I hinted at is the other day and now it's time to fill you in on a few little projects happening around these here parts.
After a few years focussing on prettying up the inside, it's now time to pay some attention to what's happening out of doors.
First the background info.
1. I had a real estate agent over the other day to give us an evaluation...it was good news...because we bought on the cheapest street in a very hoity toity neighbourhood, our house has appreciated alot in the 6 years since we've lived here...the new schamz kitchen and basic prettification hasn't hurt either...our home is proving to be a WAY better investment than our mutual funds ever were/have been/probably will be...so when Ms. Real Estate told us a few areas that could boost value even more, even hubster agreed to entertain/start some of them...first on the list, my back deck...you may want to cover your eyes...
I hate it and it's rotten to the core...whoever said Cedar was the be all and end all of deck materials was smoking crack in my humble opinion...it rots an turns this gross colour and splinters my kids up.
I also loathe the shape of the monstrosity...it's huge and angley and weird.
What I despise most about though is this eye sore...again...shield your delicate eyes...
...hate isn't a strong enough word and before all of you ask, 'well don't you go in it?'...no we don't...I was in once and then I got pregnant...and then I was nursing...and then I was pregnant again...and then I woke up old and preferred hot baths to hot tubs...and by then it was a gross cesspool and the thought of going in it made me gag...so no...we don't use it...the thing HAS to go...it's enormous, takes up half the deck and is the first thing you see when you open the living room doors to the backyard.
2. I don't love yellow and well, my covered in it....
I can't afford to change the siding, much as I'd love to so we're going to paint the fudger {and mom/dad before you roll your eyes and say it can't be done, I've had MANY professionals tell me it absolutely can and people do it all the time and it's not at all expensive...and by that, I mean I can totally afford it/still manage to send Tasha to uni/without winning the lottery/getting a real job/going into debt etc. etc...same comment applies for eveything you're reading and sighing about}.
Sidenote...wasn't too sure about showing the front of my house just in case there's a weird/crazy/scary person out there reading this...so I used the paint-it effect on my computer to wash it out a bit and cropped it all up...you get the idea.
3. My upstairs windows are uni-formally rotten. Come every spring we have to clean the mold off of the sills that is created when the cold air from outside mixes with the warm air inside...the California shutters in every room don't help the matter- air trappers they are...not a fan. In any case, the 2nd floor ones absolutely need to be replaced...and you know how this sort of thing works...the windows I want don't really blend with the old ones so...we have to sort out a way to blend the old with the new...basic plan is that front and upstairs will be changed, back/side/downstairs will stay and be painted out to match...oh...did I mention I want them all black?
4. Trim...my house has none and that's dumb.
So... basically, I want a new deck, some new windows, trim work and a paint job.
There's a very strict budget for this and unlike in times past, I'm sticking hard to it.
All of this is going to be done in stages and may take a year or more to complete...Rome wasn't built in a day as they say.
Step one is the deck, step two are the windows and step three is the paint...this last one might be a 2013 project...along with the roof...god I hate having to spend money on ugly crap like that.
Anyhoo...
I put together a little mood-board and house mock-up to show you what the grande plan is.
I started by finding this glorious house that while a much larger/prettier version of mine, has the same feel as Casa Bijou and is the exact colour I'm after...
...it also has plenty of gorgeous trim to covet and a like our house, a lilac bush along the side;)
So...we're going to pretend this glorious abode is my house and play dress up with it.
First, the boardski...
...basic thoughts...charcoal siding, thick white molding, brass hardware/lights, black and white stripes, pink flowers and accents, farm table (the one that used to be in my kitchen,) Panton chairs, outdoor rug, retractable awning, candles, flowers.
And PS, that settee is only 285 bones- can you say deal?
PSS, I'm ordering the Panton chairs from my new amazing sponsor Black Rooster- she put my wish list together in the personal shopping section of her shop...love that...can't wait for them to get here...oh and if you're in the market for a glass/metal patio table and chairs, email me...I've got one for sale;)
As for the facade itself...this is the plan...
...black windows that are 6 squares each...and PS, I've gone through three configs before coming to these...windows are trick-mc-trickerson to figure out...I think these work for the size/proportion of all of my windows so happy, happy...also, I'm leaning towards a pink door...I know...a little crazy but tell me that isn't MY door colour?
Meredith suggested Kelly green...which I also love...
So there you have it.
The long term goal(s).
It's going to happen eventually but probably slowly.
But, if there's any company out there that's inclined to donate lumber, materials and the like, this whole thing will/can proceed MUCH faster and I'd be more than happy to blog the shitcastles out of it...just saying;)
Oh and while I have you...a few questions:
1. Knowing my house as you do, would you choose white or black windows for the interior?
2. Pink or green for the door?
3. Is it OK to have mullions/muttons on only the front? My living room windows are definitely not being replaced and are bar-less so wondering if I can leave all the back clear glass (upstairs as well).
Let's make it a poll please- decisions, decisions.
Love you nutter futters.
xo
43 comments:
Omg. You. Would. Have a pink door. I love it! This is absolutely a brilliant plan. If pink gets too bold for the hubs than maybe go with a pink-esk lighter hue, but I think this would be gorgeous!
I've got to say, even with the sneak peak I've seen in your house, its SO soft and etherial in its pallet that I think the trim of the windows wants to be white- But you know best. Can't wait to see the final results!
xoxo
jrs
Ohhhh this is all so exciting!! Ok first things first, no surprise here, but your outside plan is pretty much identical to my dream house. I adore the dark, rich grey with the stark white trim. So glamorous accompanied by the greenery outdoors. And a pink door? Perfection. And love the brass accents. Outdoor area? It sounds incredible already. Love all of your plans for it. As for the window frames. I say go with white. I totally agree with the comment above, I think black will be too harsh with your decor to have everywhere. Cannot wait to see all of the magic you work!
I am all over that pink door Christine!!!!
pink...obv!
Love the charcoal grey for the outside with the white trim, it really makes it pop and makes a statement. Curb appeal is one of the most important things for a home!
totally with you on the hot tub issue-they are money sucking chemical filled tubs o crap.... don't like ours either lol. our 36 by 18 pool in our old home was cheaper to run, easier to care for and waaaaay more fun to use! anyhow, love the plan. I'd go pink door, black mullions and bars on front windows ))
Your plans are too good for words! Amazing!
Why are you so good at this, geez. I know the picture is all glazed over, but your house looks so darling right now (I personally love yellow houses, so I'm biased) and then you go and show how you want to change it and it's so stinkin awesome! You have such vision for the otherwise mundane.
The charcoal will look so incredible (damn HOAs here! My house is mauve for crying out loud). Pink is you, but loving that kelly green. What do you mean black windows...on the inside? Like to replicate the look of steel windows? Because I've been wanting to do that for a very long time but wondered if it would be difficult/weird.
Only you could make watching a blogger have their house painted, exciting. P.S. We were in our pool every day the first year we had it, and about 6 times in the 5 years since. I'd like to dump concrete in it and call it a day.
Love love love it all. Especially the black mullions on the windows. I love that look. I think mullions on the front only is just fine. And I think black windows for the interior would look pretty killer with your interior. As for the door, pink all the way of course.
Your plans are amazing!! Love the grey and the green door is fab!
Adore the charcoal grey with white trim and black windows, so amazing.
I would go with black windows in the interiors, so fabulous!
I think pink is SO you, go for it.
As long as the back of the house is all the same, I say it doesn't matter. I would just leave the back clear and spend the money on the front.
Gah, will be amazing. I think black windows and pink door. You have to go pink. You just must. It's you.
Black windows darling and yes to the pink door. Only you can pull it off. Exciting plans!
It is going to be a veritable *OASIS* my dear...LOVE the plans! Especially this time of year when I want to start spending every possible second outdoors smelling the blooming flowers (c: And I completely adore the pink door...but I also have a soft spot for kelly green...decisions, decisions!
The pink door is perfect!
I feel the exact same way about hot tubs as you, so loved the commentary on this one! Just say no to hot tubs :) I have a friend who lives in a house almost identical to the black one your showed. Love, love this look. It would only be you to do a pink door, so you must go for it!
The green door speaks to me, the pink one just fades in comparison. But hey, you're the decider !!
Not a designer but I am an artist living in NC. I say YES to the pink door and white for interior windows. Love the charcoal paint so much!!!
Fabulous! Our back exterior is also bad on the eyes. My hubs continues to suggest we're getting a pool however, the pool has yet to make on our annual house 'to do' list. Love either front door option :: fun times! How about coffee one day?
Oh, Christine, you need a pink door!!! I think white for the window color! I could just stare at that house for hours!! THis is so exciting!! xoox
I've only been following your blog for a little while, but I thought I'd chime in with my two cents -- since your inspiration house (i.e. the color) is BEYOND amazing.
I love, love, love the charcoal. I think it is dreamy.
I would go with the green over the pink. I'm currently obsessed with all things green, which could be swaying my decision, but I love the look of the green on charcoal much more than the pink. It is much more bold, and I think in the long run -- the color would be better. Pink could come across as flesh colored or start to look a bit dingy with some weathering / aging.
I'd go for white with the windows, especially considering the dark charcoal exterior. White would really stand out, whereas black might fade into the background a bit?
Either way, you are certainly in for some lovely changes! I can't wait to see the effect.
Jess
temporarylivingblog.blogspot.com
Oh, P.S. The hot tub thing -- I am so with you. Well, I'm allergic to chlorine, so it would probably be a no-go for me anyway. But, I think hot tubs are one of those things that people think they would use all the time...until they actually have one at their disposal all the time. I'd much rather have a huge back deck with an outdoor dining area and tons of seating than a hot tub. :)
As a fairly recent follower of your beautiful blog, I'm not as familiar with your home as others but I'll offer my two cents seeing as our tastes seem to be very similar and I live in K-W which is not far from you and really isn't relevant, but has to count for something. :) I am totally into black window grilles for windows these days and hope we move somewhere so I can have them before they go out of style! I think they are just so chic. Plus I like things that are not really far out, but at least slightly off traditional. And they say a touch of black in every room, right? How unexpected on the window grilles! My personal preference is grilles on all windows, but in your case where it would be an unnecessary expense since your windows don't need replacing, I would spend the money on something else. In the overall scheme of things, I don't think it's worth doing. Of pink or green for the doors, I'd vote pink. It picks up the color of flowers whereas I think the green just blends in too much with all the other greens in the yard...but if it were my door (and I LOVE the gray exterior of the house, btw!) I'd take it a step beyond and go for a bright lilac...just like the ones in the photos. Seems to be a colour that's gaining popularity and it's really growing on me! I will be excited to see your progress!! You have exquisite taste. :)
Love the charcoal, love the black, love the pink!
C-
Loving all the choices! Black for windows. That's how I'm going with my home anyway, so that's my vote. The pink door screams Christine. Can't wait to see it all done and fab!
N
looooove!! the black windows with pink door would be amaazing!
Can't wait to see the transformation! I say kelly green for the front door; unsure about the interior windows - love black but think it may command too much attention amidst all the pretty?; doesn't matter about the mullions not being on the back. Oh, and the painterly image of your house is too cute! Plus, yes that settee is a steal - must email to see where you found it!
Wow, your plans sound so exciting Christine! I love your inspiration + the charcoal fascade will look incredible. Re the door -the kelly green looks so striking against the charcoal, whereas the pink blends in a bit more + doesn't make as much of an impact - go the kelly green! xx
Oh! Pink door! Pink door! Definitely!
xx
Kecia
http://www.couturezooblog.com/
Sounds a lot like my plan for my house... some day.
Your posts kill me. I love you talking to your parents.
I think black on the inside since your doors are black...unless that's changing soon. For resale white might be safer in case they want to paint doors and trim white inside.
For door...I like kelly green.
Your posts kill me. I love you talking to your parents.
I think black on the inside since your doors are black...unless that's changing soon. For resale white might be safer in case they want to paint doors and trim white inside.
For door...I like kelly green.
Oh yay -- LOVE watching you design spaces!! I vote black windows and green door. No, pink door. No, green door.
This is fun.
1. Pink door
2. Black windows
3. Yes, back windows can be different from front. No one will notice but you.
I love the photos you post! I'm new to your blog And it's a favorite of mine. Your pics and your writing--divine.
i love the dark color. i say, yes!
i feel your pain on wanting to show your house off... you want to share, but you always wonder about that one crazy wacko. sigh. don't worry... i have no clue where you live. ;)
Sweet Jesus woman, I love reading your posts. I vote white windows and pink door. I like the green but pink is so much more "Bijou". Back windows can be different than the front.
Sweet Jesus woman, I love reading your posts. I vote white windows and pink door. I like the green but pink is so much more "Bijou". Back windows can be different than the front.
Pink!
Sigh. My grandma had a pink door, which remains to me the height of style.
Absolutely pink for the front door, but a more muted, warmer, with-a-dash-of-yellow pink! I love blakc windows, and will be replacing mine with them one day...just did a post on that :) About painting siding, just be sure they clean the siding REALLY well and use a good primer if you are going for a radical change, (light to dark) because dark paint heats up more than light and you do not want any peeling down the road... x So excited to see the progress...
Your plans sound amazing, Christine! I can imagine the pink door with the black windows. It sounds gorgeous! x
YESSSS!! Please paint your house charcoal. I die. I want a black house. So friggin' chic. And a pink door? GAH!
And I love that you hate to spend money on "ugly crap"! Me too! Sigh...
Can you tell me the gray paint color of the siding? So great! Thanks.
You know, I think its great when a house becomes a 'home' and is not just a shell to live in. A pink door would immediately set the scene of who lives inside - so inviting and fun. As for outside, sometimes just some great garden furniture can transform the scene!!
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