Hi, sweet SI family, I hope you’re having a great start to the week. Can you believe it’s already September? This year is flying by, and summer is coming to an end. Now we’re moving into cooler temps, fall leaves, pumpkin lattes, and shorter days. I admit, spring and fall are my favorite seasons, so I’m looking forward to it.
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As I mentioned a week or so ago, it’s been busy around here with home updates.
This past week, the talented crew from M&D General Contracting has been giving my home and garage a fresh new look with updated siding. The yellow and brown aluminum was original to the house when I bought it over 20 years ago, and while it’s held up beautifully, it was definitely showing its age. I thought it was the perfect time to give this old girl a little facelift with a modern update that complements the gorgeous new windows I had installed last year. Here’s the house right after the windows were installed last fall.
REMOVE EXISTING SIDING
It’s always interesting to see what’s underneath a home’s siding, and the garage surprised me the most. Once the yellow siding was removed, I was transported back in time. Check this out — it looks so ’50s! And whatever material they originally used to side the garage is heavy-duty! They don’t build them like this anymore!
Extra care was taken on all three gables to remove the old materials and strengthen the structure, making sure everything was ready for a smooth and lasting new installation.
INSTALL
Aside from a day and a half of rain, the weather was ideal for this job. I’m happy it wasn’t too hot for the crew.
For the front feature gable, I chose dark shaker shingles, and Alberto and Fernando did an incredible job!
Can you spot the adorable site-super? If you peek at the front door, you’ll see the real boss of this project—Gidget—look at that little face! She supervises to make sure everything is done to perfection. 😉
Andrew managed the entire garage project and handled all aspects of the aluminum installation.
MY NEW SIDING
The garage went from shabby to spank’n brand new! Both garage doors need a makeover now too. I’ll be cleaning them up and painting them black.
And I’m so happy I went with a dark shaker on the feature peak!
And on all the trim. It looks so much better with and cohesive with the black windows.
I just LOVE the new look! Isn’t it funny how one update has a way of shining a light on ten more projects?
Now I’m eyeing the front door, the door trim, some garden lighting… and painting the garage doors black as well. The garage also need a new roof. And of course, a new back porch would be amazing too. The list never really ends—but honestly, that’s half the fun of creating a home we love, right? What’s on your project list right now?
A huge thank you to Drago, Mario, Ivan, Martin, Andrew, Alberto, Fernando, and the entire M&D General Contracting crew. And a special thanks to my sweet neighbour and friend, Eva, for introducing me to the guys. Outstanding service and quality of work from start to finish. They were a pleasure and I’m thrilled with the new look of my home!
Thanks for joining me today. Feel free to drop me a hello in the comments… I always love hearing from you– it makes my day! 🙂
Happy painting, my friends!
Denise x













You’re sooo lucky your Super was keeping everything in check !!
I Love all your choices. It’s so elegant. Love the black windows and gables. And really love all your gardens ! With your design esthetic – it’s not a surprise 🙂
With all your hard work – you definitely deserve this beautiful home.
Aw, thanks so much P I really appreciate your kindness. Your comments touch my heart and put a huge smile on my face! Hugs
It is just perfect! I love it so much, and yes the garage looks brand new! XOXO
Thanks Christy, I love it! And ya, I was so surprised what the garage looked like once it was stripped of the yellow siding – now brand spank’n NEW… you’d never guess what was underneath!🤣🤣🤣 Have a great weekend my friend. XOXO
Hi,
What a wonderful remodel! I like the darker color on the front and absolutely love your flowers! The shingles you used, were those wood or that new cementicius shingle that last for a billion years with no upkeep? Are you sure you want to paint the garage doors black?? That’s a lot of black. Good luck with anything you choose!
Hi Mary and thank youuu! Yes, the white board and batten (on the two side gables) and the dark shaker shingles are the ones that last for a billion years 😉 with no upkeep, yay!
I love it. I’m really into the new darker paint colors. I was only brave enough to paint my lawn chair and two latterns black – that sit at my front entrance but they look great!
I’ll bet they look awesome! I have faux brick in my kitchen and hallway that I’m thinking of painting black as well but I hear you, it takes a little bravery because it’s such a statement, right?! I AI’d it though, and thought it looked pretty awesome. It’s always easier (at least for me) if I have a visual before diving in!😊
Beautiful Denise, your home is warm, inviting, and so darn charming! I love the dark feature gable. I would love to do something like this with our home. The dark is so elegant!!!
Thank you Nicki!💙 I think the dark looks pretty darn elegant as well, I’m loving it! XOXO
This is the prettiest house ever. I love it, and the new sidings you have look amazing. Enjoy your beautiful home.xx
That’s so sweet Janette, thanks sooo much!🤗🤗🤗
Wowzer! It looks fabulous, Denise. The black was a great choice and really tied it all together. The black windows? Well, what can I say? I chose black windows for my home too and love still love them. 🖤 I know you thought out all of this long and hard and it so nice. Enjoy your new home. Curb appeal perfection! 😘 ❤️
Awww, thanks my friend! Means a lot coming from you because I LOVE your style. Your awesome black windows were a HUGE inspiration for me, so thank you! Still so much more to do but I’m going to take my time and enjoy the process! 🤗😘🏡
Denise,
It looks FANTASTIC! I’m so glad you didn’t cover up the brick. I’m trying to work out some additions to our house- a 1st floor master bedroom suite- since I’m getting old (as my kids tell me as well as my joints- LOL). And possibly a bigger family room/kitchen. Planning for my retirement- hopefully in 2 years!
Thank you Janice!🤗 I love the brick so I don’t think that will ever get covered up. And what fun planning renos for your retirement! That sounds awesome!😃🏡
Your new home exterior is beautiful. Very inviting and your flowers are lovely as well. Do you do all of your work in a basement in your home?
Hi Mary Jo and thank you! I love my garden as well, ty. The flowers and veggie garden in my backyard aren’t fairing/yeilding very well this year – I think its the odd weather we had this summer. And yes, my basement is set up as my studio and all my furniture makeovers are done in-house.🤗
Black is popular. But is it a good choice ?
Black warms up much faster than white.
For window frames the suoface aere may not be that big,
Neverthelees everything that does not warm saves cost for cooling..
And is more eviromental friendly.
Hi Sjaak! Yes, black is super popular for sure! And yes, it warms up much faster than white. Here in the GTA, with the four seasons and our summers being reasonably short, its a win. I may even go back to a black roof the next time around. 😊
It looks absolutely beautiful. I recently purchased a vintage old framed.Mirror. I’m going to have to make pieces like you’ve shown before to replace empty spaces. I’m scared shitless! When you have time, could you possibling send me the titles of some of you videos,that show me how to do it. I always look forward to you podcasts. Sincerely robin
Thanks so much Robin! And re your vintage frame, feel free to email me a pic and I’d be happy to help out!