A Fresh Coat and a New Beginning

Painting, Renovation

A Fresh Coat and a New Beginning

There’s something almost sacred about the first big project on a piece of land you love.

For us, it was the barn.

Not because it was falling apart or terribly run down — but because it’s what you see first when you turn onto the drive. A small, simple structure with just enough character to make you wonder who built it, what it held, and what kind of life happened around it. And now, it’s ours.

We didn’t set out to give it a makeover. We set out to honor it — to clean it up, brighten it up, and let it shine a little in the sun again.

Step One: The Power of Prep

Before we even picked up a paintbrush, we picked up a broom, a hose, a putty knife, and a little patience. There were cobwebs to clear, chipped edges to smooth, and old hardware to remove.

It felt like a good chance to get to know the barn — what it needed, where it creaked, and how it had weathered time. We scrubbed, sanded, patched, and stepped back to admire a blank canvas that was almost ready for color.

Step Two: Choosing the Right Color

This was *the* debate. Bright red? Soft white? Classic barn black?

In the end, we went with something soft, warm, and simple — a color that felt like it had always belonged here. A shade that catches the light just right, settles into the landscape, and whispers *“home”* when you pass by.

We didn’t want flashy. We wanted timeless.

Products We Love

This project has not been easy, to say the least! But these products certainly have helped get the job done.

Step Three: All Hands on Deck

With brushes in hand (and paint on everything else), we got to work. The kids helped in short, messy bursts. Everett handled the ladder. Laurie kept the pace steady. We painted with the sun on our backs and music in the background — and just like that, it started to feel real.

It wasn’t perfect. But it was full of heart.

Step Four: Standing Back

When we finished, we stood back and stared at the barn a little longer than necessary. Not because it was flawless — but because it was ours.

The barn looks cleaner, brighter, and somehow more proud of itself now. And maybe we feel a little bit the same.

This project was more than paint. It was a reminder that small things matter, effort is beautiful, and fresh starts don’t have to be flashy to be full of meaning.

Thanks for following along as we give this little farm new life, one brushstroke at a time.