Ye Olde Ugly Doors

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We have lived in a traditional style house, built in the mid-1970s, with a mediteranian style flair to it. Can we say U.G.L.Y.?

Lots of dark wood...talking all the baseboards, kitchen cupboards, interiors doors, paneling/wainscoting, and so much more. I have diligently worked for 8 years to rid the house of this dark wood and ugly, dingy brass fixtures. 

Thus the story of "Ye Olde Ugly Door" There are 14...yes, fourteen...interior doors that were original to this house that looked like this:

This is with the casing
painted white. Previously they were all
dark like the door. Ouch!

We have updated these doors in a variety of ways by painting and updating hardware to existing door, replacing the door with brand new, or simply removing the door (which is a temporary option at this point). As I've started updating the second floor hallway (that is a future post) my original intent/desire was to replace the doors. That amounts to 5 different doors which equals approximately $750-800 dollars. While replacing the doors may seem the best solution, beyond the cost, it has been somewhat problematic. We have replaced doors in a couple of different ways: by replacing only the door and fitting it into the original door frame and casing and we have replaced a door with the frame as a whole unit. Both have had their issues to get them to work. 

Replaced doors left in their 'natural' wood.
Tied together via door handle and trim paint.

The "easiest" solution has been to paint and replace hardware, however it is the most labor intensive.

Hallway closet door near kitchen.
Painted dark wood, replaced handled,
added framing from scrap wood and
chalk board paint. Trimmed with decorative
accent on top.

Linking up today with:

Boogie Board Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

The Dedicated House Make it Pretty Monday
Mod Vintage Life Mod Mix Monday
Alderberry Hill Make the Scene Monday
Whimsical Perspective My Style

How often do you update?

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My favorite time of year is after New Years and right into the start of Spring. Yeah, I know that seems like a weird season that is not really a season at all but I call it the 5th season. For me, it is the season of 'refresh' in my house. 

I believe that, to keep a house feeling fresh and new, that you should update a room every 2-3 years. Now, I'm not talking major bucks here. My design philosophy is to keep the hard surfaces...a.k.a. the expensive finishes...neutral and change out the inexpensive. 

How do I update a room? Sometimes I give it a fresh coat of paint and change the whole colour scheme. However if I still love the color of the room but I just want to give it a new look I will often change out the accessories. My first step is to swap furniture and accessories from room to room. It is amazing what that can do to make your rooms look brand new!

"After" picture of major renovation.
Read more here.

I recently finished updating my bathroom. You might remember the major update that was done three years ago (above).

Notice the ceiling color. That is for another post however!

Shower curtain found at Target.
Wrought iron artwork found in my living room

I was ready for a little more of a neutral look and had enough left over paint from my hallway update that I decided to use in the bathroom.

Bathroom sink area.
Still looking for a mirror solution.
Wanting one big mirror across the whole area.

So how much did I spend on this update?
1. Wall color, used from another project
2. Stencil. Pulled from my craft area as was the silver metallic paint used in the stencil. To read more about the stencil project.
3. Ceiling color was leftover from my office room
4. Artwork was taken from other rooms or reused from previous update.

That leaves the shower curtain, purchased at Target for $19.99. Not bad for a brand new look!

     
   

That season called Sprinter

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You maybe have never heard of our fifth season called Sprinter. You know it is that window in late February/early March when the days are noticably longer, the temps not quite so cold, and alas, you even hear bird chirping. That my friends is called Sprinter. Somewhere between the "I'm sick of winter and ready for Spring" season. How do you decorate for this?

Greening up the fireplace mantel

Adding pops of green brightens
up a winter dreary space

Well, by now we are all sick of the cute little snowmen and the pine cones and other wintery type home decor but it is a bit early to bring out the flowers and spring stuff. And if we see one more "Let it snow" yard sign....ugh!

The birds are back inside and out!

Using grains and berries
 are provide a natural touch

This is the perfect time to bring out natural elements and pops of Spring color without hitting too hard with the flowers and plants yet.

Great Aunt's tea set

Adding touches of greenery
indicate the arrival of Spring

Natural elements that are
season indifferent work well.

Adding hints of color, especially the greens, yellows, and blues will give a nod to Spring and be good transitional elements.

So pack away those snowmen and pine cones and bring out your Sprinter stuff! Spring is on its way!

Partying this week with:
Redoux Interiors
Grace at Home
Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home
Flaunt it Friday