Before we started removing wallpaper (walls) and carpet
Before we removed wallpaper (walls) and carpet
It all started with carpet removal...
The floors were beautiful, and it encouraged our explorations!
After carpet removal...just before the painted wallpaper came down...
It continued innocently enough...we pulled off the wallpaper and found plywood. We just wanted to see what was behind the plywood above the fireplace. (lol)
Emily and I should not be left to our own devices...
And then it just spiraled out of control. As we pulled the multiple layers of wallpaper and paint off, the wall crumbled and came down as rubble and sand.
It got to be super creepy living in a house with all the walls exposed.
And the filth and dust was amazing!
We didn't find any dead bodies, but we did find a light fixture and a kid's pirate ship behind the lath in the office.
Pretty amazing that these walls were put up in 1856. They lived a good life. It was time for a renewal.
We were super relieved to see the walls covered up again and the plaster dust contained.
So beautiful...I love, love, love construction. I love the creative/creation part of it. Nothing is ever so old or broken that it can't be put to rights again.
This is where we started thinking seriously about what to do with the exposed chimney and the old mantle.
And the color begins to become consistent and bright.
This is where we started priming the walls.
Grey paint is going on. I love this color. It's Livingston Grey from the awesome folks at Gilroy's Hardware.
It's amazing to look at the transformation, even part-way through the process.
Attempt # 1 at floor coloring. We dumped the grey idea after awhile and went with a warm Harvest Oak.
New ceiling fans are going up and really finishing off the space.
Floors completely stripped again of the light grey color.
Cement backer board has been added to the fireplace surround in preparation for the tile.
And the floors are finished!!! The floors, walls, trim, crown molding...it all comes together to create a warm, beautiful, bright atmosphere.
Evoke Annabel carpets by Safavieh (from Overstock.com) and furniture really ground the first-floor spaces, including the dining room.
The office is light and bright and highly functional.
The old furniture will go in a few weeks (new furniture production delayed by COVID-19), but it's still warm, cozy, and inviting. Just ask Gracie, who's busy with her inspection duties as CCO (Chief Canine Officer).
