The trim around our french door was a more modern/inexpensive mitered jobby like this…
The rest of the door trim in the kitchen is original to the farmhouse…it might not be a big deal. Not really. We have mismatched trim throughout the entire house. But then Mr. DIY wanted one of these:
He HATES when the door is not shut quickly. Ask anyone in our family his infamous naggiest lecture and they’ll holler: “YOU’RE LETTING THE BUGS IN!”
::eye roll::
(actually…bugs = bad. they bite. kitty destroys house getting them. take back ::eye roll::)
Since we’re remodeling the kitchen
AND he wants an automatic door shutter-upper (also known as the Mr. DIY shutter upper! hehehehe) which needs a wider trim, we decided to change out the skinny trim for something chunky and matching the original.
You can see the skinny trim in the background of this picture: SEE IT THERE? And the bug destroyer in the foreground? I have a bent curtain – rod victim of bug destroyer’s determination.
Original trim throughout the kitchen. Wide. Pretty.
How we matched it:
We used three 3 1/2″ by 1″ boards. Set up the vertical sides first from floor to top of door frame. Mark to just the top of the vertical door frame and cut. I love this look and it’s so easy to frame doors and windows this way. Mitering is a lot more complicated!
The top horizontal board sits on top of the cut vertical boards to complete the frame. Ours overlaps each side by 1/2″. Mark 1/2″ past the vertical side and cut.
Prime with a latex primer such as Kilz.
We then used Dutch Boy’s Trim & Cabinet paint (Ultra White). One coat before hanging.
Place and secure with finishing nails, countersinking them.
Fill nail holes with wood filler.
Use caulk were needed (side/seams).
Lightly sand where needed.
I always use my Purdy paint brush for trim. I gave the trim a second coat of paint. We use a satin or semi-gloss finish on trim. Much easier to wipe finger prints (this door especially is in the path from kitchen to grill and my cook never sees his black fingerprints but you can’t miss them).
All done. Stand back and admire, be reassured that the door closes automatically and exit quickly to avoid the push and letting bugs in! 🙂
Next up – framing that window and baseboard trim! I do love that the door trim now matches the rest of our old home’s character.
It look beautiful! We did that trim with all our door and windows too, I just love it. I still just love your ladder. 🙂
I hope you are enjoying your summer!
xoxo
It looks terrific! We need one of those automatic door closers, mostly because people only sort of shut the french doors. They don't shut them all the way, then our little bug destroyer gets outside, and I freak out because she's tiny and the neighborhood cats are mean. Thanks for sharing.
Ooooh – I love your trim. And the tutorial is great. We want to redo the trim in our house but cannot agree. I want something like what you have because it reminds me of my old south origins, but Honey says it does not fit the house. I guess we should have reached a compromise BEFORE I ripped the baseboards out of 4 rooms. I really like the look without the miters. I had forgotten that is how the trim was in my childhood home. Hmmm decisions!!
Also – thank you for sharing the link about baby Ava – she has been added to our prayer list. Their little family needs to be surrounded by bloggy thoughts and prayers.
Susan
http://lifeondovehollow.blogspot.com/
Lookin' good! I love all the little touches around your home, also. I visit you nearly daily and am so greatful for all the "tidbits" you share!
Looks great! All the little details and work that you put in really pays off!
how wonderful that you got your trim switched out! I love the new look. The door shutter upper is pretty cool!
great tute, thanks!
have I told you lately how much I LOVE your blog? no, well, I do!
gail
It looks great!!
It looks great! Your home is gorgeous!!
Pam
I love that door closer! I couldn't find it at your source, but found it on Amazon.com! I was surprised how cheap it was…I may need a couple for all the back doors we have around here! Everything else is fantastic too! You are inspiring!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
I love that you put an automatic door hinge on your french door. Having children around and their friends, and sometimes other families you won’t have to worry about “air conditioning the neighborhood” as my father used to say! Thanks for sharing!