Notable Things: Our Home Progress, Low-ROI Renovations, DIY Headboard, A Mind Blowing Exterior Transformation, & More
September 4, 2024
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It’s been a little over a month since we moved into our Maine Cape and we are feeling so at home! To be honest, the first couple of weeks I was totally exhausted and the thought of decorating, rolling out the rugs, or hanging artwork felt like a chore. But around week 3 I got a burst of energy and I found myself joyously filling our living room with books, lamps, flowers, and knick knacks. Which of course made our home feel even more…homey!
I mentioned that we wanted to be more intentional about leaving space in our lives outside of projects and I feel like we have a really good balance at the moment. We’ve accomplished a lot in the month that we’ve been here, but we’ve hiked, explored islands, and enjoyed the outdoors just as much…if not more!
The first project we crossed off our list was painting the main living areas Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. While painting the wood window trim was a bit of a controversial choice, I couldn’t be more thrilled with it! For the longest time we debated between painting both the trim and windows white or leaving it all wood and it finally clicked for me, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. We could compromise by keeping the windows wood and painting just the trim. Besides, the trim is what dated the home the most and the warmth of the wood windows is what we loved. It’s a perfect middle ground.
As for exterior work, we started cleaning up the property, pulled out the unwanted plants in front of our house, ripped out the ramp to our front door, and washed the roof and siding. Next up, we’re painting the siding, swapping out the front door, replacing a few damaged siding boards, planting new plants (I hope!) and installing new exterior lights. Those changes are going to make such a huge impact!
Notable Things
- We have 3 bedrooms to furnish in our new home so I’m on the hunt for a curtains, headboards, and nightstands. Wildflower Home’s DIY headboard (here’s a brief tutorial) is beautiful and reminded me to look for secondhand headboards that I could reupholster! Marynn upholstered her headboard in this stunning fabric and I’m contemplating where I can use the same fabric!
- The cities where rent prices are seeing the biggest annual changes. I’m surprised by #2!
- Have you seen the transformation of this exterior? It’s mind blowing and I would NEVER have guessed it’s the same house!
- 11 low-ROI renovations to avoid if you’re not in your forever home. Do you agree?
- I bought this address plaque for our home and I love the shape and distressed finish! It’s going to look so pretty against the stone wall we plan to build.
- This sidewalk chalk artist is unbelievably talented!
- We had our first guests last week with more family coming soon and I needed a few curtains to tie us over until we do full room makeovers. I am SO impressed with these affordable pinch pleated blackout curtains. I can’t stop recommending them!
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Which rug color did you end up going with? Love how it turned out!
I am so enjoying watching the improvements! More than once, I remember thinking I wish I could help. Especially with the outdoors. Great job!
The outdoors has been so much to work on! You’re welcome to weed with us any day 😉
Hi Danica “Nadine “,
This is Nadine akagrammydthegreat on ig.
Just wanted to say how hard working you both are and how lovely it is coming together and so quickly!
You’re making me miss my old cape . From the 40’s . We loved it so , but was time to change for a retirement community.
Not the best choice for me , but we are here and here and that s that .
I am a retired interior designer and should u need any help with your new home I would love to give my 2 cents !
All the best ! So happy to be watching along your journey! 😘
Hi Nadine! ohhh thank you! There’s something about Cape Cods that just feel so homey and it’s easy to fall in love with them!
Your living room is a scroll stopper! Love the choice to leave some of the wood and paint the trim. It’s gorgeous, and so homey! Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Thank you so much Hannah! Soo much to come still!
Looking good so far. At first I thought that exterior photo of the all white house, door, trim was the after and was pretty dismayed. Then read the text and saw paint was still coming. Thank goodness! Also wondering what you would think of putting that living room secretary at an angle instead of crammed in the corner, just a thought. Looking forward to all the changes.
Wow, in one month you’ve already started the transformation. I like the painted trim on the windows while leaving the mullions wood. The wood ties in with the floors and wood furniture beautifully. I look forward to future changes. Allow them to come slowly and soak in all that Maine has to inspire. This will be fun!
Thanks Mimi! So glad we left the windows wood…it’s the perfect touch of warmth on the walls!