My Summer-long, Finally Completed Project

14 years ago

In between our trips to Michigan and Oklahoma this summer, I've been diligently working on redoing our long front portal (porch) and the two huge flower beds out there . . .plus our walled-in garden, as well. I know that this isn't holiday decor, but I thought you might like to see what's been taking up so much of my time. I do have a Margarita vignette in there, too ;^D

Hopefully, now that this big project is finally done, I can get back to pretty tables again.

This link is just to my post over on GW's Decorating Forum:

"Lynn's Summer Project"

Lynn

PS Yes, I did tumble down my front steps a couple of days ago, but am doing much better today.

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Comments (10)

dining_delight
14 years ago
Lynn, what a fabulous portal and surrounding area you have there! How wonderful to have all those sitting/dining areas outside! I like the virtual pics someone posted of your door in turquoise, did you go ahead with that? I like your dining set as is but that is just my opinion. Looking forward to you having more time to do tablescapes with us again. Hope your "tumble" didn't hurt your too bad!

DD
plainjane425
14 years ago
First off Lynn...I hope you are okay from that 'tumble' you took. Sounds like you've bruised everything on your body that moves!! Take it slow and give all those parts time to heal.
Now, I Just Love ... Love It all Lynn.
Your home is just so amazing and you've done wonders with everything both inside and out. Your home has such a distinct style and flare, and it's done so perfectly.
As far as your front door, as beautiful as it is..I'm with those who say, it needs color to set if off. I also think it will 'enhance' the details more. The first door color with the muted turquoise seems to be in the right direction. If you do go in that color family...it definitely should be muted. Also, I agree with painting the dining furniture to 'ground it'.
I think I would choose a muted tone there as well, so it would not compete with the other colors you already have. It should be a 'backdrop' for anything that surrounds it or that you place on it.
I love the garden statue. She is so peaceful looking.
Once again...everything looks just lovely...I see you've been quite a busy lady and all that hard work has really paid off. Now all that's needed, is for you to enjoy it!!

jane
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kathleen_li
14 years ago
You did a great job. Lynne!
I hope you get to spend many hours out there enjoying the scenery!
luvstocraft
14 years ago
Loved every picture and what a wonderful portal/porch! You have wonderful taste Lynn, and you've created several really nice seating areas there. So does this new table and chairs mean we can expect some sunset tablescapes there? Sure hope so. ;o) No decorating advise from me--you do a great job on your own. I really love your new statue, she's lovely. And while I'm not a real fan of the desert, you sure can't beat the sunsets there and your home is just fantastic.

So sorry about your fall--accidents can happen so darn quick, can't they? At least you have this lovely area to sit, sip, and savor while you recuperate. Take care.

Luvs
valleymagpie
14 years ago
Lynn,

What a lovely entrance! All the pictures of your house I have seen seem so suited to your location--I really like that. When I moved to the Northwest I somehow expected every house to be rustic and connected with the outdoors and the big firs. It REALLY bugged me to see a house up here with a PALM TREE! Just me, I guess...

And your sunset picture--fabulous. No wonder you wanted to spend the time to get your portal just the way you wanted it. It's hard without taking in the whole "picture" in person to have an opinion on the front door, but if you want turquoise, I say go for it (after all, everything else you did turned out great). You can always antique it a little to bring out the carving. I do like the dining set and swing the way they are.

Relax on your banco and mend up those injuries.

- Magpie
lynninnewmexico
Original Author
14 years ago
Many thanks for your kind words and your advice on the furniture and door. DH & I spent pretty much the entire morning and afternoon out there yesterday so that I could recouperate a bit more. We love having breakfast out there and did so again this morning. Our usual way to spend these summer holidays is to work on projects 'till we're exhausted. Yesterday was a lovely change of pace. It's very, very quiet out there and it was so peaceful to just watch and listen to the birds while we read. Ahhhhhh!

Luvs, you're so right! My accident took me completely by surprise, it happened so quickly! I'm not a klutz, but I have a bad habit of moving too quickly. I was tired and should have been more careful!

And, yes, I think that I'll finally have time to work on a Sunset Dinner on the Portal table.
Lynn
bettyd_z7_va
14 years ago
Lynn,

I got so excited when I saw your portal that I posted on the other forum! What a wonderful outdoor living space. I would never go inside if I had that space!

Please let us know if your DH agrees to paint that door.
I sooo fell in love with that 1st picture that Moonshadow did with the virtual painted door pics. It would bring attention to the carving and REALLY make your front entrance PERFECT!!

Take some hot baths to help get rid of all of your soreness IF you can drag yourself inside long enough! LOL

Betty
bonnieann925
14 years ago
This is stunning Lynn! You did an amazing job of creating various sitting/living areas in your lovely space. I don't think I'd ever go inside! Yup, just pour me some wine and start a fire and put a comfy throw out there......ah, does it get any better than that?
oldalgebra
14 years ago
Lynne,
I just love her!

I went to the Finished Kitchens site and looked you up. You've maintained the feel of your natural surroundings throughout your home. And you've done it without over doing it. Nice job.
I say, "Paint the door." All the examples looked fine to me and I guess a turquois door is the most appropriate/traditional. But if it were my door, I'd paint it the same red shade you put on the porch chair. Hey, you can't really go wrong. It's only paint. You can go right over the top of it if it's not to your liking. Do post pictures when you're done.
lynninnewmexico
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow, OA, I'm touched that you actually went over and checked out my kitchen pics. Thank you! I truly love to decorate and try to be very careful not to go overboard.

Bonnie, that's just what we did last night, started a fire in the fireplace out there and took out our glasses of wine to sip. It had been raining on and off all day and it was just so cozy by the fire.

Betty, someday I'll show you pics of the inside of my house. It's cozy in here, too, but we do love our front portal. Thanks!
Lynn

My Summer-long, Finally Completed Project

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