Kind of a big deal

We have decided to finish the second phase of work this year (instead of 2013). What is the second phase? Replacing the last of the non-original windows with the more original looking 2 over 2, repairing/rebuilding the front porch, and scraping/painting the entire outside of the house. The only decisions that we need to make at this point are regarding paint colors. Victorian houses want a minimum of 4 colors (base color, trim, second color, and accent) although I hope to add one or two more depending on how expensive it will be... A few of the houses around us have been renovated/repainted so we're trying to choose a color scheme that fits in with the block as a whole. Even with probably over 60 paint samples in my shed, I am really struggling to find a combination that gets me excited AND I can have confidence about... keep in mind, we have no experience with choosing exterior colors. I generally like things that are "light and bright." With the right balance of accents/color, you can definitely still have a look that pops. Here's an example:

I'm in love with this. It speaks to me. It inspires me. And it would be a new color on our block! So here is an old picture of our house:

Apply SW Copen Blue as the siding color, an off-white such as SW Porcelain as the trim color, a darker version of the siding color (SW Calico) on the attic gables, and SW Empire Gold as the contrast/accent color (windows, etc.). I could also see a dark gray with hint of brown in there too.

Love love LOVE our backyard!

Backyard Day 5

The patio is made of bricks from the chimney that had to be taken down

Backyard Day 4

GRASS!!!

Backyard Day 3

Backyard "Fun"

Our biggest project right now is the backyard... which has been a parking lot/dumping ground for well over 50 years I'm sure (with gravel, broken glass, and other things that you don't want to know about). So we've enlisted help from our neighbor (Sheldon at Garden Environments) to dig up the gravel/trash and replace with some lovely sod, mulch, and a picket fence! I can't wait for the kids to have a space to play! Here are some pics of the progress so far:


Day 1:

Day 2:

Today Colin cut back the bushes in an effort to discourage dumping/peeing. Yep, you heard me.

 Deep inside one of the bushes was a black bag containing someone's personal belongings. My g-ma was the lucky one voted to look at what was inside...

This belt/buckle was by far our favorite... ;)