Thursday, July 7, 2011

a-door-able



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

32 comments:

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

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.

Nancy said...

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

Melinda said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

tineke said...

what a lovely and beautifull house you have..
I think I was born in the wrong country :) love it!

lilybets said...

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 !

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

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! ; )

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

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!

Unknown said...

Elyse,

I love that color, and Cape Cod seems to have the most charming homes. I can't wait to see your door.

Karen

Susan Freeman said...

I love the cottages of both Cape Cod and Nantucket! Great post and have a happy weekend.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Maaike said...

wow what gorgeous images and colors! I am in love with everything blue and white...
Have a great summertime,
love Maaike

Angela said...

Sounds like a plan...a good one!

Blondie's Journal said...

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

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

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 :)

Sandra said...

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)

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

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

Simple Home said...

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

Unknown said...

Oh you have made this Minnesota girl miss New England! Cannot wait to see that blue door - fabulous!

Heirloom treasures said...

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

Suz said...

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

Cottage 1945 said...

Ooh-lovely!!! I can't wait to see the end result. You have the best ideas!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Oh yes! Lots and lots of hydrangeas! The door color sounds delicious.

debi said...

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! :)

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Periwinkle, one of my favorite colors! A happy color. I think it's perfect for your door! Have a wonderful day! Twyla

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

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

Unknown said...

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

shabbyfufu said...

I'm sure that you will make it all cottagey cute Elyse. Hope that your summer is just smooth sailing so far!

xo,
Janet

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Would you consider PINK? Love the blue, Elyse!

Sandy said...

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.

SLR said...

it's going to be amazing...love the blue swatches! looking forward to seeing the results someday...
your house is super cute already too!

monica lee said...

Adorable ideas, I have plans to "curb appeal" my house too! But it does seem to fall low on the list!

Cassandra said...

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