Hello again!
Today were talking what I would happily do again and what I’ll never, EVER attempt twice. Renovating a home is like playing a high-stakes game of Pinterest roulette—some ideas hit the jackpot, and others leave you wondering why you ever thought that was a good idea. Over the years, we’ve tackled more projects than I can count, and while there were plenty of wins, there were also some “Whhhhhhyyyyy?” moments. So, here’s my list of things I’d absolutely do again…and the things I’d avoid like the plague.
Wouldn’t Do Again: Cover Old Tile with Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles
Okay, hear me out—peel-and-stick tiles can work great in low-traffic areas. But for spaces you’re walking on all day, every day? Let me save you the trouble: just don’t. I thought they’d be the perfect quick fix for our cracked tiles and stained grout, but they haven’t held up to everyday life. They are spots where you can see the tiles bending into the old grout lines, and honestly, it’s a constant reminder that shortcuts don’t always pay off.
Lesson learned: sometimes, you just have to rip out the old stuff and start fresh. If I could go back, I’d scrape out the old grout, redo it properly, and maybe throw a runner over the cracked tiles until we’re ready for the full remodel. Who knows? I might just find the energy to rip it all up and start fresh someday soon 🙃.
Also, after living with these peel-and-stick tiles for about four months now, I’m thinking they deserve their own blog post. Thoughts?
Would Do Again: Remove Upper Kitchen Cabinets and Add Tongue-and-Groove Paneling
Removing the upper cabinets in our kitchen was a total game-changer. Everyone warned me against it, insisting I’d regret losing the storage. Spoiler alert: I haven’t missed them for a second. In fact, it gave me the perfect excuse to declutter, and I even repurposed the cabinets elsewhere to keep the storage without sacrificing style.
The difference is night and day—the kitchen feels so much more open and airy now, and I definitely don’t miss those awkward, impossible-to-reach corner shelves. Plus, the tongue-and-groove paneled backsplash I added is hands-down my favorite feature. It brings texture and character without going over the top. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.
Wouldn’t Do Again: Paint All the Trim White
Look, I thought white trim everywhere was the answer. I really did. But I can admit when I’m wrong. Reflecting on it now, I know exactly how I got there. We had just moved out of our temporary condo—the one with that adorable (read: eww) 2.5″ golden oak trim everywhere—and I was desperate for something clean and bright in the new house.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I like white trim, and it definitely has its place—but not in every single room. These days, I’m slowly adding color back in because let’s be real, white doesn’t fit every vibe. Also, painting trim and doors is a special kind of torture. If I never pick up another paintbrush again, it’ll still be too soon.
Would Do Again: Add Molding to Our Flat Panel Front Door
This was such a simple update, but the impact was huge. When we moved in, our entry door was a black flat panel with about 50 years of repainting layered on top. It didn’t exactly scream ‘character.’ My long-term dream is to replace it with a windowed Dutch door—yes, I know it’s impractical, but I don’t care. Until that day comes, I needed a quick and easy fix.
Enter: pre-made picture mold panels (Linked Here). For this project, all I needed was a tape measure, painter’s tape, trusty Liquid Nails, caulking, & paint. That’s it. Easy peasy!
The added molding transformed our basic flat panel door into something that looks more high-end—without spending a fortune. If you’re hunting for an easy weekend project, this is the one.
Wouldn’t Do Again: Use Oil-Based Sealer on Hardwood Floors
I had such high hopes for our hardwood floor refresh. Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love our floors, and there’s no way I’d go back to that nasty white carpet. Like, never. But the oil-based sealer? Yeah, it pulled a fast one on us.
Instead of enhancing the stain we carefully picked, it added this yellowish-gold tint that was definitely not part of the plan. Just when I thought I was leaving the golden oak vibes behind, the house said, ‘Think again.’
If I could do it over, I’d take the time to research water-based options or at least test a few sealers first. Hindsight is 20/20, right?
Would Do Again: Open Up the Entryway to the Living Room
Knocking down the wall between the entryway and the living room? Total no-brainer. For starters, that wall was u-g-l-y. Plus, removing it was like shining a giant spotlight on the entry—it gets so much natural light now!
The whole house feels brighter, more open, and so much more connected. It’s one of those changes that makes me smile every time I walk through the space. Definitely a win in my book.
Final Thoughts
Home renovations are a mix of wins and what-was-I-thinking moments, each one a lesson in patience, planning, and the fact that painting trim is pure, unfiltered torture. But hey, that’s the beauty of it—you live, you learn, and you mostly survive…amiright?
What’s a renovation decision you’d do (or never do) again? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re planning your own renovations, don’t miss my post on 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Kitchen —it’s packed with tips to save you some serious headaches.
Thanks for dropping by today!
