French Door Shutters

Well, while a fireplace, a chicken coop and free range field may not be in the cards for a few different reasons - I definitely know that a courtyard and french doors are definitely happening! I know I need two sets of each ... just making a decision on making my own or buying antique ... what would you do?

Easy enough to make, just need the hardware! 

Probably the easiest of all of them to make ... old barn style. Love them, but not so sure they'd look like this when not against Provence limestone mansions.

I think even though these would be easy to make, they wouldn't look nearly as stunning without the arch.

Here they are ... without the arch. Of course notice the windows are louvered, the doors are planked. Not quite the look I'm after.

Same here, and no way I can make louvered shutters myself. 

More simple linear plank, again with the curve. Would we love this without the arch? I don't think so.

Unless, of course - they looked like this on a house like this. 

A bit cheaper than the louvered, and not necessary to source genuine antique. 

All photos via Pinterest

So, in using these photos for their intended purpose, I have gained some good ideas. Here's one of them:

via

Using pine louvered bi-fold closet doors gives me the louvers I'd like to have, in the height that I need! All for $80 for the pair. Can you get a better deal than that on real wood shutters? Once painted, and with weather protection from the eave overhang ... I think they'd not only work - they'd look a lot like this: 

Ah, yes - in fact, look at how many other elements of this sing to me! Pebble patio, boxwood, french doors with louvered shutters ... 

I also love this copper portico over these french doors, of course those hedges, brick, and louvered shutters are just as nice! 

Of course, if there were a way to make those new shutters look like these - I'd definitely be on that wagon. Love that destroyed/decayed look. Especially against stone. 

Photos via Pinterest