Antique

The (im)perfect pair.

Published on February 9, 2017February 20, 2017 by branchville192311 Comments

Now, standing in the finished space the process seemed simple. In truth there were numerous iterations to determine the ideal state. Anything is possible with an unlimited budget and a clean slate. Modifying an existing space with modern amenities without creating the feel of the “new” part of the house is borderline miraculous.

Siburtek and Limekiln Studios are a husband and wife team who themselves own an older home. They understood and appreciated the 1920’s attributes and worked with great care and expertise to maintain the character and quirkiness while creating a functional and beautiful space.

And they were patient. Very patient. I like the details and wanted input on all decisions. The result- a paired laundry space and mudroom in a creative and highly functional way. On budget. It is a miracle!

Every last detail & resources:

Inset cabinets to mimic those in the Butler’s Pantry. Porcelain knobs from Rejuvenation are period relevant and the right scale. This Kohler porcelain sink and faucet with pull out spout is both beautiful and functional. Laundry stains and dirty hands beware!

The countertops are wood finished in a walnut stain. The school house pendant (another period reproduction) is from Capital lighting– the look we wanted at a very reasonable price!

All the paint is Benjamin Moore: cabinets are White Dove, ceiling is Polar Ice and walls Rodeo.

Radiant heat was added to the floor- dreamy on a snowy day.

To maintain the feel of an enclosed porch we chose incredibly durable Italian porcelain tile that looks like slate, but won’t stain with the dirt and salt the troops track in. Another budget friendly choice.

A bench with lots of room underneath for shoes, boots and whatever else gets dropped here. Pillows were made from Serena and Lily shower curtains. Yes you read that correctly- canvas shower curtain material is durable and significantly less expensive than fabric by the yard. Plus no stress if they get stained or damaged!

We left the original siding (remember this was once a porch) to maintain the authenticity and story of the house, then added lots (and lots) of hooks for hats, jacket and bags. Found these vintage 1920’s heart hooks on Etsy.

Last but certainly not least shelves for everything we need from hats and gloves to beach towels! The open space below- room for the piece de resistance and splurge- a 1920’s reproduction laundry cart! On it’s way from Rejuvenation this gem will revolutionize the laundry process (or atleast keep the dirty clothes from being dumped on the floor). Told you this was imperfect!

Next: a discovery.

Simply original.

Published on January 14, 2017March 9, 2017 by branchville19232 Comments

The beauty of a home with few renovations over the years- in tact original details. As we move down our project list, we continue to find many well preserved 1920’s elements and hints of facets removed over the years.

Here are a few of my favorites:

The home was built with two full bathrooms. One on the second floor the other on the third.

Both bathrooms include the original medicine cabinets.

One of two original clawfoot tubs is still in place (the other was removed from the second floor during a bathroom renovation in the 90s). This one, on the third floor is begging to be restored. More to come on this!

Two staircases provide access from the main floor to the second. The front staircase includes extensive millwork and wide steps- the back staircase, more simplistic for the staff (sadly the staff has gone the way of the butler) without lighting and stairs that are significantly taller with shorter treads.

Three original light fixtures are still intact and in use. The foyer, the butler’s pantry, and soon to be restored, the back porch light.

Original millwork, including picture rails, living room fireplace surround, as well as paneled doors (and knobs) are throughout. Solid hardwood, these elements are as they were when the house was built. The only change, white paint in the 1990s. The original picture of the fireplace shared by prior owners.

Bone Black BM CW-715

We’ve already looked at the floors, windows, butler’s pantry cabinets and hardware, but there are a few more original surprises to come- stay tuned.

A pantry without a butler.

Published on January 8, 2017February 28, 2017 by branchville192313 Comments

The doors rattle upon opening and closing. There must be glass beneath the paint and stenciled flowers. Seems strange to paint over glass. No, just old wood said the painter.

As it turns out there was glass beneath, gorgeous 1920’s wavy glass. One more coat of paint over those pantry doors and their original state would have been lost forever.

So began a labor of love. We had a fixed bid for painting therefore any extra projects belong to me or in this case a team effort shared with my fabulous friend and former house 3 neighbor (she volunteered- I swear). Using paint remover (be sure to use outside) and razor blades we scraped and scraped. And scraped.

With restored original hardware (thanks to my Dad), fresh paint (thanks to my Father-in-law), and some amazing period wallpaper selected by Molly Hirsch Interiors the roaring 20’s are back.

If only there was a butler to enjoy this.

The original state, process and finished product below:

Lots of original facets including sink, faucet, countertop, light fixture, cabinetry and hardware.

Hidden below years of paint- glass cabinet doors!

Original hardware polished and ready.

The cabinets are painted the same color as the Dining Room- Benjamin Moore Blue Note (more on paint colors here) and completed with a 1920’s archival print wallpaper Schumacher- Featherfest.