Happy New Year, decor enthusiasts! As we enthusiastically step into 2022, brimming with anticipation for new creative projects and exciting DIY adventures, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the past year’s most cherished moments and successful endeavors. Here at Driven by Decor, 2021 was a year of significant transitions, inspiring transformations, and countless shared tips that resonated deeply with our incredible community. Whether you’re a new reader just discovering our passion for home design or a long-time follower who has been with us every step of the way (and for whom we are incredibly grateful!), this retrospective is the perfect chance to catch up on popular posts and perhaps uncover a hidden gem you might have missed. Get ready to revisit the highlights, glean fresh inspiration, and prepare for an even more stylish year ahead! (Please note that this post includes affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. For our full disclosure statement, please click {here}.)
Mastering Interior Design: Top Decorating Tips & Clever Tricks from 2021
One of our greatest joys is sharing practical decorating tips and ingenious tricks that empower you to create beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces. These posts consistently rank among your favorites, and 2021 was no exception. Our most celebrated decorating guide revolved around the often-mystifying task of selecting the perfect fluffy duvet insert. This essential bedding component can significantly impact your sleep comfort and the overall aesthetic of your bedroom, yet many find themselves overwhelmed by the choices. We demystified the process, breaking down the key features to look for, such as fill power, material, and construction, ensuring you could confidently choose the ideal duvet insert for your needs. Beyond the purchase, we also provided invaluable advice on caring for your duvet inserts to maintain their loft and longevity. And, to spare you the struggle of wrestling your duvet back into its cover after washing, we shared our game-changing “burrito method” – a simple, ingenious technique that makes duvet cover changes a breeze!
Guest Room Sources: Upholstered Wingback Bed (fabric is Zuma White) | White cotton coverlet | Embroidered navy border sheet set | Navy & white patterned duvet cover | Duvet insert | White table lamp | Round Wood Beaded Tray | Clock
Beyond bedding, our community also adored two other pivotal posts dedicated to elevating your living spaces. Our comprehensive guide featuring 15 inspiring home remodeling ideas provided a treasure trove of design concepts, from minor updates to major overhauls, offering practical inspiration that readers could adapt to their own homes, regardless of budget or style preferences. We aimed to prove that sophisticated home improvement doesn’t always require a hefty investment, but rather smart planning and creative vision. Additionally, our exploration of 10 unique wallpaper ideas ignited a passion for patterned walls, showcasing how this versatile design element can dramatically transform a room. A particular reader favorite, and one we wholeheartedly endorse, was the innovative idea of adding wallpaper to the back of bookcases. This simple yet impactful trick instantly adds depth, texture, and a personalized touch, making your decor pieces truly pop against a beautifully patterned backdrop. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a bold design statement without committing to an entire room.
Bookcase Sources: Grasscloth wallpaper behind shelves (Charcoal) | Glass demijohn vase (similar) | White coral (similar) | Landscape art print | Crane art print
And for those constantly battling dust and debris, our in-depth comparison of cordless vacuums proved to be an indispensable resource. Our honest assessment, pitting Dyson against Shark, helped countless readers make an informed decision on these essential household appliances. We delved into performance, battery life, maneuverability, and specialized features, providing a clear roadmap to selecting the best cordless vacuum for different cleaning needs and budgets. This highly practical guide saved many from purchase regret, reinforcing our commitment to offering genuinely helpful product reviews.
Transforming Spaces: The Most Loved Room Makeover of 2021
Each year, we typically embark on several ambitious room makeovers, but 2021 unfolded a little differently for us. With our Connecticut home listed for sale in early spring, my project schedule was tightly condensed, requiring all major transformations to be completed within the first few months. This unique circumstance made choosing my favorite room makeover quite straightforward, as the only significant overhaul I undertook was our entryway. What a journey that was! This particular project had lingered on my to-do list for years; I had even purchased the wallpaper well in advance, but it continuously got pushed aside for other urgent tasks. If only I had realized the profound impact it would have, I would have tackled it much sooner!
Our entryway had long been a space that felt rather uninspired and visually underwhelming. It began as a somewhat bland and forgettable area, lacking the personality and warmth we desired for a welcoming first impression:
However, through the power of strategic design, this often-overlooked area was completely revitalized. By introducing a striking wallpaper, a chic new console table, carefully curated art, and thoughtfully chosen accessories, the entryway underwent a dramatic metamorphosis. It was transformed into a space that now radiates style and a true sense of welcome:
Entryway Sources: Wallpaper | Linen console (also see {this similar console}) | White table lamp | 30″ x 40″ Framed art print | Decorative ivory box | Decorative snail | Wave coral – HomeGoods | Shallow wood bowl | Glass beads | Cube ottomans | Large wall basket
The transformation was truly remarkable, elevating the space from merely functional to strikingly beautiful. It truly was so much better, and every time I walked through it, I felt a sense of satisfaction.
A significant factor in this makeover’s success was the foresight used in selecting pieces that were not only perfect for our Connecticut home but also versatile enough to transition seamlessly into our new North Carolina residence. This thoughtful approach ensured that our investment in beautiful, quality items continued to pay dividends, allowing us to enjoy them in our new environment. The entryway in our NC home, now updated with a beautiful capiz pendant, reflects this adaptable design philosophy, demonstrating how carefully chosen decor can transcend locations and maintain its charm.
DIY Decor: Our Most Popular Budget-Friendly Project of the Year
When it comes to home improvement, few things are as satisfying as a successful DIY project, especially one that delivers stunning results without breaking the bank. Our most popular DIY endeavor of 2021 proved just that: transforming mundane laminate countertops with elegant marble contact paper. Our old countertops, featuring a dated laminate surface with wood-edged detailing, were certainly functional but lacked any significant aesthetic appeal. They looked like this:
However, after a bit of patience and strategic application of marble contact paper, these surfaces were completely reborn. The transformation was dramatic, elevating the entire look of the space. What truly impressed me, and many of our readers, was how impeccably the countertop edges turned out, creating a seamless and high-end finish that belied the budget-friendly nature of the project. This is their stunning new look:
Sources: Floral art print | Hustle print – self made | Upholstered rolling armchair | Marble contact paper | Drawer knobs
You can discover the complete step-by-step guide to covering your countertops with marble contact paper in this detailed post. Before committing to covering our entire kitchen, I wisely applied a test strip of the marble contact paper right next to my kitchen sink – the area most prone to wear and tear. I’m thrilled to report that it has held up exceptionally well, proving its durability and resilience. Given its impressive performance, I’m excited to tackle the rest of my kitchen countertops this January. While a full kitchen remodel is definitely on our long-term horizon, this contact paper solution offers a fantastic, budget-friendly way to refresh and upgrade the space in the interim. Looking ahead, early 2022 promises more exciting DIY projects, including the completion of our Elfa closet system (it’s already shaping up beautifully!) and the addition of elegant molding and wallpaper to our powder room. Stay tuned for these upcoming transformations!
Organizing for Efficiency: Kitchen Drawer Transformation Tops the List
A well-organized home not only looks better but also functions more efficiently, reducing daily stress and saving valuable time. Among all our efforts to declutter and streamline, your absolute favorite organizing project of 2021 was the comprehensive makeover of our kitchen drawers, which I proudly shared here. This project holds a special place in my heart too, as it dramatically enhanced the functionality of our kitchen, making everything from cooking utensils to spices incredibly easy to store, find, and access. The beauty of intelligent organization lies in its ability to bring a sense of calm and order to even the busiest of spaces. By implementing smart drawer dividers and specialized organizers, we transformed chaotic collections into perfectly sorted arrangements.
Sources: Bamboo drawer dividers | In-Drawer knife block | Drawer knob | Hedgehog measuring cups | Floral oven mitt
One of the standout successes was our spice drawer organization. No more rummaging through cluttered cabinets! With a dedicated in-drawer organizer and uniform spice bottles, every spice is visible and within easy reach, making cooking a much more enjoyable and efficient experience. It’s these small, thoughtful organizational changes that collectively make a huge difference in daily life.
Sources: Wood spice drawer organizer | Spice bottles | Spice labels
As we move into 2022, another exciting organizing project is already underway in my girls’ bathroom. This initiative is set to unlock a significant amount of new storage space, which is always a welcome addition in any home, especially in a shared bathroom. I can’t wait to reveal the before-and-after and share all the practical details with you later this year!
The Power of Paint: Top Color Guides of 2021
Choosing the right paint color can dramatically alter the mood and perception of a room, and it’s a topic we love to explore annually. In 2021, we dedicated a detailed post to one of my all-time favorite “greige” paint colors: Sherwin Williams Anew Gray. This sophisticated shade, a perfect blend of gray and beige, adorned the walls of our living room, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Anew Gray is celebrated for its versatility, offering a warm neutrality that adapts beautifully to various lighting conditions and decor styles. It’s neither too cool nor too warm, striking a delicate balance that makes it incredibly appealing and easy to live with.
Living Room Sources: Loveseat & ottoman (custom order from Lee Industries) | Linen swivel chairs | Wood floor lamp | Framed leaf art print | Woven ottoman tray | White vase | Faux eucalyptus | Bone beads | Gray plaid pillows | Gray crosshatch pillows | Black & white striped pillows | Round mirror over fireplace | Vases on mantel – no longer available | Faux flowers in mantel vases
In this post, we shared all the intricacies of Anew Gray, including how it compares to other popular greige paint colors, helping you understand its unique undertones and optimal applications. And for those in search of the perfect bright, airy backdrop, our detailed exploration of Benjamin Moore Cloud White was another standout. This exquisite white, known for its soft, warm undertones without appearing too yellow, graced the walls of our kitchen and family room, creating a feeling of spaciousness and light. We compared it extensively with other renowned whites like Simply White and White Dove, offering a comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal white paint that complements your home’s natural light and existing furnishings, ensuring a harmonious and inviting living environment.
Sources: TV console (similar) | Chandelier (satin bronze) | Green & blue block print pillow cover | Faux fiddle leaf fig tree | Rug | Pair of floor poufs | Art prints (details in {this post} | Acrylic coffee table (similar) | Coffee table tray (28″ square) | Black and white striped box (on coffee table) | Brass cricket (on coffee table) | Basket planter | Rattan chair
Sparkling Clean: Our Favorite Cleaning Tips and Hacks from 2021
Maintaining a clean and fresh home is a never-ending task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can become significantly easier and more effective. In 2021, I embarked on a cleaning journey that quickly became a viral sensation among our readers: laundry stripping. This method, designed to deep clean fabrics and remove years of built-up residue from detergents, fabric softeners, and hard water minerals, absolutely blew me away. It was truly astonishing, and frankly a little gross, to witness the amount of hidden grime that leached out of my “clean” towels and linens after just a few hours of soaking. The sheer volume of impurities released was a testament to how much residue accumulates over time, even with regular washing.
The feedback from our community was incredible, with many of you sharing your own shocking “grossness” photos after trying the laundry stripping method yourselves! It quickly became a shared experience, proving just how much of an impact this simple hack can have on the freshness and cleanliness of your textiles. In this post, I detailed the exact laundry stripping formula and provided a clear, step-by-step guide to achieve these impressive results at home. Another highly valued cleaning post focused on the care and maintenance of the beautiful marble tile in our bathroom. Marble, while elegant, requires specific cleaning techniques to preserve its pristine condition and prevent damage. We shared invaluable insights into how to keep marble looking its best, including recommended products and methods for tackling everyday grime while protecting its delicate surface.
A Glimpse into Our World: Personal Favorites & Life Transitions
Beyond the decor and DIY, 2021 was a year of significant personal milestones, and sharing these moments with you is always a highlight. My absolute personal favorite post of the year chronicled a major life event: the bittersweet process of selling our beloved Connecticut home and the exciting, yet daunting, adventure of moving into our new house in North Carolina. This post not only detailed the logistical aspects of selling and relocating but also offered a raw look at the “before” pictures of our new NC residence. It was a blank canvas, filled with immense potential but also a fair share of dated elements and spaces ripe for transformation. Our dining room, for instance, presented a classic “before” scenario, awaiting its new identity:
Since then, we’ve already initiated dramatic changes in some areas, breathing new life into these spaces. However, it’s also true that other rooms are still in a “pretty rough” state, patiently awaiting their turn for a makeover. There is certainly no shortage of exciting projects on the horizon for 2022, and we can’t wait to bring you along for every step of the renovation journey! As a self-proclaimed gadget girl, another personal favorite from 2021 was this post showcasing my top Amazon gadgets. These clever devices, often small but mighty, truly simplify everyday tasks and make life a little more convenient and enjoyable. A standout recommendation was {this ingenious outlet nightlight}. It’s an absolute game-changer for navigating your way to the bathroom at night, providing just the right amount of illumination without being jarring. Its simple snap-in design and built-in sensor make it incredibly practical and efficient.
This little gem is just one of eleven other fantastic gadgets featured in that post, each hand-picked for their ability to add convenience and a touch of modern efficiency to your home.
Elevating Our Home: Top Purchases That Defined 2021 Style
To conclude our 2021 recap, let’s explore the home purchases that made the biggest impact and truly elevated our living spaces this past year. These are the items that bring us joy, functionality, and undeniable style.
1. Our New Living & Dining Room Rugs
After the extensive project of refinishing the hardwood floors in our living and dining rooms, the next crucial step was to find new rugs. The rugs from our previous house simply didn’t fit the dimensions or the aesthetic of our new spaces. For our living room, I chose {this beautiful blue striped rug} in a generous 9 x 11 size. Its subtle pattern and calming blue hues create a serene foundation for the room, defining the seating area beautifully.
Complementing it perfectly, I selected {this elegantly patterned rug} for our dining room, measuring 8 x 10. Its low pile and intricate design add visual interest and sophistication without overpowering the space. What I particularly love about both rugs is their individual beauty and how seamlessly they coordinate. In adjacent open-concept spaces, it’s essential for rugs to complement rather than compete, and these two achieve a harmonious balance that ties the entire area together with understated elegance.
2. Modernizing with Acrylic Ceiling Fans
Our new house came with its fair share of dated ceiling fans, so a gradual update has been a key priority. In 2021, one of my favorite fan installations was {this incredibly stylish acrylic blade fan} in our guest room. It’s a true showstopper – its clear acrylic blades offer a modern, almost ethereal aesthetic that elevates the room’s design, while still providing excellent air circulation. Functionality and beauty in one package!
Beyond the guest room, I also tackled other areas. Our two patio fans were replaced with {these durable white indoor/outdoor fans}, designed to withstand the elements while maintaining a clean, contemporary look. And in my girls’ room, a delightful update came with {this charming globe light fan}, which adds a playful yet chic touch perfect for their space.
Sources: Gray damask peel & stick wallpaper | Curved wood beds | White chest | Rattan lamp | White quilts | Tassel duvet covers
For more inspiration on upgrading your home’s air circulation with style, be sure to check out our comprehensive post featuring ten great ceiling fans.
3. Discovering Serena & Lily Look-Alike Patio Furniture
Outdoor living has become increasingly important, and creating inviting exterior spaces is a priority. For the two years we used this house as a second home, {this compact two-person seating set} served us well on our back porch. However, now that we’re full-time residents in NC and frequently host friends and family, our need for expanded seating became undeniable. I had been admiring {this exquisite Serena & Lily outdoor furniture} for months, captivated by its coastal elegance, but the premium price tag kept it just out of reach. Then, as if by magic, I stumbled upon {this incredibly similar patio set from Walmart}. This fantastic find includes four essential pieces – a comfortable loveseat, two chairs, and a versatile ottoman – all for approximately half the cost of a single Serena & Lily chair! We promptly set it up, and I couldn’t be happier with the quality, style, and value it provides for our outdoor oasis.
While purchasing outdoor furniture isn’t typically on the radar during the colder months, our unusually warm weather this past week, with temperatures soaring into the 70s, made me incredibly glad we ordered it when we did. It’s already seen a lot of use, proving that you should always seize the opportunity to enhance your living spaces, regardless of the season!
4. The Elegance of Long Drapery Rods
One of the initial elements I aimed to update in our new living room was the dated valance and vertical blinds covering the sliding glass doors. These needed to be replaced with elegant drapes to soften the space and add a touch of sophistication. However, sourcing long drapery rods can often be surprisingly expensive. My solution came in the form of {these very reasonably priced telescoping curtain rods}, paired with {these functional curtain rings}. I was hopeful, and thankfully, they exceeded my expectations, working out beautifully to create a polished and inviting look for our expansive glass sliders.
So pleased with the results, I extended the same treatment to our dining room just last week, installing identical rods. For the drapes themselves, I utilized {these long-time favorite white drapes}, choosing the generous 100″ W x 108″ L size with a cotton lining for a luxurious feel and excellent light control. For those who prefer a more tailored look, they are also available in a pinch-pleated version {here}. While I’m enjoying the classic simplicity of the drapes as they are, I’m already envisioning adding decorative trim along their outside edges down the road for an extra layer of custom elegance.
5. The Indispensable Dyson Omni-Glide
Adding to my ever-evolving arsenal of cleaning tools, the Dyson Omni-Glide has quickly become an absolute favorite since I acquired it a few months ago. This specialized cordless vacuum is meticulously engineered for cleaning hard surfaces, including hardwoods, tile, and laminate, and it performs like a true champion! What sets it apart is its incredibly lightweight design and exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to glide effortlessly around furniture and into tight spaces. The dual fluffy rollers are a brilliant feature, ensuring a gentle touch on delicate floors while effectively picking up dust and debris. Surprisingly, it also performs remarkably well on low-pile carpets and rugs, making it a versatile addition to any cleaning routine. I keep mine conveniently stored in our kitchen pantry, reaching for it daily for quick tidies and more thorough vacuuming sessions, keeping our floors consistently pristine.
I purchased my Dyson Omni-Glide directly from Dyson {here}. While it may occasionally be out of stock on their site, you can typically find it for the same price and often with free shipping {here} and {here}.
6. The Essential Deep Clean Brush Set
For a truly exceptional and budget-friendly cleaning purchase, I can’t recommend {this deep clean brush set} enough. I acquired it in 2021, and these brushes have proven to be invaluable, used countless times for those challenging, hard-to-reach areas that often get overlooked. They are absolutely fantastic for tackling grime in tight crevices, such as the often-neglected seal of your washing machine (a critical area for preventing mold and odors, as detailed in our step-by-step guide on how to give your washing machine a deep clean in this post).
Beyond appliances, they’re also perfect for meticulously cleaning window tracks, grout lines, and various other nooks and crannies that standard cleaning tools can’t reach. And while I technically purchased it at the very end of 2020, I also continue to adore {this powerful Shark WandVac}. It’s an incredibly convenient and compact handheld vacuum that is currently available in the sought-after white color, alongside the classic black, making it both functional and stylish for quick clean-ups.
7. The Stylish Fern Storage Cabinet
In our previous Connecticut home, a large baker’s rack positioned by the door leading to our back patio served as an indispensable storage solution for outdoor pillows, throws, dog jackets and leashes, grilling supplies, and various other essentials. However, its substantial width meant it wouldn’t fit in our new North Carolina home. Consequently, we sold it prior to our move and embarked on the search for a new storage piece that would be a perfect fit for our new space. Our quest led us to {this stunning Fern storage cabinet}, which turned out to be an ideal choice. Available in three elegant color options—white, black, and slate blue—I ultimately selected the slate blue. I would best describe this hue as a sophisticated dark gray with a subtle hint of blue, offering a rich and versatile tone.
This cabinet is truly a gorgeous piece of furniture. I am particularly captivated by its gracefully curved shape, the elegant design of its legs, and the luxurious touch of the marble shelf nestled inside. While it currently appears a bit out of place in our space, primarily because the wall color is slated for a change, the carpet will soon be replaced with beautiful hardwoods, and that rather unsightly sconce above it will be removed, I have no doubt that once this room’s transformation is complete, this cabinet will truly shine as a focal point, blending seamlessly with its refined surroundings.
And with that, our comprehensive look back at 2021 here at Driven by Decor comes to a close! We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for stopping by the blog throughout the year, engaging with our content, and sharing your own home decor journeys. We are incredibly excited for what 2022 holds – a busy year brimming with new projects, thrilling renovations, practical decorating and cleaning tips, and inspiring DIYs. If you’re looking for ongoing motivation and fresh ideas to tackle your home projects in 2022, we invite you to subscribe to receive email notifications for new posts from Driven by Decor! You’ll typically receive only 1-2 emails per week, you can unsubscribe at any time, and you’ll ensure you never miss out on our latest posts or discover favorite new finds (we always feature several in each update). Don’t miss another moment of inspiration – CLICK {HERE} TO SUBSCRIBE and join our thriving community!
Happy New Year, everyone! May your 2022 be filled with beauty, comfort, and inspiring home transformations.
