• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Partner
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Southern Hospitality

Adventures in Decorating, Thrifting, Cooking, Fashion & Gardening

  • My Home
  • Categories
    • A+ Blogs
    • My Blog Story
    • Decorating
    • DIY/How-To
    • Family
    • Gardening
    • In the Kitchen
    • My Home Tours
    • Thrifting
    • Travel
  • DIY Gallery
  • Fashion
  • Feature Friday
  • Shop My Home
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Best Projects of 2014 Party!

December 28, 2014 By Rhoda 58 Comments

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

It’s always fun to look back and see what we’ve accomplished for the year, isn’t it?  This year is no exception and as I look back on 2014, I can see so many wonderful things that I’m happy to say I can now cross off my list.  Making progress on a home is a rewarding thing and I have definitely made a lot of improvements on this fixer-upper of mine.

This wasn’t the biggest year of projects for me, but we did manage to do a few high impact renovations around here, mostly on the exterior.

top projects 2014

I’m also hosting a link party today for all of the other bloggers out there who want to join in, so take a look at the bottom of the post to link up and to see lots more inspiration for the year!

One of the biggest projects this year that was finished up right around the first of the year, was adding my front portico.  It was so exciting to get this project done and then in April, to have the whole house painted made such a huge difference in my house.  This was a high impact project for sure!

porch-gone_thumb.jpg

Remember this look, the original poor excuse for a porch?  After the railing and steps came down. This time last year, the portico was just getting finished.

finished-porch_thumb.jpg

I even added a garland for Christmas, even though it wasn’t quite completed yet.  I was still giddy to have it built.

side-of-porch_thumb.jpg

In April, the whole house was painted and that was the crowning touch on the house exterior makeover.

In February, one of the most exciting things happened in our family.  Baby Parker was born (my niece, Lauren, had a baby girl) and it was an exciting time for our whole family.  We have enjoyed every minute, seeing her grow and this Christmas was such a fun time having her around.  She has changed our family forever!

mom-and-parker.jpg

She still has those beautiful lips that she was born with.

Also in February, I wrote a post about Defining your Style and it was a popular post about staying true to yourself and not trying to follow everything you see in blogland. 

2-american-casual-white-foyer-dec0407-xlg-53594481-house-beautiful_thumb.jpg

(One of my favorite style pics ever, from House Beautiful)

In March, my dad and I started working on the Billy bookcase project (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) and got that completed in a few weeks time.  That was also another great project that I had on my list and was so happy to see it finished.

built-in-billy-bookcases-and-ballard-chair_thumb.jpg

In June, my entire front yard was landscaped with Southern Living Plant collection and wow, did that make a huge difference.  This was something that I had wished for since I moved in and it was such a joy to have this blessing added to my list of things to be grateful for.

my house

The Before and After pics are amazing! front-yard-after-landscape.jpg

Seeing this transformation of my front yard take place was a thrill for me.  This was the year of working outside and making huge improvements after 2 years in my home.

table-before_thumb.jpg

In October, I did a drop leaf table transformation for my friend, Ruby, who will soon move into her lake cottage, hopefully by February or so.  It was fun making this table over, using paint!

after-drop-leaf-table-with-stripes_thumb.jpg

This cute table will be heading to the lake soon!

Also, in October, my dad and I tackled a retaining wall in the front yard that I had long envisioned.

bank-before_thumb.jpg

Before, it was a messy slope of a bank with clay and weeds.  Not appealing at all!

retaining-wall-after_thumb.jpg

After the retaining wall, it has much needed curb appeal and still wows me when I drive in my driveway every day.

house after

I recently did a recap post of my entire house renovation, room by room, as well as the exterior, showing all the progress we’ve made on this house in the last 2 1/2 years.  What a journey it has been!  I’m so glad to be where I am now and not still working on tons of projects.  I have no idea what all I’ll be doing next year, but I’m sure there will be a few projects along the way.  Most of my big projects are done (thank goodness!), but I will still have plenty to share!

027_thumb.jpg

Porch exterior, Before.

exterior back of house

And After!

Thank you ALL for hanging with me for almost 8 years now.  This blogging journey has been incredible and I’m so grateful for all of you, my readers, who have been with me for SO long.  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You keep this blog going and that is a huge blessing to me!  I cannot wait to see what 2015 holds.  Each new year is like a present, just waiting to be opened.

For those of you who want to link up, feel free to add your posts below.  I would love it if you’d link back to this post, so that your readers can find the party too. There will be lots of inspiration to see!  Happy New Year!

Please DO NOT link up random posts from your blog.   I would prefer this to be a  recap of your top 2014 projects and not just simply linking back to your old posts. If it is not relevant to this party, I will delete! Thanks for understanding!

My friend, Jenna, and some of her friends are also doing a year end 2014 link party too, so check them out as well. 

An InLinkz Link-up


Related


Don't Miss a Post, join my list!

Filed Under: Blog hop, Projects and How-To 58 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dana McCurdy says

    December 30, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Rhoda,

    Love the Portico! I am hoping to add one to my home, later in the New Year. Baby Parker looks like a little angel. Hope you have an amazing 2015.

    Dana

    Reply
  2. Terry says

    December 30, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    Even though your blog shares are really awesome and I await each one…it’s been so much more fun watching Parker as she grows. I am having a little granddaughter in April, so my 2015 projects will be geared towards her I am sure. Thanks for sharing and now I want a lake house. Can’t wait to see it done!

    Reply
  3. Ann Marie says

    December 30, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks, Rhoda, for offering your party in the middle of the holidays. It’s a nice return to normalcy to see such creative ideas. You’ve certainly had a wonderfully productive year based on your photos.

    Reply
  4. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    December 31, 2014 at 10:50 am

    Thanks for hosting, Rhoda! Happy New Year!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  5. Laura / Pet Scribbles says

    December 31, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    I remember when you were first “starting” to make over your home…and now it is truly a beautiful “home” indeed! Congratulations on all of your professional and personal joys in 2014, and here’s to an awesome and creative 2015!

    Reply
  6. Diane | An Extraordinary Day says

    December 31, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    What a great 2014, Rhoda!! I have to say that the renovations of your exterior is extraordinary! Talk about curb appeal!! I look forward to seeing what you have up our sleeve for 2015. All the best for a blessed and prosperous New Year!!

    Reply
  7. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says

    January 1, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    Happy New Year Rhoda!! Thanks so much for hosting! So much fun to see everyone’s top posts!
    xo
    Nancy

    Reply
  8. The Quintessential Magpie says

    January 2, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Rhoda, you and your dad never cease to amaze me in your projects! I am so proud of you both, and I wish I had a tenth of the energy and drive you do. Congratulations on making your house a real home and for following the Lord’s leading. God is so good, and it is always good to have Christian friends who shine the light of love and exercise their God-given talents for all to see and to honor Him.

    I wanted to drop by and wish you a very blessed 2015. I hope it is filled to capacity with all the good things your heart can hold. We have been blog friends for many years, and some day, I would love to meet you in person. Maybe that will happen in 2015. I feel that I have known you for years in my heart.

    Love you,

    Sheila xoxoxox

    Reply
    • The Quintessential Magpie says

      January 2, 2015 at 6:48 am

      P.S. I hope you see this! I probably should have put it on a newer post? xoxox

    • Rhoda says

      January 2, 2015 at 9:19 am

      Hi, Sheila, oh how sweet! Thank you for stopping by to tell me that. We do go way back in blog years and it’s been a pleasure to get to know you too. I would love to meet you in person as well. Maybe that will happen. You are a sweet Christian sister and I adore you. Happy New Year to you too, sweet Sheila! xoxo

« Older Comments

Trackbacks

  1. looking back: the best of 2014 - Mrs. Hines' Class says:
    December 30, 2014 at 7:46 am

    […] p.s. I’m sharing this post at the Best Projects of 2014 party hosted by Rhoda of Southern Hospitality. […]

    Reply
  2. Best of 2014 - Meadow Lake Road says:
    December 30, 2014 at 10:25 am

    […] up to: Southern Hospitality, Decor […]

    Reply
  3. Top 10 Posts for 2014 ~ Ta Da! - An Extraordinary Day says:
    December 31, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    […] Sharing at these Extraordinary spots: Yesterfood + Jenna Burger + Southern Hospitality […]

    Reply
  4. Artsy Chicks Rule (Top Ten Posts of 2014) - Artsy Chicks Rule says:
    January 1, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    […] Sharing with: Southern Hospitality  […]

    Reply
  5. Best of 2014 | Paper Daisy Design says:
    January 7, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    […] the bar at the top right.   Sharing here: Savvy Southern Style, Jenna Burger, Southern Hospitality, Think and Make Thursday Work It […]

    Reply
  6. Design News / Best Projects of 2014 Party! says:
    February 5, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    […] post Best Projects of 2014 Party! appeared first on Southern […]

    Reply
  7. My Top Ten Gardening Ideas For The Year - House of Hawthornes says:
    January 10, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    […] with Southern Hospitality, At Home With The Barkers’ Top Ten Posts […]

    Reply
  8. My Top Ten DIY & Craft Ideas For The Year - House of Hawthornes says:
    January 10, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    […] with Southern Hospitality, At Home With The Barkers’ Top Ten Posts […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

Click Here

Click Here

Email Series
How to Decorate in
Classic Timeless Style
.....without breaking the bank!

House Renovation Journey!

Our Paint Colors

Archives

Categories

Footer Widget Header2

Featured here:

Better Homes and Gardens
Atlanta Magazine
Better Homes and Gardens

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Partner

Copyright © 2023 · Southern Hospitality · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy

Get my FREE Email Series How to Decorate in Classic Timeless Style....without breaking the bank!
After years of decorating my own homes, I've learned a few tricks on how to create a classic home on a budget. Hope you'll join me!
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.