-cluttering efforts?

A common reason for clutter in the bathroom is the lack of efficient storage. Ask yourself if your current setup is working or if a few small adjustments could make a big difference.

“Remember, bathrooms are small and cramped spaces, especially family bathrooms, and that means your space is limited,” says Tracy Lynn, of the home organization blog Declutter in Minutes. “For this reason, you might want to consider having trinkets or other non-essential items in this space.”

Adding organizers to drawers, under-sink baskets or wall shelves can maximize your space and make it easier to find everything.

What is my routine and how can I simplify it?

Consider your daily and weekly bathroom routines, as this can help you prioritize which items should be most accessible. Think about what you use for your morning and evening routines, and focus on de-cluttering or moving anything outside of that core group; keep only what you regularly need on hand.

How will I keep this space clutter-free?

De-cluttering is only half the battle—maintaining a clutter-free bathroom requires consistent habits. Ask yourself what steps you can take to keep this space tidy in the long run. Maybe you need a monthly check-in to remove any products you no longer use, or a one-in, one-out rule will help you avoid excess in the future.

Tracy Lynn suggests giving your family a quick tour of the new bathroom so they too know where things should go from here.

“I’ve found that labels take up every space and it’s better not to distract you,” says Tannehill.

The more intentional you are about keeping things in their place, the less likely clutter will creep in.

Whether you’re decorating your living room from scratch or simply looking to freshen it up with a few new pieces, it’s no secret that IKEA has a lot to offer for every taste and budget. But sifting through dozens of couches, chairs, rugs and tables to find the best living room pieces is no small feat. Fortunately, help is at hand from the professionals.

We asked two interior designers to weigh in on their favorite IKEA living room pieces – see their top picks below.

Soderhamn Sofa

IKEA offers customers a range of sectional sofas, but designers can’t pass up the Soderhamn sofa, says Andrea Pellerin, founder and lead designer at Studio ACP.

Pellerin is particularly partial to the open-ended version for its flexibility.

“I love the range of seating positions it offers. It works just as well against a wall as it does in the center of a room,” says Pellerin.

But there is more. Soderhamn comes in a variety of colors including a neutral beige tone and some beautiful dark green and blue hues. Pellerin explains how its timeless design will complement a wide range of interior styles.

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Lommarp TV unit

While IKEA may be better known for its Scandi-chic aesthetic, there are hidden gems in its catalog that work in more classic settings. The Lommarp TV unit is one piece that Kristin Kristensen, owner and lead designer at Mod-Earth Studio, favors for this reason.

“The Lommarp unit has a more traditional look with its warm, earthy tones, natural textures and subtle vintage-inspired details,” explains Christensen.

While looks are important, this piece also offers plenty of functionality. It’s perfect for displaying plants and personal treasures and will effortlessly blend functionality with style, says Christensen.

Dyvlinga swivel chair

A design classic that first debuted in 1967, the Dyvlinga swivel chair is back with an updated look and pros can’t get enough of it. Pellerin describes it as an exceptional piece, especially if you opt for the green fabric.

“The fresh, bold color gives it a twist, making it a true designer piece that stands out in any living room,” says Pellerin.

And the chair, with its thick cushioned seat and slightly inclined backrest, is also very comfortable to sit on.

Bronden Rugg

Rugs are a living room staple and while IKEA has plenty to choose from, it’s the Bronden rug that stands out for Christensen for its timeless appeal and versatile design.

“Whether you’re looking to define a seating area or add warmth to hardwood floors, this IKEA wool rug is a smart investment that offers aesthetic and functional benefits for years to come,” adds Christensen.

Holmerud side table

IKEA’s Holmerud side table offers functionality and elegant looks at an incredible price, so designers can’t pass up this piece.

Pellerin especially appreciates the smart size, which means this piece can work alone or in more than two or more, making it perfectly adaptable to any living room, small or large.

“It fits perfectly against a wall or under a row of windows, but I especially like to use it as a structural element behind a sofa to subtly separate two areas within a room,” says Pellerin.

Havberg swivel chair

The Havberg swivel chair may fall under the radar of IKEA shoppers, but not of professionals. Christensen describes this chair as an excellent choice for any living room because it is elegant and comfortable.

According to Christensen, the chair is also a practical purchase thanks to its cotton and polyester blend, which will offer a soft, breathable texture that’s durable and easy to clean. The swivel feature will also add versatility, allowing you to move around easily and comfortably without having to move or rearrange furniture, says Christensen.

Ivar wall cabinet

IKEA’s Ivar cabinet needs no introduction. This piece is loved by customers and designers alike. Besides the cheap price, Pellerin likes how customizable the IVAR is.

“You can easily paint it, add handles or attach legs to create different heights,” says Pellerin. “The final look of this piece is almost limitless.”

IVAR does not disappoint in adaptability either.

“It works just as well on the floor as it does on the wall, and for me the modularity of this product makes it a really successful design,” says Pellerin.

There’s a fine line between cozy and cramped when choosing furniture and decor for a small bedroom. Comfort is key, but so is function, especially when you consider that you spend roughly a third of your day in the bedroom.

To help you overcome this design challenge, we asked design experts to share their tips on how to maximize your minimal bedroom and how to keep it from looking cramped.

Oversized furniture

Bedroom design should focus on comfort and relaxation. But bigger is not better when it comes to furniture.

“The one thing I can’t stress enough is that it’s all about using space,” says Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “I always recommend choosing furniture that really fits the room and doesn’t make it feel cluttered.”

While Huston understands the appeal of a king-size bed, it’s not a good choice for a small bedroom.

“I know it would just eat up so much space and leave so little room (to maneuver),” she says.

Allisa Jacobs, in-house stylist, agrees.

“Most rooms can’t handle a huge boxy platform bed with a four-poster design and a bulky headboard,” she says.

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Not Enough Light

Dark walls and drawn curtains can make a large space feel cozy, but the same thing in a small bedroom can look and feel too confined. Choose a lighter color and keep those blinds or curtains open during the day to brighten up the space and make it look bigger to the eye.

Not Enough Storage

Even the most organized people will have difficulty organizing a small bedroom when there is not enough storage space. Reorganizing your closet can help, but so can furniture with built-in storage and attractive bins that can serve as decor.

“I’m always on the lookout for the most functional yet stylish storage space to discreetly store essentials in my bedroom, such as beds that have built-in compartments to store extra pillows and duvet sets or baskets that can sit nicely on top of a wardrobe,” he says. Houston.

Furniture and decor too below eye level

Low-profile platform beds can help make the most of cramped bedrooms by eliminating the need for box springs. But choosing everything low-profile furniture and decor can detract from the visual impact of the space.

To balance that out, Jacobs says to also look for furniture, decor, and accessories that will draw the eye upward.

“Tall plants, floor lamps and vertical artwork all work well,” she says.

Not enough free space

Vertical design is always ideal in small spaces, especially when large but necessary furniture can take up so much space. Remember, you’ll need some space to move around the room comfortably, but it’s also good for the eyes to see empty space.

“Resist the urge to include that unnecessary chair or bench if it’s not being used other than as a place to throw clothes,” says Jacobs.

Too much visual clutter

Maximalism is on trend, but you’ll want to make some—or a lot—decor changes in a small room. Even the most skillfully decorated gallery wall can overwhelm a room, and the same can apply to adding too many items to a shelf.

“If it’s smaller than a grapefruit, I wouldn’t necessarily display it unless it really had special sentimental value to me,” says Huston.

Mess isn’t always about being messy. Visual clutter is more about having too many things catching your eye, says Morgan Blinn, lead designer at Rumor Designs.

“The bedroom should be a peaceful haven, a place to escape at the end of the day,” she says. “Too often people try to put too many things in one place.”

It’s fine if you like to have books or other things that bring you joy, but try to limit them to avoid overwhelming a small space.

“Less is always more,” says Blinn.

Prioritizing aesthetics over purpose

Whether you love thrifting or antiques or just enjoy clicking “add to cart” on home furnishings and decor websites, too much is a good thing way too much for a small bedroom. Huston recommends refraining from impulse buying those beautiful pieces.

“I think it’s really important to step back and think about the bigger picture,” Huston says. “How will this wardrobe work with my bed? Does this carpet make too much noise? Does this retro lamp really fit the cottage core look I’m going for?”

Asking relevant questions and answering them honestly will be key to preventing your design choices from cramping the style of a small bedroom.

“The little details really add so much, and if I’m putting together a random mix of things that don’t coordinate, I know the space is going to feel overwhelming and not somewhere I feel comfortable going down,” says Huston.

Between the holidays and birthdays, toys can pile up pretty quickly in your home, which is why it’s important to be mindful of toy clutter and organization. If your kids’ toy baskets seem to be overflowing, it might be time to do a little cleaning.

Wondering where to start? Follow these simple steps on how to clean toys and keep them that way.

Why you should throw away toys

A messy, cluttered space can create an overwhelming and overstimulating environment for adults and children. Too many toys make it difficult to maintain an organized space, which is why it is important to regularly put away excess items.

“A little decluttering can greatly enrich our children’s play and make our homes calmer and more comfortable,” says expert organizer Carrie Ypma.

She recommends involving your children in the process of cleaning things out to help them practice decision-making, organize their belongings, and learn the importance of giving and sharing with others.

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Observe the use of toys

Before you start tossing toys in the trash or donation bin, pay attention to how your kids are using their current toys. Are there certain toys that are used every day and others that are forgotten in the back of the closet? If the toys are not being used, is it because they are broken or need new batteries?

After about a week of observation, you’ll have a good idea of ​​which toys your kids can’t bear to part with and which ones they won’t miss.

Circle all the toys

Then gather all the toys in your home into one big pile to go through. This will help you keep track of how many toys your family has. There may be a bigger crowd than you expected, but this will ensure that items are not forgotten.

Sort toys by category

Sort toys into categories according to purpose and purpose. This will help you visualize how many toys you have in each category and whether or not it seems excessive. Here are some example categories:

• Stuffed animals and dolls
• Crafting toys (crayons, stickers, art supplies, etc.)
• Building toys (blocks, LEGO, etc.)
• Games (board games, video games, etc.)
• Baby toys (rattles, sensory toys, etc.)

Delutter by Category

Now that the toys are sorted, go through each category and determine which toys to get rid of and which to keep. Try to involve your children as much as you can in this process to teach them about letting go and remind them that their toys can bring joy to other children in their new home.

It can also help to set a limit for each category to set some boundaries for yourself. For example, just 10 dolls or stuffed animals or one bucket of building blocks.

Once you’ve determined which ones to keep in each category, go through the “get rid of” piles and determine which toys should be donated, sold, recycled, or thrown away. If you’re wondering where to donate your gently used toys, Ypma recommends local shelters, preschools, and church charities, along with Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

“Just make sure you’re only giving away toys in good condition—no one wants a one-armed teddy bear,” says Ypma.

Reorganize and store

It’s time to reorganize the remaining toys that you and your children have decided to keep. Have the toys sorted by category, then place the toys from each category in a designated area, such as a basket, box or low shelf.

“Clear bins are a lifesaver,” says Ypma. “They let you and your kids see exactly what’s inside.”

Ypma also recommends creating zones in your child’s bedroom or playroom, such as a reading nook or art corner, to encourage the use of different spaces for different types of play.

How to organize toys

Decluttering isn’t a walk in the park, but here comes the hard part: maintaining your new toy organization system. Keep your toy storage organized and under control with these tips:

• Build an organization system based on your lifestyle: Observe how your children play with certain toys and organize them according to the use of the toy. For example, keeping arts and crafts in kitchen drawers or a toy basket in your child’s living room and bedroom.
• Change your shopping habits: Limit yourself to just one or two new toys for birthdays and holidays. Learn to embrace the gifts of experience and encourage your friends and family to follow suit.
• Donate a toy for every new purchase: To keep the number of items reasonable, implement a one-in-one-out policy. For every new toy purchased or received, gift one of your child’s older toys.

It’s no secret that worktops are an integral part of every kitchen. Given how often they are used, choosing the type of countertop involves considering factors such as durability, cost, style, and value.

However, just because you want countertops that will last and are affordable, doesn’t mean you want them to look dated. It’s a quick way to ensure your entire kitchen is stuck in the past (i.e no in a nostalgic way). So if you’re looking to replace or build new countertops this year, it’s a good idea to know what to look for.

We spoke to designers to get their insight on what countertop trends they hope to see more of in 2025.

Natural stone slabs

Stone slabs are popular for their style and durability, and designers agree they look forward to seeing more of them in 2025.

Tami O’Malley, owner and lead designer of Tami O’Malley Design, notes that more and more of her clients are gravitating to stones like marble, quartzite and soapstone.

“These materials bring warmth and character to a space—something that’s hard to replicate with engineered options,” she says.

Alexandra Peck, a Los Angeles-based interior designer and founder of Alexandra Peck Design, agrees that natural stone will continue, but she’d like to see more unique twists on the idea for next year.

“I think we’ll still see stone predominate because of its durability, but I’d like to see more precious and rare stone slabs, both in color and veining,” she says.

Semi-precious gemstones could be eye-catching without going the typical stone route – gems like amethyst and agate add vibrant color without compromising durability.

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Porcelain Counters

The idea of ​​porcelain as a countertop material might lead you to imagine something fragile or too delicate to hold up in a kitchen environment. However, porcelain countertops are in demand for their tremendous durability and heat-resistant surfaces, and they seem to be making a comeback, O’Malley says. She says porcelain has come a long way in providing marble-style counters that are surprisingly realistic.

“I love how porcelain brings the elegance of marble to kitchens while offering the durability and ease of care we all need in our busy lives,” says O’Malley.

For those with a more eco-conscious mindset, Alice Moszczynsk, an interior designer at Planner 5D, looks forward to seeing reclaimed china, among other recycled materials, incorporated into countertops.

“These materials combine sustainability with contemporary aesthetics and offer unique patterns that look fresh and modern,” she says.

If you’re worried that recycled material won’t hold up as well as traditional countertops, rest assured that these materials are often just as durable.

Counters made of natural wood

Stone isn’t the only material designers are excited about—wood panels are also at the top of the list.

“Besides the stone slabs, I want to see more wooden slabs. The walnut counters as well as the butcher block are beautiful and functional,” says Peck.

Butcher block countertops are attracting the attention of designers and homeowners because they are often more affordable than other countertop materials without compromising on style or durability. However, they can be sensitive to moisture and heat, so consideration should be given to sealing them after installation.

Movement by color

Kitchens have moved away from the all-white color scheme in the past year, and many designers are hoping this trend will continue into 2025.

“I think we’re going to see beautiful marbles, quartzites and soapstones with different colors and interesting vein patterns,” explains Peck.

If you’re not crazy about the idea of ​​a brightly colored counter, Moszczynski notes that this year sees an increase in earthy color palettes, namely shades of terracotta, sage and deep taupe.

“Paired with natural wood elements or matte black accents, these countertops look modern and timeless,” she says.

Textured Surfaces

Glossy countertops certainly aren’t going anywhere, but designers are hoping to see more textured surfaces with a matte finish in 2025.

“I’m seeing a shift toward countertops with tactile, textured finishes like thick leather stone or brushed quartzite,” says Moszczynski. “These finishes add depth and sophistication to both hospitality and residential spaces, while being less reflective and more forgiving in high-traffic areas.”

O’Malley agrees that her clients are also wildly drawn to these finishes, as they bring a natural, raw feel that’s inviting and full of texture. She notes that these finishes require more maintenance than other countertops, but the benefits make the investment worthwhile.