The beginning of a new year and back in action on the blog. With the extended break still fresh, I’m sure you’re wondering – “So what’s on tap?” {Well I am, at least. And I run this thing.}

Until recently, the main renovation focus was on a part of the house I don’t see everyday. Heck, I don’t see it for months on end now that there’s a tenant. And, honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially come the 1st of every month.

But it means the rest of the house that I do see every day {aside from the master bedroom} is still pretty much a jumbled mess of ridiculous colors, boxes, & clutter. 2011 is the year that changes.

What will 2011 hold for this little corner of Brick City?

In a word – Lots

In order of appearance, here’s what I plan to tackle –

1. The guest room & living room walls have been painted but you don’t know that yet. Consider it our little secret. Shhhhhhhh.

2. “The Office”

AKA – the 3rd floor back room that was the impetus to get rid of 111 things. Chock-full-o-crap with a giant hole in the ceiling, this room is all sorts of klassy.

While this room was content just being a box room, needs have changed. This room will transform to be both storage & office. The ceiling will get fixed, everything will be painted {I’m thinking gray with white trim}, and storage needs will be overhauled. Since I believe every room needs a name and “3rd Floor Back Room” was a bit too long and wordy, this will now be called “The Office.”

3. Blog overhaul & redesign

I switched things up from my original layout because I wanted to post larger pictures but I’m just not loving things. I think the font is too big, the organization is sucky, and things could just generally be better.

I’ll be figuring it out as I go along, so if things are looking a little wonky just chalk it up to me messing around with code I know nothing about. {I’m also planning a flickr overhaul & reorganization. Here’s hoping I don’t break too many photo links.}

4. The awful red red hallway

It really is awful. I mean . . . brick red walls {AND TRIM!} with butter yellow ceiling and tri-color crown molding {butter yellow/marigold/red}. Who thought that was a good idea?! Srsly. WHO???

And more importantly – How have I lived with it like this for so long without my eyeballs falling out? It is a biological mystery, I tell ya.

5. Clearing out the 2nd floor front room

This room still needs a name. I’m open to suggestions. “The Room Formerly Known As Soundproofed Front Room” is too long to fit in my “Categories” drop down menu.

This room needs to be cleared out {as it’s currently more chock-full-o-crap than The Office} so I can get to #6.

6. The Guest Room closet

The Guest Room closet shares a wall with “The Room Formerly Known As Soundproofed Front Room.” A wall that is badly damaged and needs to be replaced. Lots of dust & debris will ensue, as things need to basically need to be done from scratch. Here’s what the closet currently looks like –

Here’s hoping it doesn’t look like that in 2012!

7. Wildcard

After the guest room closet, THE PLAN starts to get a little fuzzy. Maybe the 2nd floor bathroom? Maybe finishing the staircase risers & balusters? Maybe take advantage of the summer weather to focus on the front stoop? Maybe do the living room ceiling {so I can actually decorate}? Only time will tell.

So that’s the big stuff happening in 2011 here at Brick City Love. Lots of renovation with little fun projects here & there. Just the way I like it.