#home updates

UPDATE: Remember this castle house in Floyd, VA that was up for auction? Bidding closed yesterday at 4pm. Bids started at $305k, they received 32 bids, and it sold for $407k.

Looks like they put in new appliances for the auction.

𝑲𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓

‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅

If you were to ask Caleb and Lunaire which room in the house they like best, and which holds the most memories, the kitchen would likely be their first choice :> (A close second would be the attic, where the two of them often take afternoon naps).

Here are a few of my headcanons, old and new, regarding their kitchen activities:

Caleb and Lunaire both learned to cook at a young age; since their Granny Josephine was often away for work, they had to look after each other.

Caleb excels at savory dishes: braised meals, stir-fries, fried foods, and grilled items; while Lunaire handles the soups, stews, and salads. She also loves brewing tea and preparing various beverages and pastries.

Both prefer cooking at home to ordering takeout or dining out, though they do enjoy seeking out and trying new restaurants. Naturally, they have their own list of favorite regular spots, too.

Cleaning duties are shared equally. Since childhood, they’ve used a chore chart to track who does what each day. If one is busy or simply feeling lazy, the other is always willing to step in and help, usually in exchange for a little "bribe."

They also often clean the house together on weekends. Caleb handles the heavy stuffs, while Lunaire is in charge of redecorating and sprucing up the living space.

‧₊˚ ⋅ 𓐐𓎩 ‧₊˚ ⋅

I really like the design mode in this update. It lets me freely arrange everything before actually buying the items. It saves a good amount of home coins and spares me the hassle of picking and crafting something, only to realize it doesn't fit the vibe and having to swap it out :))))

I’ve been saying for ages how much I love the kitchen, and I was hoping they’d add a feature to grow veggies in the garden for cooking. Right now, the game only lets me grow spices, but that works just fine for me. What really surprised me is that I can make the same dish with different flavor profiles depending on the spices used. It makes the game more interesting and gives me a bit more to grind for :>

I did a second coat of grey on two kitchen walls, and second and third coats of white on the cupboards. This morning, it looked like this

I hate the counters. They're formica and at least 30 years old. Lots of scratches and chips, and if you look closely in the picture above, there's a big spot that I filled with wood filler because it was a big hole. It doesn't look too bad in this picture, but trust me, it was ugly and with all of the scratches, it never felt clean.

We can't afford to replace them, so I've just lived with it for years. Recently, my mom gave me the idea of covering them with shelf paper. I was intrigued and looked into options. Apparently, a couple companies make self-adhesive vinyl specifically for countertops. It comes in wider rolls than typical shelf paper, and it's waterproof. This was my project today.

Pro tip: after you cut the length, roll it around a tube with the paper backing on the outside. It's easier to keep control of, and the tube gives it some support so you can lift it up if you need to adjust. It's a bit slow going, but not difficult

It's wide enough it wraps right around the lip of the counter, and then you just trim up the edges.

then turn around and get working on the other side.

If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe it’s time to fix up the house a little…” — you’re definitely not alone. A lot of homeowners are doing the same. Renovations in 2026 are leaning more toward comfort, practicality, and making everyday life easier. It’s less about big flashy makeovers and more about creating spaces that feel good to live in.

So, if you’re planning a refresh (or even just daydreaming about one), here are some ideas that can genuinely make a difference.

1. Transform Your Outdoor Area into a Functional Living Space

These days, people want their homes to work inside and out. Whether you’ve got a small balcony or a full backyard, it’s worth turning it into a space you’ll actually enjoy.

One upgrade that can instantly change the vibe is adding an outdoor awning. Seriously — the difference is huge. You get shade when it’s blazing hot, protection when the rain suddenly shows up, and your outdoor area just feels more comfortable. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to sit outside with a coffee (or a cold drink) way more often.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances and Home Systems

Let’s be honest: electricity rates aren’t getting cheaper. So, more homeowners are turning to energy-efficient appliances because they help save money and they’re better for the environment.

Some smart upgrades to consider:

Inverter-type air-conditioning systems

Smart thermostats

LED lighting

Solar-ready wiring

Energy-saving washers and kitchen appliances

These things might not be the most “exciting” renovations, but the long-term benefits really add up.

3. Modernize Your Kitchen with Smart Technology

Whether you cook often or just hang out in the kitchen while waiting for food delivery (we’ve all been there), having a modern kitchen just feels good. And next year, “smart kitchens” are becoming a big thing.

Think:

Touchless faucets (super helpful when your hands are messy)

Fridges that can track what’s inside

Ovens you can control with your phone

More hidden storage

Clean, durable countertops like quartz

It all comes together to make your kitchen more organized and easier to move around in.

4. Create a Multipurpose Room for Flexible Living

Many of us need our homes to do more than they used to. A room can’t just be “a room” anymore — it has to be flexible.

Some fun ideas:

A home office that becomes a guest room

A hobby room that doubles as a workout space

A study nook that transforms into a reading corner

Multipurpose rooms are great because they evolve with your lifestyle. No major construction needed — just smart planning.

5. Refresh Your Bathroom with Spa-Inspired Elements

The bathroom is one of those spaces that affects your mood more than you realize. Updating it can make your mornings calmer and your evenings more relaxing.

You could add:

A rainfall shower

A big, modern mirror with built-in lights

Warm lighting

Larger tiles for a cleaner, hotel-like look

Better storage so things don’t pile up

A small bathroom refresh can feel like a personal retreat — without the spa membership.

6. Improve Natural Lighting and Ventilation

You’ll be surprised by how much brighter spaces can change the feel of your home. More natural light = better mood, better photos, better everything.

Some ways to bring more light and fresh air in:

Bigger windows or sliding doors

Skylights

Lighter paint colors

Better window placement for air circulation

Improved ventilation also helps with humidity, odors, and overall indoor comfort.

7. Invest in Smart Home Automation

Smart home features used to feel like a luxury, but now they’re becoming more affordable — and honestly, very convenient.

Popular upgrades include:

Lights that adjust automatically

Smart locks for added security

Curtains that open or close on schedule

App-controlled appliances

Voice-controlled assistants

Once you get used to these, going back feels impossible.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, renovating isn’t really about following trends — it’s about creating a home that feels right for you. Maybe that looks like a cozy outdoor spot where you can unwind after work. Maybe it’s a brighter kitchen, a more relaxing bathroom, or finally turning that spare room into something useful.

Whatever you choose, the goal is simple: build a space that makes your daily life a little easier, a little calmer, and a lot more enjoyable. After all, home should be the place that supports you — not the other way around.