A few weeks ago I asked my local followers if any of them would like me to photograph their front door decorated for the fall season. Only a few replied, and one of those was Tina, an early and consistent follower of The Front Door Project.
Tina lives in Waterbury, CT with her husband Don, about half an hour from West Hartford. She and I have communicated for quite some time now so I was more than happy to make the trip to see what kind of door she had in store for me. Little did I know the treat that awaited me.
When I pulled into the driveway the rich purple door came into focus right away. The vibrant hue was striking against the oranges and golds of fall with her creative arrangement of planted urns and door decor. Tina came outside to join me as I began to photograph her door.
I immediately began to appreciate Tina’s imagination as I realized that she created the door decor herself with a wire basket full of natural elements from around her yard which she freshens up periodically throughout the season. The urn plantings are store-bought, but she added the cornstalk fringe “skirt” to add further interest – who would have thought?!
As I finished photographing the door and she and I continued to talk, I started to notice other charming elements in her front yard. According to Tina, her yard and garden are no different from her interior spaces and she ensures that no matter where you look there is something to see.
With her education and work experience in interior design, she applies the same techniques as she does inside by creating outdoor vignettes composed of different elements, such as plants, furniture and statuary.
A self-proclaimed expert at DIY, Tina is no stranger to living on a budget and thinks that good design is accessible to everyone with smart shopping and creativity. Those fancy green pumpkins that are so trendy these days? Tina painted an orange one green and called it a day. You would never know the difference!
Her entire yard is covered in a carpet of orange leaves and pine needles contributing to the overall effect. Adirondack chairs painted in different colors are sprinkled about the property just begging you to take a seat.
Even though some plants are past their prime, somehow it all works together seamlessly to create the perfect seasonal display. Dried plants look sculptural against the brighter green leaves of the daisies and the brightly colored mums.
We continued our conversation in Tina’s kitchen, warming up a bit with our second cup of coffee for the day. As I scanned the room, my eyes leapt from one display to the next. Tina has a way of combining sets of everyday objects that somehow elevates them to art.
Tina’s husband Don made an appearance, and as he entered the kitchen Tina introduced him as her “miracle man”. She explained that he had just returned to work after an extended absence due to a cancer diagnosis.
Out of work for well over two years during treatment and recovery, Tina and Don are both happy to be getting back to some semblance of normal. He hopes to put in his last few years before retirement without further disruption, although Tina has a way to go before she can join him.
Tina likes to jump in the car and go exploring (sounds familiar!) and oftentimes Don joins her. One of her favorite spots to escape to is Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, CT, a quiet and peaceful place to walk and enjoy the scenery as well as the Cotswald-like architecture of the former estate on the property.
She has dreams of growing her interior design business Creative Design Group, finishing some of those home improvement projects that were put on hold due to Don’s illness and ultimately having the time to see and do more when she retires down the road.
Meeting Tina and Don reminds me that a house is much more than its front door. It is the people inside that bring a house to life.
Tina has a gift with her eye for arranging things and an infectious energy for “getting things done”, but she and Don are also a powerful example of a couple surviving tough times and moving forward together to achieve their goals. I’m grateful to have met them!
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My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
Beautiful door, and the garden looks so peaceful and relaxing.
Thanks Joan! Peaceful and relaxing…those are the perfect words!
Hi Deb, as usual, you did a great job with this post and the photos are great! I am honored and humbled by your kind words and, that without even taking notes, you remembered so many details! You truly have a gift for this! I do love sharing our little piece of paradise with folks, so glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks to the lovely ladies that commented on our place too!
Thank you so much Tina! It was a great experience for me both to get to know you and to wander around your garden. I can only imagine what it must look like in the spring and summer! When I came to visit I was just intending to take a photo of your door and chat for a bit, but I couldn’t resist doing something more when I saw everything else!
Now that door has personality. Great image.
Thanks, Jean! I thought so too. Nothing like a bold pop of color!
That back door area is just dreamy! The whole place is lovely 🙂
Isn’t it though? I had no idea until I visited what I would find.
Tina has real design skills. This is a beautiful door with wonderful accents, and a story with a happy ending. It doesn’t get much better than that. 🙂
She certainly does, evident both inside and out. And yes, a happy ending!!