The Bare Bones Chronicles: Why Are We Renovating a New House?

The Bare Bones Chronicles: Why Are We Renovating a New House?

      Ah, home renovations—a rite of passage for anyone who’s ever called a house their own. But when your house is only 1.5 years old and you casually mention renovations, people tend to give you that look. You know, the one that says, “But why?” Well, let me tell you: insurance claims are the gift that keeps on taking.
      After a devastating house fire, we rebuilt—but the finished product is more “builder-basic bargain bin” than “former glory.” Think hollow doors, dollar-store finishes, and zero personality. It's livable, sure, but it's not ours. So, here we are, transforming a cookie-cutter house into a home that reflects us—dark aesthetics, timeless charm, and all.
       This Boxing Day, while most people were recovering from holiday indulgence, we were off to Home Depot. Why? To gather supplies for our latest project: crown molding in the living and dining room areas of our open-concept first floor. Let me clarify: proper crown molding is outrageously expensive. So, in true Tanner fashion, we bought a mishmash of affordable pieces to make something instead.
      You know what that means: not only are we getting crown molding, but Tanner will also be painting the ceiling. Yes, folks, I’m winning here because I have zero interest in tackling that job myself. I even tried bribing Paige to do it, but her exact words were: “There’s no amount of money that makes that worth it.” Fair enough, I guess.
       Much like everything in our lives, we’re drawn to older, classic designs that bring character and warmth. So, the crown molding isn’t just a project—it’s a statement piece that ties the room together. Tanner’s on vacation from work, which means he’s been lovingly (and sometimes begrudgingly) ticking things off the ever-growing honey-do list. While he’s in the zone, I’m hoping to add the main hall and upstairs hallway to his agenda. Fingers crossed he doesn’t notice this blog post until after the molding’s up.
      If you’re curious about how this crown molding adventure turns out—or if you just enjoy watching someone else’s home improvement chaos—follow along on our YouTube channel. You’ll see the transformation unfold in real-time, from the moment the supplies hit the floor to the final stroke of paint on the ceiling.
      Will it go smoothly? Probably not. Will it still be worth it? Absolutely. And if it all works out, who knows? Maybe I’ll get Tanner to tackle the kitchen next. A girl can dream, right?
       Stay tuned for more updates, laughs, and maybe a few lessons learned the hard way. Until then, wish us luck!