Getting Stuff Done: New House Numbers

Sometimes when I have bigger projects percolating (see: back yard plans), I need to crank out a little project to satisfy my need to just get something done already. This was one of those little projects.

We've wanted to get new house numbers pretty much since we moved in two and a half years ago. Not the actual numbers, on account of I don't think you can just up and change your address, but the physical ones on the side of our house. They were ugly and small and difficult to see from the street. We needed to replace them with something better.

I kept window shopping online to find the perfect numbers. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, but I was sure I'd know it when I saw it.

Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Finally, frustrated and tired of looking, and, quite frankly, just ready for any change at all, I picked up these guys at Home Depot for about twenty bucks total. David approved, so I tossed the receipt and we tore off the old numbers.

Since we wanted something higher contrast than black numbers on grey block, David measured and cut out a piece of sheet metal to attach the numbers to. (Note that the numbers obviously aren't black anymore. That's what I originally bought, but I should've gotten the polished nickel ones. It worked out fine; David just power sanded the black finish off.)

I think he glued the finished product to the brick. Whatever works, right?

The metal plaque is unfinished and will rust over time, which gives it a modern/industrial vibe that we both like. Now we just need some new exterior lights to match and to shine some light down on the numbers. This sconce throws all kinds of shade. Plus I want to repaint the trim and garage door; right now they're dark green--quite similar to the color that used to be in the dining room--which is not really my jam.

One thing at a time though.

I'm really happy with how it turned out, especially considering how little premeditation went into it. It's like a tiny facelift for the front of our house. Minimal effort, low cost, surprisingly high impact. And sometimes you just need to get stuff done already.