I’m painting more things my favorite sage color! It offers subtle color, but still acts as a neutral. It’s quite calming and a nice change from my always black/white/gray decor. I painted the front door and have a trick up my sleeve to share for painting the hinges gold to match the handle.

We got new windows and doors, hooray! Can I tell you how relieved I will be this hurricane season? Our entire house had very old windows and no hurricane shutters. I mean, you could have a conversation with someone outside through these thin things. I was told one window was only secured in with one screw! So grateful.

The doors came unfinished and it took me awhile to figure out what color to paint them. I painted the previous front door black and really liked the rich character, but when I saw the new door white from the exterior I knew I wanted to keep it white. For now. It’s always subject to change, as you know.


But for the interior side, I decided to go with Benjamin Moore Sage Wisdom. It’s the same color I painted in the playroom and still love as much as the day I painted it.

I chose this large-scale, gold handle set. It’s really such a pretty color, so I wanted the black hinges to match.


This is my FAVORITE gold spray paint. I have tried many. I even betrayed this gold and bought a different Rust-oleum can to try for this project. It looked fancier on the outside, but was dull and muted and ugly. So sorry, buddy.

This is where I used a spray paint trick! I cut a hole in a box to put over the hinge and guard the rest of the door from excess paint. I lightly sprayed.

It worked like a charm and I love the way it turned out.

Then I painted the door with bonding primer and let it cure.

I followed up with the sage in semi-gloss enamel with primer. Thin strokes are key.

An artist’s brush really helps to get around small details.


So there she is! Now only four more to go in the back of the house. 🤦♀️

Outside I bought this super cute star doorbell ringer on sale …

… to replace this beast. But I can’t figure out how to do it! I didn’t realize that the wall was cut out behind this intercom and I’d have to patch it. I might have to call someone for this one.

P.S. This is what my front porch often looks like because our garage is in the back of the house.

P.P.S. I’m in the process of painting the hallway the same color. I’ve been “in the process” for months though! I’ve kind of lost my painting stamina … because, well, I’m sick of painting!
I still can’t figure out what to do on top. I tried painting it sage as well, but it’s too monotonous for me. There are three choices in my mind: 1) paint it white and leave it be, 2) paint it white and do a stencil with the sage 30 percent muted, or 3) wallpaper it.

If the hallway were a stand alone space I would wallpaper it in a heartbeat, but it might look too busy with the sage AND pattern compared to the adjacent reading nook and living room. I can’t believe I typed that all out. I can’t believe you read it! ;) If you’ve gotten this far, what do you think I should do?

Kate I would do white to flow in with the kitchen and reading room.
Great job on the front door. I use that same spray paint that you used on the hinges for all my old door and closet handles that the original gold was wearing off. Handles are expensive to replace with the amount I have. Painted them a dark brown and put a clear coat on to protect the finish. My cold air registers where getting tacky after 26 years of wear also. To replace them was going to cost me $60.00 each and I have three in my house on the floors. I sprayed them as well for $40.00 for all three.
Thank you for sharing all that you do.
Ooo I love this blog post, that colour is amazing!! Thank you for this interesting info
Thanks, Diane. I think you’re right about the white walls. And I’m so excited to hear that you spray painted hinges too! You saved so much money!
Thank you for sharing. I love it.
This turned out so amazing!!! In love with the color. You are making me want to paint our front door here in Boone, IA ASAP! We are doing some kitchen cabinet refinishing this week, but this is totally going on our to-do list for after that. Thanks for all the tips.
What is the color of gray that you have in your foyer next to the beautiful sage door?
Shopping for paint tomorrow so I hope you get this late reply?
Hi Hilary! I think I got it in time ;) The gray is Behr Light French Gray. Sherwin Williams Light French Gray is similar as well. Happy painting!
Thank you for the quick reply! Behr light French gray looks sooo baby blue online compared to your pics. It’s crazy how lighting can change the colors so much. Does yours have a baby blue feel to it?
It does look that way online! Mine doesn’t look baby blue in person to me, but maybe try the sherwin williams light french gray. I have their regular french gray in my boys bathroom and it has warmer undertones
I can’t find where you said what color was your favorite Sage ????
Benjamin Moore Sage Wisdom :)
Soooo beautiful! Your house is gorgeous!!
Just wondering if you can share where you got the entryway rug?
Thanks!!
Thank you! Here’s the link to the rug. It’s really pretty and has held up great. https://rstyle.me/+F41KKysaTs8vCq0buC1tAg