Restoration

No cooks in this kitchen.

Published on January 4, 2021January 4, 2021 by branchville19232 Comments

When the house was built, there was a basement “summer” kitchen, complete with 48 inch soapstone sink and dumbwaiter to the first floor. With stone walls and iron windows, this space is still pleasantly cool in the summer.

The current kitchen (located on the main floor), features knotty pine cabinets most likely added in the 1950’s. When the house changed hands in 1990, a refresh of the kitchen included pre-finished oak floors, state of the art appliances (for the time) and an island with white ceramic tile and grout.

In the five years since we moved in we have completed numerous projects, some pretty (floors & interior painting, Butler’s Pantry restoration, mudroom/laundry room and exterior painting) and others not so pretty (window restoration, heating and air conditioning systems, roof, etc).

Today, after much planning and preparation we begin the kitchen!

Next: The plan and progress.

Pictures taken moments before demo (green tape to approximate location of new cabinets):

(Never)ending project.

Published on March 3, 2018 by branchville1923Leave a comment

Warning- this post contains nothing pretty. The fun part comes next!

Flashback to a year ago. Time to paint the 3rd floor. Something easy to check off the list (or so we thought). After a few failed paint samples, a call to Molly Hirsch Interiors resulted in a color palette that worked beautifully for the space, and not at all the initial direction (this is why calling in the experts is always a good idea).

The crisp new color scheme now called attention to the existing wall to wall. So, a project within a project is born (there should be a word for that).

Seems every house we buy has some 20 plus year old carpeting to remove. Time to teach the kids how to cut, roll and dispose of carpeting. Or should I say show the kids how to do it and then complete the project ourselves.

Alas, the corner that led us to believe the floors were in great shape, made way to floors that needed lots of TLC. Time to refinish.

The outcome, a fresh new look for an old space.

Next: the results, room by room.

Raise the roof.

Published on November 15, 2017November 15, 2017 by branchville19235 Comments

~~Beautiful.~~ E~~xciting.~~ Necessary. At inspection we were told two years (at most) left in the existing roof. A wild summer wind storm created a bald spot and shingles scattered in the yard, so yet another low priority project takes precedent over a fun one!

Even after several homes and many home improvements, this was our first roof project. After (exhaustive) research, some things I learned and questions to ask of roofers (or contractors) you interview.

Licensed and Insured? Ask for proof.
References? Request several and check them.
How long have the employees worked for the company? If the answer is more than several years, you’ll know the contractor likely pays their crew a fair wage and has good business practices.
Shingle type? Color and style should be up to you, but every roofer should have a preferred brand. Ask them what they use and why. If the roofer says, it doesn’t matter, think again.
How many feet of ice and water shield? Check local code (your roofing contractor will know), but more is better in snowy regions. We added extra above the dormer window due to the low roof pitch.
Itemize it! Request an itemized estimate. Chimney flashing and gutters may not be included and should be inspected (and if necessary replaced) during the the roofing process.
Clean up. Roofing is messy. Nails, asphalt, tar and more. Ask what the contractor’s protocol is for clean up. A magnetic roller is the only way to guarantee a thorough job.

Glamorous, no, practical yes! Process and finished product below. And yes, highly recommend Chris from Able Roofing.

25 years shingles more than 25 years old.

Ice and water shield to meet local code. Extra coverage on the flat part of the gambrel and above the dormer to prevent ice damming.

Original lead flashing works well until it is moved or repositioned when shingles are replaced. New copper flashing in place.

For a gambrel roof, two pitches come together. Shingles should never be folded over, a ridge needs to be built. In this case copper was used to create the right divider between sections.

The finished product. If you look closely you’ll see the missing shutter from the same wind storm that precipitated the roof project. Add that to the list.

Ring for service.

Published on March 8, 2017April 26, 2017 by branchville19236 Comments

In the center of the Dining Room floor, a small circle opening where a button once was. There are several of these around the house. The Living Room and Master Bedroom have the exact sized floor hole.

I asked every tradesperson and service provider who came to the house, no one knew. Our long time trusted electrician immediately said, bell system. In the early 1900’s an interior bell system was used to summon the domestic help. The buttons were attached to wires that culminated in a central spot where those waiting to serve would be dispatched.

We’ve traced the wires to the basement where the summer kitchen was once in full use. In searching for more information I uncovered a detailed paper on the topic from the Clemson University Historic Preservation and Conservation Commons. Sadly the buttons and panel were long ago removed, but the wiring is still in tact.

Try as I may, no one answers when I tap my foot over the spot, but it does make for interesting dinner conversation!

Pictured is the completed dining room. In the exact center of the room, an original electrical outlet and the hole where the button once was pushed to signal dinner service. Imagine the Butler waiting in the pantry . . . now back to reality!

Design and details:

This Dining Room room furniture has served us in every one of our homes. A tight squeeze in our townhouse, these chairs have been reupholstered more than a half dozen times. Come to think of it, time for a refresh!

The window treatments were in the Living Room when we purchased. The Dining Room windows happen to be the exact size of those in the Living Room. Good bye cornice, the dupioni silk panels looked like new after a professional cleaning. The clincher, thanks to a talented local seamstress, some amazing new trim and incredible hardware- these drapes have a new identity! Their “before” state and now.

Last, but certainly not least, we painted the hidden storage closet to be just that- hidden!

More completed rooms and interesting discoveries to come!

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.

Next: original details.

Hit the floor.

Published on January 8, 2017January 26, 2017 by branchville19235 Comments

Lurking below the white wall to wall carpet- gorgeous fir wood floors.

In my opinion only the truly brave and skilled should attempt sanding and refinishing of floors. In no time a weekend warrior armed with a high powered floor sander could make dust of one of the home’s best features.

After seeking referrals from friends, we selected a highly recommended floor expert with experience in older homes. Once sanded, decision time- leave their natural color or add a stain to the floors.

Fir is a grainy almost blonde wood. The problem with a clear finish is that due to sunlight and general light exposure the floors tend to yellow over time. We selected a shade of brown that was deep enough to highlight the wood’s natural beauty but not so dark that the floors would show every dust particle (after all the imperfect home has dust). Testing the stain on a small area is a must. We selected “Special Walnut” a Minwax stain that appeared entirely different on the sample card than on our fir floors, hence the importance of test samples!

For the finish clear coats we opted for a water based, commercial application approved green product sold by the Bona Company. This alternative is just as durable as its oil based competition, but far more durable for high traffic (think basketball dribbling in the foyer) and allowed us to stay in the house (no fumes). The other benefit- floors can be walked on the same day.

One last thing- the floor refinisher does not want to rip out your wall to wall! Therefore they charge a significant cost for removal. Grab some work gloves and a sharp blade- enlist your amazing new neighbor and your father-in-law and get to work!

Minwax Stain Selector

Bona Floor Refinishing Guide

The journey and the results. Painting and floors were completed simultaneously. Messy, but efficient and so much easier before the furniture is moved in!

Significant discoloration. Is that magic marker?

Amazing floors lurk below years of wear.

Follow Branchville 1923 on Instagram for more photos of the finished product.

Next: Windows.

Just peachy.

Published on January 5, 2017January 12, 2017 by branchville19234 Comments

Paint. The easiest and most economical update, but also one of the most daunting. We could name each house by the primary color scheme it held when we purchased. Our small city townhouse, white. Our first suburban home, beige. Our second, gold. And this house, peach (see photographic evidence above).

While we are capable of painting (and in every other house painted the interior ourselves), this 1920’s plaster walled, wallpaper and peach infested space called for help from professionals.

Before World War II, homes in the United States were built with wood lath walls covered with 3 coats of plaster. This process resulted in walls approximately 1 inch thick (compared to the 1/2 inch dry wall of today) that are strong, sound dampening and an R value greater (insulation rating) than dry wall alone. Preserving and repairing the existing plaster not only maintains the historical significance and authenticity of the home, it is also environmentally responsible.

With that in mind, we hired a painter with the patience and willingness to strip the wallpaper and make the necessary repairs to the existing plaster. In the case of rooms with 50 year old wallpaper, the walls had sizable cracks and required a tremendous amount of time and attention. The finished product maintains the feel and quality of the construction, with a fresh and updated look.

This work, although time consuming can be done by any homeowner! If we endeavored on this ourselves we would just be finishing as the kids set off to college, so I am very happy we hired a painter. However, if you are brave enough to do it yourself below are two great articles on the process:

removing wallpaper

repairing cracked plaster

The work in process.