A Few Cottage Doors Installed and Accessorized

Ever so slowly, we're chipping away at our long renovation list of things to do. As I've mentioned before, we stay very busy with life outside of remodeling so that means every little thing we do here is a small victory. Installing three of our new pine doors this weekend called for a happy dance, to be sure. I just couldn't stop opening and closing the newly installed doors - Hubs did such a great job and not a creak to be heard! I'm so pleased with the new hardware, too, because I love the oil rubbed bronze finish. These new knobs were just 9.99 at Southeastern Salvage (and pine doors were only $98 each!).

Though we have a long way to go, our currently scary hallway aready feels nicer. There is just something about those big heavy doors that makes the house feel a little more substantial and old-fashioned. I can only imagine after we do the rest of the work including painting the doors, raising the ceiling, adding tung and groove boards like those in the kitchen, crown moulding, beadboard, and trim (oh yeah, and flooring) - what it's going to feel like then. Oh, I can't wait! Installing the doors is just the first step, but the other hallway projects will come later when we get more of the kitchen projects behind us.

I wanted to add a little more cottage charm to the doors so I'll be adding wooden appliques to the fronts and backs. The first one came out nice, I think. It's just an inexpensive little touch that you can add to just about anything...(I put them on the false fronts of our kitchen cabinets, too!) You can buy this particular applique at Lowe's for about $4 or search online for a bigger selection.



Speaking of the kitchen, I had someone come out and give me an estimate on installing the brick for the backsplash. He gave me a good deal and will hopefully he will be able to have time in May to come and do the install. I'll be taking care of the grouting and painting, though, just because I'm so persnickety. Also kitchen related - we have ants. I can't figure out where they are coming from and I hate the thought of just spraying chemicals all willy-nilly. I tried the Borax/sugar solution but it didn't work. Ugh! Any tips?

I'm in the throws of cleaning out closets now. You should see my living room now where the sorting and throwing away process is in full swing. I hope to be done by the weekend! My goal is to keep only the necessities and things that we actually use or are truly special.

So back to work I go!

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There is still plenty of time to sign up for my Cottage Charm giveaway and others if you haven't already. Or if you are interested in having your own Cottage Charm giveaway, here are the details. There are several of us so far! Thanks to everyone!