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Monday, October 5, 2015

MY PAINTED FRONT DOOR

RED FRONT DOOR

The DIY shutters...............I'm happy with - actually I'm a little in love with them ( diy shutters HERE )


The front door?


Not so much..............
And now I'm in a real conundrum ( that's the FIRST time I've used that word ever in my life but it's so fitting because this really is a conundrum )
John loves it
I know this because every time he steps out and comes back in he booms out " I LOVE IT "
And I don't .


Suzan says - I don't like it
John says - Well I do - leave it alone - you said you loved red doors
Suzan says - I lDO love red doors or I wouldn't have painted it red - but it doesn't suit this little cottage
John says - Yes it does - I LOVE it - leave it alone.


He asks for so little when it comes to decor that I feel guilty about not liking it - and the more I look at it the more the dislike is growing ( the word hate comes to mind )

Suzan says - I think for this house it would best to paint the door black
John says - NO !  LEAVE IT ALONE..............please - I really do love it.
Suzan says - It looks like the house is dressed in a santa claus suit.
John says - Don't be ridiculous !
Suzan says - It looks like the beginning of a bad house joke
John says- What the hell does that mean?
Suzan says - You know - what's black and white and red all over?

And I don't want the house to look like the punch line..................

WHAT. HAVE. I DONE?
Well I've created a monster...............of a front door.and I think I may be doomed to live with it ( at least until Spring )
I don't have the heart to change it on him.........I just don't.

I'm gong to buy two urns for either side of it and fill them with greenery ( all the flowers will be gone in a couple of weeks - it's getting colder here now ) but it's not the flowers that are throwing me off.............it's the door itself.

Suzan says - I wanted a yellow door
John says - Well that would have looked like a bumblebee for crying out loud.


Oh my God - the more I see it the more I dislike it - and I'm feeling a little nauseated over the whole fiasco.
This is how I FEEL the conversation should go

Suzan would  say - John I can't live with it - I'm really sorry - I truly am - because I know you love it - but I can't even look at it without wanting to throw up
John would say - Oh sweetheart - if you feel that strongly about it - just paint it whatever color you'd like - I didn't realize you hated it that much - and really - my only purpose in life is to make sure you are happy at any cost............change it - I love you too much to see you in such distress - it isn't worth it - you have my blessing.

But that conversation isn't happening LOL - instead I'm told I should be in an asylum - and maybe I should be ( what color are the doors in those places anyway? )

I was trying desperately to add a little curb appeal of which this little cottage had absolutely none ( we've really only concentrated on interior renos - of which we're far from finished ) and for some inexplicable reason I DO like it a little more in the evening..........( the operative words being " a little " )

In the twilight's glow I see  ♪♪♫


As you can see we still haven't painted the building and I don't suppose at this point it'll be this year........but I'm hoping to get all the shutters on the sides done





Here is was before - and it's definitely an improvement - just not exactly what I was going for.


I had this post ready to go yesterday and was so hesitant over the color that I was going to delete it completely.................but that would be dishonest wouldn't it?
I mean we all make mistakes from time to time, right?
And it is better after - no?
Dear God - please tell me it's better after because I'm not sure what I've done here.
( and I should get kudos for having the courage to post this - I really should )

RED PAINTED DOOR - DIY SHUTTERS
..


Anyway - that's the story of my front door..............
But Mick Jagger says it so much better than I ever could.



I have a lot in common with him don't you know?

Have a wonderful day everyone............feel free to be brutally honest - I can take it ( I think )
Just don't use the word " clownish " because that's kind of how I'm feeling it looks.
A clown house - with a big red nose smack in the middle of it.
I'm going to go play around with a mantel or something - nary a paint brush will touch my fingers today.
I'm scared to paint anything right now

AND this must be the most negative post I've ever written in my ( blogging ) life LMHO - I just reread it
how utterly depressing !  I must be having some type of " episode " !
So I'm going to sign off with a positive note - I can't believe how green it still is outside - nothing has started
" turning " yet and the flowers are still pretty vibrant !  ( that's the best I can come up with at the moment LOL )

AND I should add that the whole transformation came in at under 100.00 ! ( in fact well under 100.00 )
Much love,
Me

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MY ROMANTIC HOME

140 comments:

  1. I think it's adorable, and so does my daughter who is sitting here with me. xoxo Su

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  2. Okay, I know I said I loved my rusty red door, what I didn't say is, it is the third color red.

    I personally love your red door...but it is REALLY RED...that lipstick color red that my mother wore...all through her life.

    Now, remember in the 40- 50's red lipstick was classic and was okay---then the 60's fashion went corals and pinks and pale with big dark eyes in makeup. Not my mother, she hung on to that red, like it was still WWII. Then the 70's came with the natural look and the 80's-90's-2000. Then in her 80's she turned to me and said, "See, everyone is wearing red lipstick now!" Never mind she looked like Norma Shearer in Sunset Boulevard in my imagination. Thank God, that movie was in black and white. Uh, oh!

    I digress, your red door is classic. Actually it looks like one of those doors, people take pictures of when they go to a foreign country. Go for the urns, a nice dusty gray and fill them with branches. I think it is just the shock to your "White" system, so live with it for awhile. Thanks for the chortle in the middle of the night. Sandi


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    1. Yes Sandi lol - it's REALLY red ! Maybe that's the problem - I didn't think of that - perhaps it's simply too red !!!
      OMG - I'm peeing my pants here about Norma Shearer and your Mother's red lipstick - my grandmother did the same !!! (Norma was from Montreal - did you know that? ) my Mother used to douse perfume on herself so strongly that I'd almost gag LMHO !!!
      xox
      xox

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    2. My Grandmother....used Chanel no. 5 and it still lingers when I open something of hers..and she has been dead since the early 90's. My mom used Lady Stetson and Blue Grass...both with the a gag reflux in full swing...I can live with Chanel...but that other stuf.

      YES, it is really red...before you paint the door again, maybe dry a gel stain on sample--I would try: raw umber, a dark gray, and a black...see if that brings it to where you can live with it. Grins...Sandi

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    3. My Mother doused herself in........................Chanel no. 5 LOL - pretty expensive perfume back in the day to be spraying all over your body AND clothes !

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    4. My mother used Chanel no. 5, also. It was real perfume then, not today's stuff made in a chemical lab, so one didn't need to spray it all over. Just a touch on the wrists and behind the ears and a few drops on a piece of cotton wool tucked into a drawer/closet was all it took. It was real perfume. Other real (or affordable) products I miss: real sliced turkey in a turkey sandwich & Thanksgiving dinner, real gravy, real pizza, real Ivory soap, real cotton undies, real leather, real ice cream, real wool blankets and socks.......now i have real depression, just thinking about the chemical life we live and how the grandkids will never know a real life......

      btw, I love that red door. But understand your feelings. Ive been having them myself about my new front door. A GF I asked about colors says she is" afraid of color." Is that the problem? I hope you and John solve this and don't divorce over a coat of paint on a door......XXX Marje

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    5. John and I would never go our separate ways over a front door - maybe the house itself - but never the front door LMHO !
      xxx

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  3. I LOVE it! It doesn't look clownish at all. I think the red draws the door out of the alcove and makes the house POP! It looks rich and honestly is a very nice contrast. I think your idea of the urns is perfect. What's throwing me off, if anything, are the hanging baskets....they hide it and they are two different colours. Maybe that's throwing you off as well. SAVE THE DOOR!! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Oh thanks so much Laurayne - I want to be wrong about this but I'm having such a difficult time with it !!!
      The hanging baskets will be down very soon ( I was lazy and didn't put up the proper black ones with the straw this year..........but for now I'm kind of happy they're hiding some of the door LMHO !
      xoxo

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  4. wow what a difference! You have such a great eye for design Suzan!!

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  5. I'm so sorry that you are regretting painting the door red, because I'm with John on this & I LOVE IT!!! Please give it a chance. Go for a walk or a drive...look at other houses & their blah doors with no personality; their mass-produced plastic-y shutters with no zing. I think a cottage with a red door is magnificent & says "Welcome to the warmth of a home well loved!"

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    Replies
    1. Oh don't be sorry Nancy - I want everyone to agree with John on this one - I WANT to be wrong !!!
      AND I'm definitely giving it a chance - but I'm most probably repainting it in the Spring LOL
      xxx

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  6. Wow! Suzan I think the door looks great in red. It's an impact colour that draws the eye and makes a nice balance with the black shutters. I think two black urns with greenery, red osier dogwood and birch sticks for winter would be perfect and maybe no pink flowers next summer. Red geraniums. Oui? And matching pots/containers. The before and after photos really show how nice it looks now. Really! It looks beautiful!!

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  7. Oh no...a dilemma for sure. I've just painted all the shutters on the Florida house (involving a complicated system of pulleys and ropes to remove the upper ones (too heavy for a ladder) and I hate the color.

    I think maybe more than the color the actual door may be throwing you off. It's not a cottage'y door. Maybe if you painted the sidelights and trim in the creamy color of the main house? I think a yellow with a hint of green like chartreuse would be nice too.

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  8. Suzan, I'm going to take John's side on this one, lol... I really like it! Which my reaction surprises me, cause I'm not a red kind of gal! I think it looks really pretty paired with those beautiful shutters! Maybe after you live with it a while it may grow on you... or either John will forget how much he loves it, and you can paint it whatever color you feel most comfortable with! :) ~Rhonda

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    1. John's winning this one for sure ( in the court of public opinion at least ) he's going to be so thrilled - the red was his choice................I should have said NO WAY while I still had the chance instead of going along with it LOL
      But at the end of the day he's just in love with it and I feel too damn guilty to change it just yet..............Spring though - I'm pretty sure it'll happen in the Spring Rhonda LOL
      xox
      XOX

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  9. I'm laughing with you right now, because I was awake all night regretting a cupboard I bought yesterday. It's too big for the space, but in the dark of the night it seemed to grow bigger in my mind. I don't dare say anything out loud because I HAD to have that cupboard that was going to be perfect in the spot where it now "looms". I even had a post ready to go, but I chickened out until the remorse passes. You are much braver than me.

    You could always pay a few neighbors to stop by and ask for the fire chief. Would that sway your hubby? I say embrace the red and enjoy it during the Christmas holidays! In the meantime, you could buy a few rolls of wrapping paper to try out different colors on the door. Think of it this way....it's only paint, not a piece of furniture that's too big for a room that you may have to live with for years to come. :o)

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  10. Suzan this is my first comment and I will start by saying that I look forward to reading your blog every morning! I think the door looks great but if you hate it; you hate it, I would probably try to work with it through the holidays and next Spring I would paint it and just say, "I tried and just couldn't take it anymore. Perhaps I'll change my mind in another few months and paint it again." He may be so frightened by the prospect of a color change every few months and say nothing.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thanks so much CFK ( what's your name? ) I'm definitely leaving it until the Spring - there's so much else to do and John loves it to pieces ( I feel so bad that I don't )
      But next Spring?
      I'm pretty sure it'll be changed LOL
      XOXO

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    2. My name is Tena. I love your blog!!

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  11. Ces't Magnifique is right!
    Love it!
    Red door, black door,
    Aha! Paint the door according to the season!

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    Replies
    1. LOL - I may just end up doing that !!!
      Thanks so much
      xox

      Delete
  12. Good morning, Suze!
    Calm down and live with that door for a few weeks. You might change your mind and if not, get out the paint brush. I'm thinking you will love it for the holidays, no? I have to admit that I'm surprised that you didn't stick with black, but it's just paint. Lindsay might come over and take care of it for you! LOL It does look very sharp with the black shutters. Maybe it will grow on you? Or have you set it on fire yet? ;)
    xoxo, T.

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  13. Breathe, girlfriend! Breathe! Give it time ~ it is such a huge change, it will take time to get used to it. Let it be...

    I really like it, and I won't mind living with it for my 4 years! ;)

    Hugs ~

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  14. Sorry, but I'm with your hubby on this one. I LOVE the red door!

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    Replies
    1. Don't be sorry - I WANT to be wrong on this one LOL
      And thanks SO much !!!
      xox

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  15. I'm with John on this one!!! It's gorgeous..leave it alone!! Suzan it looks amazing..trust me.

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  16. Thanks so much Ginette - I want as many people as possible to be on John's side on this one - this is one time I'm praying I'm wrong ( believe me ) LOL !

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  17. I'm with the majority, I love the red Suzan !!! It's very cottagey looking . The leaded glass really sparkle's. I think once you get the urn's and it's more uniform in color, instead of the different color hanging basket's, you'll like it. Plus it goes with the beautiful laid brick.
    We're women, it's our prerogative to change our mind's at any time. Lol
    Give John his glory for now, he might be amping it up a wee bit because he know's you don't like it :))Take care and let it stay thru Christmas maybe. Hug's,TT

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    Replies
    1. Oh he's most definitely amping it up Tammy but I caught him out there last night standing there with his hands behind his back gazing at it LMHO !!!
      I feel so guilty not liking it because he truly does.............anyway he's got till Spring to bask in it LOL
      Thanks so much xoxo

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  18. What?! After all the sample doors you posted, red being some of them... this is lovely and will be a door that tourists photograph. If you look at the second photo where you can't see the red door, it gives an idea of what that space would look like. Black would make it too dark.

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    Replies
    1. OMG - the thought of tourists stopping by this place and taking photos has me laughing out loud !!! I'd stick a big colorful wreath on a black door - that would be enough color for me LOL !
      I really do love red doors - just having a hard time with it on THIS house !
      John's in his element here with these comments - I'l tell you that !!!
      xox

      Delete
  19. I love the red door, but I do understand the dilemma. I want to paint a set of stairs and put in carpet stair treads (very nice ones, mind you) and my husband thinks that is the worst idea EVER. He wants them totally carpeted which I think is the worst idea EVER. There is nothing I hate more than trying to vacuum stairs. Prenuptial agreements should have decorating clauses!

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  20. I have to say that I like the red...sorry! Black would be awesome too, but the red is great!

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  21. A good pal would be right by your side (or trapping John between you and her) encouraging you to take matters into your own hand and grabbing your paint brush. Ummmmm.......A lot of us don't seem to be doing that. I LOVE the red door! It gives depth to the entryway, accentuates the little red accents in the sidelights and I'll bet people will smile when they pass by. So, if you paint the door yellow you know what will happen next. Disappointment will set in. It won't have the impact that the red did. John loves the red door. He asks so little in this area, right? And that little Suzan devil will sit on your shoulder and not let you like it. Just one of those things. So let it sit for the winter......put a lush Christmas wreath on it and think about your friends coming thru a white snow lined pathway to your holiday entrance. Then look at it again next spring and think about changing it. Or not.......

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  22. Sorry, I agree with John. 😊

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  23. Hi Suzan, Depending on the type of paint you used, can you tone it down a bit with an antique wax? I think you might like this if it was a notch down and didn't scream fire engine red. Love your blog & your door :)

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    Replies
    1. Glaze it the next step Linda ! I think a black glaze is desperately needed !
      Thanks so much for your kind words :)
      XOXO

      Delete
  24. I agree with John - I love it! I think that once you get rid of the hanging baskets and just have the urns there, you will fall in love, too ;)

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    Replies
    1. OMG - once I get rid of the hanging baskets it's going to stick out even more - I think I should get bigger hanging baskets LMHO !!!
      Thanks Susan !
      xoxo

      Delete
  25. I have read you blog for a while and love to hear your stories. You really crack me up sometimes. I have to go with John on this one too. I think it looks very nice! I hope it grows on you over time.

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    Replies
    1. How sweet of you Fran - thanks so much !!!
      Now about you being on John's side - we have to talk about that one LOL !!!
      XOX

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  26. Replies
    1. Thanks so much Susie - John's going to be thrilled with these comments LOL !
      xxx

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  27. Well, POO ! Right as I was hitting the PUBLISH button on my comment the internet went down. So, here goes again:

    Suzan, I gotta know.... in the sixth picture down from the top.... the window to the right of the door..... on the right side of the window about half way down I see the word "HELLO." What is that ?

    oh, and sorry, but I love the red door and shutters and the whole front. It looks really classy !

    patty

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  28. I like it. We have one, but you really couldn't tell from the street. It is recessed quite a bit more than yours — maybe about 10 feet — and it is practically covered up by the screen door. So, I'm partial to yours. Black would look good, too, but perhaps that would look more formal. Yellow would be fun, but it seems like John won't have any of that! Blue just doesn't seem to fit. Neither does blue-purple/lavender or red-purple/orchid. What about bright green...probably not. Oh, well...you could live with it through the winter and see how it feels in the spring. I have another idea...you could cover it up with wrapping paper to match the seasons. Orange for fall, make it look like a big package with a huge bow for December, blue for January, etc. That way, you can tell John you are seasonally decorating. It just MIGHT work. Eh...you'll figure it out!

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  29. I've always loved red doors, too and
    I think it's the SHADE of red that you don't care for...

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  30. Suzan - Love your door. It is classic and makes your cottage look very special. The urns will be the perfect addition. If you find it oo bright why not tone it down with glaze or dark wax?

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    Replies
    1. That was my next step Chris - glaze ! ( can't wax outdoor items because of the heat of the sun in the summer ) because it's IS far too bright for me............
      Thanks Chris ! John's gloating - just thought I'd let you know LOL
      xox

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  31. First I have to tell you..I never respond to blogs. But oh my goodness I am sooo enjoying you that I'm reading it to snyone who will listen!!
    And the conversations between you & John., hilarious!! As for the front door, love it!! Keep sharing :)

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    Replies
    1. Wow Bonnie - what a compliment - thanks so much !!!
      Now about the door...................lol !
      XOXO

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    2. My name is Barb. I live in Victoria, BC Happy thanksgiving!! :)

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    3. I called you Bonnie - it's Bonne Vie - now you think I would have realized that living in the Belle Province LMHO
      Thanks so much Barb - it's really nice to meet you ! ( I lived in Victoria as a little girl - you're in the most beautiful section of our Country ! )
      Happy Thanksgiving to you too !
      xox

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  32. Sorry Suzan but I LOVE the red - it adds so much charm to your house, especially flanked by the black shutters. Just a minute, I can't listen to myself type with all that Stones racket blaring from the computer speakers...paused...I love that song and will finish listening after I'm done typing. I kinda agree with John about the bumblebee thing. Black will be yaaaaaaaaaaawn black. I think it's those lovely aluminum windows on the second floor that is throwing everything off. Changing those out will make a huge difference to the curb appeal and charm. Sorry! Now back to the Stones ♪ ♫

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    Replies
    1. Really Marie? See that's the thing - I was looking for charm - and I don't think it's charming at all !
      I think it's right in your face - like a harlot LMHO !!!
      Changing the windows out upstairs - omg - every single window needs replacing - you have no idea what I go through cleaning those things ! That's next year - they have to stay status quo for now - maybe I'll paint them red LOL !!!
      xox

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    2. Warning: John's going to love this!
      I think your RED door is so perfect that I'm featuring it this weekend at the DIY Sunday Showcase Party ☺

      Delete
  33. This is a first or me but I have to agree with John, I love the red door! I would probably remove the hanging planters as they are detracting from the door, maybe just two pedastel planters on either side of the door instead? Try living with it for a little while and play around moving the plants etc and see if you warm up to it. I would not go yellow, besides red is great fend shui!!!

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  34. Yes, we all make mistakes, but this happens to be a good one!! The red looks wonderful. What might be bothering you is the brightness of it. Maybe a more muted or softer shade of red would appeal to you. The urns are a wonderful idea, and will look great for the holidays.

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  35. Well speaking from one who also has a red front door, which we love, as a little girl perhaps you were frightened by a big red door, hypnotherapy might help! Lol! I will try to email you with our color scheme! Xxxxxxx

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    Replies
    1. I really do LOVE red doors - or I would never have agreed to it - just not on this house for some reason LOL
      Send your pics to me - would love to see them !!!
      xoxo

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    2. Where Mary Anne? I'm such an idiot but I can't find it anywhere ( on facebook, right? )
      Can you send me an email instead ?
      suzanharvard@videotron.ca
      thanks !!!
      ( your friendly neighborhood blonde )

      Delete
  36. I have to agree with John LOVE!!!! the red door. One thing I lerned when I took design classes was black doors leave the impression of a big hole in the wall. Go back and take a look at the second photo where the door is open, looks like a black hole. I'm afraib a black door will be h same. If you use two matching urns and use yellow flowers in them and also in the window boxes That may give you what you both want. I wouldn't hise the glass in the sideights or the door but if you do decide to hang pots try ferns.You could also do those in the urns and just put yellow in the window boxes. Looks so inviting, warm and friendly. I like the idea of you driving around and looking at homes front doors. I'm sure you will decide not to do black. You have too much personality for boring black.

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  37. Love the red. No - it doesn't look like Santa or a clown. Yellow - yes, it would look like a bumble bee. As was suggested, you could tint it down with some black stain or whatever. It seems, though, that no matter what you do it always turns out great (at least to me it does). Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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    Replies
    1. Glazing is my next step on this door saga LOL !
      Thanks so much Cathy for the thanksgiving wishes ( are you Canadian too ? )
      XOX

      Delete
  38. I personally love it. And Christmas IS coming up....it will look lovely against the white snow. Can you imagine if as John says who had a bumble bee for a house??

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    Replies
    1. Yeah - well the yellow is definitely out now too LOL - but I wanted a paler yellow !
      I don't know what to do Mary - truly don't like it but have no idea what I WOULD like now !
      John's absolutely gloating - I though the court of public opinion would be on my side on this and am stunned most agree with John LOL
      Thanks so much xoxo

      Delete
  39. I love the red door but you might consider painting them hanging baskets so that they would blend in better.
    At least if anyone gets lost finding your place, you can just tell them to look for the house with the red door.

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  40. Your door is Fantastic! Love it! VERY cottage! Try putting some creamy or rusty urns with lots of greenery coming out on each side ! Don't you dare change the color! It pops! Your John is right! Ha! I hate that when my husband is right! Ha! Anyway, it looks fantastic! Love the shutters too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy !
      I've been looking for black urns - maybe that's too stark? I truly thought people would be on my side with this one and I'm just stunned that John has won this debate LMHO ( he's over the top thrilled that so many of you do ! )
      Thanks so much ( I love the shutters also - just not the door so much )
      xox

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    2. Oh! Forgot to mention the Mick Jagger song you added! HILARIOUS !!!!

      Delete
  41. I am in love with the red door. It is such a change maybe you aren't used to such a pop of color yet. Give it time and think about how fabulous it will look at Christmas. I'm with John on this one. Your house has such curb appeal!

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  42. I LOVE IT !!!! Very country cottage English. I am so with John on this one. He probably loves it due to all the colourful doors in England. Not to mention it is brilliant and gorgeous. I am starting to sound British here. :-) Suzan have you checked out candypop.uk.com ? Lots of bright coloured doors, yours is tame compared to some. Even if you decide to repaint I am sure it will be fabulous. Hugs Lisa

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    Replies
    1. Actually Lisa - you're starting to sound like John LMHO !!!
      I've never heard of that site - going to check it out later - thanks - because the last thing I see is English cottage when I see a red door !
      I thought all Brits saw red doors and wanted to paint them black LOL
      Thanks LIsa
      xoxo

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    2. Suzan I think any colour painted door works in England or it should. Have you seen some of the colours they would paint their rooms ? Also the small kitchen appliances are colour matched. Kind of like kitchen aid mixers but more so. I think one brand is Russell Hobbs and they are slowly making their way across the pond. :-) I wish I had a kitchen that would work with a Smeg fridge. ( sigh) Alas my husband would disagree!.
      Happy Thanksgiving from Windsor Ontario

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    3. Russell Hobbs are here in Canada Lisa - we have a specialty shop that sells their pieces !
      Happy Thanksgiving to you - hope it's a great one !
      xox

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    4. Thanks Suzan I will have to check online for Russell Hobbs, Not a hope finding it here in Windsor. :-(
      Turkey is defrosted and cannot wait until our drill Sargent turkey cook (husband John) starts driving us crazy Sunday morning. :-)

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  43. I am probably the 70th person to tell you the after looks fabulous, love the red. I am either painting ours red or french blue. Will decide that next year... Keep it for winter then decide, it will be wonderful and make a nice constrast with all the, ahem, snow. If you are anything like me and it isn't sitting right I expect it will be painted really soon. 😉. xo Patty

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    1. WHY CAN'T I SEE IT PATTY???
      I've promised John I won't touch it until the Spring - he's hoping it'll have grown on my by then and who knows maybe it will ( I doubt it though LOL )
      xox

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  44. Because you have such a strong aversion to the red color, I feel a tad guilty, but I really love that door, Suzan! I don't think it looks clownish in the least. In fact, I love the pop of color the red provides.... that the black would not.

    Have faith... maybe it will grow on you and you will end up loving it. I hope so. But if not, maybe after it has been red for a bit, John will be willing to go for a new color... like yellow! :)

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    1. It would seem no one's on my side Karen LMHO and I'm stunned !
      It's got till the Spring to grow on me - I wanted yellow but John was adamant that yellow wouldn't look good -
      He never makes decor choices ( or I never listen to him anyway ) so I just don't have the heart to change it out when he's so in love with it. But we've made a deal that if I can't live with it by Spring it's gone !
      Thanks so much ! xoxo

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  45. Love the red door. Pls don't tone it down its perfect

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    1. Really???? I just took Soda for a walk and when I came back it put me in a state of shock LOL
      I'm willing to live with it until Spring - that's the deal I've made with John - and we'll see if it's grown on my by then
      Thanks so much Sue !
      xoxo

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  46. Maybe the black sides by the door is throwing you off, maybe you should paint it all red. Urns with plants will also help,maybe green or gray, no black. A front door should stand out, welcoming, easy to find. Good luck, and I do so enjoy your blog, Elaine

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    1. Hi Elaine !
      I mentioned that on facebook yesterday - that maybe I should paint the sidelights red as well -
      John doesn't want me too - he loves it just the way it is - so I've promised him I won't touch it till Spring -
      Green urns - with black shutters and a red door? I think that's too much color for me - baby steps here LOL
      Thanks so much for your kind words !
      xox

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  47. Suzan, the red door looks terrific. I think if you were to pain the two side windows by the door would really make it pop. I think you would like it better. I could be wrong, but it will stand out more. I have a red door and I love it.
    Mary

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  48. Ok, remember my closet barn door? I hated the finish and you told me you loved it and I needed to live with it. So...I love the red and you need to live with it for awhile. It looks stunning. I literally gasped when I opened your post and saw it! I think it's just more color than you're used to. Such a huge improvement!

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  49. PS
    I painted my doors a nice safe neutral green. I like them but wish I'd painted them a brighter color. Maybe someday.

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  50. I think it looks great! But, I totally understand what you mean and it doesn't matter how much anyone else likes it....if you don't like it. Maybe it will grow on you though...;)

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  51. I'm with you...I don't like the red! Everything else looks great but the red is too harsh, too glaring! I think a French blue or even a raspberry would look more cottage-y ....something softer but still bright, not black! Can't wait to see what you do!

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    1. That's exactly how I feel Amy ! You and me both ( and it would appear that it's only you and me both LMHO )
      Maybe raspberry is the way to go - it would still be red..........but I can't tell you how much John loves it and so I've promised that I'd do nothing with it until Spring - you're going to have a little wait to see what I do to it LOL
      Thanks for the input
      xox

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  52. oh Susan this is my first post to you. Love your blog. i love your door but one time we were having a home built and the brick i wanted was not available. The salesman said i could use this red brick that i hated. I remember telling him that he was not the person that had to drive up to his house everyday and hate it. Soooo i'm all about doing what you like!!!
    Maybe next spring!!!!! Dianna

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    1. And I know exactly what you mean by red brick Dianna - our last home had exposed brick on the wall which were beautiful - and then they put red brick on the fireplace surround - I hated it and painted it white!
      I should have remembered that when I painted the door lol. Let's hope it's not a long winter and spring arrives early next year LMHO !
      Thanks so much xoxo

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  53. I love it, really I do!! It really makes your house pop, so much better than before. Thanks for sharing at VIParty.

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  54. Suzan I think the door looks better than it did before, but I when I look at your cottage I think your door would be beautiful in "Bon Voyage" by Behr.

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    1. Oh my gosh MJ where were you 3 days ago !!!!!!!!
      I just googled Bon Voyage - guess what color it's going next Spring???????????
      THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!!!
      XOXO

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    2. I can't wait for Spring to see it! I had that color on the front door of our last house when we lived in Ohio. Every time I would drive away I would look back and say, "I love that blue door!"
      It truly is a beautiful color, and in my head it looks stunning on your house. Lol.

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  55. Well, I bet you are going to want to jump on your broom and cross the line to come down here and kick my arse---but-----I think what makes it NOT flow is that the two sidelights are painted black. I think if they were painted the DREADed RED that it might look a lot more cohesive (to you)...just saying....and I know you hate it but I do think that might be why. So....please don't send me a hate bomb through the mail or anything. lol LOVE you---xo Diana

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  56. I really love your door red. I agree with Betsy that it makes you house pop.
    ~Cindy

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  57. Wow! Love that pop of colour!
    Our door is red and the shutters are black and the house is white.....
    Listen to your inner voice...you know you love red ....
    I would have painted the two sidelights white..but that's just me!
    Love it Suzan!

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  58. It looks awesome...although I think you could paint that door any color and it would be a knockout. What a gorgeous entrance you have Suzan. So inviting!

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  59. I love your red door. It makes a great statement and I love being able to call houses by their door colour. When I give directions, I'm like you go straight to the house with the black door and then a right when you're at the house with the light blue door... People don't seem to like it, though. Anyway, I was wondering how it would look if you painted the two little sides of the door red as well? OK, you're thinking I'm crazy and you can't stand the red anymore... But maybe it'll tone down the contrast with the black, since the shutters are a little farther... I don't know, just trying to make you feel better... And John would love more red, it seems.

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  60. Wow, the red looks amazing! Love it!!! The shutters and the window boxes, everything:). Your house looks absolutely stunning Suzan!

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  61. I think your house front looks absolutely wonderful and so dramatic. Maybe go into your kitchen and see what color you have in there besides white and black? If it were mine, I keep it a red shade, but maybe something a little more berry red. I think it's just the shade of red that is throwing you. When I look at the pictures taken later in the day when the red isn't so vibrant, I think it blends better.

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  62. I have to put my two cents in also -- it's fabulous!! I would take it in a heartbeat! Just think how amazing your house will look during the holidays :)

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  63. I think the red is great and picks up the coloured glass in the door.

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  64. Thanks so much Janice - I'll let John know LOL !!!
    xoxo

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  65. Suzan, I don't know if your red door looks any different in person, but in all of the pictures you've shown here, it is Gorgeous, and it makes the curb appeal a WOW! Some people are just beige lovers and wouldn't like it, but with your gorgeous black shutters, your house looks elegant but not drab. Your house looks AMAZING! I really do not know why you hate it. Maybe if you paint it a different shade of red you might like it better, but gosh, it is a 100% improvement from the way it was in the "before" pictures, and I think yellow would not be as nice at all. I'm with John on this one. (I never thought I'd say that.) It DOES NOT look like a clown nose. Ask a decorator you trust. I think it is gorgeous and not run of the mill wimpy. It is bold, dramatic and GORGEOUS and has Character, and SHOWS YOU ARE AN ARTIST AND DON'T SETTLE FOR BLAH COLORS JUST TO BE "SAFE".---I think its cute what you said you wish John would say in your imaginary conversation which you'd like to hear from him. That's what I always wish my husband would say to me because unlike John, he is always trying to tell me how to decorate and our tastes are totally different--I swear he is color blind! You are SO very Lucky that he does not interfere with decorating! Why, oh why, couldn't I get somebody like that?
    Love, Laura/Ethel /Hazel

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    1. Oh Havel - he fights me tooth and nail on every single thing I do - but it's just part of his schtick really - in the end he usually loves it all. He hasn't had any say with this house ( and really I wish he would have put his foot down and not even allowed us to buy it LOL )
      Thanks so much for the encouraging words - John's is simply lapping all of this up LMHO !!!
      It's staying this way until the Spring.................if I still don't like it ( and I have a feeling I won't ) than I'll change it !
      XOXO

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  66. I'm sorry, I really, REALLY am but I LOVE IT!!! I really do! The red and black look fabulous to me. Just don't tell John I said that:):) I want to support you but I think it looks great!!! XO

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  67. I love, love, love your door. It really draws you in. I actually just painted my front door red. It was already a fading red...but now it is really red. Next up is the shuttles.

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    1. Oh Trish - thanks so much - I just can't see it ( yet ) it may happen yet though ( hopefully ) LOL !
      xox

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  68. Hi Susan, First time responding to you, but been reading of your adventures for a couple of years. I like certain reds in certain places - mostly in a wineglass!

    My thought is a chartreuse coloured door (similar colour to the reflection of leaves in the window pane to the right of the door looking from the street - photo 4.) The colour needs to match the tone of the roofing material IMO.

    I look forward to seeing the progression. Deb,Sydney, Australia

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    1. Hi Deb |!!
      Chartreuse would be more up my alley I think ! But now I have my heart set on Aqua lol ! I have till Spring to convince John !
      That roof color gives me nightmares !
      XOX

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  69. ahh I love it so much! It looks so festive for the holidays!

    stop by and chat with me :) http://storybookapothecary.com

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    1. Thanks so much - it's AFTER the holidays that I'm worried about LOL
      xox

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  70. I love red doors...but yours is really red girl! It is WAY better than before, if that is any consolation. Hang in there!

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    1. Yes it is REALLY red LOL -
      Thanks Tammy !
      xxx

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  71. Oh I like it for sure...I would have never thought Santa, but I see what you mean...I still like it though!

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  72. I may be late to the party - but I am drinking the same Kool-aid as most of the others here ( and John). Loving that red. As someone - way up the food chain here said.... it does look like a British cottage. Probably why John loves it so much. If you can live with it... this will likely give you leverage on other decisions to be made. :)

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    1. " this will likely give you leverage on other decisions to be made " I am laughing my head off here !!!
      XOXO

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  73. Love it, love it, love it!! It's welcoming and goes with the rest of your house perfectly. Don't paint it black (love black doors) because it will hide on the porch.

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  74. I gotta go with John on this one, girl. That red door surrounded by the black accents really rocks--even better than Mick Jagger!!!

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  75. The red door looks great. What color are you wanting instead of red? Sheila

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  76. Thanks for sharing you red door at Dream Create and Inspire, Hugs always Maria

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  77. Thanks so much for having me !!!
    xox

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  78. Looks gorgeous! I am glad I found your blog. Valerie candlelightsupper2.blogspot.com

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  79. I'm not a good person to pipe in because I have a red door and love it.

    I love the look and I think black would be too dark with the dark shutters. I actually think yellow would be cute. Or, what about gray?

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  80. Love my red door and yours! Wait till Christmas, so fun to decorate!

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  81. I actually like your red front door! There used to be a neighbor in my subdivision that had a white house with black shutters and a red front door. It stood out and was very classy. Then they moved and the new owners painted the door to match their shutters in a dark green. I miss the old color scheme. She had a nice brass lion door knocker on her red front door and a swing on her small porch. Don't sweat it. I say live with it a little bit longer and if you still hate it after a few months, then paint over it.

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  82. I LOVE the red door! It looks great! Maybe you just need time to get use to it. My front door is a deeper red and the side windows like yours are dark gray. I get alot of compliments on my door and you will too!

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    1. Thanks so much Debi - yeah - I probably need more time !
      In the meantime we've gotten a ton of compliments - why can't I see it?
      XOX

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  83. Hi, I'm new... even forgot my password but I got a new one just so I could stalk....I mean follow you. Ha What if the red door was a dark blood red? Try finding paint samples that are still red but maybe muted? It's a thought. I'd be thrilled to even have my own house... hubby and I are renting a place so scary even trick or theaters never come by. So we painted our porch a bright sunny yellow and the door purple... we're going to make it at least look friendly, bohemian... cool word for 'broke'.. love your house and I do like red but very dark red. :)

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo