Let's talk about shutters ...

[rubyslippers]

My new little cottage has pretty windows; however, the house is completely lacking shutters. Over at CL, shutters were always a popular topic within the magazine (i.e. there was a lot of information about the right and wrong way to do things so-to-speak). Anyway, I have a snowy-day picture of the front of my house that I will try to attach. I am not going to be moving any windows around; so, I'm worried that the two windows closest to the door will not have shutters. Is that weird?

Over time, the front door may change, the roof may change, - - the windowboxes will probably change soon - - but as for shutters, I'm just not sure what to do about the two closest to the house. I am open for suggestions. Also, there are tons of shutter choices ... I think Gigi did this recently, so I could use some help. By the way, the square windows have twins on the side of the house and one additional on the back of the home; so, it would add a lot of interest to put shutters on the side of the home as well; however, if you look closely, the windows across the front are kind of scrunched. Do you just hang one shutter? Do you skip those windows? Anyway, let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Rubyslippers

[annielinz]

What a picture perfect postcard home, its darling.
Regarding the shutters I'm no help.:rolleyes:
My only suggestion would be to shutter the outer windows and not the others. I think visually it'll give it the balance. I'm going to go back and look at you picture again. Hopefully others will chime in.

[rubyslippers]

I have been driving around town looking at the other cottages like mine. Dominantly, four different cottages were built around here at generally the same time. Mine more-or-less across the board has the same issue with shutters. Some people have opened up the entire front of the house in windows; others have also boarded up some of the tiny windows. I'm not ready for that leavel of work right now.

Over time, the roof will need work. I thought a green hue in the future roofing (or more black) would look nice if a deep hunter green or jade/teal type green were added. The house is quite shady and these windowboxes are going to struggle if the light doesn't shift in the next couple of months.

Anyway, I believe Gigi just added shutters to her lake house - - didn't you Gigi? We'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks in advance for all of your advice.

[Gigi]

Hey Ms. Rubyslippers~

We did add new shutters~ and I love them! We went with wedgewood blue with black hardware...

In the newest issue of Cottages & Bungalows they show a company with shutters with an insert of stained glass---very nice.

Since there are many styles and many widths--you will have lots of possiblities for your cottage.323

[mac78]

I'm no help on shutters, but your house is very cute.

[rubyslippers]

Hey Gigi, The fact that I can identify your shutters tells you what a nerd I have become recently. Yours look great by the way! I have been clicking around on some websites and made a few contacts with the fancy-smancy-handmade historical places today. I do not know if there is a grade below offering functional shutters at a different price bracket or if it is "all" or "nothing".

Also Mac, thanks for the compliment on our little house. It is our first home and we are having "fun". The CL gals have lived in "rental space" with me for a long LONG LONG time and are probably excited to see me have projects I can actually act on so to speak.

If I haven't mentioned it recently, then by all means, let me say it again. You are all SO very kind and great when it comes to this stuff. It is nice to have decorating buddies that love this stuff out there in the world.

Bye - - I'm still open to ideas! The windows next to the doors have me befuddled.

[mac78]

Hmm, is there a narrower version for the windows by the door? It doesn't look like enough space for traditional size shutters. What about shutters on the 2 windows on the right, a narrow set on the narrow window right of the door, then something to balance out the windows at the left of the door, maybe narrower ones on the left. I don't know, this is a tough one.

[cheapdiva]

I would leave the windows alone - other than window boxes. I think shutters will draw attention to the fact that you have a variety of windows and you really have little option with the windows to the left because of how close the one is to the door. I love shutters when appropriate and I think you sweet cottage doesn't need them. The windows pop because of the white trim.

I say play up the window boxes - get some with an interesting design so in the winter months when nothing is growing, they'll add some interest. OR add beautiful twigs or pine boughs in the winter.

This is just the sweetest cottage and we can't wait to see how you make your mark on it!

[mac78]

Those are very good suggestions. I love window boxes, but don't have any.

[mac78]

Those are very good suggestions. I love window boxes, but don't have any.

[rubyslippers]

I think more interesting window boxes may be a great way to go. I really love shutters; I always have loved shutters. However, I see your point. I found some nice window boxes that are dominantly white (which helps with the "pop" factor). I still need to find out what grows before the expenditure, but that isn't a bad idea.

I'll see if I can find the picture and post it here. I saw something cool on a gardening website earlier today; I'll share later.

Thanks everyone!

Jenny

[smithbbb]

I searched and searched and finally found my shutters, in an ad in Cabin Life magazine. We hung them this weekend, thought you might enjoy "before" and "after" pictures.
We were strongly advised against shutters--some people think bats will set up housekeeping behind the shutters. But honestly the house was crying out for shutters, so I guess I will have to tolerate a few more bats.....

The shutters are from Ament Shutters in Hudson Wisconsin.
http://www.amentshutters.com/

[Gigi]

Very very nice touch! They look great.

[vintage girl]

They look fantastic!!! They really make the house:)

[cheapdiva]

what a darling cottage and I love the shutters! Also, the new plantings in the front really make a difference. Nice job!

[shabbychick]

The shutters are perfect! And I agree that the new plantings are wonderful....they really soften up the look.

[smithbbb]

Thanks you guys, I appreciate your kind comments.... I'm excited about the plants too, I was so sad when vegetation on the lot was disturbed when we built the house, so am doing everything to nuture the new plants, just hoping they will thrive. We are hoping to get a rain barrel-maybe a recycled wine barrel- and a rain chain- I think that would be a neat way to catch some of the rainfall to water the new plants. We have such cool rocks in the area- lots of amazing fossils- so I'm trying to incorportate some of my fossil findings into a rock garden, I used the roots of a sideways ancient tree stump as to encourage some morning glories my students grew for me and am looking for some Lake Michigan driftwood to add to the scenario. And I think we probably should add a second Smith and Hawkins trellis- it looks like only one is not big enough. I did say I would quit after the shutters, but maybe a rustic sundial or star or something would look nice on the triangle shaped wall above the porch stairs. And I still think we should do something about the garage doors...........

[Heather]

Hey! Great job, looks fantastic! Your house was just begging for shutters, weren't they? Isn't that funny how we all say we'd quit after just this one thing, eh? You gotta be serious!

[RoseMary]

They look great~I think that they are perfect for your house!

[Familybook]

Love the look of the shutters and plantings. You can add a couple of containers on the porch for spring color. What a lovely home!