Exterior Updates!

This is what the outside of our house looked like when we moved in...

I loved our home but there were a few things about the outside that drove me nuts...

The blue/gray shutters and door just looked dreary to me and the light fixtures were a strange rusty color. I am not sure if they were originally that color or if they had become rusted over the years but either way, they were looking pretty sad. And then there was the landscaping...oh man, it was a mess! It was really overgrown and out of control. 

Up close and personal with the light before...in case you didn't believe me!

The fence also needed some help! It had never been stained so next to the neighbors fence, it just looked unfinished. Here is the before (you guessed it, our fence is on the right)...

So when the weather finally cooperated, I of course called in reinforcement and so began the transformation of the front of our house! It is oh so pretty now...just wait and you will see!

First, the hubs and I took down the shutters and painted them and the front door a crisp black. While the shutters were drying, my handy hubs took the light fixtures down and I spray painted them black to match (yep...spray paint..it took all of about 10 minutes). I was instantly impressed with the lights. They look like they were from Pottery Barn but nope, just a $5 can of spray paint! I think it made it look pretty classy...

I loved the progress so I began on the fence next. First, I powerwashed the whole thing...talk about a gross job. There was 10 years worth of dirt, moss, and bird poop off the fence when I was done but I was covered in it. I let the fence dry for several days then I got to staining. I asked the neighbor what color they used so I could match it...in case you are wondering, it is Behr Natural Cedar.

The neighbors fence is on the left and our freshly stained fence is on the right. 

Next came the landscaping. The old shrubs were removed and the new planted all in one day thanks to my awesome family (especially my dad who planned it all out!).

 

 

The last shot of the shrubs before.

My brother and dad tilling.

And finally...

And just so you don't have to scroll to the top, here is the before and after again...