Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Outside Entry: Before During and After

 Yesterday, the wrought iron railing was finally installed, bringing the front entry's transformation to a close.  

Here is the original front entry.  
Nice railing, but I hated the stairs--a mix of tile and terrazzo which is typical in the City.
The entry courtyard's concrete was cracked, badly patched and painted.  Ugh!

After jackhammering out the courtyard concrete, I made the decision to go all the way and replace the stairs, unifying it all with brick.

At this point, I had a sick feelingI  "What have I done?"

But I had a vision for the entry which I kept reminding myself about.

Once "Humpty Dumpty" began to be put back together again, I felt more confident that it would all turn out.

The stairs were rebuilt and bricked.

Here the entry, after being rebuilt and newly bricked last November.
What an improvement!
Time to decorate it. 

My vision for the entry included a trickling fountain... 

...surrounded by creeping fig (which is finally starting to adhere to the wall) boxwood, ivy topiaries...

...and glowing lanterns on the stairs. 

So when Gomez Ironworks installed the rail yesterday, I was thrilled to finally see it all come together.

I love the new rail which is more simple than the original.

Looking up to the front door.

 Looking down from the front door.

Looking from the stairs into the courtyard.
The walls will eventually be completely covered in creeping fig.

The glowing lanterns have battery operated lights that go on at dusk.
Yes, I'm taking a risk in the City of having them stolen, but it's such a nice added touch
to the entry.
I'll take my chances.  After all, it's part of the vision!


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17 comments:

Kathysue said...

Hi D! Oh my this is just lovely and inviting. If I were walking by I would want to see inside this beautifully appointed home. Love the fountain and the creeping fig. I have a new side patio and our fountains are similar, don't you just love the wonderful sound it makes. Nothing like trickling water. YOUR vision is wonderful and so glad you shared it with us!
xo Kathysue

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Delores, your entry is so beautiful! i have enjoyed following your journey with your new home. I am sure the fountain sounds so soothing and welcoming. I love all of your plant choices and the creeping fig will be amazing when it fills out. The lanterns are lovely on the stairs. That was such a great idea!

Sarah said...

You definitely have an eye and vision, Delores. This new look is striking, so much cleaner and interesting. Great job! I know this new abode is fabulous. Eager to see more.

cotedetexas said...

Delores. This is gorgeous. Love the lights !!!!! Use in good health my friend

Carol S. said...

Beautiful and worth taking a chance...hoping you have only admirers walking by! Love classic brick, greenery, wrought iron, fountain and lantern. Perfection.

Sandie said...

Thank you for sharing your lovely home!

laney said...

...lovely...

My Cozy Casita said...

Dolores, you have vision the new look is beautiful I love fountain and the lanterns thank you for shared your lovely new home
Blessing
Isora

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

You certainly have great vision! I really like the brick you chose and how it looks with the exterior coloring of the house. The lanterns look amazing (hopefully they'll stay put)! I like the handrails and how they curved the metal down on the ends. It's all going to look amazing when the creeping fig makes it's way along the wall and the fountain is such a perfect touch.

Theresa Potter said...

In a word, stunning!!!

Marlis said...

Delores, this turned out so nice. I do love the lanterns going up the stairs. The new ironwork is beautiful. Your entry just makes me want to come up and see you! xo

karen said...

Delores
You really have vision. I do LOVE your blog!

GranthamLynn said...

Beautiful transformation! Thanks for providing your email option. I love being lured over. I enjoy visiting. Come over and see me.
I have a book giveaway going on now that is ending in a couple of days. I'll be running a giveaway all summer. Stop over and check it out.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonnie Schulte said...

Oh WOW! Out of this world beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gina said...

Love your new courtyard. Perhaps for a second phase decorating project, adding a wrought iron gate to the entrance of your courtyard would be lovely! You can then add some of the pots and artwork to your space. Then no worries about missing anything!

Dianne said...

You have certainly moved into a different home lifestyle. I am curious. Do you like it better? Your new place is so chic and I look forward to seeing the entire thing when you are ready to share. I just wondered if you were happy with the big change.

Sheila @ Maison de Cinq said...

Delores, I love everything about this!! I'm a big fan of brick, and I adore the lanterns and especially the fountain! I love how simple it is; not overly busy. I might have to email you and ask where you got it:))

Sheila
xo

www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com

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