top 10 most popular DIY blog  posts of the year…
A year ago, I hit the “publish” button on this DIY blog for the first time ever. It was fun. It felt daring and silly and important all at the same time. It was me finally freeing that creative self that had been cooped up for WAY too long.
For my entire adult life, I’d been a physical therapist. A career I loved. Writing was a big part of my work…but it was technical writing. Very objective. And very measured. And extremely formulaic. It needs to be that way. But I didn’t like it.
Perfect example below:
This pic was taken during grad school, right after our thesis defense. My partner and I had spent two solid years writing the most long-winded, technical, didactic, academic encyclopedia of boredom. Together we stand, her proudly displaying the results of our efforts. Me? I’m already out the door. Poppin’ bottles. Don’t ever make me write like that again, was basically my thought at that moment in time.
I did what I had to do though, and continued to write all that technical jargon throughout my PT career. But now, physical therapy is in the rearview. And I’ve finally been able to ditch that objective ho-hum scientifically appropriate writing as well. This blog and all the creative writing I’ve been able to heap on you guys has been such a blessing to me.
And listen…I know my grammar is not always good. I know that my use of punctuation is not nearly perfect. So, perhaps my creative writing is not always a blessing to some of you, but I appreciate you continuing to show up here, despite my foibles.
I’m proud of the community of DIY’ers, home decor enthusiasts and friends we are building here. In the spirit of this, our first blogiversary, we’ve compiled a recap of the DIY blog’s most popular posts to date. What’s funny is that if I would have compiled MY favorites, the list would have been quite different. But this list is YOUR list, based upon reader feedback…and I love seeing what really hit home for people.
number #10 –Â basement bathroom remodel
Gotta be honest, I was surprised to see this one in the top 10. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this bathroom. *This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy here*. But most of the shots in this post were taken years ago before I knew much of anything about photography, so I feel like the images don’t come close to showing how cool this space actually turned out.
We splurged on that mosaic tile with the glass and metal (similar to THESE options, but I think the exact kind is no longer made), but the rest of the tile was marble subway tile from Home Depot, and was very reasonable.
number #9 – the hitchhiker
Our post about a reformed roadkill rescue and thoughts about hitchhiking. This image is still one of my most pinned images on the blog. That bold Annie Sloan Antibes Green chalk paint packs a punch. And I made the pillows from inexpensive fabrics found at Jo-Ann’s.
number #8 – napoleon’s throne room
This one would have been on my short list too. I do love this bathroom transformation. When I look at the before shots, I can hardly believe it’s the same space.
It’s a testament, in my mind, that small spaces don’t have to be short on style. Toile, wainscoting and basketweave marble tile…there’s a lot going on in here, but we love it all.
number #7 – why i love leftovers
This was one of those posts I wrote during a week where I couldn’t find anything better to write about…and low and behold, it turns out to be one that really resonated with people. We didn’t have a budget to makeover this space, so I made do with extra things we had around the house, including extra chalk paint and gold spray paint for towel bars and accessories.
It was design on less than a dime. I still have big dreams for that space, but that will have to wait till we have the funds to accompany the plans (I’m not holding my breath).
number #6 – dining room reveal
I have a love-hate relationship with this space, but after all the drama, blood, sweat, tears and termites that accompanied this project, I guess I’m glad it made your cut.
Not only did my poor husband have to deal with the little pests in here, but he also had to deal with a big pest (me), who went through three rugs and four chandeliers before I settled on this yellow herringbone rug fand a big gold, glam light from Amazon. I thought this room may have done us in, but thankfully, we are still standing…as is the dining room.
number #5 – diy bandana pillows
We wanted to add some inexpensive pops of color to our youngest’s fishing/camping/outdoor adventure room. These bandana pillows were an easy, inexpensive way to do it. You can buy the bandanas from places like Amazon, or even the Dollar Store!
number #4 – ban the boob lights
Gotta admit, I chuckle at this post more than any other I’ve written, which certainly is a testament to my maturity level. Whatever, this is some funny stuff. Any beyond the childish humor, I think these are two pretty quick, easy and inexpensive ways to turn those eye sores into serious eye candy. If you haven’t checked out that post, do it! These DIY’s take minutes, and you don’t even need “real” tools…just some cable ties!
number #3 –Â diy shower/tub re-glazing
We did two posts this year on our DIY tub/shower re-glazing adventure, and one of those two showed up in the top 10. This method, though stinky, was a really inexpensive way to update the look of a tub/tile surround. So far, the tub still looks great…will update you on how it holds up at some point down the road!
number #2 – the knob snob
Who knew a post about doorknobs would be a crowd pleaser? But our DIY painted doorknobs did turn out pretty great, in general. And though some of them did not wear so well, I would totally do this project again…especially now that I know how I could have improved my methods. Spending a lot on door hardware was not an option for us, so this technique got us the look we wanted, for a price we could afford.
number #1 – kids bathroom reveal
And our MOST POPULAR post for our first year of blogging was our kids’ bathroom reveal post. I definitely adore this space. As far as renovations go, this one went really smoothly, and we just couldn’t have beat the cost for it. About $1800 total and the change, in my mind, was fantastic.
So thanks a million, everyone. Our first year of blogging has been quite an adventure. We have loved getting to know you, and can’t wait to hear from more of you. We’ll keep on trying to bring to you all the DIY’ing and home adventures that we can muster. And pretty please…don’t be a stranger!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon!! Become an insider and get first access to all that’s new here at the nest. Click the image below to join!
Heather says
Currently your “bandana” link (in the paragraph under the appropriate picture) goes to this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFTTDBC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=theheanes-20&linkCode=sl1&tag=theheanes-20&linkId=068969197598da958101cc03f3f91dc5
A $444 chandelier!
Thanks for the laugh 🙂
Heather says
Oh no! That’s a mess! So glad you told me 🙂
Carrie @ Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says
Happy blogiversary, my friend! Isn’t it fun to look back on how far you’ve come in just a year – and especially what were the ideas/posts you shared that were the most popular with your readers. I just see more great things for your creative future! You’re amazing!
Judith berkheimer says
I don’t know why I haven’t seen this but I checked into your annual review here and just loved it…loved the ideas, creativity, budgeting etc….keep it up and enjoy. I can’t wait till you get into the chicken coop, stables…etc and more shenanigans…….luv, juju
Heather says
Ha!! Thanks Judith 🙂 It will be a while before you see any chicken coops here, but the thought HAS crossed my mind 😉
Tisha Allen says
I’ve only been popping in to your nest for a couple of months. I am so surprised that you’ve only been at this a year! Your posts are always so witty and inspiring! Happy Blog-a-versary! Can’t wait to see more of how the deck is coming along!
Heather says
Thanks Tisha!! And funny enough, I’m getting your comment as I’m editing the blog post for this coming week…our deck reveal!!! So glad to have you with us, and thanks for your comment 🙂
Alanna says
Happy anniversary. I’m obsessed with your blog and your incredible talent. I can’t wait to see all the exciting posts in year two.
Heather says
Stop it sister…stop reading this stuff…you embarrass me 😉
MJ says
The dining room trauma was the first one of your posts I read.
I and friends are selling and buying houses and moving and so on. The subject of home inspections keeps coming up. Makes me wonder if you had one or not before buying your house. It truly must have been a horror show for you.
I thought i had termites–as least people i know thought i did–but the exterminator said it was flying ants and i don’t even need spray every 3 months. What a relief. Now i can have an inspector come in…of course, he’ll for sure find something else I don’t need!
On spraying the towel rails gold…..i never thought of that. My house came with an odd lot in the bathrooms and I’m buying silver and gold paint and taking the easy way. Let’s hope it works. gold in one bR. silver in the other. Thanks for showing the way.
Wishing you many more happy blogging years ahead…….MJ
Heather says
Know what makes that dining room story even WORSE is that we DID have an inspection, and they found nothing. Sadly, with termites, it’s hard for the inspectors to find something hidden behind drywall. Now, the seller knew that he had had a previous issue, and did not disclose. So there is a legal issue there, but the reality is, who has the time, money, or energy to sue? Law in the US is for the rich, not the “right”. Stinks. And yes! SPRAY those towel bars! Easy, inexpensive, and works like a charm!!! Thanks for writing in MJ!!
Dale D. says
Congratulations on your accomplishment of providing some humor and inspiration. I only found your blog this summer and nothing better then sipping my first cup of morning coffee and reading a entertaining post, with my family still asleep and I, after my morning stroll with my trusty pug, can appreciate the awakening of another day reading some of my favorite blogs. Your unique remodeling style, busy family life, the magic of your words as you share your latest adventure, the challenges, time restraints and shoestring budget resonants with me and it is with appreciation that I comment for the first time today with gratitude.
Heather says
Dale, you have made my day! My week! My month even 🙂 I’m so very, very glad that you decided to comment. It truly is making connections with people like you that make this blogging adventure so much fun. Stay in touch. Cheers!
Emily @ Table & Hearth says
Happy blogiversary Heather!!! I am so happy to have found you in the blogosphere and get to hang and be silly with you at Haven…and security lines. Muah!!
Heather says
The feeling is certainly mutual 🙂 Adore you Emily!!