Spring Spruce Up

I've been wanting to do a few projects around the house, and I finally had both the time and the money to work on it.  Little things can make a huge improvement in appearance, and also give a little pick me up.

The biggest project wasn't that big, but just one I flat out hate to do, and that's painting.  Our shutters and exterior doors were very faded and have been an eye sore to me.  I'd planned to get them painted last spring, then the pandemic/lock down and lack of supply availability hit.  By the time things were opened up enough to get the paint, the blazing heat had set in for the summer and you're not supposed to paint in direct sun.   This year, I got a jump on things and bought the paint at the beginning of March, so I'd have it ready when the right time presented itself.  Two days of high 70's/low 80's in late March was just the time frame I needed to get this task done.

These first two photos are the before shots.  The shutters/doors are supposed to be burgundy, but they were so faded that it looks almost brown.  You can especially see the fading and uneven drabness on the door panels.

I purchased paint in "Royal Garnet" at Lowe's.  When I initially opened the paint can, I was really concerned, the paint was a vibrant purple-red.  My fears weren't silenced until I got the second coat of paint on, but then I was very happy with the outcome.  I even painted my little decorative star above the door to match.  Here are after photos.

Once I had the outside task out of the way, I decided to do a few things inside.  Have you ever noticed how one thing leads to another when you start doing these types of things?

First I tackled the living room.  Our sofa is old, and two of the cushions have started to rip, but it's still structurally sound.  Instead of replacing the old sofa all together, I bought a new slip cover in deep teal.  That led to new pillow cushion covers (two are still on the way), and a new area rug that my BFF let me pick out for my birthday present.  The first photo is before, the second photo is after.

I then turned my attention to the sun porch.  This room is where we spend most of our time.  We homeschool, eat our meals and entertain company in this room.  I didn't do anything to the dining room portion of the room, but the sitting area is my absolute favorite place in the house now.  The sofa and love seat were looking a little grungy from 12 years of use. I  purchased slip covers in sage green for both, added spring pillow covers, a fresh runner in front of the sofa, and a new lamp (not the one in the photo, I chucked that one).  LOVE IT!

I forgot to take a photo of the sofa for "before" so here's a look at the love seat, mid-make over.  The first photo is the before, followed by the after.

The photos don't really do the colors justice in any of the three makeovers.  However, I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  This spring spruce up has really brightened up the house, and done wonders for my mindset as well.

Now to get started on gardening!