Color Me Happy...

My good friend, Beth has a lovely house. She has done a ton of work on the inside so now to turn the focus to the outside. I already told you that the backyard needs a little help. And of course we aren't millionaires so everything must come in phases. Well one phase is to update the trim on her house.

Red brick is a hard one. So I email my blogger friend, Maria over at Colour Me Happy and here's what she thinks...

"I find one of the best colours that works with red brick is a greeny gray--blue works with red but seems to look less organic and natural than a greeny gray. HC-98 or if you wanted it to read less green, you could go for HC-108. Maybe just a yellowy beige would work as well, HC-45 Shaker Beige? Hope this helps, Maria"

Maria has a great post about picking out exterior colors so check it out if you need some good ideas. And if you read that post, then you should probably read this one too.

Before/After

This gorgeous bathroom is my viola teacher's renovation project of last year. She and her husband live in a beautiful arts and crafts home and they have painstakingly worked on it for years. They didn't do the work themselves on the bathroom but Linda planned and picked all of the elements. She would be an amazing contractor. If you want to see more photos click here.

Beth's patio

Beth's patio by mayk1 on Polyvore.com

After eating lunch at Beth's house the other day I have been craving a make-over. Beth has a beautiful house and a back patio begging for a make-over. And you know I would die for a little more space at my house. So I told her I would come up with some ideas for her outdoor space. This space is simple yet traditional. Beth is a busy mom who doesn't have time for a bunch of plants so I kept it easy for her. Cool rug to bring in a little drama and everything else would work when she is ready to put in the french doors, brick patio and deck.

Patio Update

Con's patio is done! And it beautiful. I think the color is amazing. And the shape is perfection. I can't wait to be sitting in a lounge chair, sipping a glass of chardonnay and trading stories while enjoying the view.

Patio Update

Thought I would give you another look at Con's patio progress. Looking good isn't it? I can't wait to see the end result.

Before

My good friend, Con is building a new patio for her house. I told her I needed photos for my blog. Con and Bill live in the house that Bill grew up in. They have completely renovated the house and are now working on the outside. I like to say they live in the country. I'm pretty sure Con would disagree with me. But if it's not Des Moines, then it's the country to me. I'll have more photos of the patio progress this weekend.

Do it yourself....

I really like this idea. Peg board and a frame and some paint. Easy peasy. Found it here.

How to...

I love flagstone patios. I'm obsessed with them to be perfectly honest. Apartment Therapy has a "How to Build a Flagstone Patio Fast" for you.