My Favorite Projects from 2019

I share a lot on my blog – travel, recipes, crafts, design, and our coastal life. Here are my favorite projects from 2019.

The other day I shared Readers’ Favorite Blog posts from 2019. Some of these posts were favorites of mine, but there was so much more that I shared that didn’t make the TOP 10. So I thought before sharing more projects and new ideas I would reminisce about some of my favorites from the past year.

Simply click on the heading to read the full post.

My Favorite Projects from 2019

1. A Conversation with my Husband

For those of you who don’t know, this is Mr. Silver Pennies, my husband. Many of you already know Luke. He is my best friend, my proof reader, and my tech support 😉 He actually is a software engineer by day but over the course of writing this blog he’s discovered a passion for woodworking. I shared this conversation with him, which also highlighted the work bench he built. I’m very excited to share that Luke will be doing a two week intensive in fine wood working at North Bennet Street school. A Christmas present from the boys and myself. Luke’s been wanting to take the class for so long.

2. How to Style a Book Shelf

I love styling shelves and this post is all about styling in Luke’s home office.

3. Grown Up Playroom Reveal

Our boys are growing up so quickly. It felt like the right time to give their playroom a very grown up makeover with a masculine leather couch and plush swivel chairs. We all love hanging out in this space. You can see the sources here. I made a few more changes in here and will share with you soon 😉

4. Ikea Favorites in our Home

I LOVE mixing affordable furnishings and antiques in our home. Ikea is a great source for reasonable decor. This post details some of my favs!

5. DIY Coastal Window Box

An oversized window box for the She Shed / Pool House was on my wish list for quite some time. Luke to the rescue! Get the build plans for your own coastal window box.

6. Things to Consider When Installing a Pool

This was another dream come true! A pool in our yard which happened in 2018! This post recaps everything you need to know about putting in a pool including the pebble finish and tile we used.

7. Classic Frozen Pina Coladas

All winter I dreamed of sipping classic Pina Coladas by the pool. It was heavenly. You may want to pin this for next summer!

8. Coastal Decorating Ideas for Summer

This one made your top 10 but it’s also one of my favorites. Summer in our little town is so special and I love decorating our home for the summer season.

9. Mid Century Chairs and White Floors

Our sunroom got a mini refresh with beautiful mid century chairs and bright white floors. I wanted to paint these floors white for some time and I couldn’t believe the difference it made to the space. The room is bright anyone, but those white floors made it feel so much bigger and more coastal.

10. Modern Coastal Pool House

This was another favorite of yours! How could I resist it being a favorite project of mine? It was so fun to turn the she shed into a dream pool house. Luke and I collaborated on the design and he built some amazing features including built in benches and a stunning butcher block counter. We all enjoyed this space over the summer and loved that the boys used it to read when they didn’t want to swim.

11. Our Family Trip to California

This was a dream trip! We spent three weeks driving up the coast of California from San Diego to Wine Country. You can see all the posts here, BUT I still have our final destination to share with you – Wine Country. I ran out of time before Christmas but can’t wait to share those photos with you soon 😉 It was certainly one of my favorite spots.

12. Faux Verdigris Compass Rose

I love working on faux finishes with paint. I created this with varying shades and some Saltwash® Powder. Wouldn’t you swear it’s an old compass rose? A must check out if you love playing with paint!

13. Coastal Bathroom

This made your top 10 and also is one of my favorite posts this year. Amazing how painting a vanity, adding gorgeous brass hardware, lovely coastal elements, and a fun floor cloth can transform a shared bathroom on a budget!

14. Living In Scituate Harbor

Our coastal town is so special and I love sharing it with you in all seasons 😉

15. Traditional Front Hall Makeover

A few updates to our front hall made it feel timeless. A pretty lantern pendant, a floor cloth that looks like tile, and removing lots of clutter. Now our home feels inviting right when you walk in the door!

16. Ink Harbour Illustrations and Our New Shop

I think my favorite post by far, though, this year was this one! I introduced you to our 13 year old son’s new business – Ink Harbour Illustrations. I also announced our online shop which has his illustrations and my watercolors and photography. John is an amazingly talented artist. He’s always drawing. We’re really enjoying collaborating on the shop and we have lots of fun things planned for 2020. More designs and inventory will be in shop soon. Is there anything you’d like to see more of there? Are there any products that we should add? I’m thinking of adding notepads, signed prints (framed and unframed), and apparel. I would love your input as we’re learning by doing.

What was your favorite post? What would you like to see more of on the blog? Can’t wait to hear!