First impressions are lasting impressions. At first glance, it may not seem like there is anything wrong with this entrance. Upon closer inspection however, I found a rusting hollow metal door, chipped paint, brick covered with vines, mismatched door hardware and a tired light fixture.
Still have a little painting to do, but this should give you an idea of the changes you can achieve with a few simple items and a free weekend:
1) Remove the vines-Cost $0 (time to complete: 2 days)
The vines are no doubt very attractive and give a formal look, but they are also very damaging to your mortar and are haven for bugs. Once removed, I pressure washed the brick so the brick’s rich colors would shine through the dust and grime that had accumulated over the years.
2) Fresh paint- Cost $15 (time to complete 1 1/2 hours)
In this instance, I decided on a color change. I went from a forest green to a deep red rose color in a quart of Behr’s paint and primer in one. I added some colorful plants in the pots that flank the entrance that compliment the new red.
3) New door hardware, door knocker and kickplate-Cost $55 (time to complete: 1 hour)
Because I am trying to maintain a historical feel for this property, I decided on the oil rubbed bronze. The kick plate concealed the rusting blemish at the bottom of the door while also adding a sense of sophistication to the entrance.
4) New entry light-Cost $25 (time to complete: 30 minutes)
Same as the door hardware, I found a carriage style light fixture on oil rubbed bronze to place above the front door.
Welcome in!
