Looking to create a simple outdoor project for your home? Here’s a creative way to use house numbers for instant curb appeal.
I call my mother every day.
Sometimes twice or three times–especially when I’m having a bad hair day or one of my kids does something funny or I have a thought that can’t wait another moment to be shared. She is full of wisdom and extra advice and random thoughts on life and somewhere along the way she started getting smarter. Brilliant actually.
So when she speaks, I listen.
The other day she said something that I have been thinking about.
She told me that there are people that live in the present, people that live in the future and people that live in the past.
Apparently—according to my mother—I live in the present.
And she’s right.
I’m not a planner.
I’m don’t really live with regrets.
I’m simply here.
Completely and totally present in each moment, in each second, in each minute that passes.
Maybe that’s why I get excited about the little things. Maybe that’s why the tiniest thing can bring me overwhelming joy. Maybe that’s why I’m so happy when something turns out better than I ever planned.
Like this outdoor project that we finished yesterday. When it was done, I stood on the porch and literally dolphin clapped and shouted so loudly they could hear me in the next county.
Here’s a simple outdoor project with house numbers.
I hope it makes you as happy as it made me.
Last Christmas I got these letters as a gift.
I know they look like simple letters.
I get it.
This “E” for example is fine by itself.
But when you put them all together.
THEY SPELL OUT MY HOUSE NUMBER.
I know, right?
ISN’T THAT BRILLIANT?
So instead of 701 on the front of my house. Now? It says SEVEN HUNDRED ONE.
The letters showed up at Christmas and me and my “present” self immediately wanted to put them up on the house.
Except.
Except it looked like this.
We couldn’t hang them up because 1.) it was too cold and 2.) there was greenery everywhere.
And then it rained and there was no time for an outdoor project.
And then it was February.
And March.
And finally, April showed up with sunshine and flowers and everyone is home with extra time for house projects.
And now?
The numbers look like this.
CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE HOW AMAZING THEY LOOK?
Please tell me you are dolphin clapping.
I think they make the house look fancy.
Extra fancy with a little stately sprinkled on top.
Especially now that we’ve painted the brick steps and the brick porch.
And added those monogrammed planters last year.
So what about you, friend?
Do you live in the past?
Do you live in the future (along with my mother)?
Or do you live here in the present?
In this moment.
In the here.
And in the now.
All I can say is that I’m so happy to live in a present where simple numbers like these.
An S and an E and a V and all their other friends.
Can turn from this and with one simple outdoor project….
…can turn into a future that looks like this.
And one more thing before we go.
I hope you are doing okay.
I had a few tears this morning, but I’m still waking up and putting one foot in front of the other.
Just know that I’m here.
And this is my promise to you.
I’ll keep showing up.
I’ll keep putting pretty pictures and project ideas to distract you.
I’ll give you a safe place where you know that you are loved and appreciated and celebrated and dolphin clapped for.
Together we can.
Together we will.
Here’s another project I did long ago with house numbers.
And one more house number idea for the road and here’s a fun Pinterest board I put together with typography decorating ideas.
To use one of your favorite words, this is AMAZING! Such a simple idea, such massive impact. Dolphin clapping with you!!!!
Your house is perfect for that project! I have never seen it written out like that and it is genius! Beautiful!
I'm so excited to do something special with house numbers now! Your exterior looks amazing! And I absolutely love coming to your blog. It always cheers me! While I live in the present, too, these days it's terribly hard not to worry about tomorrow. You are so helpful! Thanks Karianne!
I am dolphin clapping!! They look AAAAAmazing! I love it!
KariAnne... You are such a bright light! Simple joys, simple gifts...are the best!
Love it...You sure are giving your house pizazz!!!! But hey you can have hydragenas out already where you live? Looks lovely for sure.❤
I'm TOTALLY dolphin clapping! Truly love this...so fancy!
So pretty!!!! I love it, and I love you! Happy day, friend!
Oh, this looks beautiful!!! I LOVE it!! Your house inspires me for sure, so thanks for continuing to inspire us!! I am still reading your posts even though I may not comment everyday. Girl......I get the tears. Some days are harder than others right now!! The days when I can get outside and garden and walk...good. The days when it is rainy and dreary.....I have an Eeyore day. I just try to remind myself that I am lucky I get to stay at home with my family I love. My thoughts and prayers are with those people dealing with this horrible illness in some shape or form. All you doctors, nurses, CNAs, thank you for being willing to put your lives on the line to take care of people struggling right now and in some cases fighting for their lives. The world is a better place because of people like you!!
Wow! Absolutely stunning and perfect for your home. Your posts are a breath of fresh air during these tough times. Thank you.
Your entry looks gorgeous. Everything jumps out! My husband definitely lives for the present - he said no matter happens, if today is his last day on earth he didn't want to spend it worrying about what if?? Now me, I'm a planner - always thinking about my next project, meals, trips, etc. I have been trying to live more in the moment but I keep backsliding. I guess that's what makes our marriage work. I guess one good thing about living in the future is that you have no regrets about the past. Have a great day you fabulous girl.
I have lived in the future since my husband walked out on my two children and me, looking ahead to better days, happier times, an easier life. We've made it through a lot of changes, some good, a lot, not so. And still, I am future-minded. What I think God meant for "a time", to get me through, has become a lifestyle that I have become rooted in, bought furniture for and decorated--letting it define who I am and leaving me feeling constantly exhausted and always lacking. Thank you for this simple, yet, eye-opening post that has caused me to take note of simple pleasures that I have missed out on simply because I'm constantly planning and making lists of never ending and impossible-to-ever-complete, expectations that I put on myself. You are a true gift, Karianne.
Christine, I would so like to give you a hug and remind you that you are there every day doing the hard things to give your family a better life. But I would also like to remind you to look for joy in each day. Sometimes it is as simple as a good parking place but joy will be there if you look for it.
They look wonderful! Your house is just perfect for this kind of "statelinesess". Thank you for being such a bright and positive light during these challenging times. And as a long ago friend would say, "Si, se puede" (Yes, We Can! ) together! Have a wonderful day!
I don’t think the front of my house is quite long enough for one thousand three hundred seventy-four! Yours is lovely.
I've been WAITING to see this finished project.....LOVE love LOVE!!! So happy you are our 'present' each and every day...and send a big virtual hug to your Momma, please! She's as amazing as you.
It looks fabulous! I absolutely love every little this about how this looks. My house # is 11575 so it would never work here! You're talented and I think I'm a future person. I am always planning the next project!
KariAnne, It's sooooooooo perfect for your older home. Just wet if apart!!!! So glad you were finally able to do them. I'm a present person too. just do what I can this day. I do think about the future of course, but don't dwell on and long since left the past . That's over and done. Thanks always for your honestly and your encouragement and for bringing SUNSHINE to all of us. I am sure we have all shed a few tears, this is a different time and we were put on Stay at Home alert yesterday, sooooo people are sad and some panic. My great Aunt use to tell me each morning she said this verse from Psalm 118: This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. !!!!! The sun is shining.
Your great aunt was a very wise woman! That is awesome food for thought. Have a great day!
Living in the present is the best. You can't change the future and you shouldn't worry about the past, you can't change it. But each minute you get in the present is your's to live. My husband says I live in "lalaland" (envision a little kid singing la la la la as they jump rope). I love it and I don't want to change. It will get better everyone. But right now it's the important things that we've let slide when we were so busy planning for the future. Take care of your health and family and enjoy everything that surrounds you outside at the beginning of spring. The birds songs are so pretty and the pond is alive with the little chirpers as I call them. And your entrance looks fabulous! Enjoy today!
I think this is so unique...love it!!! I too had tears...last night....and this morning. We went for a walk while i talked and cried then when I came home I took a hot bath and then cut my hair. Just a trim, but I needed it. I think we just need to let it out, at least I do. Take care of yourself....and let it out!!!!!
Looks terrific! Makes me wish my house number was more than just “4”! Lots of tears around these days but I’m so glad that the sun came out for you early today! Your blog makes so many of smile every day!
Perfect! {as per usual 🙂}
Ohmagosh.... I LOVE the word numbers, but I also love “dolphin clapping!” Thanks for always showing up and making us smile!
Definitely dolphin clapping. Who knew something so simple could make such an impact. On another note, I’m not sure what I am... maybe in between a now and a future person, trying to enjoy now and praying for better days ahead. Thanks for being there for us to brighten up our day.
In these very different and difficult times, you have struck the perfect tone, acknowledging our situation, treating it with the respect and seriousness and making us feel less alone. But also realizing some projects and “home stuff” can help us feel in control. You Rock!! Thank you
KariAnne, you are a blessing in my life, an encourager, and so talented. Since you always receive the best handmade gifts from your siblings for Christmas, can you share what your sister and brother gave you this year. I love your new numbers and love how they look on the front of your house. I wished you were writing your blog when I lived in my old house, however. I am so much older than you that I am not sure at what stage of life you were living. Lol. Your blog always makes my day brighter.
Wow! and you have pretty flowers already! So pretty! I'm a planner and always in my head so I need friends like you that remind me to just think for "now"..relax a little. Ok, I got it..Lol We moved and now my ceramic tile numbers don't fit our current address plus hubby ruined them trying to remove them from their metal holder for me. So...I am looking at your # ideas. Thanks!
GREAT PROJECT! The perfect finishing touch. I'm dolphin clapping with you. And I'm so adding "dolphin clapping" into my vocabulary. During this time I'm not burying my head in the sand but I am choosing to focus on the positive things like having more time to relax with my family.
The house numbers and the whole porch look AWESOME! I am dolphin clapping!!
OH! Those DO look amazing! It's like the cherry on top!
Splendiferous!!🐬🐬🐬🐬 It looks great and stately! Delivery drivers always have a hard time locating our address on our mailbox, you have given me a great idea. Thank you and God Bless you and your family🙏🏽
KariAnne, you made my day happier just reading your post. I try to live in the present and usually pull it off lol. I’m trying to stay in a routine especially during this uncertain time. Get up, do my long walk, come home to do something constructive in the house and then take pleasure in my crafts! I’ve given in to tears a few times but then remember who is in control of it all. The numbers look amazing on your house along with everything else. I need you to come makeover my house😁.
Oh I love this. It looks stately like your house. Perfect
It looks perfect for your beautiful stately home and so southern! Love it!
Thank you for always bringing a ray of sunshine and happiness. Thank you for caring for all of us. I appreciate you and I am praying for you too.
Love your new numbers! And the painted brick too....wish I had brick to paint! Thank you for the distractions from what’s happening in our world now. We have to take a minute to say a prayer for all the healthcare workers working to help people, and the people suffering from this awful disease. Today I’m going to sit out in the sun and listen to the birds and count my blessings.
You are right...it looks so stately. That is what I thought before I even saw you posted that. I’m working on living in the moment...but tend to focus too much on the future. Your posts bring me so much joy...along with that beautiful southern voice❤️.
Love this. You are so awesome and such an inspiration. I always look forward to your posts.
I love this! And you, you’re a delight! 😊
Miz karianne, the ONE CONSTANT THING I can count on is YOU showing up in my inbox, everyday, smiling and positive. Thank you....insert gigantic smiley face here....and as a total aside, your house was just patiently waiting for all the other little things on the front entry to be finished so it could proudly present and display it's address! I love it!!
Love it!!
Oh, she looks so fancy!! Love it!!! And, you're absolutely right...together we can and together we will. Love you. xoxo
Love it. For some reason it makes me think of homes in Charleston, SC--not sure why--it's classy and fun all at the same time!
That makes so much difference. So stately. And elegant. And wonderful! 😍
I truly lubba your new house numbers, er, letters. And I lubba you. Because I can always count on you for a smile. And because you have the best ideas everrrr.
I agree. It is so. Ahh maxing!! Love love love it. You are just so cool.
Kari Ann In this time of uncertainty your blog is refreshing and encouraging! Thank you for being You!
I love the word house numbers! They look AMAZING! I also love the round door mat...where is it from?
Glorious! I wish I had such a stately house!
I wished I lived across the street from you to see you dolphin clap! I hope you also make that screechy noise that they do when you clap! Made me laugh right out loud girlfriend!
Kari Anne, I love this! I love the numbers spelled out. I love that you are showing up every day and admitting that you shed a few tears and this life isn't easy. We are all vulnerable right now and we need to remember that. No need to hide it. It's good to find positive, fun things during these dark days and decorating ideas ALWAYS make me smile! For me, I think I am a "liver in the present" with one foot "in the future". I am a planner. I am a list maker and I love looking ahead to be prepared. But I also appreciate the moment I am in and try to breathe in every breath of fresh air available and enjoy every second I am living in. I'm not a past thinker. No regrets. I didn't do everything right but there's no changing it. I am living in the present and looking to a good future. Thank you for your encouraging words today!
What a thoughtful gift! House numbers! Extra special. So...i cried a little today...in Costco. Then I cried more tears for crying in the first place because some have it so much harder. So then I cried some more. For them. For everyone. It is kinda overwhelming. I was living in the present, but usually, I'm some where in the future on "Someday I'll" !
I drove past your home today before reading this and saw the letters. WOW it looks soooo good!!
I think God has blessed us all with you. You are precious, caring and loving just like an angel. Grace and Peace to you and yours.
I'm dolphin clapping too and smacked myself in the face. Must be doing it wrong. LOL. Love your new address. Pinned. Can you do ours - 14548? Thanks.
Love this!
Elegant.
Such a nice post, KariAnne! For me, I think I live a little bit in all three. I live a lot in the past as I yearn for days gone by when my parents were still alive and I was much younger.. I am living in the present everyday, worrying about "everything", and I worry about what the future will bring. I actually try to avoid thinking about the future..not so much about the current situation, but because life is moving pretty fast these days and you just "never know" what the next year will ever bring. and I feel like I am aging faster and just basically feel pretty much miserable about everything these days. Your address numbers are great!
I think this is my all time favorite DIY! It is absolutely Amazing! I am a present/future blend kind of a girl!
I love it!! Right behind you dolphin clapping, lol!! You are always saying you are there for us and if there is anything you can do for us, I would like to turn the question around and ask you if there is anything we or I can do for you? You are amazing!! Thank you for everything!!
First - I too love the spelling out of the house numbers - yes fancy! Just right fancy Second - I think I too live in the present and that is why I am still doing ok as we move through this. Your description helped me see this. Our daughter is now our grocery runner. I do appreciate her and the gesture immensely. But...I do not like thinking ahead on menus!
I just love your new house numbers! They were definitely meant for your beautiful house -- so classy! Also, KariAnne, I totally agree with you with your words: "TOGETHER WE CAN. TOGETHER WE WILL". Thanks for your commitment to be there for all of us during these days of uncertainty. We appreciate you so much. Thanks for your prayers! We keep you and your family in our prayers each morning. Bless you for being wonderful YOU!
I had tears today too! Hang in there Sweet Friend and just keep doing what you are doing because YOU make a lot people happy. Hugs,
I absolutely love how something so simple can make such an impact to your curb appeal.
Karianne, I definitely live in the future. And while planning is good and all, I sometimes miss out on the present. It's something I've recognized awhile ago and am working on! But in the meantime, I have been wanting to re-do our house numbers (we moved in several months ago and they are painted bright orange, yuck). I had originally thought about just painting them but after seeing this, I'm going to have rethink it. I LOVE the way this looks! It's the accent your house needed to pull it all together. Like that perfect necklace that pulls the whole outfit together. I never would have of words instead of numbers but it fits Perfectly with your house.
So grand! So elegant! Plus thank you for putting your number out there so we firefighters can find your house quickly in an emergency - that's a good thing not to put a damper on your magnif work there! You did a great job - and a great job on your blog. I do enjoy coming here - it is comforting, happy, and really enjoyable. Thank you for continuing to keep all of us moving forward whether it is with a kind word or a project to take our minds off of things for a while. Thank you.
Beautiful porch and flowers! So welcoming and cheerful!
Well, my dolphin clapping looks more like a seal clapping, but hey, I'M CLAPPING! And smiling, so thanks for the pick-me-up. If you could only hear the voice I use in my head while I read your words...
Well I am certainly jealous! Basically because my address is S79 W30960! Any project for super long addresses that will fit on a house? Hahaha. It looks fabulous. Kim
Well, aren't you uptown Missy?!?!?! Lol Can't do ours (4950!!!)
Absolutely LOVE the letters! Would you mind sharing the size of them? Even though I have numbers on the house itself as well as between garage doors, they aren’t readily seen (fire department made me aware when looking for the house next door). Yours seem large but not too large!
I was going to ask what size too Denise. Also Karianne do you mind sharing where you got the letters? Are they metal? Thanks, and I LOVE them so much I'm looking for letters now....you are not good for me!
Lovely!