There’s nothing like a fresh start of the new year and excitement of dreaming, planning and setting new goals. This year threw us all for a loop but the end of the pandemic is in sight, and we’re looking forward to perhaps a slightly more predictable year? Only time will tell, but that won’t stop us from working towards our goals!
In 2021 you can expect more of what you loved most from the blog this year—DIY tutorials, before + afters and budget-friendly decorating. There are a handful of “must-do” projects on our list, but we’re also allowing room for whatever surprises the universe decides to throw at us (which it does every year, without fail).
I’ve paid close attention to your comments/likes/feedback this year and have tried to create more of the content you love, and wanted to take this opportunity to ask you specific questions which will shape the direction of this blog in 2021. It would mean so much to me if you filled out the short survey at the end of this post!
Without further ado, here are the projects we plan to tackle and share on this blog in 2021:
Jump to:
1. Master Bedroom Closet
We’re kicking 2021 off with the project I’m most looking forward to—our bedroom closet! I’ve been dreaming and scheming about this since we built the home, and it will be full of custom DIYs and organization goodness.
2. Garage
Lucas has been slowly tackling this massive renovation (rebuilding the entire structure from scratch) since this past summer in his spare time. Now that the playroom is done, he’ll be able to spend more time on it, and hopefully complete it by spring. It’s tough to DIY when you don’t have a garage, so we’re anxious to get this thing finished!
3. Backyard fence
An enclosed yard has become a priority now that we have a little one who loves running around outdoors. I’d love to complete this while the weather is still nice enough to spend time outside!
4. Mudroom wall
The original plan was always to create a drop zone/mudroom storage wall along this hallway, which is across from the kitchen and right next to the back door where we enter the house (this will take care of that pile of shoes and bags!) It has never been high on our priority list, but now that we only have a few unfinished rooms left in the house, I’m anxious to tackle this fun DIY.
5. Under the stairs closet
Organization is the theme of 2021, and I’m here for it! This closet is right next to our future mudroom wall and conveniently fits our stroller, cleaning tools and miscellaneous oversized junk, but clearly we need a better system. Bold wallpaper, anyone? 😉
6. Laundry Room
Still rocking the subfloor always covered in cat litter, this is our most unfinished embarrassment of a room. This laundry room is right off the kitchen/dining room and will also double as pantry storage, and will require a lot of careful planning and custom cabinetry.
7. Backyard pergola
This is another project that has been put on the backburner, but we dream of spending more time out here under a giant custom pergola. There’s a lot of planning (and expenses) involved with what we’re envisioning, but I’m hoping we can make it happen this year.
8. Guest Bedroom
This upstairs guest bedroom has only been used for family during the holidays, but it would be such a fun little room to tackle and I can’t imagine going a year without a bedroom before + after!
9. Furniture flips/thrifted makeovers
I haven’t had time for any thrifting/furniture flipping lately but oh how I miss it! I really enjoyed our Furniture Flip Fridays and hope to start it back up again soon. Once we have a working garage, it will be much easier to take on these projects!
10. Look for less DIY tutorials
I have to say, these low cost/high impact projects are my favorite posts (and from what I’m seeing, your favorite too!) I’ve been trying to focus more on these tutorials for 2021, and I have two of them coming for you next month!
11. Another rental?!
Don’t get too excited yet—there’s nothing in the works. But we are looking for another investment, and just like our beach house, these deals can happen overnight. This blog has become my full time gig but first and foremost, we are real estate investors and will always be on the lookout for our next property.
Now I’d love to hear your feedback! What do you want to see from this blog next year and beyond? Please take a few minutes to tell me your thoughts below (it’s completely anonymous). As always, I appreciate your support which allows me to continue creating and sharing with you. Cheers to a bright 2021!
Erin says
No option for following since D&R on the Nest/Burbank days? 😉 I’ve loved living vicariously through your story and enjoy everything you do- even if it’s not my style! Keep up the great content!
Katie says
Another Nestie!? Glad I’m not the only one who’s been following for so long! Neat!
Brenda Ibberson says
More YouTube videos please!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Brenda, I appreciate your feedback! I would love to plan another one soon. We had fun making them 🙂 Happy 2021!
Kristin L Rice says
I forgot to mention how much use I get out of your stocking stuffer, present, floral, round-up posts. Love these too! We have purchased many items and many of the rest are in the ‘save for later’ or ‘give as gift’ pile.
Jenna Sue says
Oh good, thank you for letting me know! I really appreciate your feedback and support. Have a happy and healthy 2021 Kristin!
Daphne says
I love following along, all your projects have been really good inspiring, cheers for this new year from France 😉
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much Daphne! Have a wonderful 2021!
Tracy says
I really got hooked onto your content from your YouTube videos so I hope in 2021 you will find your love for filmaking again cause you are just so freaking talented ??? Can’t wait for these projects to come to life!!
Also, a follow up with how running a vacation rental is going would be a great post. I think a lot of people are curious about what goes into it and would love to hear about all the behind of scenes work it takes to run a business like that :))
Jenna Sue says
That means so much Tracy! I really miss making videos, we had a lot of fun. Hopefully I can find the time and energy to do more this year 🙂 I’d love to share more about real estate too, maybe once we complete our first year. Thanks for being here and happy 2021 to you!
Pat says
Wow! You two have quite a to do list for 2021! Will love following along as always!
Jenna Sue says
Excited to see how it all unfolds! Thanks for being here Pat and happy new year 🙂
Kristina says
Super excited to see what you do with the laundry room!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Kristina! I hope we can make it happen soon! Happy new year 🙂
Teresea says
Jenna, since you like refurbishing furniture you should check out Amy Howard paint (the Maker’s Studio) and her tutorials on YouTube. I think you would enjoy.
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Teresea, I’ll check her out. Happy 2021!
Julie Rossman says
To play outside while the weather is still good?!?!? I need to get to Florida stat!
Coming from another investor, I want to see more rentals. I am all for passive income through real estate. I can’t remember, do you manage your airbnbs, or use a company? Do you have any long term rentals?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Julie! We use a property manager and currently only have short term rentals. I love talking real estate/investing and even though most of my audience isn’t interested, there were quite a few responses requesting updates, so I may end up doing a blog post about it soon! Happy 2021!
Joanna B says
Love the family picture, it’s so relaxed and just lovely!!
I took the survey too, hope it helps. But I will just say I love your content, no matter what. I think everything you and Lucas create is so incredibly good. Cheers to 2021!
Jenna Sue says
I appreciate you taking the time to respond Joanna! Hope you have a happy and healthy 2021 🙂
Kitty says
Hi Jenna Sue, love your blog!!! Just took the survey too.
On a personal note may I recommend stainless steel or glass for Susie’s dishes (in the laundry room ?).
Plastic can leach nasty things that are not healthy for humans or our pets! I know you want Susie to be healthy and live a good long life. Love to you and yours ?
Jenna Sue says
Thank you for the tip! I will get one for her ASAP 🙂
Lexi Rae Smith says
Excited to see what you do in 2021! The survey wouldn’t let me select “blog” as one of the things I follow, just to let you know. I am most excited to see what you do with your master closet. And the guest bedroom. And let’s be honest, everything else!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you so much Lexi! Happy 2021 to you!