HALLWAY UPDATE: PROJECT TO-DO LIST

Hallway Update

We kicked off our hallway update a couple of weeks ago and have been moving along slowly but surely.

So far we’ve opted to add moulding instead of wallpaper to our walls to give the space some character and interest. I mapped out a layout for the moulding with painter’s tape to help us visualize the design. And, we found the perfect moulding profile for the hallway and made some progress installing it on a few of the walls.

We still have a ways to go but I wanted to share our project to-do list with you today!

When starting a new project, I like to make a list of all the things we need or would like to do in the space. Creating a to-do list is helpful for me for multiple reasons.

It allows me to do a brain dump and store all of my ideas in one place. I can start to see the scope of the project and can create a timeline and order of completion for each item on the list. Also, as I add to the list, it helps me to see what I may be missing or need to address as it relates to other items on the list.

Below is our to-do list for the hallway update. I’m also sharing what we’ve done so far, what we’re working on next, and what will come later.

Hallway Update To do list

• Select moulding for hallway and stairway walls.
• Determine layout for walls in the hallway and stairway.
• Add moulding to walls.
• Replace doorway casings in the hallway?
• Design and build hidden linen closet.
• Add wallpaper in space? Inside linen closet? Source wallpaper if using.
• Wood fill/caulk/sand moulding once installed.
• Pick paint for hallway and stairway walls.
• Paint walls, moulding, trim, ceiling, and attic fan.
• Update smoke detectors.
• Update baseboard around the landing and at base of stairs to match the hallway.
• Replace doors and hardware in the hallway.
• Source and install new light fixtures.
• Source and add artwork.
• Add runner? Refinish floors?

What we’ve completed so far

• Select moulding for hallway and stairway walls
• Determine layout for walls in the hallway and stairway.

We’ve made some progress on our hallway update so far. Things we can check off our list include selecting the moulding profile for the space and determining the layout and design for the moulding on the walls.

These both took a bit of time and research to complete but were critical to us getting started in the space. Taking the time up front to design and think about the look I wanted to achieve helps to ensure the end result is something we’ll love.

What’s next/in progress

• Add moulding to walls.
• Replace doorway casings in the hallway?
• Design and build hidden linen closet.
• Add wallpaper in space? Inside linen closet? Source wallpaper if using.
• Wood fill/caulk/sand moulding once installed.
• Pick paint for hallway and stairway walls.
• Paint walls, moulding, trim, ceiling, and attic fan.
• Source and install new light fixtures.
• Source and add artwork.

This next phase of our hallway update will probably take the longest and will make up the bulk of the work we do in the space.

This phase includes quite a few big tasks that need to be completed. We’re currently working on installing all of the moulding and I’m wondering if we need to update the casing around the doorways too. In tandem with this, we need to start researching and figuring out a plan for our hidden linen closet.

Our plan is to finish the upper boxes on the walls in progress and work our way down the stairs next. We will most likely end at the base of the stairs for now and finish the wall after we redo the entryway closet.

Once we finish the moulding hopefully we’ll have a plan for the linen closet and can move seamlessly on to executing it. Adding the moulding to the two walls that make it up and building the hidden aspect of the design.

After all that, we move on to my least favorite task which is all the sanding, wood filling, and caulking around the moulding. Once complete though we’ll be in the home stretch.

We can paint the walls, including all the trim, and the ceiling and attic fan and swap out the smoke detectors. At this point, I should be able to style the space. Adding in the art and any storage pieces needed in the linen closet.

• 

• 

What comes later

• Update baseboard around the landing and at base of stairs to match the hallway.
• Replace doors and hardware in the hallway.
• Source and install new light fixtures.
• Source and add artwork.
• Add runner? Refinish floors?

When creating our master to-do list for a project, I try to capture EVERYTHING that I want to address in the space. Most of it will get factored into the project. Some of the items are not as urgent though or have to be rethought.

I would like to replace the 2 light fixtures we have and also source new art for the hallway. And while I’m planning for this I know it’s not critical or something to rush through. Same with new doors and hardware. They definitely need replacing but if I can’t find something I love I’ll probably paint what we have for the time being.

Working through the design details of the moulding, I thought we would need to replace the baseboard around the landing and at the base of the stairs. There’s a small portion that doesn’t match the new base we added previously in the hallway and on the 1st floor. In talking it through with Mike though we think this would probably be a bigger undertaking than what meets the eye. It’s not something we really want to tackle right now and I think I can get away with painting the wood to match the walls for now. I think that will help it to blend in and sort of disappear so it isn’t so obvious.

We have hardwoods throughout the house and refinishing them has been on the list since we moved in. So even though it’s on the list, It’s one of those things that will probably have to wait. If we refinish the hallway and stairs, we’ll have to do the 4 bedrooms upstairs as well since all flow into each other. And then there’s the downstairs…..

Also, I’m not sure it’s a project Mike and I want to tackle ourselves. It may be something we want to hire out instead.

Making Progress on the hallway

Creating to-do lists have always been a way for me to capture my ideas and get organized. There’s nothing like taking pen to paper and making sense of everything swirling through my head.

Being able to “see” the work ahead and create a plan of attack helps me to focus my energy. Especially when I get the itch to jump ahead or on to something new. And, we all know checking off a completed task is one of THE BEST feelings! Giving you the momentum to push through!

Do you create to-do lists when starting a new project?