Our House: Before & After

Oh my - what a week!  My supposedly "part-time" job is more like a full-time job and has me super busy.   I am trying my hardest to balance it all so I bear with me as I try to gain some control.  Anyway, some of you asked how our tag sale went last weekend.  It went well, but I think it could've been better if it was in the summer.  I was excited to earn the extra cash to hopefully put towards one of these

but those dreams quickly vanished as I got pulled over the next day supposedly going 50 in a 40 mph work zone.  Oh, yeah, a big whopping $200 ticket!  Bye bye tag sale $$$!  Do these things only happen to me?  Well, onto some better news.  I finally have some before and after pictures to show you of our house.  Remember, I told you in this post we were finally getting our house painted and I was having a hard time selecting colors, but I finally found the perfect colors!  Well, it turned out better than I expected and I cannot believe what a difference paint can make.  Seriously.  See for yourself....

BEFORE

AFTER

It's a huge improvement.  I can't tell you how much I don't mind driving up to our house now!  It makes me happy.  As you can tell, my husband (and fellow neighbors) cut down the tree right in front of the house which makes a huge difference - it really opens it up.  Sorry, we still need to remove the stump.  Here is a before and after of our front door.  

BEFORE

AFTER

I love my new black door!  I took off the old storm door which I think makes a world of difference.  I am still not finished, I have a knocker I'd like to put on the front door, I'd like to change the numbers and sconces, but all in due time.   Well, happy weekend and happy halloween everyone!!  I've missed you guys this week - thanks for bearing with me!!!

Front Door Style

As we're in the midst of having our house painted (btw, it is looking great!), it has become blatantly obvious that our front door/stoop is in desperate need of a face lift.  So, I have front doors on the brain everything from color, door hardware, lighting, house numbers, door mats, planters and wrought iron railings.  My style?  Think classic with a twist!    Here is one before and after front door makeover that has me inspired.  

Before:

After:

via

This makeover is very classic which I like.  Knowing me, I'd add a little 'twist' in here and there (maybe some fire engine red peel off numbers for the door).  But, I do like a lot of things about this make over, mainly the over sized lanterns and the absence of the storm door.  

Here in New England, everyone has a storm door mainly because it's energy efficient (especially during the colder months).  Last weekend, with screwdriver in hand, I took off our storm door and I love it!  Now, I just need to convince my husband to keep it that way!

A Remodeled Cottage

Browsing the internet this weekend and came across this remodeled craftsman inspired cottage.  It was love at first sight.

Love the open feel of the kitchen and grass colored green backsplash.  And, how about that box beamed ceiling?  Yes, please!

The contrast between the ebony stained island and flooring with the white cabinetry is so attractive.  I love the hardware on the cabinetry and I'm digging the light pendant.  

Ahh...that window seat and look at the built in bookcases and all that storage space!  Heaven!

Love the clean lines of the staircase!  

I wonder if the color of the door is intended to be a foreshadow of the pop of green to come from the kitchen backsplash!  

To see more of this cottage, go here.  And, they even detail all the paint colors used in this home here.