I talked my cute little brother, Jeff, into coming over to help a sister out. He was more than happy when I told him there would be lunch and dessert included. I had bought this foam type crown molding on clearance at Lowe's a couple months ago for $13 and knew it would be the perfect thing atop my sad and understated front door.
Remember, I am in a rental, so I don't want to go too crazy spending my (husband's) hard earned cash. I knew with the addition of the crown and some paint, I could turn it into something that didn't make my stomach churn each time I pulled into the driveway.
I'm always amazed at the power of a little bit of paint.... what an amazing change it can make! I used a Benjamin Moore color called Iron Mountain. I bought a quart of it in satin exterior. Autumn from Design Dump used this color on one of her exterior doors, (which was completely amazing, check it out!) and I love it! If you are looking for a dark, muddy gray, this is your color. I also used Rustoleum's Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint for the door handle. Here is the first "after" shot.
A big improvement, but it was a little somber, and lacking something. So, I headed back over to Lowe's, and picked up some 4" numbers in the mailbox and address sign section. They were $3.98 a piece.
Better, but still too serious for our family. I had this big letter M from Joann's kicking around, and decided maybe this was the time to unveil it, and help it achieve it's full potential. I painted it off white, then hand painted a hounds tooth pattern in a lighter shade of gray than the door (Mia's brilliant recommendation). I sanded it a bit, then stuck some adhesive backed velcro on the back in several spots. (which proved to be a very temporary fix by the end of the day. I will have to come up with another plan to get it up there more permanently....any ideas?)
Much better! You probably want to knock on my new and improved door and bring me some cookies, don't you? Don't be shy! Let me know if you'd like a tutorial on the hounds tooth M. I'd be happy to share.
For hanging the M, can you put a picture hanger on the back- those sawtoothed things for example- and then hang it via an over the door wreath hanger thnigamabob?
ReplyDeleteThat looks so great! You are amazing. I had so much fun visiting with you guys on Saturday. My cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! WOW! I adore the color on the door, the molding is just perfect! What a change! did you use a stencil for the hounds tooth? TOO CUTE!!! Thanks again for the chance to win the runner and DVD! I am so excited!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Becky :)
Yes Please! Tutorial for the houndstooth M would be fab!
ReplyDeleteHey where are the pictures of you painting in the bikini??? That's what I want to see! Door looks really sharp by the way!
ReplyDeleteI would love a tutorial on the houndstooth painting technique. I'd like even better for you to have a giveaway and I won the M. It's my last initial too!
ReplyDeleteThat cute tool-belt brother can come work for me any time! Love the new door.
ReplyDeleteThe door looks great! But, I LOVE that "M." Houndstooth was a good choice!
ReplyDeletePLEASE DO SHARE THE TUTORIAL ON THE HOUNDSTOOTH!!! OMG! To Die for.
ReplyDeleteLOVEING THIS!!! Saw this on pinterest and ran over as soon as I could- I love all of it and feel very inspired! The crown molding is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteIs it just an illusion, or did you do something with the sidelights? They look much more reflective and private. I'm looking for a good-looking solution for my sidelights, so I'd love to hear!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily,
DeleteYou are so observant. Actually, we did have our windows tinted before I began the makeover. We get SO much heat and sun during the summer months at the front of our house. The tint makes it so you absolutely can't see inside during the day from the outside of the house. At night, you can only see in if the lights in that room are on. It blocks a lot of sun and looks mirror-like from the outside, but it does make it much darker in the house, which I'm actually not a big fan of. Hope that helps!
xo,
Jilly
Tutorial for the houndstooth M would be great! Have you already posted it?
ReplyDeleteThis looks fantastic! I'm moving into a rental, soon, so you have given me hope. And the houndstooth totally makes the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteOh love your transformation & just realized how old this post is lol still love it! Guess you could've used those command velcro strips maybe?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I found your blog via the remodelholic site and I absolutely love it! The door project is very useful since I am in the process of replacing my restored 80 year old antique front door with a more modern, but somewhat plain, prehung solid slab.
ReplyDeleteI realize this post is a little old so this request may be too much to ask but I would love if I could find out how you did the houndstooth patten. I've been a huge fan of houndstooth for a while, as well as several friends of mine, so knowing how you did this difficult repeating patten would be widely used and appreciated!
Was it a printed out pattern that was traced on and then painted?
Did you used acrylics over a spray painted back ground?
What material was used as the letter?
I would be very thankful for any tips you could give me!!
Thanks you!!!
Sarah
(please excuse any typos since I wrote this all on my phone)
Hi Sarah:
ReplyDeleteI did a post on the houndstooth monogram and here is the link.
http://meandjilly.blogspot.com/2011/08/houndstooth-monogram-tutorial.html
I think I got the letter at Joanns, but I have seen them at various craft stores. Please let me know if you have any questions about the tutorial!
xo,
Jilly
Beautiful. Love the 'after' so much more than the before photo. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIf your door is steel, you can glue magnets on the back of the letter. New front door looks great.
ReplyDeleteThe professional painters & decorators know how to deal with the every thing related to house painting, therefore, hiring the best one is the most important and considerable point.
ReplyDeletehouse painting los gatos
I put loops of some kind on the back of my door decorations and then hang them on my metal front door with magnetic hooks. I use the larger/stronger hooks that are rated for 20 pounds because they can stand up to wind and slamming of the door. They will work with any type of decoration even if they aren't flat on the back.
ReplyDelete