I had hoped that by now we would have finished more with the outside of the house, but it looks like we’ll probably leave the exterior projects for next spring. We’re making some big changes to the trim (mostly just ripping it out) and to the front portico area that I’m really excited about. (Remember here?)
I think just a paint job will go really far. And actually, when the painters were here a few weeks ago, they offered to paint the front door. It’s so bright and shiny now that the rest of the house looks extra old and dingy! :) It’s got me excited to get the whole house painted and cleaned up in the next couple months.
To help the pretty rough-looking space look a little more put together, I picked up these chalky black planters at Home Depot and these Meyer lemon trees from Lowe’s. I can’t even begin to describe to you how heavenly these blossoms smell!
I love the little trees! And I love the new bright color of the doors, but, admittedly, I was a little sad to drive up for the first time and see that the jamb was painted red too.
It was my fault for not telling the painters specifically to paint the jamb white and I wasn’t here on the day they painted the door. Since they threw in the labor on the door for free, I felt like it wouldn’t be at all fair to ask them to fix it. I’ll just have it changed when we have the rest of the house painted. It’s not that big of a deal. (It just looks so Christmas-y right now with the old green and yellow trim still exposed. Ha!) I’ve since got the creamy white siding color-matched and now I just need to find an hour to paint it out. I’m know that will be a huge improvement and the red jamb will be less annoying to me. :)
I do really love how the red looks with the new entry rug though!
I feel like we’re getting there! Slowly but surely this house is starting to feel more and more like ours. It makes me excited to think about all the changes I hope we’ll have done by next Christmas.
Sooooooo pretty! A red door is classy, love the colour!
xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog
That door is so gorgeous and glossy! Can't wait to see the other changes you've got in store for the exterior.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
Your red door makes me happy!
The changes you've made to your house are astonishing.
I love reading your blog & love your new front door.
I have a red front door too, so I may be biased, but I think it's the best!
We should start our own club—I too have red doors. I love your doors and the brass handle. Have been following your blog more than two years now and really appreciate you. Thanks.
I like how you think.. Especially your politeness when things don't come out the way you had hoped!
Your patience is impressive as you juggle the needs of a young family w/ major home improvement plans.
It will be beautiful.. and already is in many ways.
That's really beautiful! Do you find that the planters blocking the door get annoying, or do you not use the front door enough for it to matter?
The door is really beautiful, Jenny! And the hardware is great. Everything is coming together so well.
My friend has a big lemon tree and gave me a cutting a few weeks ago. He gave me all of these instructions to care for it and I'm kind of scared! I have a lot of other plants, but this one just seems so much more special. Living in Missouri, I can't have it outside right now, but I'm hoping my south facing dining space will suffice. Good luck with yours!
I love the red doors- such a fun pop of color. And I LOVE meyer lemon plants- we have one that produces like CRAZY. I got 40 lemons off of it last year. Just make sure to keep them protected from any frost (if you get that over there) and fertilize them once a year in the very early spring with a citrus fertilizer. And the more water they get, the juicier the fruit. They ripen in the winter time for me- and those blossoms smell AMAZING. :)
You have great taste in almost every thing you do. I have to admit that I'm not crazy about the red door here but I'm sure you'll make it work. Lemon Trees are the best!
Kris V.
Love the black planters flanking the red doors. Mayer lemons are super yummy to boot.
Love the color! It makes so much sense even opening up on the entry way.
Those door handles are insane!
Gorgeous!!! I just remembered your leopard rug from the loft entrance, I think it may found its spot between your lemon trees? I am huge fan of yours and all the things you do!
LOVE your red door!
That shade of red is awesome! I painted out some chairs in a similar hue this summer and just love them! Thanks for the steady inspiration! (:
Hi. I love the door color. We too have a bright red door that we are going to replace in the spring. My husband is campaigning for a door much like yours, with more glass than we have right now. Our house is set back from the road, on a hill, so there's no issue with privacy in that sense. BUT, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with delivery men and anyone else who comes a knocking' being able to see right in. Anyone have thoughts on this? I love the look, but eek….
You are a color expert. Well done!
I love your fearlessness of color. Maybe if I keep reading it'll rub off on me. I need it!
The red is SO GOOD. Bright and yummy (especially with that door hardware). Too funny about the jamb – sometimes it's so obvious to us we forget to spell it out for others. But your home looks a million times more welcoming – and just in time for the holidays!
I have been following your blogs for some time now and I must say it's been fun keeping up with your renovation project. You also did an admirable job of turning your home into a thing of beauty. I am really impressed! I also agree with the other commenters. Red is indeed a classy color. It's perfect for an elegant house such as yours.
John Francis @ NVRoofs.com
How utterly gorgeous! I love seeing all your progress and although I can't wait to see it all finished its a bit like reading an amazing book you wish would never end. So inspiring! Xx
What a beautiful door — especially now that it's painted such a great red!
http://www.ahealthymrs.com
That front door!! It's gorg! Congrats <3
I am officially jealous…I moved in October from Klamath Falls OR to Carson City NV and had to leave my Meyer's Lemon Tree behind. I am so very sad- it was my winter joy! I had to drive through CA and they have some lame rules about citrus…all for 100 miles.
The red door is phenomenal. Wow, great choice.
gorgeous door! what color paint did you end up going with?
I would love to know the color as well if you don't mind sharing. I just had my door painted red and I'm afraid it's not the right shade. What did you go with? Thanks!
I love the lemon trees by the door! What a great idea!
Oh la la! I think the red jamb is just fine for now. The red color is just the perfect shade.
Oh, did you go with safety red? It is just phenomenal. I can't even begin to tell you how much you inspire me in my everyday decorating. We are renovating an old house as well. My progress is much slower than yours. Our door and trim is painted this dull, barn red and I would love to repaint. It is blah red, not lala lovely red. Do you think this color would look good on a brick home? Not red brick, more of a tannish, yellow dutch colonial brick. Our front door is similar to your original and I love the door you chose to replace it. Well done Jenny!!
What an eye-catching door color! Your door really looks lovely and inviting. It gives off that warm feeling. And against your light-colored sidings, it really stands out! And another thing, aside from adding curb appeal to your home, painting your doors can also protect them from harsh outdoor elements and ensure that they'd be serving you for long.
John @ Beach Windows & Siding
You went for burning red, huh? That color is so bright that it almost made the door look photoshopped. Is it really that glossy? It looks fake on the first photo, but it's really beautiful up close. What paint did you use? Doug @ CustomHomeImprovements
Hi guys!
The color is Rustoleum's Safety Red. It's a glossy oil-based that the painters sprayed. The finish turned out perfectly! I love it.
Bethany – I don't love the lack of privacy with our clear glass either! We have plans to make some changes there soon! So stay tuned! :)
xo
I love the red door. Your new house is amazing! We moved into new homes around the same time and I haven't done much of anything. I need to get rolling!
Hi guys!
The color is Rustoleum's Safety Red. It's a glossy oil-based that the painters sprayed. The finish turned out perfectly! I love it.
Bethany – I don't love the lack of privacy with our clear glass either! We have plans to make some changes there soon! So stay tuned! :)
xo
I have always loved your use of color…but I think your use of texture and finish really makes your designs pop. I really like the contrast of the chalky black planters against the glossy door. Thanks for your constant inspiration.
The red is SO pretty!! Love it!