for no real good reason every once in a while? I was desperately seeking just a touch of whimsy. I could see myself throwing open the French doors to the patio and letting the breeze in, pretending I was on some quaint little balcony in France instead of in Brattleboro, Vermont. When I began my search for vintage French doors, I found the perfect pair right away. Perfect, except for the $2,000 price tag. I called my carpenter friend over and told him my idea. Couldn’t we just go buy an old door at the local salvage place down the road and cut the door in half? Before I knew it, my buddy was carrying a big white door with two glass panes into my garage. He found one
and bought it for only $60! He cut that door right down the middle. I got lucky and found a vintage doorknob (with a keyhole and a key that works!) for only $50. I’ve been told these are hard to find and I believe it. My carpenter friend ripped out the window in my office and installed the French doors in two days. The whole project, including materials and labor cost less than $800, and most of it was labor. If you are handy and can rip out a window and install a door you could save a big chunk. Still, I think that’s a good price for making a lifelong dream come true — don’t you?
Can’t we adults just do something fun for no real good reason every once in a while?
Desha Peacock is an award-winning TV show producer/host and lifestyle expert, and author of the book Create the Style You Crave on a Budget You Can Afford. Design lovers, join Desha on her Sweet Spot Style Mexico Retreat. Learn more at www.SweetSpotStyle.com. She lives in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Home Heating and Solar – advice, Sales and Installation
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Holiday 2015
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