Old screen doors have been calling me for some time.
These screen doors are special to me because they were in my great grandfather’s house here.
What to do with them was the only thing I could not figure out. Then it hit me.
Laundry room door. Boring. Perfect place!
So, I pulled all the nails out and took off the old screen, then sanded and painted the door the same grey color as the old wood I had also found from the old house to use in the hall bathroom. I have painted a lot of the trim that grey color. I did not need to have a special color mixed up, but lucked into the exact color called, ironically, Grand Smoky Mountain, from Colorplace at Walmart. My dad told me that my grandfather sold “Battleship Grey” in his store, so that is probably what this really is.
I then sanded lightly and rubbed on a walnut water-based stain to really make it look like the old wood. I then cut square chicken wire to cover the back instead of using screen. I covered part of that with burlap because I don’t want to see into the laundry room. Since the heat pump return is in there, I left the bottom with just chicken wire, plus it makes it not so monochromatic.
Then we tried to hang it, which was challenging because it was not square. We somehow got it to work though and I trimmed it out.
Here is how it looks in its new home. We also hung it the other direction, which I love. That gave me a blank wall to do something with.
I decided to use some more of the old wood from the house to make a spot for hanging aprons, feed sacks, etc.
I also trimmed the bottom with the wormy chestnut baseboards. And, I did it myself! I actually made the cuts with the miter saw for the first time. This is the trim we are putting in the living/dining area eventually.
I really love having this door here. I can imagine my dad as a child going through this door outside to play, or my grandmother opening it to call my grandfather in for lunch.
The only problem is, it gave me more ideas about things to paint that color…and more places to use the trim:-)
Anita
I would love to have you join my facebook page, if you are so inclined. There is a link on the sidebar. Thanks so much for stopping by! I certainly hope I have inspired you to use something old:-)
I’ll be joining Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch
and to the Before and After party at Thrifty Decor Chick
Love it Anita! Your old screen door adds a lot of character.
Door looks great, Anita and it comes with such wonderful memories. xo
So darn cute! Thanks for sharing!
Anita, that looks great. You had a fabulous idea and can now enjoy it each day.
Love, love, love it……what a better use, reminder, of fond memories and now great new decor, memories. I love the wood for hanging aprons, mind are hung up not as aesthetically pleasing as yours….Bravo Anita!
I love what you have done. I love it when we can bring memories back into our home.
Oh Anita, this looks AWESOME! What a great idea.
Oh goodness, Anita! This is just gorgeous! I love love love this project! You have the most unique door ever! I can just hear it slamming shut with that familiar bang!
Your project would be perfect to share at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS, my new weekly linky party! It is live every Wednesday evening at 8:00. Come on over and join in!
That old screen door looks great! I love how you fixed it up and are using it for your laundry room. Beautifully done Anita!
How wonderful that you got the door to fit. I love that it came from your grandfather's home. I know you must think of him every time you walk through the door!
I have just dubbed this one my favorite project that you have ever done. When you consider how many wonderful, wonderful things you have done with the old family architectural elements and treasures, that is quite an honor. I really do love this in a big way. Two thumbs up!
I love old screen doors too Anita! Always loved the sound it made when opened. What wonderful memories you have and will have every time you open it!!
I love old screen doors too Anita! Always loved the sound it made when opened. What wonderful memories you have and will have every time you open it!!
Seriously a fabulous re-do Anita! I love it, and what memories too!
You picked out the perfect shade!
And that's the thing about painting and re-doing, once you start it's hard to stop!
I'm glad someone else has bears too, people always think we are so brave, but i am actually quite the chicken!
Have a great day!
Cindy
What a great way to repurpose your "family heirloom"! I love it !!
Turned out very sweet. Love that it gives you such a marvelous connection to your loved ones.
Absolutely wonderful!!! Love it!
That is an awesome idea! Looks great–
Just beautiful! Love the new look!
Oh I love it!!!! Really love this Anita! Is there anything that you can't do???? Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hi Anita, thank you for visiting my blog! Love this idea! Now you have me thinking…. I see these all the time at yard sales, vintage stores. Perfect for the laundry and it probably would work for closets, too. I just brought home 6 old 4-panel doors from my parents, house and can't wait to refinish them – though I know it will be quite a while before we get to it! Have a great week, Nan
Anita!!!! I love this idea with the screen door….I actually have one in my garage right now. Hmmm, think I will have to try this somewhere. I was actually going to replace the screen with some lace. I just love any type of old doors. You're just brilliant…I think the ideas we get are little gifts from God.
What a treasure! I always see ideas like this and think "why didn't I take that from so and so's house to use later. My grandparents had a plain metal cake plate cover that was always covering a plate of biscuits. How I wish I had thought to take that when my grandpa's house was cleaned out after he passed. Your door looks great. Good job thinking ahead.
Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog today. Have a great rest of the week!
oh my word – I absolutely love the door and the hooks for aprons and well….everything! glad to have found you! off to explore more!
NorthernCottage.net
Every time I would put my hand on the door I would think of your Grandmother's hand in the exact same spot. What a treasure AND it is a beautiful door. I loe how you finished it. Your children are blessed to be raised in this atmosphere of family. XO, Pinky
I did the same thing to my laundry room only I didn't put the material behind the screen door. I came across your idea and said wow. I left the very bottom open so my cats can go in and out for their food and litter box. I loved what I did with my screen door but didn't like to be able to see in there when you walk by because of the hot water heater,water softner and holding tank. thank you for such a great idea. Debra
Delightful! You could also us "S" hooks through the chicken wire and hang pots or utensils from your door. I have an old chicken coop door that I use in my rustic kitchen to hang my pots and pans from. Works perfectly. If you are wondering yes, it was sanitized first. lol
I love screen doors and think they look great in many places. I like what you've done and that Marshmallow is just so darn cute. sliding screen doors