I like to use my blog as a design diary to post images and ideas and get feedback: Perfection!
For years now, I have been wanting to add curb appeal to my beloved little home. I even asked for advice in a post titled Ideas Wanted over two years ago! I received many wonderful ideas but I just didn't have THE VISION. Or the time. Or the money.
Bad Shrub Day
Recently my next door neighbor had her home painted and we began chatting about all our ideas to infuse more Cape Cod into our Cape Cod style houses.
When I think of Cape Cod, I think quaint, beachy, relaxed and simple.
Shutters and window boxes with cascading flowers ...
Picket fences with roses ...
Once again, I began to "obsess" about the door and shutters. Do you paint them to match? Do you paint them differently? A Google search lead me to Your Home & Color Coach where I read that for a traditional look it's best to match shutters to the roof. A-ha!
Fabulous! Problem number 1 solved. But what to do about the door? So, bold-me contacted the blog's author with my question of what to do about the door, along with a photo.
"I think you'll have enough green in the yard with shrubs and other plantings. I would go for that rich hydrangea blue -- the one with the purple undertone. I think that will look spectacular!"
That's it!
Off to Home Depot with petals from my single hydrangea.
My favorite is Periwinkle by Glidden.
I found an example of a periwinkle door at BHG.com. Very pretty and very Capey!
First I will paint the front door.
Source: BHG.com
And slowly as time and money allows I will tackle each project until THE VISION is complete.
~ Spray paint hardware to appear nickle instead of brass (?)
~ Paint shutters gray
~ Remove existing shrubs and replace with hydrangeas
~ Paint or stain (must research) the steps white; landings gray; paint a periwinkle "door mat"?
~ Install wooden white picket fence to top of front yard; plant roses or tall perennials
~ Install curved path from front door to driveway
~ Window boxes?
As always, this will be design-on-a-shoestring style and I'll be sure to keep you posted.
{We now return to summer, already in progress}
I hope everyone's summer is off to a happy, healthy and fun start!
xo
elyse
31 comments:
Love, love the blue swatches! Ive been crazy over blue lately. Your house is so darn cute Im sure no matter what you do it will always say Elyse's Cottage to passers-bye.
Elyse, I have been contemplating doing the same thing for about a year now. I haven't started as Painting all the Shutters & Gutters I think is going to be such a lenghty process. Let me know when you start!!
Huggs, Nancy
www.coeurdalenegifts.com
I think everyone has something that they want to do to their abode. It seems like this list never ends because we keep adding to it.
Good Luck!!!
Melinda
It's always so nice when you have a plan! I love the paint choice for you door and know it will look just so Elyse!
I am in a quandary with our outside. I call our house the Peeling Pink House on the corner as it is in desperate need of a paint job. Have been working on the inside but it is definitely time! But what color ----- We have awnings - DH wants to keep them- I want them trashed- Need new little porch area- should we expand it?.... Gotta get all those ducks in a row before ordering the paint!
bee blessed
mary
what a lovely and beautifull house you have..
I think I was born in the wrong country :) love it!
I would love to live in your country in a beautiful little house,here only block of concrete and small balcony....
:-(
...best chooice,I love blue!.Enjoy your creativity !
hi! the hydrangea will look so sweet i bet! my front door is hydrangea too, our house is white with black shutters so i can change the door color on a whim (sp?)!!! your plan sounds adoorable and i love that it is a process rather than the snap of a finger. i will be watching! : ) off to the pool... AGAIN! ugh! ; )
Ah, what an inspiring post...on being organized & getting it right! Love the look you're going for Elyse, can't wait to see it finished!
Elyse,
I love that color, and Cape Cod seems to have the most charming homes. I can't wait to see your door.
Karen
I love the cottages of both Cape Cod and Nantucket! Great post and have a happy weekend.
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
wow what gorgeous images and colors! I am in love with everything blue and white...
Have a great summertime,
love Maaike
Sounds like a plan...a good one!
I love your home, it has so much charm! The blue shades are so pretty and I like the idea of planting hydrangeas. Oh, and a picket fence, move that to the top of your list!! ;-D
XO,
Janie
Oh, loved all of this...that Cape Cod house with the fancy trim along the roof, and the turquoise blue shutters was hands down a favorite...for it's vintage appeal :) :) :) LOVED IT :) :) Good luck with your project :) :) Have a great weekend. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
I've just found your blog so I have a lot to catch up on! I really love periwinkle blue; the touch of mauve is a winner for me - so of course I think your choice is perfect. Doing the shutters the same colour grey with periwinkle blue flower boxes would be very pretty. Lots of colour and picture-perfect. Blessings,
Sandra(Snippets from my Studio)
By George (Elyse) I think you got it...even if it has taken 2 years! That's what it takes sometimes. I LOVE the color you have chosen for the door and shutters! So pretty and so you! Now off to work you go! :)
Love,
Maryjane
xox
Love the idea of a blue door! It's going to be beautiful. I'd love to have a Cape Cod look around here.
Have fun!
Blessings,
Marcia
Oh you have made this Minnesota girl miss New England! Cannot wait to see that blue door - fabulous!
Your home will look absolutely devine, I can't wait to see it.
Enjoy your summer, it's very cold here in South Australia. x
The periwinkle would be beautiful. We tend to be a little wild about colors after living in San francisco for awhile. We have a house that looks very much like the periwinkle one but we have painted the house grey and the shutters, eggplant. Don't ask about the color of the door, ;-)
Hugs,
Suz
Ooh-lovely!!! I can't wait to see the end result. You have the best ideas!
Oh yes! Lots and lots of hydrangeas! The door color sounds delicious.
What a pretty post Elyse! I love the blue you've chosen and can't wait to see all the fun changes you'll be making.
You have such a cute house though, I can't imagine it being any cuter! :)
Periwinkle, one of my favorite colors! A happy color. I think it's perfect for your door! Have a wonderful day! Twyla
I've always wanted a little house with a red front door and a picket fence. :) Your home is already so appealing but I am sure whatever you do will be wonderful. Best wishes, Tammy
The blue door will be fab. I adore a cape house. I can't wait to see the transformation. I think my favorite parts will be the picket fence and window boxes!
Have a great week!
xo
Roselle
Would you consider PINK? Love the blue, Elyse!
Your big front window is perfect for a flower box! Just think how beautiful that will be from both inside and outside your lovely home.
it's going to be amazing...love the blue swatches! looking forward to seeing the results someday...
your house is super cute already too!
Adorable ideas, I have plans to "curb appeal" my house too! But it does seem to fall low on the list!
I loved this post! All your planned changes sound lovely! I know what you mean about the design-on-a-shoestring thing! I like how you made a list of the things you want to do. I was thinking the other day about doing the same. It takes time, but at the same time I think it is kinda fun to have to do it slower, ver a whirlwind of change and work all at once. Can't wait to see your updates :) xo
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