Painted Black Door

by Chris on May 26, 2009

I don’t imagine I’m the only one who has a garage door entry that looks like this.  Good.  Glad to hear it.  What’s even worse is that this is the entry that 97% of my guests use.  The remaining 3% includes solicitors and 9-year old boys just banging on the door.  They don’t really count.

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So, I grabbed the bull by the horns…errr…the door by the handle and decided it needed some sprucing up.

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Notice the mud-stripping on the walls?

IMG_5054 I had some extra paint left over from my mudroom, so I thought, “Why not even it all out?”  Just because it’s a garage doesn’t mean it has to LOOK like a garage, right?

IMG_5345 Ewwwww…

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Ahhhhhhh…

IMG_5351The best part of all this?  I spent $24.88 on the boot rack.  Everything else was free!  This leads me to something VERY exciting.

Come back on Wednesday for my

VERY FIRST GIVE AWAY!

I’m not a give away type of person, so this is a pretty big deal to me!  I can’t wait for you to see what’s comin’ at ya.  See you Wednesday!

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{ 106 comments }

southerninspiration May 26, 2009 at 1:02 am

Oooooohhh, love the new look!! Love the numbers, too! Great job!

suzanne

SILVIA May 26, 2009 at 1:02 am

great,i should try that too!!..hope you had a nice long weekend…

silvia..

Bella May 26, 2009 at 1:02 am

Hi there! I just have to tell you that I LOVE your blog! I get SO many great ideas from you! We are moving soon and I plan to put some of them in action! By the way…love the bathroom!

Paige May 26, 2009 at 1:07 am

Love, love the fix for the door! Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Beth Ann May 26, 2009 at 1:08 am

The transformation looks nice!

Linda at Lime in the Coconut! May 26, 2009 at 1:11 am

From ewwwww to Oooooh (and, honestly…It wasn’t THAT ewwww).

Weren’t you a productive little Bee this weekend!

Kate May 26, 2009 at 1:12 am

Love it! It’s enough to look fabulous but still feels like a casual, practical garage entry.

Did you freehand the numbers or stencil?

To The Moon and Back May 26, 2009 at 1:13 am

WOWZA! Love the transformation. Now if only I could get all the stuff our of our garage!

Carmen May 26, 2009 at 1:16 am

Awesome!!! I so, so wish that we had an attached garage! We barely have an entryway by the back door. I need a shoe rack or something like this. This looks wonderful!

julie & joe May 26, 2009 at 1:19 am

It looks so nice! I like the door painted black and the numbers.

Katherine May 26, 2009 at 1:20 am

Wow!That looks great, good job!

dotti white May 26, 2009 at 1:21 am

I absolutely love the way that you went outside the box and jazzed up that entrance to your home. It will make you feel good when you come home, too! Did you cut the vinyl letters on a cricut?

Magic Brush May 26, 2009 at 1:24 am

I finally painted my garage door last year. Wish I had done orange or red or something… I did brown. Hides dirt well tho. Looks great!!!

Kelli May 26, 2009 at 1:30 am

I love it and now I’m inspired. That would be a great place to put shoes and such. Hmmm… Thanks for sharing, you did a great job.

Jennspiration May 26, 2009 at 1:37 am

That looks amazing! You did a great job!

Sarah May 26, 2009 at 1:42 am

I like this a lot!

Jenny May 26, 2009 at 1:51 am

Great idea to spruce up the garage! It looks awesome!

Michelle Hoad May 26, 2009 at 1:56 am

did you work so hard that you rewarded yourself with the Miller lite? Cause it’s not there in the after shots? ;)

Kimm at Reinvented May 26, 2009 at 1:58 am

Oh my gosh, what a FABULOUS transformation! I love it. Where did you find that boot rack?

The Un-Organized Mom May 26, 2009 at 2:23 am

Love it!!!!

Becky May 26, 2009 at 2:23 am

Love, Love, Love it!

Lori E May 26, 2009 at 2:24 am

Hi. My first time on your site and I am very impressed. You have great taste and are very creative.

Amber May 26, 2009 at 2:24 am

If those pictures lead you to announce your giveaway, then I’m HOPING that it’s some of those fab numbers!!

It seriously looks AMAZING! And I’ve really never seen such a clean garage. Does that mean you also actually PARK in there?? :)

Misty May 26, 2009 at 2:25 am

You ROCK!!! Can you come spend your summer with me and help me get my place in order? I teach too so we will be off together! LOL

Kim May 26, 2009 at 2:43 am

It looks great! I like the black door with the numbers…very nice touch!

Shell May 26, 2009 at 2:44 am

The entry looks awesome. I would love to know about your numbers too.

Charlotte May 26, 2009 at 3:09 am

wow!! looks fantastic! love that you put your house # on the door. also love the hooks for coats, bags, etc.

Toni May 26, 2009 at 3:29 am

It looks marvelous! You have inspired me to look at my garage entry door, to decide how to make it more visually appealing. Even if it is just family that uses it, who better to spruce it up for?

Sweet Caroline May 26, 2009 at 3:43 am

Why have I not ever thought of this? Brilliant! Of course!

It looks fantastic.

AJ May 26, 2009 at 3:44 am

Looks great Chris!!!

Smart Mommy May 26, 2009 at 3:46 am

Our garage would need a lot more help than that to look presentable. I also have an award for you.

Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick May 26, 2009 at 3:55 am

WERE YOU IN MY GARAGE?? Umm, if the house numbers weren’t different, I swear this would be ours. Oh, and add about fifteen trillion piles of crap. But otherwise, it’s ours!! Oh, dang you, you are giving me ideas!! I wanted to add the numbers to the door but already have a Welcome on there, but now I can do it! DANG YOU!! (Fist shaking in the air.)

Rainy Day Farm May 26, 2009 at 4:03 am

Wow! I would never have thought to spruce up the garage door, but Wow again! That looks so great. I have to show this idea to my hubby!

Jessica May 26, 2009 at 4:13 am

I looks awwwwwwesome!!!!!! I love jazzin up places that people don’t expect it!

Momofgirls May 26, 2009 at 4:14 am

Love love love it!!! Did you spray paint the door? If not, what kind of paint did you use??? I am soooo doing that to my ugly garage door!

Farmgirl Paints May 26, 2009 at 4:22 am

Oh my goodness. I definitely have to do this asap!! Love it:) Did you use a stencil?? Did you have to prime the walls or just paint them?

Beth May 26, 2009 at 4:36 am

Gotta love a girl who will even decorate her garage! It looks great and I love the black door/number combo. I’m currently painting our front door black (to put it out of it’s horrid purpley-brown misery.) Can’t wait to see what you’re giving away! Yeah! Free stuff :) .

Rachel May 26, 2009 at 4:39 am

Oh I love it!!! I hope I can find some time one of these days to start decorating again, it’s been way to long!

;) Rachel

April May 26, 2009 at 5:13 am

seriously! who are you? how do you sleep at night with such lovely ideas and what muscle tone you must have from fulfilling these ideas! now i’m going to have to get inspired to work on something- is this the way this “blog thing” works? LOL Looks outstanding and my DH says you get an A+ on perfect lines. xo

Charmaine @ randalswife May 26, 2009 at 6:02 am

Love the makeover!!

Lady Dorothy May 26, 2009 at 6:03 am

That is fantastic!

Kathy May 26, 2009 at 6:49 am

Wow, ou rock at taking things that one one extra step. I wouldnt have thought it needed sprsuing :)

chirplee May 26, 2009 at 7:03 am

Wow Chris…that looks gawwwgeous!! You clever thing!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy May 26, 2009 at 7:24 am

I am awe-struck and IN LOVE with the white No. job you did on the door. It all looks so classy now. Way To Go!!!

My name is PJ. May 26, 2009 at 10:05 am

I am totally going to do this! I have wooden stair in my garage and I’ve been wanting to paint those too. I smell a summer project…after our addition is completed. Thanks for the inspiration!

~Carole May 26, 2009 at 10:55 am

You are a genius! This is such a great idea! I’m going to do this to my garage entry, complete with the numbers. Thanks for the inspiration.

Mandi May 26, 2009 at 11:38 am

It all looks great, but those numbers on the door are my favorite part!! LOVE THEM!

kimsilver May 26, 2009 at 11:47 am

I have decided that you are my hero. Seriously, I love your blog, and love all of your ideas. I can’t believe how much you get done in your house….it seems like you are always finishing a project! Good for you! LOVE the garage transformation….

Boo and Hooties Mom May 26, 2009 at 11:52 am

It looks great…I so need to do this. We always use our garage as an entrance!! Love the Guinness…no garage is complete without it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Astrid May 26, 2009 at 11:52 am

Holy cow! That’s amazing! Funny…I was so excited about my garage….but only because we put up shelving units and taken a whole truck load of stuff to the dump (and goodwill). Our dogs make it so that we can’t have anything nice outside. Blech!

Jessica May 26, 2009 at 11:55 am

I L-O-V-E this! I would love to hear the details!! I need to paint my door TODAY!!! Was this hard to do??? I love the letters on the door too! can’t wait to hear!

Jamie May 26, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Such a great transformation! I love the door!

Pam May 26, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Very, very cool! I love the address right on the door. I’m thinking that might good for my front door. Great idea.

Restyled Home May 26, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Now I really feel guilty…my garage is such a dirty, dark secret that I open the door, scream, and quickly slam it closed! I have been trying to get the courage up to tackle it, and I think you have just inspired me.

Did I mention that I am still in the thinking stage…??!! It truly scares me!

I have said it before, but one of my favourite things about your blog is how you write with such humour. I opften find myself snorting with laughter after reading a post. I suspect I am not alone…!!!

Cheers,
Linda

Wanda May 26, 2009 at 12:55 pm

WOW~ what a transformation! Thanks for sharing your pics, ideas and helpful tips! I’m new to the blog world and I’m excited and SO inspired when I visit your site! THANK YOU!

Nikki May 26, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Very Welcoming!

~Kristen~ May 26, 2009 at 1:13 pm

It looks fabulous! No matter how many times I use paint I am still always amazed at what just a little of it can do for a space!

Hillcrest Acres May 26, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Oh how funny. I’m in the process of sprucing up my entry into the house from the garage. It was driving me crazy because it was so “worn” looking and we use this so entrance so much. Yours looks absolutley perfect. Thanks for the inspiration. You’ve made me want to get back out there and finish my painting. I think it’s been over a week since I put the first coat of paint on the door and steps. I’ve been looking for a new shoe rack. May I ask where you found yours?

Thanks for sharing!!!!

Dream Mom May 26, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Great transformation. Love the paint on the walls and the black door. Of course, now I want more! I’d love to see a black/gold runner of sorts on the stairs and maybe the coat rack painted black (the white part painted black not the hooks).

I live in an apartment and the garage has those awful walls that aren’t painted. Drives me nuts. Glad I am not the only one!

Diana May 26, 2009 at 2:24 pm

Oh my gosh, that’s such an awesome transformation! The after looks like somethin’ straight outta Real Simple. Kudos to you!

gkgirl May 26, 2009 at 2:29 pm

ahhhhh…
love it!

how did you do the letters/numbers?

soooo cool!

Momma to Bug May 26, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Wow, that is an amazing transformation! Did you paint your entire garage or just that wall? Either way, it was a brilliant idea! Very inspirational too…

-Desiree

Savannah May 26, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Looks great!

Rhea May 26, 2009 at 2:41 pm

Great Job!! I may have to take this idea, especially with the black door. (My front door is black also). There is so much dirt, and the door looks terrible. Thanks for the idea.

Kristin May 26, 2009 at 2:49 pm

I just love this transformation! The door is lovely in black!

Kristen May 26, 2009 at 2:49 pm

Really? People use your garage entrance? You must have very friendly neighbors due to those awesome gifts you bring them. They just assume you are all best friends! I keep wanting to do something like this but with construction going on (um, at a snails pace) for the basement our garage is more of a disaster zone, not ahhhh welcome and come on in. Yours looks fantastic though! Love your rack (the BOOT rack, Chris. The BOOT one!) ;)

Denise C. May 26, 2009 at 3:29 pm

What a GREAT blog! You have such SIMPLE ideas that make such a LARGE impact!

I ADORE the numbers on the door! Did you paint them freehand?

Denise C.

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row May 26, 2009 at 3:46 pm

The paint made such a huge difference. I absolutely love it!

ST. MICHAEL'S WIFE May 26, 2009 at 4:33 pm

Love, it, girl! I’m inspired! I’m going to do that number thing on my FRONT door!

Janene May 26, 2009 at 4:34 pm

That looks amazing!
And you are right, a garage doesn’t need to look like a garage…and yours look fabulous!

Danielle and Clint May 26, 2009 at 4:57 pm

LOVE IT! What a cute idea for the numbers. Great color.

Tara May 26, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Great job!! love it!!!

Mrs. Trixi May 26, 2009 at 6:07 pm

It looks great. I need one of those boot racks. We just have boots everywhere, what a great idea.

Kelly May 26, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Wonderful! ~Kelly

Junella May 26, 2009 at 7:04 pm

You’ve inspired me… my garage door can’t even be posted online (It’s that bad). I think I’ll paint my door too. Now what would I do with all my “stuff”? haha

Jessica May 26, 2009 at 7:54 pm

love it! I can’t even walk into my garage right now since we just moved, but hopefully mine will look half that good one day!

Kristy May 26, 2009 at 9:05 pm

I’m delurking just because I had to say “the best part of this makeover is that you didn’t have to drink the Guiness to do it.

Kristy May 26, 2009 at 9:06 pm

oops I’m at

http://www.shishnit.org

Blarney May 26, 2009 at 9:38 pm

I’m not sure I’d get away with painting the door … hubster seems to like white with scuff marks all over it but we did finish off the walls with tecture and paint.
Looks great! I’m going to post pics of my living room (hopefully soon) and I hope you give me some in depth pointers … I just love your decorating sense. :)

The Mom @ Babes in Hairland May 26, 2009 at 9:58 pm

If only my husband would let me do something like this! I spent a chunk of yesterday cleaning and vacuuming our garage because it’s just awful (and he could care less). He is quick to remind me that’s his territory so I know for a fact there’s no way I’d get away with a lovely look like this. Love it btw!

Sarah May 26, 2009 at 10:18 pm

I would love to redo my garage like that!!! LOVE IT!!! You must share, where did you get the numbers, or did you stencil them? They look fabulous!!! I love the look of everything you did!!! Now I must put that on my list of things I want to accomplish this summer! :)

Mindy May 26, 2009 at 11:33 pm

Does the $24.88 include the Guiness? :-)

Jill May 26, 2009 at 11:40 pm

Seriously fabulous! Ohhh the numbers! Love it all.
-Jill

Courtney May 27, 2009 at 12:43 am

I love your new entry way! Can’t wait to see your giveaway!

Jennifer Juniper May 27, 2009 at 1:25 am

Take that picture of your entryway and add about 100 shoes and it will be mine. I need to get to work…

Thanks for the inspiration!

Carmen May 27, 2009 at 3:20 am

Great job! I am going to paint my garage walls soon! My husband just painted the dirty, stained concrete in the garage and now it looks amazing. He used concrete stain and speckles. You might want to do this too when you have some money for renovations. I just posted about this on my blog: http://www.carmiewest.blogspot.com/

Jodee Leader May 27, 2009 at 3:33 am

Wow! Way to go! I love your garage makeover!

Brittany May 27, 2009 at 4:09 am

Wow! Great makeover! You’ve inspired me! :)

Melissa Miller May 27, 2009 at 5:07 am

Chris how did I miss this?
It’s gorgeous!

I completely agree.
Every room can be a haven.

Why not is right? :)

Natalie May 27, 2009 at 6:38 am

Love that door. I am going to have to try this at home!

Tiaras & Tantrums May 27, 2009 at 2:51 pm

this is totally cool – my garage has so much crap in it and around the door I would have to to major moving around!!

Kara May 27, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Oh my goodness, I love it! I never would have thought of painting my garage door, but now I must! Thanks for the idea!!

Mommyto3andahusky May 27, 2009 at 3:41 pm

I love it! Did you sand your walls down before you painted them? I have some extra paint too and I would love to paint my garage this summer! :) Erin

Mommyto3andahusky May 27, 2009 at 9:48 pm

hey! Thanks for getting back to me! :) I showed my husband! :) looks great! Erin

Julie May 27, 2009 at 9:52 pm

You are killing me over here. PLEASE tell me youu are out of school and have nothing but time on your hands!

Lil' Woman May 28, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Great transformation esp for a garage!:)

Chris May 28, 2009 at 8:27 pm

Gorgeous , simply gorgeous .

lulusparkles May 29, 2009 at 9:13 pm

wow they are fantastic!!!
thanks for such a generous offer :)

Zeemaid May 31, 2009 at 3:24 am

awesome transformation.

It definitely looks more inviting and welcome now.

Kate June 2, 2009 at 9:33 pm

I love it! And plan on doing it to my door. Like, it seems to be the main door into my house.

Teeny Bows December 17, 2009 at 9:15 pm

i would also like to know where the vinyl numbers come from! and did you use your favorite black paint on the door, or was it something different! your blog is so great and i keep coming back to see your new ideas!

cindy January 22, 2012 at 10:28 pm

I’ve been an admirer of your site, and all the great ideas you have. I used this same paint to paint a table for my son, after seeing your dresser project a few years ago. After finding another half gallon left from the project and seeing your beautiful door, I am so inspired to make mine pretty too. Where did you find your numbers, or are they some you cut yourself. You are truely an inspiration to everyone! And I always smile when I see your new projects. I hope you had a wonderful time with your brother in New York, and NO you should not feel guilty about leaving your family for a few days. I would give anything if I could spend even one day with my brother. He died of Melonoma 9 years ago last Christmas Eve. Cherish every moment you spend with him.

Sincerely,
Cindy

MaryEllen Dolan May 7, 2012 at 9:46 am

So glad I stumbled upon this entry–three years after you did it. I’ve been contemplating sprucing up my garage entryway too and this gave me the impetus to do it. I like the hooks and shoe rack. Assuming it’s a metal door–did you use oil based paint? One of these days I hope to start a blog and inspire people like you do.

Chris May 17, 2012 at 8:29 pm

MaryEllen, I used a paint that is actually discontinued. It’s a latex wood and metal paint by Benjamin Moore. I. loved. it. I would go into your local paint shop to see what they recommend in its place. Good luck!

MaryEllen Dolan May 18, 2012 at 8:24 am

Hi Chris – Thanks for your reply. I used a latex indoor/outdoor sutiable for metal. I chose Navy Blue which came out more like a Royal Blue but I love it. Should have read the directions and used a primer. I did do 3 coats and it could probably use another but it looks so much better than it did. As I put the first strokes on I realized I didn’t take a “before” pic–darn it!

Lauren @momhomeguide November 28, 2012 at 12:23 am

Great transformation! I hope to transform a part of my garage (which has a side entry) into a mudroom, so our main entry area (which leads into our living room) doesn’t get so dirty!

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