Covering Up

When we upgraded our door hardware there was just one thing that got left behind.

That ugly brass deadbolt was a bit of an eyesore. To top it off, there was no key to it (the house had five different deadbolts and one key when we moved in) so if you locked it there was no way in without unlocking it from the inside. As you can imagine, that caused some problems. 

So here is a nice little before and after for you (I'm full of them right now aren't I)

Before

After

Not bad right? Obviously there was a huge hole in the door when I removed the deadbolt but never fear, Home Depot is here! The cover only came in brass which wouldn't have been any better than what I had but that's nothing a coat a ORB can't fix right?

The idea is simple. They are just metal plates that attach through the door (I threw the package out before I took a picture so this is the closest I could find). Like so

Here it is installed from the other side

Simple easy and done. Besides waiting for the paint to dry the whole project took around 5 minutes and about $5 (I already had the paint). Maybe one day we will get a new door but I rather like this one, so for now, this is perfect. 

Who doesn't love an easy fix? 

Cheers!

Knobbing Around

You may remember that stripping the paint from our door knobs was one of my resolutions this year (#12 in fact). I'm always so sad when I see people have painted over antique metal (unless it is rusty). I know everyone has there thing, but that is mine. So, it should come as no surprise that the knobs in this house bugged me. Big time. Especially since many of the knobs looked like this.

I mean come on! If you are going to paint something at least paint it well!

I have been keeping my eye out for a non toxic paint removal system but most required a crock pot and I didn't want to deal with it. I poked and poked and finally found one that was a stove top method. One $5 pot later and I was working away.

It's a pretty simple method.

• Dump a layer of baking soda in a pot you don't plan to use again.
• Put in hardware
• Fill to cover
• Bring to boil and then simmer for 30 min or until paint is gone.

Boiling makes it go faster but you have to stand there and watch. After the paint is loose you just scrub with a wire brush and you are set. Look how much prettier they are clean and paint free!

Not all of the face plates were pretty but a little polishing restores their luster.

The knobs themselves were a bit tricky but the key is just letting them dry fully (water gets lodged in them). My knobs didn't shine up as much and were a bit rusty so I gave them a spritz of ORB spray and they were good as new (see, nothing against paint when it is needed).

Library Door

Bathroom

Obviously I still need to paint the doors but that is a resolution for another time.

Anyone else doing simple updates lately? Sometimes I just need a break from the major project the kitchen has become.
Cheers!

April Showers

I've been secretly hating my bathroom for a few months now. Well, hate is a strong word. Let's say I love my bathroom but hate what it is doing to our relationship. The thing I love most about my bathroom is the tub.

It is just the right depth that I can really get a good soaking in there. I love it so much in fact that I take a bath about once a day. So what's bothering me? The water bills. That bath holds something to the tune of 300 gallons of water, which means, if both Daniel and I decide to become clean in the same day we have used around 600 gallons of water. Water = $$$. Lots. So Daniel has been after me to get the shower kit installed. We've talked about this before right? It has been one of those classic projects where nothing works the way you think it will and everything is 10X more expensive. Who knew polished brass was the most expensive option? Or that you can't find risers tall enough for anyone over 5'4" to shower under? It was a mess. 

Needless to say I finally worked it all out and ordered and waited and payed the money to find that the sales person had neglected to tell me I needed one more little piece. The one that holds the whole thing up. So the kit sat in the corner until we got another water bill (less this time but still bad) and I caved. A few more weeks and now I can finally shower in my bath.

You wouldn't think such a few pieces of metal could bring a woman to tears so many times but I have to say this has not been my favorite project. At least now I can say it is done! (Kitty likes it too)

So now, when you visit my house you can take a shower, or a bath. Your choice.

Daniel and I are off to the Museum today so maybe I'll find a bit of art for above the toilet. That place holder frame has been there too long.

Cheers!

One Good Turn Deserves Another

Ever since the front door got new hardware the back door has been looking a little sad.

We added the new Kwikset key pad but the door knob was pathetic. It didn't even latch! With company coming it was time for a change. I rounded up all of my ReStore donations and headed down to see what I could get.

Isn't she a beaut? I love the art-deco detailing on the knob and plate. I even matches the color of the key pad. I'd love to tell you who made it, but the ReStore doesn't exactly have labels. Though now it makes me want to paint our door. I mean, how can you not love that pop of color?

via 

via 

Via

Once the dust has settled something bright and cheery might be just the thing our back door needs. 

Cheers!