Monday, August 10, 2009

Small changes. Big improvements.

One of the by-products of my not working during the summer is that I have the time and energy to NOTICE and work on things that have been neglected or just need refreshing around the house. Sadly Brent gets roped into a lot of these projects. He's definitely the brawn for these ideas but he's usually the brains on the job too. He has been very cheerful about his reluctance and I do so appreciate his help. I love that guy!

Here are some pics of the small things we've done lately.

Brent helped me make this cornice board last year. I finally found some drapery panels that matched the fabric and Brent got creative and hung them for me which was no small task. See, I am good at buying stuff for the project, just not doing the project.

We had to replace our kitchen light because of a bad ballast. (Did that sound like I know what I'm talking about? Because I don't.) Finding a fixture that fit Brent's budget restriction and my design desire didn't happen but we compromised on this one. The end embellishments we actually cream colored with gold specks and not my favorite. I grabbed a can of spray paint and, voila, better :)

I purchased 4 sets of these darling daisy hooks a while ago. Two are stylishly holding keys and cameras next to our garage door. One is in Kenna's room for various bags and pencil holders and this one keeps some of my bracelets and necklaces off of the dresser. Love them everywhere they are!

Swampwater. That is the name of this yellowy-lime green that I painted our front door. The name doesn't do do justice to the bright cheery color. I love it and the fresh coat of white trim improved the area as well! Brent put up the cute dragonfly knocker that I bought on clearance last year. I also spray-painted the brass knob and lock to coordinate with the dragonfly.

I actually dreamed this next idea...really. I had a dream that I put up some wrought iron shutters aside our front window. The next day I checked out two stores in town and found these. There are actually two iron pieces stacked on each side. Brent and my partly-willing, mostly-tricked/coerced brother-in-law put them up in the dark! They did a pretty good job, huh?

I should have taken before pictures for this next project explanation. This garage door started out white. B-O-R-I-N-G. I bought a gallon of yummy-sounding Opaque Cocoa paint which turned out to be the secret paintland code for the color of post food poisoning re-fried beans. My friend Mandy encouraged me to try again. I couldn't go wrong with Bittersweet, right? NOW I like it. The house numbers also look better brown instead of brass now.

I love my latest yard/garden decorations. Metal flowers and insects don't encourage weeds and don't sting :D

Here's the view from across the street. My friend Mandy also suggested shutters next to the bay window above the garage. I looked for some today but the store was out. I'm crossing my fingers that they're not gone for good!
You can't see it well but last year we gave up on the attempted flower garden turned weed patch below the front window. A stamped concrete patio now adorns the space. BEST idea ever. We love it and are saving our pennies for a similar space in the back yard.

11 comments:

The Bullknitter said...

So talented, Rita. I had a dream I built a jungle room in my basement for my boys, complete with swinging vine ropes, foam pit, waterfall and lofty tree-top beds. Not gonna happen in this house or on current husband's salary. *sigh*

Mandy said...

Love it! looks like the Zimmermans live there now :)

Rockelle said...

Love it. I love the doors, Love the wrought iron, love the windows and especially love the daisy hooks!

Scott said...

If you have before and after pictures, you should enter them into a home-improvement contest. With how nice the house turned out, and with your knack for winning stuff, you'd certainly get a prize of some sort.

Beverly said...

Very, very cute. You're a dynamo. Can I hire you when I get home?

Rita said...

I'm kind of expensive, Beverly. You'll have to give me your 2nd born and his first three children ;)

Kristen said...

Wow, you've been busy and the results look superb. I LOVE the cheery door, flower pots, and little patio setting outside. Great curb appeal, my dear!

Debbie said...

Love it all! We bought the same daisy hooks in white for Katie's room. They are adorable.

The shutters are really great! Good job...

Eric said...

I'm so impressed! I love all the changes you've made...wish I'd dream up some creative changes to my house. I guess a whole new kitchen is a big deal, but I'm terrible and at the cute details you're so good at adding!

Danette said...

You and Andrea both are coming to my house... soon. It needs all the help it can get.

Colett's Corner said...

All I can say is WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!! You need your own show and a book. Way to go Zims!