This week has been all about sprucing up our front entry. This front entry:
While we are not quite ready to do a grand reveal (the door needs to dry before we hang it), there are a few other things that we changed that deserve some attention. Like our new house numbers. Those bright gold numbers in the picture above just weren't us and didn't jive with the rest of the exterior.
So we swapped them with clean, modern, floating black numbers we found at Home Depot for $5.99 a pop. They weren't so easy to install. The directions only had two steps, but it ended up taking a few hours. Chris bought a masonry bit for our drill, but it just wasn't going through the brick--we're thinking our drill was just not strong enough. So after an hour or so of that, and a break to clean the grill (yes grill...I guess that's what he calls a break) and recoup, Chris decided to go rent a hammer drill for $11 and that made quick work of it. Until 2 of the numbers broke. Gah! The exchange was no big deal and thankfully, everything was smooth sailing after that.
My job was infinitely easier: pick out a new doormat. Our old one came with the house and I had never bothered changing it. I have no clue why, because it ain't purty.
Gross, huh? So, I went Googling around just to discover what kind of doormat people we were. Chris and I both agreed we weren't words-on-doormat-people, or jokes-on-doormat-people--although I did find really great examples of both of these.
This "enter" one is so punny, but we wouldn't want to reveal how nerdy we were before someone even entered our home. We try to keep that under wraps until their third date visit, at least. Wouldn't want to scare them off. And as for humor--we don't like to hype up how hysterical we are right off the bat. It's one of our best kept secrets that keeps our guests coming back. I did find a gorgeous, all natural doormat for a steal on World Market's site.
Although unique and just $14.99, it lacked a touch of black that I was looking for to tie in with the oil-rubbed bronze doorknob, the lantern fixture and our new house numbers.
A monogrammed doormat seemed like a classic choice and I loved this one from Pottery Barn. But the price was way too high and I wasn't sure if a monogram fell into the "words" category. Remember, we aren't words-on-doormat-people. I took a quick grocery run to Wal-mart to pick up a few necessities and decided to see what they had as far as doormats go, and wouldn't you know it, I found the perfect one. It has natural fibers AND black trim. No words. No jokes. Classy, and it was a whopping $6.97.
So, I threw away ol' blue, and placed this one down. We're all ready to welcome our new door (crossing my fingers I'll have that ready for you tomorrow). But for now, just take a look at what new numbers and a change of mats can do:
What do you think?
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WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
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I did know. And I was honored. High five for being in the club!
I like the new door mat and numbers! Good change!
Thanks for your comment on my blog! You were the inspiration for that post! Watching all of your home improvement projects reminded me of all the things we did to our house. Plus I totally agreed with your thoughts on living in a cul-de-sac! You were the one I was quoting in that paragraph about it being a "club." I bet you knew that when you were reading it! :-)
I like the new door mat and numbers! Good change!
Thanks for your comment on my blog! You were the inspiration for that post! Watching all of your home improvement projects reminded me of all the things we did to our house. Plus I totally agreed with your thoughts on living in a cul-de-sac! You were the one I was quoting in that paragraph about it being a "club." I bet you knew that when you were reading it! :-)
Jules,
I am JUSt getting caught up on the blog. I think I pressed older post 5 times! I have been so bad with blogging and moving. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your light fixture over the kitchen table. You are seriously amazing. SERIOUSLY! I love that you see somethin you like, and then go make it. And all the time, it turns out the same or better then the one you say. We love you and Chris Jules! (Creed and I) I hope we make it out to Utah to see this beauty you have been working on!
Looks great! I have the same doormat! Wow great minds sure do think alike!
YAY! Something we both have! Our $6.97 doormat!!!! I know I'm not a designer crazy as you, BUT when it comes to doormats....simple is good enough for me. You could also, later on, spray paint an M on it like the pottery barn one. That wouldn't be too hard and if you mess up? It's only $6.97 to replace. Just saying.
I seriously will be sitting by my computer until that new blog post comes up with the new door reveal!!! YAYYYYY!!!!