As you may know, we are in the process of building a home. (yikes! still makes me nervous typing that) We haven’t even broken ground yet, and are waiting for permits to go through. (taking FOREVER.) This week we needed to nail down our exterior options so those can get ordered and it’s going to be LOTS of decisions from here on out.
So, I am deciding to open up my inspiration vaults (aka secret boards on Pinterest and inspiration notebook) to let you see what I’m drawing from. Now, these pictures are beautiful, awesome, everything I could ever want, but I’m also finding out can cost LOTS of money. And we are on a budget and really have to think about what to invest in now, what to wait on, or omit from the dream plan. I still love to look and be inspired though…
Dun da da dun: here they are! My favorite exteriors:
via Norris Architecture on Houzz
Would it be fair to say I adore dormer windows, white trim, and classic/cottage styles? And, I notice these all have beautiful old trees which we definitely won’t have right away.
What do you think? Which one would you pick to move into?
- image from Pottery Barn -
Did I mention they will also cut it for you for free? Love them.
Paint around the edges with some black craft paint.
I found a high-resolution picture of the death star on the internet and ordered a 36”X48” engineer print from Staples for $7.
Attach the print to the board with spray adhesive (leftover from projects here, here, and here) : I rolled up the bottom to the middle, sprayed, and then smoothed it out as I unrolled it. Then repeat for the top part of the print until it’s all nice and stuck on.
May I give a bit of advice here?
Moving on…
I took some LED Battery Operated Lights
and stuck them through the holes from the back. This is the perfect time of year to do this project because holiday lights are in the stores! I ordered mine here , but you could also do the plug-in version if you won’t be hanging it up and can hid the cord. (UPDATE: I got tired of changing out the batteries, so I found some 50 count plug-in cool LED lights that stay cool to the touch during Christmas that I switched these out for. There are quite a few I didn't use, but they just light up behind the board and kind of make a cool effect. I'm still on the lookout for 30 count LED plug in.)
It’s okay if your holes aren’t perfect, it’s like a Christmas tree. When you turn on the lights, everything looks pretty.
It’s looking gooooooood. Let’s take it downstairs to the boys’ room.
Dun Dun Dun
And may the force be with you.
Are you ready for more? Head over to Vintage Revivals where the amazing Mandy will show you how to make an $800 West Elm rug for around $60! To see all of the projects, click over to party central at Makely.
Happy Knocktoberfest!
I thought I’d share our favorite autumn/winter salad since I made it for a family dinner this past weekend. I got this recipe from a church dinner in Texas. The dressing is what makes it – it is SO good. Printable version here.
* how to take better smartphone pictures from Two-Twenty-One.
* we are near a Costco again, and all is well in the world! 15 Things to Buy at Costco + 15 Things Not to Buy. Do you agree?
* Interesting thoughts on sibling rivalry. Can’t say that I concur with the last three paragraphs, but I loved the first part.
* I love this fall mantel at Remodelando la Casa:
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