Before I just head first into all the exciting projects I have planned for 2025, I had to take a look back at all the places and spaces I worked on (and dramatically improved!) within my home. From tackling closet storage to bricking my front porch, to completely revamping my front sitting room to installing new cabinetry in my kitchen, I went for projects big and small, honed my skills, and had a lot of fun sharing it with you. My project list for 2025 is extensive and even bigger and better than any year before and I can’t wait for you to come along!
Be sure to subscribe to GrowingUpKemper.com and follow along on Instagram and on Pinterest to see projects from start to finish and a little fun home decor in between!
A Fresh Start: Refreshing and Organizing the Monica Closet
Let’s talk about the “Monica Closet.” You know, that one space in your home where things go to disappear until you dare to open the door and face the chaos. It happens to the best of us! I decided enough was enough. With a little elbow grease and some creativity, I gave my Monica Closet a full refresh—and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results!
This wasn’t about spending a fortune or pulling off a magazine-worthy transformation. It was about making the space functional, manageable, and—yes—a little prettier. Here’s what I did:
- A Shelf Hack That Works I shared a shelf hack where I take a 1×2″ poplar board and attach it to the front of the shelves to make them appear larger and more like a floating shelf over a measly MDF version. Those “new” shelves made their way into this closet, and let me tell you—they’re a game-changer. Not only do they create more usable space, but they also make everything feel more structured and intentional.
- Fresh Paint, Fresh Perspective
The walls and shelves got a fresh coat of paint. It’s amazing what a simple color refresh can do to transform a space. Suddenly, the closet didn’t feel like a dark, forgotten corner of the house—it felt like a mini sanctuary. - Organizational Systems That Stick
I focused on creating a system that works for me. Clear bins, labeled baskets, and designated zones help keep everything in its place. Bonus: now, when I open the door, I’m not overwhelmed by the sight of clutter. Instead, I feel a little spark of joy.
Shop the post HERE!
Storage Closet, But BETTER: A Simple Transformation That Sparks Joy
If you’ve ever opened a storage closet and felt more stressed than satisfied, you’re not alone. But what if your storage closet could be more than just a functional space? What if it could actually make you feel good every time you opened the doors? That’s exactly what this refresh achieved—a closet that’s better in every way: better looking, better organized, and better for the soul.
It all started with a vision to take this once-overlooked space and give it a fresh start. With a few simple updates and a focus on functionality, the closet went from cluttered to captivating.
The walls and shelves got a makeover with Sherwin-Williams Night Owl, a rich and moody hue that adds depth and sophistication to the space. It’s a color that feels both modern and timeless—a perfect backdrop for a refreshed storage closet.
To compliment the paint, I added a touch of personality with wallpaper from Amazon. The subtle pattern adds texture and interest without overwhelming the space, turning the closet into a design feature rather than an afterthought.
The new and improved shelving setup maximizes the space, creating room for all the essentials while keeping everything accessible. This is storage that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Shop the post HERE:
From Bland to Bold: A Half Bathroom Makeover with Personality
Sometimes the smallest spaces in our homes have the greatest potential to shine. That’s exactly what I discovered when I transformed my bland half bathroom into a colorful, character-filled retreat. With the right mix of bold design choices and functional updates, this makeover turned a forgettable space into a true showstopper.
Half bathrooms are the perfect place to take design risks. They’re small enough to experiment with bold patterns and pops of color, but they still make a big impression on guests. My goal? To create a space that felt vibrant, fun, and full of character while staying true to my love of attainable DIY and smart design.
The floor tile from Daltile was the foundation of this transformation. Its eye-catching design adds depth and elegance, grounding the space while complementing the other vibrant elements.
The walls got a major upgrade with a bold pattern from Milton and King. This wallpaper is the star of the room, bringing color, texture, and a playful vibe that makes the space feel alive.
The key to this makeover was balancing bold elements with functional design. The vibrant wallpaper and tile bring energy to the space, while the thoughtful accessories and finishes add a sense of cohesion and practicality.
All the sources and descriptions can be found on the Half Bathroom Blog Post HERE!
Our Brick Front Porch: A Stunning Transformation is Complete!
After months of planning, prepping, and perfecting, this once-dingy space has been completely transformed into a warm and inviting entryway that we’re absolutely in love with.
If you’ve been following along, you’ve seen the transformation unfold step by step. Using Old Mill thin bricks, I turned a tired front porch into a true statement piece for our home.
These thin bricks are not only stunning but also incredibly practical, giving us the timeless look of a brick porch without the heavy lifting of full-sized bricks. The result? A durable, classic design that feels like it was always meant to be here.
There’s something magical about a front porch. It’s the first impression of your home, a gathering spot for family and friends, and a place to sip coffee on quiet mornings. Now, with its beautiful brick finish, this space feels like a true extension of our home—a warm, welcoming spot that’s full of charm.
You can read all the details and the full tutorial for our Brick Front Porch Transformation HERE! There you can find a step-by-step tutorial for laying thin bricks, from prep to sealing, links to all the materials and tools I used, tips and tricks to help your project go smoothly (learn from my wins and missteps!), and a cost breakdown so you can see just how budget-friendly this upgrade was.
DIY Faux Wood Door Tutorial
No porch transformation is complete without the perfect front door to match, and my DIY faux wood door was the finishing touch. I took my very ordinary door and give it the look of rich, natural wood—without the cost of replacing it.
Your front porch is the first thing you and your guests see—it sets the tone for your entire home. This transformation not only improved the curb appeal but also created a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely us.
You can shop the entire post HERE:
Why We Chose LVP Flooring: The Perfect Fit for a Busy Family Home
When it was time to say goodbye to the old, grungy carpet in our home, the choice for new flooring was simple: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). For a house full of kids and a playful puppy, we needed flooring that could stand up to everyday life while still looking stylish—and LVP checked every box.
LVP flooring is a dream come true for busy families because it’s Scratch-Resistant, waterproof, easy to clean, and so durable. Perfect for little feet, running paws, and life’s occasional mishaps.
Basically, it’s kid-proof, pet-proof, and life-proof—exactly what we needed to keep up with the chaos and keep our home looking beautiful. When it came to quality, Flooret was an easy pick. Their Modin Luxury Vinyl Plank in the shade Soho (6” x 48”) stood out for its stunning look and incredible durability. Flooret’s LVP planks are 2-4x thicker than what you’ll find at big box stores, making them more durable and comfortable underfoot. High-quality flooring at a reasonable price point—a win for any budget-conscious homeowner!
Thinking of upgrading your own floors? Flooret makes it easy to test out their products with sample kits at 50% off when you comment FLOOR. For under $10, you can see and feel the quality for yourself before making a commitment.
You can read my full review and tutorial for our Basement LVP flooring HERE!
Old Carpet to New Stairs: A Dreamy Transformation
Sometimes, it’s the spaces we see every day that deserve the most love. That’s why this staircase project has been so rewarding. From ripping out the old carpet to adding all the finishing touches, this transformation took our stairs from drab to absolutely dreamy—and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!
This wasn’t just about replacing the carpet; it was about creating a staircase that feels functional, beautiful, and full of character. Here’s how it all came together:
I installed fresh treads to give the stairs a clean, polished foundation. The rich finish adds warmth and depth to the space, setting the tone for the rest of the transformation. For the risers, a fresh coat of paint brought a crisp, modern look that perfectly complements the new treads. It’s amazing how a little paint can make such a big difference!
The runner rug was the icing on the cake. Not only does it add a layer of softness and comfort, but it also brings texture and style that ties the whole look together.
Adding wallpaper to the stairwell walls was the perfect way to introduce personality and charm. The pattern I chose feels timeless yet fresh, adding just the right amount of visual interest to this well-traveled space.
Finally, to brighten up the area even more, I installed subtle lighting under the handrail. It’s both practical and elegant, giving the space a warm, inviting glow—especially in the evenings.
This staircase isn’t just a functional part of our home anymore; it’s a design feature that makes me smile every time I see it. From top to bottom, it’s everything I dreamed of—and it feels so us.
You can shop the staircase project HERE:
Thinking About a Dark Brown Ceiling? Here’s Why It Might Be the Bold Move Your Home Needs!
A dark brown ceiling might sound like a bold choice at first, but once I saw it in action, I couldn’t stop thinking about it! I recently came across a photo from @withsarale, and I was immediately captivated by how stunning and transformative it looked. The rich brown ceiling not only added warmth but also made the space feel larger and cozier at the same time.
It’s easy to shy away from dark colors on the ceiling, but here’s why it works:
- Bold and Warm: Dark colors like brown bring depth and intimacy to a room without feeling too heavy. They add a cozy, inviting vibe that can make a space feel more grounded.
- Creates the Illusion of Height: In a front room, using a darker ceiling color can actually make the space feel bigger. It adds contrast and draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of greater height.
- It’s Just Paint!: If you’re unsure, remember—it’s just paint! If you don’t love it, you can always change it. And sometimes, it takes experimenting with a few different options to get it just right.
For this project, I went with a combination of colors that really made the room pop:
- Wall Color: @sherwinwilliams Alabaster—a soft, timeless white that brightens the space and pairs beautifully with the dark ceiling.
- Ceiling Color: @sherwinwilliams Turkish Coffee—a rich, dark brown that adds a touch of elegance and warmth, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to take risks with color, especially on the ceiling. It can completely change the feel of a room, and sometimes a bold move is exactly what a space needs to feel fresh and interesting. And if you’re not sure about a color choice, remember—paint is temporary, and you can always adjust until it feels just right.
You can shop the full room HERE!
The Perfect Solution for Outdated Floor Tiles: A DIY Transformation You’ll Love
When it comes to updating a bathroom or any space with dingy, outdated floor tiles, the thought of demolition, high costs, and lengthy projects can be overwhelming. But what if there was a way to transform your floors without all the hassle? That’s exactly what I found with DWIL paint and their no-odor floor coating kit.
I was looking for a quick, budget-friendly way to breathe new life into my bathroom tiles—and I found it with DWIL’s highly-rated floor coating kit. The 2-step system is designed for excellent adhesion, water resistance, slip resistance, and durability—perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms. The coating system gives the floor a smooth, professional finish that looks and feels amazing underfoot.
I’ve been so impressed with how well this product has held up in my busy bathroom, even with my kids running around. The floor feels strong and sturdy, and it’s already made a huge difference in the space’s overall character.
You can read the full tutorial and all the details on my Painted Floor Tile HERE!
A 36” Cabinet for $48?! My Kitchen Just Got a Major Upgrade!
When it comes to DIY projects, I’m always on the lookout for great deals that don’t sacrifice quality—and Lowe’s just delivered in a major way! I recently scored a 36” cabinet for just $48, and it’s already made a huge difference in my kitchen.
At just $48, it’s a fraction of the cost of other cabinets, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to upgrade your space. The size and style are just right for my kitchen, giving me the extra storage I needed without overwhelming the space.
Now that the cabinet is in place, I can’t wait to start filling these shelves with all the things that make my kitchen feel like me. Whether it’s dishes, cookbooks, or decor, this cabinet gives me the perfect opportunity to display my favorite items while still keeping everything organized.
You can find everything linked HERE:
Looking forward to all that’s to come in 2025 together! Let’s build something beautiful with DIY You Can Do!
Are we friends on Instagram (@growingupkemper) or Pinterest (@growingupkemper) yet? Follow along for all the attainable DIY projects, tips, tricks, and inspiration!
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