Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Behold, I Stand at the Door...


Saturday, one of the tasks on my list
was to paint the front door.

In the morning, the door looked like this:


 And I gotta say, I LOVE red doors.
Always have. Still do.

Painting my front door red
 was one of the first things I did
when I moved here nine years ago.
I may paint it red again next year.
But for now, for today, it's being 
neutralized, so it will be consistent
with the majority of the house.

I like my door - I think it's a pretty door. 
It has a charming peep window-door/knocker.


I had a plaque made for this door.
It's coated in enamel faux marble...


...a choice I regretted almost immediately.
What was I thinking? 
I almost always go with plain and simple.

I'll see if I can strip it off with some
paint stripper. It's brass underneath.

My door still has much of the old 
hardware from 1945 when it was built.


I COULD buy a new knob, but I sort of like it.
It's silver toned, instead of brass like
the other hardware, which bugs me a little.

Maybe I'll buy a nice brass doorknob, 
and make something else with this one! 
I can always keep the cute door plate, right?

This gray paint is exterior enamel - Walmart's
Color Place brand mixed to match a Better 
Homes and Garden color swatch.

I mixed a custom color on the 
inside using Rustoleum oil.

Since there was no stock gray, I mixed
dark gray, white and brown to get a color I liked.


Then, I picked up a ton of swatches in similar colors.
I matched it perfectly in the BHG swatch.

So I took the swatch to Walmart and had them mix
the exterior latex. Latex is better than oil for outside,
since it expands and contracts without cracking.

Here's the first coat of the new gray:


I'm also painting this piece
the same color. I bought it 
for $2 at a garage sale last fall. 


I use it to photograph a lot of things outside,
and it looks pretty bad! It's pretty scratched up.
It does have cool hardware, though. 

What do you think of the gray paint
with the outside cafe au lait painted brick?


Nice? or bland and boring?
In my quest for a neutral environment,
I'm going to give it a try. It's only paint, right? 

I may also remove my storm door.


It's not bad, but not as cute as a wood door.
It's like my door is wearing glasses,
and it wants to try contact lenses!

It is another layer for security, 
but I don't usually latch it anyway.

If you're wondering why I'd want
to paint over a perfectly nice pop of color,
it's partly because I like the outside
to reflect what's on the inside.



It is just one more way in which 
I want to try and be transparent.
I want my home to be integrated,
inside and out. Which reminds me...

I'm reading one of those books that
has me thinking, "I wish EVERYONE 
could read this amazing book!" 

The Integrated Life
by Ken Eldred
Click HERE to read about it.

It relates Biblical truths to real life in mind-expanding ways, and references true cases of historical significance that will warm your heart and have you buying copies for your friends and children! In case you can't tell, I highly recommend it.

Click HERE to see Ken Eldred 
interviewed on CBN.

And check back this week for the 
final reveal of my door and my
porch all primped up for fall!

Word for the Day:
Revelation 3:20
BeholdI stand at the door, and knock: 
if any man hear my voice, and open the door
I will come in to him, and will 
sup with him, and he with me.

Linking With

Sunday

Sister Sunday
Thrifty Treasures
Monday

Metamorphosis Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
Masterpiece Monday
Just a party with my peeps!
Make it Pretty Monday
Monday Marketplace
Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cowgirl Up!
All Star Block Party
Tuesday’s Treasures
Wednesday

Share the Love Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wed
Restored it Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Penny Pinching Party
What’s it Wednesday
Thursday

Under $100 Link Party
All Star Block Party
Transformation Thursday

Thursday Open House Party
Share Awesomeness Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Doin’ It Yourself
Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Potpourri Friday
Friday Redoux Link Party
Frugal Friday
Inspiration Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Rustic Restorations Weekend
Fridays on Remodelaholic
Frugalicious Friday
Flaunt it Friday
Saturday

Saturday Nite Special
Get Schooled Saturday
Show and Tell Saturday



7 comments:

Karen said...

I like the gray with the siding color. I'm all about the neutral palette. Thanks so much for visiting.

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Visiting from A Delightsome Life. I am very partial to grey tones in paint and have finished painting my kitchen and hallway the same great pale shade of grey. Makes me happy.
Joy

Unknown said...

I like the gray with the color of your brick. I've been thinking about painting my front door a different color. It's a color called blueberry now, and I'm so over it! Maybe soon.

Have a great weekend.

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I usually like bold colors as little accents...so neutral for me is the way to go!

Pamela said...

You have been super busy. Like the changes, Thanx for coming to THT!

Ronald Miller said...

I think the red door stood out. It’s a great accent for your house’s neutral paint. However, I think a matte black door knob will better complement the bright shade of your door than a brass knob. If you don’t like black, maybe can go with any dark-colored knob to neutralize the look. ;) Have you come up with a remedy for the plaque?

Kathy said...

Your front door and porch is a reflection of what is inside - love the idea of having it reflect the mood you wish to affect - calm, serene and peaceful. Beautifully done!
I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy