front door miracle

I decided to tackle the outside of my front door before 120 degrees crept up on me and I was forced to paint in a bikini.  Isn't this entryway the prime candidate for a make-over?  YES!

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.