Hello my friends! What an awesome holiday break I’ve had and I hope you did too! Mine involved a good two weeks off of the computer entirely since my laptop ended up in the shop; and while I would have liked to have it back sooner to get a jump on new year’s blogging, the time away from the keyboard was very refreshing.
As a blogger (or “online content creator”), it’s easy to become extremely future-focused – planning ahead for the next big project, moving on to the next task – and forget to pause and celebrate what has already been accomplished. When I write a post to share a completed project, it may seem like I’m standing there holding a big sign that says “Look at me! Look at this awesome thing I made! Isn’t it AWESOME?!”, but in my head I’m already feeling compelled to move on to other tasks.
Instead of my measure of success being my own personal satisfaction in my work and enjoyment of a project, it’s easy to focus on how popular the post is and how other people respond to and appreciate it. Chasing that positive response becomes a full time job of creating and promoting and creating and promoting (because even the most amazing project in the world will soon lose traction and become buried by other new content online) without much lasting fulfillment.
So anytime something disrupts that cycle (like taking some time off over the holidays), it’s a welcome reminder to stop and smell the roses and enjoy how far I’ve come. Because I just can’t charge into the new year without taking a moment to acknowledge the past.
Which is why today, I thought it would be fun to pull together The Gathered Home’s top 10 posts of 2014 as well as highlight a few lesser-known personal favorites.
Ready to dive in? Let’s start with a countdown to the most popular post of 2014 as far as pageviews and pins on Pinterest go…
The Top 10 Best DIY Projects of 2014
#10 – DIY Miniature Woven Wall Hangings
These were a fun, relatively easy project that I created as part of a handmade gift hop. I don’t currently have a place for them on my walls, but I’m sure they’ll make an appearance somewhere.
#9 – Anthropologie Knockoff Giraffe Trinket Dish
This was my backup plan when my original project for the Knock Out Knock Offs series I participated in this summer bombed. It was quick and easy, but after seeing the original in stores, I have to say I’m really pleased with the way my version turned out!
#8 – My DIY Wedding
I wrote this post in celebration of our fourth anniversary (our fifth is coming up soon!) and it was so much fun to relive our little low-key, last-minute wedding – lots of pictures and details in the post.
#7 – DIY Hand Knotted Wall Hanging
In 2014, I was really surprised to discover a love for textile art, especially retro-styled wall hangings. I played around with different techniques to create my own and I don’t think I’ll be tired of this trend anytime soon!
This was a long overdue DIY completed with the help of my dad. These rustic shelves are in our office and hold my husband’s craft beer bottle collection. I love all the colors and textures!
#5 – Dining Room Updates: Sunburst Medallion & Honefoss Mirrors
Yay! I’m so glad this post was popular – the sunburst detail is one of my favorite parts of my dining room makeover!
#4 – DIY Ikea Hack Cream & Black Club Chairs
This is one of my favorite DIY projects from 2014! The supplies were minimal, but the outcome was just so perfect for my living room!
#3 – West Elm Knockoff Metallic Pillows
Gold leaf pillows? Yes please! I feel duty bound to report that ours did not last through the year – my husband did not get the memo that these were not to be smooshed, crushed and sat upon.
However, while the gold leaf dulled somewhat from constant abuse, it was actually my non-sewing job that gave up the ghost… I would totally make these again with sewn seams and use them as accent pillows on lesser-used chairs.
#2 – DIY Copper Pipe Icosahedron Light Fixture
Another of my absolute favorite posts of 2014 and possibly one of my proudest DIYs of all time. I was so happy to see that this was a reader favorite as well!
And are you ready to see the number one most popular post of 2014 on The Gathered Home?
Drumroll please…….
#1 – DIY Ikea Hack Desk with Plank Top Desk & Copper Pulls
Can I let you in on a little secret?
I still don’t use my side of the desk.
My husband has his computer set up on the right side, but I much prefer to sit on the couch and use my laptop! I have found the desk surface near the window to have the perfect lighting for photography though, so I shoot many of my #thriftscorethursday finds there.
And finally, here are my three favorite posts from 2014 that didn’t make the list…
This post might not have gathered quite as many views as some others, but I’m just so happy with the way my living room turned out! It’s perhaps 90% finished in this picture, since I still need some final touches like oh, legs on my sofa. All in good time!
This is my favorite room in our house! I love all the bold colors and the quality of the light in here is fantastic. Bonus points: marsala rug!
DIY Agate Slice & Copper Sconces
I’ve got to say, I’m surprised this post was so far down the list of popular posts, since it was one of my favorite projects for 2014 – tied with the copper icosahedron light for coolness in my book! A love for copper took me by surprise this year. I thought nothing could come close to my love for brass, but copper is just such a versatile DIY supply and gorgeous metallic finish!
Isn’t it fun to look back? I’m not sure what 2015 will bring (no really – here’s hoping inspiration strikes soon!) but it’s nice to remind myself of what I was able to accomplish last year.
And I know you accomplished some awesome things too! Take a moment and brag on yourself today – what’s your favorite project you tackled in 2014?
What an awesome year you had!! Such huge and beautiful projects! My goal for 2015 is to see them all IRL!
Yes ma'am! You come right on over! 🙂
You had such an amazing year!
Thanks Julia! When it ended, I was mainly focusing on the parts of it that really really sucked, but it's always nice to review the highlights and get some perspective!
I found your blog because of your dining room. COLOR – what a refreshing change from the many neutral rooms that look as though they were photographed using black and white film. I have always loved copper and absolutely love your creativity in finding ways to incorporate into your design.
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comment Jeannie! This past year I feel like I got over many of my "color inhibitions" and it was so fun and freeing to be bold!
Wow, so many amazing projects! I'm surprised the wall sconces aren't higher up, too! (in popularity that is, not on the wall ;))
Hehe. Me too! I'll just have to give the world time to wake up to their awesomeness! 😉
Huge year for you Brynne! I can only hope my 2015 is filled with such inspirational projects!
Oh, thank you sweet Rebecca! It's always fun to look at "the bests" even if it's just a one-sided view of things – I'm not bold enough to write a "the worsts" post for all to see! 😛
Every single one of your projects were ultra fab! Those agates and the Icosahedron fixture were my absolute favorites. In fact, the copper Icosahedron has been brewing in my mind for so long that I've actually gone out and purchased supplies to create a custom light fixture of sorts. Cannot wait to see what you have in-store this year!
Aw, thanks girl! I can't wait to see what you create!
Wow! What a year! You really did come up with a ton of great and creative projects – loved following along. And I loved meeting you in person. You are as sweet as honey.
I'm also so with you on your lead-in to this post. That chasing is exhausting. I'm reading 10 percent happier right now and it really reminds me of what you are saying. The idea that we are so busy looking forward that we aren't even paying attention to the now.
Happy 2015!
Thank you Kim! I'll definitely have to check out 10 Percent Happier – being more happy and contented in the present is one of my goals this year!
how did you even pick? because eerything you do is amazing! seriously. this is my brain. this is my brain in brynne (imagine it blown.). any questions?
Bahaha. Oh Cassie… Sorry for your brain! 😉
You're so sweet!
Your club chairs are still one of my favorite all time projects. What a fantastic year you've had!
Aw, thanks Kenz! I'll always be ridiculously proud of those chairs!
So many great projects Brynne 🙂 You have such a great style 🙂 Happy 2015!
You are the sweetest Kristin! Thank you friend! Happy new year!
Your year was phenomenal, Brynne! I'm shocked your agate and copper wall sconces weren't top 10. I love them! I think they're my favorite project of yours. That and the fight club print ;D
I have a post coming on that fight club print, never fear! One of these days I'll finish adapting this crazy gilded frame I thrifted for it!! 🙂 Thank you friend! Happy new year!
Such a great year for you Brynne! I still am obsessed with your beer wall and your desk. And your cats. 🙂
Thank you Tania! Yes – how did the cats miss out on this post? They tend to creep into everything! 😉
Awesome projects, but I'm shocked that your dining room didn't end up in the top. I LOVE it! But selfishly, I'm glad that a few of the knockoff projects were favorites (encouragement for another round…lol?).
Haha, me too! Knock Out Knock Offs round 2 this summer sounds great to me! 🙂
Such a fab year with so many amazing projects – I bow to your DIY awesomeness!! Oh and I just read your post about your wedding – you guys are just so CUTE I want to squish your cheeks, love love love it!! I'm so glad I discovered your blog in 2014 – here's to many more fabulous finds, projects and general amazing stuff in 2015 darling! 🙂 xxx