Done and (almost) done

Allllriiiight finally done with the porch (pre-decorating of course):

Before we actually started this overhaul, we estimated 2 weekends for full completion - HA!  Actually took about 5, with lots of stops and starts.  Either way, it was totally worth it - the transformation is totally satisfying.

We're going to wait until spring to really deck it out, but here's the plan.

A couple of these rugs:

Thom Felicia on Overstock

These lights draped all around the top:

Maybe some yellow and white striped curtains for privacy, or bamboo roll-up shades:

A trestle table, bench, and some chairs for eating and card-playing:

And a couple comfy chairs for settin'.  I have a classic rocker like this:

That i'm thinking of painting in mint:

Benjamin Moore Minty Green

I've also got one of these:

And I'm planning to paint the seat in mint - similar to these little stools:

The Surf Lodge - Montauk

Yet another reason for me to breathlessly await the arrival of spring...

Progress

Well October and November were slightly busier than I bargained for!  And I sure wish I had some completed projects to show for all my efforts, but alas.

We are thisclose to finishing the "curb appeal" makeover.  A quick "Before" shot:

How's she lookin' so far?

Here's what the windows looked like before:

(Obviously not the same window, but you get the gist!)

And now:

Those new sconces are a vast improvement, and painting the windows and storm windows made an UN-believable difference.  They look so incredibly crisp and clean - I love it!  And yes, you will notice that door has been painted.....black.  Not very thrilling I know, but after multiple paintings of the door (thats right, multiple.  &$*#%&!) I'm ashamed to say I gave up.  I'm trying to find some bright and colorful (and cheap) planters for the stoop, in the hopes that will liven things up a tad.

All we have left is:
- finish the mortar on the walkway
- finish painting the storm windows on the dormers (I want to have window boxes up there too - wouldn't that be soooo cute?!?)
- get potted plants for either side of the door
- hang the lamppost sign

So frickin' close!


We are also wrapping up a much-needed overhaul of the screen porch - we've got one weekend's worth of work left (say that 12 times fast!) if all goes as planned.  Here's what we were working with:

Totally grody, not to mention the un-inspired color choices.  It wasn't even useful, since there were huge holes in the screens - birds could (and did!) fly in and out as they pleased.

Anyways, it's looking damn fine so far.  Hopefully I will have some pics after the weekend....

Art Again

OK Ghostprint Gallery really brought it again this month - check out the work of Sterling Hundley:

I mean, wow!  So impressive and inspiring right?