It's reveal day for our (inspired) French Country Cottage exterior home!! Such sweet, sweet words. I won't keep you waiting. I'm going to head straight into the before & afters. Then, I'm going to dig more into the process...and share more photos too, of course!
So, let's get into it and welcome to my home!
Where to begin...
Well, we'll start with the color of the brick. Which is by far the most dramatic change. For those that didn't catch this post, it's not white paint, it's limewash! But you can read more about that here.
If you saw my exterior vision post then you'd know that I really wanted shutters. I went back and forth on them for a while. At first, I was all in until I started reading more about them and realized there's a wrong and right way to do them, and people that know the difference get very upset to see it wrong haha.
The wrong way happens to be what 90% of people do and don't worry, I don't judge, but it's "wrong" if there's no hardware and it's just attached to the house and doesn't look like it could close. It's "wrong" if it doesn't actually look like the shutters will cover the window if they're closed.
Using those guidelines it was going to be too hard and too expensive to do it correctly, so I decided to hold off on it. Or so I thought...
But as we were finishing up the exterior the house just needed them! Plus, I really wanted them haha. So I compromised with myself. We made them appear as if they are workable and the right size.
Technically in authentic cottages, you wouldn't have shutters on triple windows (I don't even think they had big windows back then), but I did see some photos where people in New Orleans put bi-fold shutters on large windows and that's what we copied on our big window (below). I do want to change out the silver hinges for black, but that's all we had on hand at the time. Oh, and I may add holdbacks!
So long story short, our shutters are the right sizes for the windows and with hinges, they appear to work. We didn't put any shutters on our really big window (below), because that would have looked wrong in an effort to make it look right! If that makes sense...
So instead, we filled in with trellises that will eventually have ivy growing on them!
The garden above is really bare, but there's lots happening below the surface...literally! We've planted lots of bulbs and my hope is that there will not be a single inch of ground you can see. It will be my cottage garden!
The garage (above) was a simple fix until I decide what type of garage door to do and then once decide, save up for it. I painted it a fresh white and added some hardware and a new garage light. Sources will be at the bottom of the post!
You can see that we removed the faux white column below. Under it was a wood beam so we just wrapped it to make it beefier and then stained it. Pretty easy!
We actually did not get a new front door! We just removed the storm door and did a makeover on what we already had. Titus did a reverse swing of the door because I wanted it to open the other way-then we added trim to get the molding look and paint! It was so easy and now it looks like a million bucks.
I really love the bench that was already here for us (below). It looks like something in a European courtyard and I couldn't be happier. We did some rearranging & adding in the rock garden, but I'm pretty thankful that there was already stuff going for us.
The flower boxes almost make the house. They're filled with herbs and flowers and it's so magical when I'm in the kitchen washing dishes to get a whiff of basil coming through the open window. Mmmm. They make the exterior look good, but they're also practical and I just love having them. Can't wait to see them get super full though!
Of course, new hardware always helps, and little things like new lights, handles, and doorbells can make a huge difference.
So now that I've shared about a million photos haha, what do you think??
I have some ideas of things to do in the future (like brick the sidewalk), but nothing I'm in a rush to do. We're just taking a break and enjoying a beautiful exterior that we get to call home!
Sources:
Doorknocker
Front door light (Menards, similar)
Doorbell
Front door pots (garage sale, similar)
Mail Slot
Front door rug
Side door rug
Garage door window magnets
Garage door hardware (online version of what we got at Menards)
Garage door light (online version of what we got at Lowes)
Exterior Color: It's limewash!
Front Door, Shutter, & Green Accent Color: Dutch Boy Willowed Tree 324-2DB High Gloss (I mixed with black at home to get the shade I wanted)
Stain Color: Minwax Provincial
If you have any questions about this makeover drop me a comment and I'll answer them!
Oh my gosh! I am such a HUGE FAN!! Of course, I know that you are obsessed with all things French, but this is so perfect. The paint difference is amazing, and I LOVE the planter boxes. What an amazing change for the better!
Aww, thanks so much! Your compliments make my day! I love the transformation!
What color of stain and brand did you use for the front porch post?
Hi, Tracy! All of that info is listed at the bottom of the post 🙂
Wow - what a difference! I applaud you, excellent job. It's beautiful!
Thanks soo much, Candace!
Fantastic transition and super helpful tips! I’ve been wanting to limewash my brick for quite some time but I’m almost 50 and am not sure I can do it on my own. We have a small ranch as well but with a one car garage in bk. I thought I would try starting in the back first.
Anyway, one question... did you make all of the planter boxes and then stain them with the Minwax? Or did you purchase them somewhere? Didn’t see anything in your sources about those. Love them!
Thanks! We made the plantar boxes and stained them with Minwax.
It would be quite a project to do on your own! Whether you attempt it or hire out, I'm sure you'll love the outcome. 🙂
This end result is beautiful! Definitely inspired to paint my own brick now!
This is amazing! Love your color choices and the ‘feel’ you created here! Is there a way to get the custom breakdown in the sage paint?!
Thank you! I really wish I had more of a breakdown for you, but I really just eyeballed it. I started off by adding a little black paint to the store mix, mixing it, testing it, and I kept going until I had a color I liked!
I used your home as an example the other day. My husband and I were talking about future homes, and I told him I didn't mind much about the outward appearance, because I can always take tips from my blogging friend, Carolyn, who makes everything look BEAUTIFUL! And then I just showed him this to prove it haha! Truly, your home is outstanding. I love the French cottage vibes. I want to spend all my time in that front yard!
Aww thanks SO much! It's amazing what you can do to transform a house with a little, okay a lot, of work! Excited for you guys and your future home!
What consistency did you use? You don’t see much brick color coming through. You must have put it on pretty thick.
I give more details on the limewash process here! https://www.mychicobsession.com/limewashed-brick-ranch-exterior/
you have the most beautiful home and i love the French cottage vibes!
kileen
cute & little
That's so sweet, Kileen. Thanks!
WOW! It looks incredible! I thought that was a brand new door...it looks great. And I love the limewash...I will have to look into it for our home. It's a medium-ish brick right now. But I am obsessed with the look of white brick. Now...if only I could convince my husband. LOL! Love how it all turned it, it's beautiful!
Haha, it can be hard to convince our husbands at times 😉 Thanks for all the kind words!!
Wow, what a difference! The house looks great and I'm totally getting those French cottage vibes. Beautiful!
I'm so glad you are!
OMG I LOVE the limewash and I'm totally getting French countryside cottage vibes!
Yay! So glad it comes across 🙂
Your pictures are so beautiful! Love the fact you were inspired by a French country cottage. A plus!
For sure! 😉
I am always, always bothered by the wrong-sized shutters! I love the look of the lime wash and all your thoughtful details. I hope you enjoy your lovely home for many years to come.
Thank you so much, Mary! I'm glad to find others that like to look at the right sized shutters, too. 🙂 Have a great day!
Wow, you completely TRANSFORMED the place! The planter boxes, the shutters, the wood covering, the limewash.. WOW!!
Thank you so much! You listed all my favorite parts!
How many days did it take you to lime wash house?
The whole project took about a week, and that's multiple coats and touch-ups and we got a little lazy towards the end and didn't work as fast haha. But doing dedicated working, the front of the house took about 8 hours for the first coat. Of course, the second coats (if you do one) go much faster!
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you so much for your comment, Grace!
Beautiful! Homey, not overdone. What a blessing! I love it! Thank you for sharing it! So refreshing to see a young woman caring for her home. God created us to be keepers at home. ?
Thank you for your kind words! We find a lot of joy in improving our home and making it feel like us!
Beautifully done. So refreshing to see and know younger people are still aware and wanting French Cottage style. Also loved the article comparing French English and Farmhouse. Applause to you!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm in love with this style and I'm trying to convince my husband to move to Europe 😉
Just beautiful! You've done a wonderful job.
Thank you so much, Bettsi!
I'm about to paint my brick house white and my husband is nervous about it -- and his nervousness makes me nervous, too! Seeing your house gives me the courage to go for it. What you've done looks beautiful and has really transformed your house. I've been going back and forth about shutters as well and still haven't decided. I think it's good that you took the time to make them look functional and properly sized. Did you make the window boxes or order them from somewhere? I've been looking for some like that but I don't think I have it in me to make them myself!
It's normal to feel nervous- I felt it too. And so did my husband! But not liking the orange brick won and I'm so glad we did it in the end. We made the window boxes and they were actually super easy. I don't think it will be as hard as you think! Good luck with your project, Catherine!
Your house looks beautiful! What color paint did you use on your door and shutters?
Thank you! And it's at the bottom of the post 🙂
Front Door, Shutter, & Green Accent Color: Dutch Boy Willowed Tree 324-2DB High Gloss (I mixed with black at home to get the shade I wanted)
Your makeover is beautiful and I’m very impressed with all your diy! I’ve recently purchased a „boring“ brick ranch and am pinning this for inspiration. Love the limewash and the front door makeover!!! You didn’t list costs but I’m assuming these were all pretty inexpensive steps? Enjoy your wonderful French vibe!
Rebecca
Thank you, Rebecca! Good luck on giving your ranch a makeover. I listed the cost of limewashing on a different post and it was only $30! You can check that out here.
So charming, delightful and what vision you have! I love seeing an ordinary plain house being transformed into a beautiful home! Love it!
Thanks so much, Janet! I was really happy with how it came together.
We have a similar layout house but also a brick walkway. What would you suggest doing to the walkway??
I actually considered adding a brick walkway instead of our plain cement one. I think a red one would look nice with white brick. I think it all depends on the color of yours! Are you looking to change it up or do you not like the color?
LOVE IT!! Definitely thinking about doing the limewash with our future home! Thank you for the inspo, tips and info!!
Good luck with your future project!
Love this! We just finished like washing our home! Huge difference. What color did you use for your trim?! We are trying to decide!
Thanks so much! Changing the exterior makes such a huge difference, doesn't it? Paint colors are listed at the bottom of the post. 🙂
Hi Carolyn, I LOVE your house. It's beautiful! Can you tell me where you got your shutters? Thanks!
Thank you so much!! My hubby actually made them. I should have made that more clear!
How is it holding up after roughly 6 months? Have you noticed any fading?
It’s stunning and you’ve totally inspired me to do this to my house for a little face life.
It looks great! I expect fading to happen eventually, but it hasn't happened yet and we've had some pretty big storms in the midwest since then. Good luck with your project!
Hey there! What plants do you have in your yard? We are needing some for ours!
Hi, Kate! We have many. In our rock garden, we have sedum, arborvitae bushes/trees, boxwood, ivy, roses, hostas, and irises. In this post I talk more about what my cottage garden has: https://www.mychicobsession.com/working-on-our-cottage-garden/
Where did the urns come from? And did you do any kind of treatment to them or are they as purchased? Sorry if that is mentioned in the comments I didn't have time to read them all.
They were from a garage sale, believe it or not, for just $1 each!! Sorry, I can't link to them. Here are some similar ones below:
https://rstyle.me/+mWeONUaB0qqyKRxQdDywCg
https://rstyle.me/+WqNYTwM3PdB2ls4WHUMC0A
Love this whole makeover! But really in love with the green shutters/front door. Do you recall how much black paint you added to get to the final hue of green? Ratio of Black to Willowed Tree? Thank you!
Hmm I wish I knew for sure. I eyeballed and tested it. A little bit of trial and error. Sorry, that's not helpful!
I love love love your house and thanks to you I was able to get my husband to agree to whitewash ours 😜. Our house got destroyed in a tornado in 2018 to the point everything had to be redone except the outside walls . I was hoping we had enough left to paint the red brick but we didn’t. So ever since than I was trying to find a way to redo the outside on a budget and that’s when I came across your post 😀. So this weekend we started and it looks amazing. Now the outside matches the inside of my house 😍😍. Thanks for posting it .
Yay! So glad to hear it looks amazing! Painting is SUCH a transformation!
Carolyn,
You did a beautiful job taking the house and turning it in to a lovely HOME! So welcoming. So peaceful.
Thank you for sharing the transformation!!
Thank you! It was such a fun transformation to do!
I'm in awe of your transformation! It's gorgeous. Could you elaborate on how you wrapped and stained your pillar/column? I love the look and have wanted to replicate it on our 3 large front columns.
Thanks!
Thanks so much, Michelle! My husband wrapped it and it was overall very easy. The post is 4 boards screwed together. My husband screwed 3 together, put the sides around the wood post that was already there, and then added the last one and secured it to the post up into the corner. I then went and stained it.
What color stain did you use on the post?