Off To A Good Start: Favorite Projects Since The Blog’s Beginnings In 2012

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Favorite Projects of 2012 - Simplicity In The South

In August of 2012, I decided to follow my dream of starting a home improvement and decor blog so I could share all the projects {and sometimes project-mishaps} that happen while the boys are in school and I am not working the night shift.

I’m enjoying every minute of it and I’m looking forward to the new year sharing even more projects with all of you!

I’m so happy that you all are following along and I haven’t been just talking to myself for the past 4 1/2 months …as if I don’t already do that too much already. Please tell me I’m not the only one who talks to themselves. Anybody?

My first post was a tutorial on how to make a faux mercury glass light pendant.

Faux easy mercury pendant light using Kryon's Looking Glass Spray Paint

Then I revealed our teenage son, Taylor’s, vintage industrial bedroom. Taylor’s bedroom redo was a surprise project that I worked on over the summer while he was working with my parents.

I did a tutorial on how to make curtain rods out of galvanized plumbing parts that I used in his room and on our covered back porch.

curtain rods made from galvanized plumbing parts

Then I shared how I made a Restoration Hardware inspired cage light that hangs in Taylor’s closet-in-a-office with planked walls.

How to make an industrial cage pendant light inspired by Restoration Hardware.- by Simplicity In The South

When Remodelaholic announced that they were having a link-up for laundry rooms and mudrooms done on a budget, I finished up a few details and revealed our small but organized laundry room the last week in August.

laundry room organization

I had several people ask me how I turned our bi-fold doors into French-style doors, so I shared how we did that in our laundry room and master bath.

how to turn your bi-fold doors into french doors

My favorite room reveal so far has been our two youngest sons’ bedroom that is filled with so many fun do-it-yourself projects like the faux aged steel Ikea cabinet that was inspired by Restoration Hardware.

shared brother's blue and orange bedroom

By then, I was feeling pretty brave about painting furniture. I bit the bullet and painted my beloved empire chest with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Best. decision. ever. I’ll post about that process in 2013.

Then, I decorated the empire chest and shared my Fall display and free printable banner.

Thanksgiving vignette and free printable banner

Before I knew it, the Christmas season was upon us, so I whipped up another hand-lettered sign and put together a joyful Christmas vignette.

A Simple Christmas Vignette

The most popular Christmas project has been the framed ornament wreath. So far, it has been repinned 1772 times just from Shanty 2 Chic’s 12 Day’s of Christmas pinboard! That’s kinda’ sorta’ viral in my little blog world!

Christmas tree ornament wreath
I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store!

What has been your biggest home improvement project this year?

tricia tag

I’m linking this up to some of my favorite blogs, such as:
Southern Hospitality
Fox Hollow Cottage

The Frugal Girls
Design Dining & Diapers
Debbie Doo’s
Beneath My Heart
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia
Six Sisters Stuff

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28 Comments

  1. Yesterday, while I was
    at work, my cousiin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can
    survive a 30 foot drop, just sso she can be a youtube
    sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
    I
    know this is totally off topic buut I had to share it with someone!

  2. Wonderful projects! I love your Christmas vignette, and your teen room is fantastic! Teen rooms can be so tricky, can’t they? And your laundry room organization is just feeding the organization fire I have going right now! Newest follower! 🙂

  3. WOW! I am REALLY IMPRESSED! I just found your blog via Debby Doo and I’m so glad I did! Can’t wait to see even more! :). No pressure, though…

    1. Lol! No pressure at all! I think part of the reason I started the blog is so I could stay motivated to finish projects around the house. I just have to be careful about what I promise I’m going to do because once I write it down, I feel accountable! 🙂 Glad you stopped by!

  4. You certainly have been a busy lady! I love all your projects especially the laundry room! I’m visiting from Debbiedo’s, I liked your FB btw and will certainly be back to be inspired!

    1. Thank you so much! I’m so glad that you liked my laundry room and I’m so flattered that you’ll be sharing it on your blog. I’ve been a follower of yours for a long time!

  5. Great projects! I love the cage lamp and the Christmas tree on the door.
    Looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects.

    Have a great day.
    Pam

  6. Used your tutorial to make a 12-foot curtain rod for our living room picture window using the plumbing supplies and conduit. Spray painted it black to match all of our other curtain rods and it looks great! Can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2013. Happy New Year!

    1. That is awesome! One of my favorite things, other than sweet comments, is having someone tell me that they did one of my projects. I’m so glad that it worked out for you! I love the idea of painting them to match your other curtain rods. Thanks so much for coming back to tell me.

  7. Happy New Year! Thanks for the recap, so many favorites!!! Thanks for ALL the support this year! Many blessings for 2013!!!Maybe this year we will get to meet up for the CL fair:)! Jen

  8. Oh wow … I want to move in!! LOVE the industrial style bedroom … my son’s bedroom has similar tones and I might have to add some of your touches. Great projects … and way to go on your new and successful blog!

    1. Thanks, Randi! I’ll have to check out your son’s room and get some ideas. Boy’s rooms can be so difficult to decorate! I’m doing a post today on how I organized Taylor’s office/closet in case you want to check it out.

  9. Tricia ~ I’ve so enjoyed getting to follow along with your DIY and Decor adventures. Sure look forward to seeing what you do in 2013!!

    Happy New Year ~ Shannon

    1. Thanks, Shannon! I’m enjoying following you also! I hope you have had a wonderful new year so far and I’ll be talking to you again soon!

  10. Your 2012 projects are awesome! The teen boy’s bedroom is my favorite. So glad I found your site – I can’t wait to see what you do in 2013!

  11. Loving all your 2012 projects – especially your industrial boys bedroom! Look forward to reading your 2013 posts. Wishing you a Happy New Year!

  12. Love your blog! And I love your younger sons bedroom! I’m hoping to attempt to make the single kruger monograms you have above their beds. Would love for you to do a tutorial on that!:)

  13. I am so glad I found your blog! You inspire me! Looking forward to all your ideas in 2013!

    1. Thanks so much, Kenz! I’m still thinking about those barn doors that you built and where I could put them. Genius!

  14. Congratulations on all of your success in your first year of blogging, Tricia! I’m so glad I found your blog and have been inspired by all of your beautiful projects. Now if only there were 36 hours in every day 😉

    1. Oh, yes! I could definitely use those extra 12 hours! I’d probably waste one of those hours drinking a glass of wine and taking a bubble bath. 🙂 Hope you’re doing good, Claire!

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