RenovationsExterior Design Inspiration September 3, 2015First a little reno/life update: Well, I’m posting this post one full week after I planned to. That probably gives you a little clue what things are like over here. We move in one week and to say it’s crazy is an understatement. Finishing the reno, trying to pack this house, taking care of the baby who’s decided this week is time to cut her first teeth, working on some behind-the-scenes blog stuff that of course I decided now was the time to start…y’all know the drill. When it rains it pours, but the end is in sight! I’m just giddy when I think about what life will be like in a little over a week. In the new house, major renovation stuff mostly behind us, and enjoying life with a little more time and energy to spread around. Thank you for hanging in there while we’re on this journey! On to today’s scheduled post… *** Designing our bungalow exterior was actually one of the easiest design decisions I made. I’ve known for so long what my ideal exterior would roughly look like. I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Milk and Honey Home’s blog. I immediately felt like I had discovered my design style and spent countless hours on Julie’s blog over the years. I had never seen someone mix country and rustic like I loved with mid-century and modern. Julie also introduced me to white: white walls, white everything. Here’s Julie’s current kitchen that was featured in last year’s Country Living Christmas issue. {via} And one more shot from her current home that really shows her gorgeous mix of styles. {via her Instagram} So much about this image inspires me. I love how there isn’t too much going on, but it is GORGEOUS. It makes me want to really scrutinize what I put in each room and not overdo the design. When Julie decided to quit blogging regularly and move toward an interior design business, I was DEVASTATED. But, I have loved following what she and her design partner Anisa are up to through their Instagram. It is inspiring! Not to mention they’ve been in Better Homes and Gardens and Country Living more times than I can count. Anyway, where is this headed and what do they have to do with my exterior design? Julie first introduced me to my beloved board and batten. I’ve known for years now that whenever I got to really re-do the outside of a house, it would be with board and batten siding. It pulls in my country/farmhouse roots and I love the interest it creates. This is a Southern Living house plan. See the full plan here. To me, there is nothing more classic and beautiful than a white board and batten house. But as you know, our current house exterior is white. While I love a white exterior, this one was white when we moved in and a full exterior reno wasn’t in the budget. See a little touch of board and batten crept into this design too? And I really told myself I was going to use this renovation to push myself and try new things like going from white cabinets to dark green. I’ve often said I’m all or nothing around here, so it stands to reason that I either love white or super dark. When Julie posted this house from Serenbe awhile back, I was in love. {photo via Milk and Honey home} I love the dark siding, dark windows, the striped porch ceiling, all of it. Here’s another dark Serenbe favorite. {via} Again, that dark board and batten has my heart. I love it paired with those amazing wood doors and brass lanterns. While I really love both of these, I knew that all dark was out for us. Black windows are definitely not in the budget, though I do love the look. When we were in Maine last fall, we both fell in love with this house. {via} I really love the pop of dark siding with white trim and white windows. We immediately knew that’s what we wanted to do on a future house. After we decided on “dark,” we had to nail down the actual shade. Both of the houses above are more black. I love how they look, but we wanted to go a little softer. I initially was deciding between dark charcoal gray or navy. I’d seen both of those done a lot and knew it would look good. But when something is done a lot, it does make me question it for myself. It doesn’t mean I won’t do it, but I love to try new things, so I always think, “is there another option I’d like better?” In this case, we both decided we’d prefer a super dark, piney, neutral green. Yes, green again! I told you it would be showing up a ton. I’m picturing a darker green than I’m using anywhere else, but it’ll tie in and I think make everything feel more cohesive. I’m sure they’re out there, but when I searched for inspiration images of dark green houses, I couldn’t find a single one that was the shade I’m envisioning. All were very green and had lots of color to them, which we don’t want. Neutral green is the goal. I’m still deciding between a couple of paint colors, but I’ll share the exact shade when I find it. I still love a white house and there may be another somewhere in my future. But for now, I’m really digging this venture to the dark side. Tomorrow, I’ll share the current state of our exterior. All of the board and batten is up and waiting on paint! It’s so exciting to see it coming together. On a side note, have you guys heard of the Serenbe community I mentioned? I am DYING to go there. It’s a farm and nature focused community on the outskirts of Atlanta. I could so live somewhere like that. *** If you’re new here, there are a lot of exciting things happening! You can check out our full current home tour here. To follow our renovation journey every step of the way, make sure you subscribe to posts! They come straight to your inbox when posted. And you can catch up on any renovation updates you missed by clicking below. While we love our little cottage, this family is moving on! We’re renovating a sweet little bungalow just down the street called The Buffalo Bungalow.
Kristina Atkins says September 3, 2015 at 12:53 pm Sounds like you were looking for a nice Charleston green. I’m excited to see what you found! Our new house is dark, dark gray and I love it. I do prefer dark navy (I’ve always been a navy girl) but the dark gray is pretty dreamy. Anyhow, I’m excited to see what you’ve got planned! And I remember wondering if you were going to do board and batten on your current home. 🙂 And funny enough, I had a dream last night that I visited your new home and it was actually all decorated and gorgeous. Haha! Reply
Lindsay says September 4, 2015 at 7:08 am Yes, Charleston green is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I love me some Charleston green 🙂 I have GOT to call you and us catch up. I want to hear all about the new house and everything going on! Reply
Kristina says September 4, 2015 at 9:32 am My parents’ front door is Charleston green. Good choice! 🙂 We do need to talk and catch up! But your life is even crazier than mine right now, so it can wait until you’re not running around like a chicken with its head cut off. 😉 I don’t know about you, but that’s how I feel! Reply
cassie @ primitive & proper says September 3, 2015 at 1:44 pm so funny you should post this because i have been looking at images all over of white houses with brown roofs, also dark brown houses…. we have a brownish reddish roof, brown trim, brown columns… so i am trying to work with it. the siding is yellow- ick! so debating painting most of it white, or dark brown, or painting the brick and siding white and leaving the trim… i don’t know! Reply
Lindsay says September 4, 2015 at 7:09 am Haha, good timing then, Cassie! I always love white! Our first house had that color roof and I was planning to do white with it 🙂 Never got there before we moved, but that was the plan! Reply