If you read my post from yesterday, you know that I hinted about an exciting new item here at Opulent Cottage!
Here's the big reveal -
Our new picket fence! A cottagey, homey, adorable white picket fence!!
I have waited for this for a long time! Life in a 1926 home often revolves around doing damage control, and we have certainly had our share of that lately. So I waited, and dreamed, while our pickets sat in the back yard overshadowed by projects like gate repair, pool pump replacement, and installing a new dishwasher. But oh, were they worth the wait!
Now sadly, one project that did not make the list this past spring was replacing the azaleas that had bitten the dust on the east side of our front yard. Our newly-transplanted liriope took a beating this summer, too. And these poor pittosporum shrubs have certainly had their day in the sun, and now need to have their day in the compost pile! We'll have to live with them a little longer though, as this is not the best time of year to be replacing them. I cut them back for now, and will have some time to research which low-growing shrubs might be a good replacement this coming spring.
That's OK though, as I'm too busy picturing our new picket fence with lighted holiday garlands, springtime baskets of perky bulbs, and summertime blooming vines to worry about shrubs right now!
So what do you think . . . isn't this a huge improvement in charm factor? Here's the before . . . overgrown shrubs, looking a little sad . . .
And after. Now this makes me smile! Is it too early to put my Christmas garland up?
Today I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for her Before & After party. There were so many good ideas last week, I can't wait to go over and see this week's inspirations!
So so cute for sure. I love it!! I love that shabby chair there, too. It is going to look so charming with Christmas garland. Thanks so much for linking this.
Posted by: Kim | November 09, 2010 at 06:40 PM
The picket fence is charming and the rusty chair is the best. I am partial to rust. ♥olive
Posted by: Olive Cooper | November 09, 2010 at 06:59 PM
I'm in love that rusty goodness shappy chair!!! lots of great patina!!
Posted by: jennifer | November 09, 2010 at 07:09 PM
It's great, enjoy your delight. I've always loved a picket fence too.
Posted by: Nancy Sams | November 09, 2010 at 07:11 PM
I love picket fences and yours is wonderful! I like the little area in front too with your little chippy chair with the tiny rabbit hiding under it! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | November 09, 2010 at 07:25 PM
I don't know what it is about picket fences, but they just alway make me smile! I enjoyed looking at the before and after photo's! It looks so pretty.
Posted by: wendy | November 09, 2010 at 07:35 PM
I love the way that fence transforms your home. I have a home built in 1940 and I can relate to how other things come up that need repairs before getting a decorative fence. I hope to do a post like yours someday. It looks wonderful!
Posted by: Sherry | November 09, 2010 at 08:35 PM
I love this --- everything looks great. I'm loving your fall mantel, too! You have great style
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | November 09, 2010 at 09:12 PM
Your house is so charming. The picket fence is perfect. It is going to look so festive draped in garland. I also love the color of your house. Is it paint or just the color of the brick?
My best- Diane
Posted by: Diane @ InMyOwnStyle | November 09, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Huge charm factor with the picket fence! Doesn't every little girl dream of one? I did, and still don't have it. Love the chippy chair too. Decorate away!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | November 10, 2010 at 09:41 AM
Yay for your new picket fence. What an impact. I am loving the red and yellow chippy chair.
Take care,
Lisa
Posted by: lisa holman | November 10, 2010 at 09:58 AM
HUGE difference and I love it. Also love that chippy motel chair. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Pam | November 10, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Love that chair, the whole thing with the fence looks great!
Posted by: Erin@like grandma's | November 11, 2010 at 04:08 PM
Oh, that is so pretty. The chair is the bomb. Love love love it! It will be pretty in all seasons. Enjoy decorating it.
Posted by: Angela | November 13, 2010 at 08:47 AM
It is adorable! I'm jealous...I've always wanted a cottage with a white picket fence :)
Posted by: Kim | November 13, 2010 at 02:38 PM
Picket fences, bunnies & birds....love it all!
~tracie
Posted by: Tracie | November 22, 2010 at 12:33 AM
Absolutely charming! I love it! You did good gurl! :)
-c
Posted by: Cindy | November 30, 2010 at 07:52 AM