A Study in [Tomato] Colors
Oliver’s Bungalow Blog
Curtains or Shades?
I had a nice fabric roller shade (from JCPenney, of course) on the old front door. It matches all the other roller shades in the living room, entry, and up the staircase. But I’m not sure I want to install the roller shade on the new window. See, I do need something up there, I just feel too exposed with nothing on this giant window, but I love the extra light it is letting in.
I’ve been thinking about new curtains for this area for nearly a year now. I did have golden colored sheers up, but they made everything too yellow. I’d like to get the Stripped Semi-Sheer Tailored Curtains from Country Curtains. In the natural color. And, I ordered one panel of these for the upstairs bathroom window, in white, and I really like the fabric. It is simple, but the stripe gives it a little texture.
I guess I really do know what I want, the question is just this: should I buy them all now, just order the door panel now, or put the old roller shade up and wait to order all the curtains at once?
Keep in mind, there are 7 windows, 2 sidelights, and 1 door panel to re-dress in this area, so it is going to cost me almost $300.
Birthday Present
Lewis got me this fabulous new iPod dock from Bose for my birthday, and I’m just loving it!
Special Screen Door Hardware
I ordered special spring hinges and a screen door latch from VanDyke’s for my new screen door. Gotta love that VanDyke’s.
I’m really enamored with the spring hinges because the tension is adjustable, which I never even thought about. They were pricey at $39.99 for a pair (and I needed three hinges, so I had to order two sets, and now I have one hinge left over). But I think they were money well spent.
The hinges were a bit wide where they mount to the door frame, so Bill had to remove a strip of trim. 
Check out all those giant nails they used to attach that tiny piece of finish trim!
But, Jack was able to blend the bare wood very nicely. I know what it looked like, but you have to look very closely, and know what you are looking for to see it now. Great job, Jack!
The latch is okay. It has a black powder coat finish, which has already flaked away in one small, unnoticeable spot. I’m sure nobody else would even notice, but I know it is there. So, I’m not exactly thrilled with that. I do love that it locks.
Also, mom got a nasty little metal splinter from the tightening screw, just under the knob. I borrowed a fine metal file from my dad, and was able to make that spot smooth, but now the brassy finish shows through there. Luckily, it is on the underside, so no one should notice that, either.
Problems With The Locks
When my grandparents used this door, the hardware was quite different. This didn’t suit my house, but my friend Josh was quite happy to have the old lockset.
The new knob and deadbolt set I’m using needs completely different holes, so I needed the old holes to be filled in. I did ask Jack to do that, but I guess he forgot, so Bill took care of it. He’s such a good sport.
Unfortunately, after Bill filled in the spaces, the door looked funny, with its splotches and patches. That’s where Jack works his magic.
Jack came last Wednesday to do all the touch-ups to the front door, including trying to disguise the patch job. It actually is less noticeable in person than in these photos. Jack did a pretty good job. I was debating the need for a back plate, but now I’m thinking that would just draw more attention to the problem area. I think we’ll just leave it as is for now.
Green Bungalow Craftworks 