A couple of weeks back I did a short video on some outdoor projects in which I pointed out that outside was a great place to hone those woodworking skills before heading in. I suggested that shutters might be a good place to start. They can be very simple, like these:
These may be simple, but they look GOOD! At least in the tropical setting where I found them this past weekend. While these colors may not be right for everyone, I think shutters are a great untapped opportunity for many homes across the country…maybe even mine, or yours!
While I was in The Keys, I saw a vast assortment of cool shutters. Sometimes they were incredibly artistic! Look at these:
Aren’t these simple shutters nice? I always love the look of shutters on an arch top window. If you think the shutters and wall are colorful, take a look at the whole house:
Those are actual Conch shells in the band above the hand painted garage door. Something tells me this wouldn’t pass muster if you have a Homeowners Association and deed restrictions! But in this setting, it was really very pretty! (I’m not scared to say “pretty” sometimes)
Another thing I saw that I really love in any type of architectural element is the inclusion of a silhouette. For example, take a look at these shutters:
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Is this just WAY TOO TROPICAL for you? While I know you wouldn’t put a palm tree in Northern Minnesota, I still think the idea could be applied everywhere. It’s also easy to see how simple something like this is. You can do this yourself with a jigsaw, a few boards, and some screws.
I saw one thing that I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before. In this next picture they’ve used tall shutters (maybe even bi-fold doors) as a false shutter beside French Doors. The look isn’t bad at all:
I think that looks pretty nice, don’t you? No matter where you live, even if the bright colors, pineapples, and palm trees don’t work for you, I hope these pictures make you feel a little more creative today and have you thinking about how to apply these ideas in some way to your home.
If you do, make sure you write a post about it on your blog and come back and leave me a comment with a link to your shutter pictures!
Also, make sure you’re signed up for the free RemodelingGuy.net email subscription so you don’t miss any new creative ideas. That sign-up is just before the comments section below, in the big grey box.
Check out another wonderful and amazing shutter job (this one a little more traditional)!
I was just telling my dh yesterday that the front of our house needs shutters! We have a cookie cutter suburban stucco that is COMPLETELY lacking in character, and one of my front windows is the master bathroom. I like the look of open blinds/curtains when looking at the front of a house from the exterior, but I don’t like everyone seeing into my bathroom! Thus those blinds are always closed and it makes the front of the house look so boring and closed off to the outside. I think shutters would help warm it up a bit.
LOVE the pineapple cutout in the shutter! You’re right that none of those particular tropical designs would work well in Kansas 🙂 but contrasting shutters – especially bold contrast to the house color – really do spiff up a house!
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I dig that painted garage! Don’t know if our HOA would go for it. hee hee
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I actually have some old shutters (painted black with little knobs) that are now being used as doors to the bathroom linen closet/cabinet. I also placed 2 other ones side by side in a very tall window in my kitchen . I can open/close them to let light in or out…they are used in place instead of curtains, just to give it a different feel.
Hi Remodeling Guy!
I have a question completely unrelated to this post. I came over from the Nester when you first started your site and you said if I had any questions, to ask. So I am. A few years ago I used joint compound to texture my entryway walls. Well, now it’s a little too “chunky” for my taste and I want to do a board and batten look alike type thing. Do you have any good suggestions for removing or at least flattening the joint compound texture enough to add the boards? I have been using a hammer and screwdriver and it is taking forever. I’m all ears if you have any tips. Unless the tip is not to use joint compound because it is so permanant. I already learned that lesson! Thanks so much!!
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Gosh, I love how colorful these are!!! If I lived in a home, rather than a condo, I’d love to have shutters that enhanced the exterior of the house! Good shutters are like good makeup…showing off the best features! ; )
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I am so glad I stumbled across your site. I LOVE Key West colors and crazy, “any thing goes” design spirit. When we remodeled our house, my husband let me loose, and I tried to incorporate some of the artistic charm into our beach bungalow.
Will post pictures on my blog, and come May 1, try to remember to include it in your spring roundup.
Thanks for the great pictures ~ very inspiring!
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How about black shutters with fleur de lis?
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Did you see the picture of the bathroom in this post at The Inspired Room? http://theinspiredroom.net/2009/04/21/the-i-dont-like-to-paint-pity-party-poll/
The shutters made me think of you!
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I’m lovin’ these shutters! I’ve been wanting to get some new ones for my house. Never thought of making my own, though!
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