Curb Appeal: Doorstep Delivery in the South End

Photo by Danielle Ossher

At first glance, passersby may just overlook the made-in-Massachusetts feature of this South End doorway. Perched on a stair, the small metal box blazoned with the red seal of Thatcher Farms not only hints at decades past, but also to the best of home delivery: farm-fresh milk.

The cooler, ideal for keeping the glass bottles chilly on any Boston day, is a simple outdoor addition sure to brighten the day of any dairy lover. But it’s not all this entry has to offer: the doorway is a textbook example of mixing shades. The sage-green door plays off the dusty yellow surround to create a earthy backdrop that effortlessly offsets the rich brick. The soft yellow hue wraps around three sides, drawing the eye up to the classic molding that frames the hanging pendant. Wrought iron decorative rails and stone fleur-de-lis planters adorn the raised stone that flank the stairway, grounding the entry with a touch of class.

You can start your mornings fresh, too, with a cooler all your own. Thatcher Farms delivers its farm-fresh milk and other dairy goods to neighborhoods throughout the Boston area. And if it’s the simply elegant fleur-de-lis stone planters you’re after, try this one (pictured below) or head out to your local garden store—they often have charming, weathered styles with unique touches. Complete the look with a classic hanging pendant with a lighter touch, like this one (pictured below). For gorgeous, detailed wrought-iron accents, scout the architectural salvage stores that have saved one-of-a-kind pieces, including Restoration Resources. 

Photo by Danielle Ossher