649 6th

number's up

Not too long ago we took another step toward semi-permance by posting our street number on something other than a piece of paper taped to the door glass instructing people to 'knock!' which was made superfluous by successful installation of doorbell and button. Etched glass has been a general idea we've tossed around for a long time what with the great big windows exposing everything we do to the sidewalk; now specifically thought of as a possibility for the door. Here you see a first draft of sorts: negative space made out of aluminum foil and adhered with egg whites.

We've been enjoying the way it changes, dimly matching the brushed nickle finish of hardware in the morning and on cloudy days, almost blindingly bright when it catches the direct sun, and fully inverted at night with inside lights blazing through. Unclear whether we'll take the plunge into etching the glass or continue working in current vein, replacing what's up now with a more durable reflective material. In either case, feels like we've found our numbers. 

dark skys

when we had the electrician in to wire the first floor I also had him install the front door fixture that had been lying around for a couple of months. I figured if I was paying him a fat flat rate for two days work I might as well thrown in a few odd jobs to round a otherwise short day.

we had a dark sky's compliant light installed. quoting from the State Environmental Resource Center dark skies goes a little something like this: "Outdoor lighting can be bright enough to degrade the visibility of the night sky, create glare that threatens boating and driving safety, and consume large amounts of energy. This excessive illumination is termed light pollution. States are working on “dark sky” initiatives to reduce light pollution by better analyzing lighting needs and encouraging use of shields to control glare and trespass." more information can be found here at the International Dark-Sky Association .

obviously one exterior light on one residential house in Brooklyn is not likely to rock total output of light pollution in the greater New York city tri-state megalopolis by any great percentage point but, one step at a time. Esthetically, I'm happy to say I am equally as pleased

user interface

we wanted to a put a timer switch on the front exterior light. we kept finding the same model everywhere we went. I was a bit hesitant to commit as I thought it was little tricked up for a light switch.

in the end I was persuaded by once it was set you wouldn't need to touch it again. it's a good thing.

below are the instructions for this single switch (as always, click to enlarge).

color matching

We've spent the better portion of the week trying to pick siding colors to go with the mahogany door we ordered on Tuesday. Michael tried to match the colors from the Hardie site to make some mock ups. Who knew something so seemingly simple could be so difficult.

Basically we are choosing between two trim colors, Sail Cloth and Navajo Beige (upper and lower rows of the picture respectively). And for the main field it's beween, Taupe (trailing in the standings at the moment), Woodstock, Moss, and Blue. The moss in the mock up is a bit greener than the color on the site.

Tomorrow we will make our weekly pilgrimage to Lowes to see them all in person (again). This time we will have a sample of the stained mahogany on hand too. If any of you have opinions feel free to chime in.