The holidays are right around the corner and if you’re like me, gift giving is a quite the challenge for some of my friends and family. As I’m getting older I realize that in this house, less is more! Most of you know, I purchased a home a little over a year ago, totally gutted it and started a massive renovation. For the most part, the renovation is done but it made me realize that I want absolutely 0 clutter in this house, so when the holidays come around I tell people to save their money and give us gift cards or something we can specifically use! Or you know, a good trip always works too!
I’m one of those people who literally does NOT want clothing, handbags or jewelry as gifts… I’ll take the practical gifts that will hopefully give me a better quality of life, to a certain extent. 🙂 Lately, we’ve really been needing a few key pieces for the house; one being a fireplace mantle and two being house numbers, but we’ll talk about that shortly. I drove up to Fort Worth a couple weeks ago to see my dad and as an early Christmas gift and a little father/daughter bonding, we built the most amazing mantle! I still need to install it but as long as it’s up before the Thanksgiving I’ll be good to go! This is literally something important we have been missing for over a year now and last Christmas we couldn’t even hang stockings!
Anyway, for over a year I had been trying to find the right house numbers for our ever-evolving abode. I would search online, in stores and start stalking people’s houses wondering where they got their awesome numbers! It was becoming a serious problem. Then, the planets must have aligned because my house number dreams came true! A friend of mine who was an interior designer at the architecture firm I worked at and who also has the same last name as me (random!), reached out about a business her and her father, Hal, had started called Urban Mettle. Hal has owned a welding and masonry business for 30+ years and with Holly’s interior design skills a new company was born! They custom create and build address plaques and even have some with built in planters, like the one I just installed. Everything is 100% handmade in Texas too! I always love shopping local and supporting local small businesses as much as I possibly can so it was a no brainer to promote a great friend and her new company!
I’m super excited to show you the before and after of my house numbers! It’s been a long time coming and I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the new wall planter. Grayson and I headed to East Austin Succulents last Sunday to pick up some super cute plants to grace the font of our house. So fingers crossed for us… This is a true test for me considering every single succulent I have ever owned has died. Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for…
Here’s my BEFORE – I think these numbers have been on this house since it was built in the early 70s! UGLY… They weren’t even evenly spaced OR symmetrical. And man, were they a pain to take off. I thought they were screwed in the brick or mortar but they were just glued on (you’d think they’d be a little straighter), which would be fine but the numbers rusted the glue and it stained the brick.
And the gorgeous AFTER! What’s awesome about these house numbers is that they are actually magnetic and just stuck to the metal planter. When I had looked at the website I thought they were cut out but they made them magnetic so you can rearrange and trade out as you please. How innovative!!
Seriously, I don’t think I’ve been more excited for something so grown up in my life besides my kitchen appliances… This is how I know I’m in my 30s and aging quickly! HA!
But on a more serious note, these planters and plaques are so beautifully hand crafted and would make a great addition to anyone’s home. I’ve been racking my brain trying to think of creative Christmas gifts that you can’t just find anywhere and these are perfect!! They even offer free shipping, which is a life saver considering these things are heavy!!
Take a look at the Urban Mettle site as they have TONS of fun options and color combos.
I’ve never heard of Urban Mettle. I will have to check out their site!
xO – Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
These are so cool! I love how unique they are!
Hi Ashley! This is such an awesome post! I love what you did and will have to pin this blog post for later when we move into a new home! Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Emily
http://www.fortuitousfoodies.com
I am with you on I do not want clothing, bags and jewels as gifts. Its a good thing I bought you the fire place you wanted 🙂
xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.thehouseofsequins.com
Author
hahaha you’re so sweet babe.
HOW FUN ARE THESE CHIC AND MODERN LOVE IT
MONIC
SIMPLY SUTTER</a
I love that address plate! Goes perfectly with your chic vibe!!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
@baileyschwartz
Oh I love these! So clean & modern! I can’t wait to see the mantle! 🙂
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
The new house numbers look so good. I love the planter!
By Lauren M
Those are really cool and so chic!!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
I agree on the no clutter and practical christmas gifts! Love the new house numbers!
It looks gorgeous, Ashely!! Love the way it turned out and I totally agree about practical gifts.
What a cute addition to your house! It’s so sleek and modern!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
It’s amazing what a quick change can do to transform the drive-up appeal! Love it and great idea.
Ah, I love the clean modern look! So cool.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
I adore the minimal design! What a great post 🙂
Such a cute way to add some personality and curb appeal, love it!
xx Sam |The Heart of the House
Obsessed with these, such a cute addition!!! xo
I have never heard of Urban Metal before. I love how it turned out!
Xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
OMG I’m obsessed with these! Definitely going to purchase one for my sister who just purchased her first house.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Oh my gosh! I LOVE the look of those! Definitely adding to my wishlist!
xo Ashley
Love the design! I can’t wait to see how the entire house turns out!
Love this gorgeous address plaque with the succulents. Such a creative and talented company!
I’ve never heard of Urban Mettle but love their designs. We’re about to reliant our house so I may use one of their planter address plates like yours. Super cute!
I love this! It’s so crazy how one small change can really just change everything and make something ten times better. The new plaque is amazing. I’m right there with you girl, I get way too excited over the practical things in life.
http://www.livelaughlinda.com
Your new house numbers look amazing! I will definitely be checking out their site!
xo Rachel – To Hell in a Handbag
Those are so chic and cool! I’ll have to show Brandon. They will work well for our new build.
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
Wow, what a huge difference! I love the new numbers on your home, they fit your style perfectly 🙂
I love this! I get excited about things like this too!
These are perfect! Definitely makes a difference.
That is so cute! I need to check them out, we could use some curb appeal!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
that’s such a cool view, girl!! glad you showed us 🙂
Seriously, CUTEST HOUSE NUMBERS EVER!!! Love this idea!
http://beyondblessedblog.com/