A Year of Transformation: Reflecting on 2018 and Charting a Vision for 2019
As the curtain drew on 2018, the transition into the new year at the Ugly Duckling House wasn’t marked by a sudden burst of activity but rather a deliberate and much-needed pause. After a whirlwind of truly monumental projects, the holidays offered a precious opportunity to step back, reflect on the immense progress, and quietly embrace the year’s end. This gentle beginning to 2019, though not a traditional vacation, provided the perfect mental space to consolidate ideas and prepare for the exciting chapter ahead. While behind-the-scenes work certainly continued, the initial weeks of 2019 allowed for a mindful approach to planning, a welcome shift after the intense pace of the previous year.
Initially, I considered discussing my 2019 goals in a standalone post, a common practice on many DIY blogs. However, the more I delved into my aspirations for the coming year, the clearer it became that they are inextricably linked to the triumphs and lessons of 2018. To truly understand where we’re headed, we must first appreciate the journey. Therefore, this post serves as a comprehensive look back at the defining moments of 2018 and a forward-looking roadmap for what 2019 promises to bring – a holistic narrative of growth, learning, and exciting new endeavors.
2018 Highlights: A Foundation for Future Growth
The past year was nothing short of transformative, characterized by ambitious projects that pushed boundaries and fostered significant personal and professional development. Each endeavor, from major builds to introspective discoveries, laid crucial groundwork for the trajectory of 2019.
Discovering “Maker”-dom: A Journey of Skill and Community
2018 kicked off with an incredible challenge that immediately tested my limits and unveiled a new facet of my identity: that of a “maker.” Last January, I was presented with an extraordinary opportunity: Rust-Oleum hired me to design and construct a brand booth for WorkbenchCon, a nascent conference tailored for content creators and makers, primarily YouTubers and woodworkers. This wasn’t just any project; WorkbenchCon was in its inaugural year, meaning a multitude of unknowns existed, from the general atmosphere to the standards of other booths. Furthermore, my experience in large-scale furniture construction, especially pieces requiring transport, was limited. While the full recap is available here, it’s fair to say this project evoked a profound spectrum of emotions.
Looking back, the initial intimidation and self-doubt have significantly receded, leaving behind a clear understanding of the immense personal growth I experienced. I worried intensely about meeting Rust-Oleum’s expectations and whether my woodworking skills would stand up to the scrutiny of an audience undoubtedly more seasoned than myself. Despite the waves of self-doubt that accompanied me even through the final assembly, the positive reception from attendees was incredibly validating. More importantly, this experience introduced me to an entirely new and inspiring community of makers, fostering connections and insights that continue to resonate and inform my work today.
Cultivating Green Thumbs: Building and Growing My First Vegetable Garden
Embarking on the journey of gardening was another significant highlight of 2018. We meticulously planned and constructed our L-shaped garden bed, eager to reap the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor. While the season brought abundant fresh produce, it also taught us valuable lessons – primarily, that we grew way too many tomatoes! This year, we’re committed to diversifying our crops, exploring a broader range of vegetables and herbs to create a more balanced and exciting harvest. Furthermore, we plan to implement more sustainable practices, including significantly increasing our composting efforts. The good news is that with no major shed construction on the horizon to divert our attention, we anticipate being able to dedicate more consistent care to the garden, preventing it from becoming overgrown and ensuring a thriving, productive space throughout the season.
Transforming Spaces: The Guest Bedroom and Murphy Bed Project
While my deepest desire was to declare the guest bedroom entirely finished by now, its progress was undeniably impacted by the demanding outdoor projects of 2018. This is a common challenge for DIY enthusiasts – prioritizing efforts when time and energy are finite, especially when facing the finite window of warmer weather for outdoor builds. As 2019 gains momentum, I’m thrilled to refocus on this interior space and bring its vision to full fruition. Despite the delays, 2018 saw significant strides, including decluttering the room of anything that didn’t serve a purpose, the challenging yet rewarding construction of the Murphy bed, the selection of a fresh paint scheme, adding functional picture ledges, and even smaller, thoughtful additions like this charming coffee pod holder. These elements are designed to transform the room into a truly luxurious and inviting retreat for future guests. This project also significantly enhanced my vlogging experience, a skill I’m eager to hone further and share more of with you this year!
For 2019, the primary goal for this room is to complete the custom built-ins, which will not only maximize storage but also elevate the room’s aesthetic and functionality to the next level. This ambitious undertaking is proudly supported by our project partner, Rockler, whose tools and expertise will be invaluable in achieving a professional finish.
Masterful Makeover: Redesigning the Primary Bedroom
Last year marked the beginning of a significant renovation in the primary bedroom, though I admit it didn’t receive the same enthusiastic blog coverage as some other projects. I did introduce the fresh design concept, detailed the intricate build of the floating bed (whose plans, I promise, are still on their way – I know, patience is a virtue, and I’m testing yours!), and showcased the addition of new area rugs. However, 2019 is truly the year this room will shine. I’m delighted to report that substantial updates are already well underway, as those of you following my Instagram account might have noticed. We’ve installed a new, absolutely stunning ceiling fan, applied privacy window film for enhanced seclusion, and I’m currently immersed in the painting process as we speak!
On a related note, is anyone else enthusiastically “KonMari-ing” their closets and drawers right now, just like I am? I’ve been binging the Tidying Up series on Netflix, and I’m genuinely astounded by the sheer volume of items I’ve managed to declutter and discard. I feel confident that I’m approaching this in the most effective order: once I’ve meticulously pared down our belongings, I can truly focus on the long-overdue overhaul of our primary closet, which has been broken and dysfunctional for far too long. Unfortunately, as you can probably discern from the multitude of other ongoing priorities, this particular project still sits a bit further down on my expansive to-do list, but its revitalization is definitely a goal for the not-so-distant future.
Outdoor Oasis: Constructing the Floating Deck
Ah, the deck – without a doubt, one of my proudest accomplishments of 2018, and undeniably Charlie’s favorite perch for surveying the backyard. This beautiful addition was brought to life in partnership with Wood Its Real. The custom-built light pole planters continue to thrive, and all the surrounding plants are still flourishing, filling me with immense satisfaction for the new outdoor space 2018 afforded us. Beyond personal enjoyment, it served as the perfect, picturesque setting for Mom’s surprise retirement party, creating cherished memories for our entire family. The entire construction process was meticulously documented in a multi-part series, allowing others to learn from our experience and tackle similar projects:
- Part 1: Planning and Layout
- Part 2: Frame Waterproofing — accompanied by a comprehensive Foundation Video
- Part 3: Diagonal Decking — featuring an in-depth Video Guide on Laying Deck Boards on the Diagonal
- Part 4: Trimming Deck Boards and Finishing Edges — complete with a helpful Video Tutorial on Trimming Deck Boards
Resourcefulness was key, and I even managed to transform the leftover scrap wood into two additional, practical projects: this charming small bench seat (I now have three, perfectly circling the fire pit alongside our matching Adirondack chairs) and a mini garden deck, a simple yet ingenious solution that keeps my feet clean and dry near the new garden beds.
For 2019, my plans for the deck are to expand this outdoor living area with more custom builds. I envision adding a versatile modular sectional, designed to provide ample seating and allow for various configurations to suit different gatherings. Following that, a coordinating coffee table and additional outdoor decor will complete the space, transforming it into the ultimate backyard retreat for relaxation and entertainment.
The Pub Shed: A Dream Realized
Just as 2018 was drawing to a close, we proudly marked the “official” completion of the pub shed with the triumphant hanging of its door and window! This impressive structure, like the deck, was a successful partnership with Wood Its Real. While the major structural elements are emphatically D-O-N-E, a few finishing touches remain. These include constructing the exterior stairs and a minor reinforcement of one of the supports – a small detail for my own peace of mind, especially after a neighbor’s tree fell last year, reminding me how crucial stability is and ensuring all the extensive filling and leveling work I did years ago isn’t jeopardized. Documenting such a massive project, particularly as we tackled the shed and deck concurrently, requires significant effort to process all the photos and video footage. However, I am diligently working on compiling a detailed series, much like the deck build, to share the entire journey with you. Expect to see it very soon!
Optimizing Efficiency: The New Garage Workshop
Many of the projects undertaken in the past year were intricately connected, creating a synergistic effect that led to the next big endeavor. A prime example is the significant undertaking I initiated in October 2018: the creation of my new garage workshop. As the pub shed transitioned into its finishing stages, it opened up the crucial possibility of relocating outdoor tools from the garage into the shed, thereby allowing for a clearer separation between my outdoor and dedicated workshop tools. This organizational momentum will continue in 2019. A key priority is finishing the installation of sound-dampening drywall. This essential upgrade will dramatically improve the acoustics in the workshop, enabling me to produce higher-quality build videos with clearer audio. This same sound-dampening strategy is also being extended to my office, another space where increased peace and quiet would be incredibly beneficial for creative work. Furthermore, I plan to implement fantastic garage organization solutions, leveraging a fortunate dumpster-dive score: old butcher block counters from a neighbor, which I intend to transform into robust new workbench tops this year. This workshop is designed to be a hub of productivity and innovation for years to come.
A Grand Undertaking: Ruby’s Revival
No reflection on past and future projects would be complete without a prominent mention of “Ruby’s Revival.” While largely a 2019 project, 2018 offered a compelling preview of K’s grandfather’s 1946 Spartan Manor – and, spoiler alert, it’s not in its prime… yet. This will undoubtedly be a HUGE undertaking, demanding considerable time, skill, and dedication. However, my excitement to begin the meticulous process of polishing her up and breathing new life into this vintage beauty is boundless. Slowly but surely, I’m connecting with a growing community of vintage camper enthusiasts, and it’s thrilling to discover this whole new network of people who share this unique interest and from whom I know I will learn an immense amount. For a comprehensive look at her current state, click here for the “before” tour. Our next trip to visit Ruby is anticipated within the coming month, and weather permitting, we hope to give her a thorough scrub and begin the interior demolition phase. Given that K’s parents may soon be selling the land where Ruby is currently parked, a significant logistical challenge awaits: finding a new, suitable location to house her until her restoration is complete. We’re still actively exploring options, as many of the alternatives are, unfortunately, not budget-friendly.
Life & Such: Merging Worlds and Discovering Passions
Beyond the impressive list of DIY projects, 2018 brought significant developments on the personal front. The most prominent, of course, was the joyful arrival of my boyfriend, affectionately known as “K” on the blog, and his incredibly sweet miniature dachshund, Stella, who officially moved in. We recently celebrated two wonderful years together, a journey that has been, in the most blissful way, wonderfully boring. Naturally, merging his life (and a fair amount of STUFF!) with mine (which already contained MORE STUFF!) initially created a delightful chaos. Yet, we’ve navigated it with grace, figuring things out as we go. K’s invaluable help with the outdoor builds this year was a tremendous asset, and his moving in sparked a delightful domino effect, particularly for the upstairs rooms. His desire to display some of his cherished collections inspired the thoughtful inclusion of the Murphy bed and built-in concepts for the guest bedroom, and also catalyzed some exciting changes for the primary bedroom. Our life together is simple, happy, and wonderfully genuine. K is an incredible cheerleader for all my DIY schemes, and we’ve been discussing at length the possibility of him pursuing his general contractor’s license. While it might seem more logical for me to obtain it, the actual license requirements often necessitate prior work experience under a licensed professional for a specific duration. Given K’s background in construction, it will be a much faster and more straightforward path for him. You’re already familiar with Ruby’s Revival, which is truly an “us” project through and through, meaning you’ll likely see more of his bearded smirk gracing those posts.
Our personal calendar for 2019 also holds some exciting events. My sister is getting married this summer, and K and I are planning a much-anticipated overseas trip. We haven’t settled on a destination yet, so I would absolutely love to hear any suggestions you might have!
2018 was also a year of profound self-discovery, particularly in understanding what truly fuels my drive on this DIY journey. On a broader level, I’ve fully embraced the identity of a “maker,” finding immense joy in the learning process and the continuous stretching of my skills into new territories, such as woodworking and welding. This “maker” spirit, of course, extends far beyond mere home improvement. Therefore, a portion of 2019 will be dedicated to simply allowing myself to explore pursuits I’m “passionately curious” about – a favorite phrase of mine. Just as dabbling in various crafts initially led me to DIY, I believe this exploration will continue to spark innovative and creative solutions for future home projects.
In the vast landscape of the online world, content creators are often advised by experts to “brand” themselves rigorously, choosing a single niche and deep-diving exclusively into that subject. This strategy is primarily aimed at helping search engines like Google categorize content more effectively, thereby increasing discoverability. However, I’ve come to realize that while maintaining updated and helpful content is crucial, engaging in algorithm games isn’t particularly enjoyable for me. I am, at my core, a human being with a wide array of interests. I simply didn’t have the time for things like recipes or cross-stitch when I was immersed in grad school and simultaneously patching my kitchen walls. Yet, ironically, the very act of fixing up the kitchen naturally led to cooking more meals at home. This, in turn, inspired me to build and seed my very first vegetable garden, and just last night, those homegrown ingredients found their way into a delicious soup. This year, I’m excited about the prospect of crafting my own cutting board to chop those garden-fresh veggies, and perhaps exploring more wood carvings! My home is no longer just me and a dog; it’s a bustling space with K and Stella, and naturally, my content has broadened to reflect this richer, more layered life. This expansion doesn’t diminish the joy of home improvement; it simply adds more dimensions to the story I share. I genuinely enjoy sharing every facet of this journey.
Essentially, 2018 provided an internal evolution, clarifying “the why” behind everything I do. Things are wonderfully different from just a year or two ago, in myriad positive ways. This period of reflection inspired new art in my home, fueled the ambition of my larger builds throughout 2018, and fundamentally created a wealth of new possibilities. During my holiday break, I also dedicated significant time to crucial old blog cleanup, meticulously working on areas like gift guides and shopping posts, ensuring they are current and relevant. I also took the time to update biographical details for both Stella and Charlie – another pupdate is actually being written as we speak! While such housekeeping tasks consume a substantial amount of time, little by little, outdated and unhelpful content is being refreshed. For my long-time readers, please rest assured that personal updates and journal-style entries will remain intact; my focus is primarily on updating old shopping posts with dead links or missing images that no longer serve any helpful purpose. It’s all part of making the blog a more valuable and enjoyable resource for everyone.
I am genuinely excited about everything 2019 has in store, and I eagerly anticipate showing you all the new projects and progress I’ve been diligently working on behind the scenes. Be sure to look out for a comprehensive primary bedroom update coming next!
What are you most excited about in 2019? I would absolutely love to hear about the projects you’re tackling or the goals you’ve set for yourself, and send some well wishes your way!