Knob n00b: I installed doorknobs, and other dull projects that don't warrant a detailed post.

Hello! If you're wondering, I haven't lost my typing fingers to a circular saw, electrocuted myself with a bad wiring project, or lost interest in working on the house. Instead, Keith and I been busy with unsexy projects that aren't much fun to write about.

• We're replacing rotted exterior doorframes and thresholds. It's kind of gross.
• We're insulating the house based on suggestions we received when we had NES do an energy audit. Did you know the power company offers this? Until Keith scheduled it, I had no idea. But it's a smart thing to do if you have an interest in greener homes (or like saving money on energy bills). Now we're replacing missing insulation board in the attic. And installing recessed light insulation covers. It's not exciting, and it's not pretty, but I'm glad we're doing it.
• As part of out ongoing war against cheap 1980s brass-plated hardware, we're installing new satin nickel doorknobs throughout the whole house. The lock mechanisms on some of the old knobs were jammed, and I couldn't unlock two of the back doors when I wanted to go outside. Not cool. Since the old doorknobs were big honkin' levers that pushed the blinds on the French doors askew, we replaced them with small, sleek knobs. We used Kwikset knobs, and if you're replacing a knob on an existing door that requires a key, make sure to buy their SmartKey knobs. It's much, much faster and easier to replace an existing keyed lock with a SmartKey knob. And no, this isn't a sponsored post--just advice based on my own experience.

I keep staring at this door and grinning like an idiot. I love the simple, clean combination:
Black door and trim Brushed nickel knob Fancy switchplate = Happy Jen.
Aren't you glad I didn't write a long, dull post about insulation and doorknobs? Me, too! I do have some pretty things in the works, though, and I'm looking forward to sharing them soon. Our bedroom curtains are almost finished, and I'll be hanging them before the week is over. And I'm actively working on turning the design for the den into reality.