I had a playhouse growing up that my Dad built for me. It was a darling miniature of a real house and as you can imagine it was climbed in, through, on-top-of and nearly under. Today it still sits in my old backyard but has sadly transitioned into a downtrodden garden shed. After taking a recent trip around the grounds with the boys we came to the decision that it needed a festive face lift. (You have to admire my Dad, he has never been one to shy away from color and has an impeccable eye for how to use it.) Our hunt for inspiration began with a trip to the bookstore,
the Woodsmith Store and the local
Menards. After this "intensive" search we came up with the perfect model for our newest project; a delightful cottage-style house with wonderful color bursts of cherry, white and sunshine yellow. We were even inspired to utilize their smart wall grid to create a new interior layout that can accommodate garden tools and pots while opening up the floor space for a small garden cart.
I can't tell you how rewarding it is for us to stand here, some 30 years later, and see this little house that I loved so much sparkle again with her original style and charm- the newest gem in the old neighborhood.
*photography via BHG Special Interest Publications: Remodel
Maybe it is the summer air but right now I am truly loving bold color on houses. To me it recalls my days as a student abroad in Florence. Just wandering the streets was a treat for the eye with each brightly hued door more charming than the next. When I painted my house gray with white trim, black shutters and a wonderfully blue door it caused a big stir in the neighborhood that I couldn't understand. To me color (and your choice of color) is personable, it starts a conversation or makes a statement. Why would you not want your house to reflect you individuality? So when I came across an article in Midwest Living about a unique neighborhood in Bloomington, Indiana I had to contain myself from sending out flyers to all the locals. Coined "inspiration avenue" South Dunn Street features 30 Bungalow-style homes all painted in uplifting color combinations such as ruby red and melted honey. These home owners have a true emotional connection to their homes and have embraced the idea of creating a bold new neighborhood that symbolizes their pride and joy. Bravo and happy days!
