Windows and radiators and stairs...oh my!

Well, today is the day it became official.  This house is upside down! 

What Lurks Under the Surface. AHHH!

I have joked that we will find bodies under the crawl space in this house.  Now that the crawl space is open my nightmare has become reality!  I know these dark, dank spots can be gross, but I never thought we'd fine....GASP...bones!  

Yup!  Animal bones we're pretty sure ( well let's hope!) but bones nonetheless.  First mice, now bones!  I think I'll stop digging.  I don't want to find anything else.  

But there was one interesting little tidbit to came out of the walls. We found a little door that allowed for ice delivery to the home. Inside were newspapers from the 1940's.  They were in perfect shape yet delicate and brittle.  The minute I handled them they crumbled.  The society page told me who was calling on whom over Thanksgiving in the year 1940. I guess that was exciting back then. Notre Dame was mentioned in football news.  I will dig up a few news stories to share.  I'm hoping to find a way to work some of these papers into a design element in the house.

Charming and Not So Charming

Well, as in all remodels, there are things that you can't wait to get rid of and other things that captivate your design spirit.  This old house is full of both!  First let's start with the things that are absolutely stunning about this 100 year old beauty. 

These stained glass windows surrounded by a dark walnut woodwork are absolutely exquisite!  They are going to give the living space character, bring in much needed light.  Now to figure out how to get new storm and screens on these babies without dropping a fortune!

The crown moldings and additional display rails are sublime! The wood is in pristine condition and has the most beautiful deep walnut tone. 

And check out these hardwood floors.  100 year old red oak with the most beautiful walnut tone.  Although they have seen lots of wear over the years, the wood is still in great shape and is just begging for a new coat of stain and poly.

But not all features of this old girl are as charming.  I call these design-era FAILS. From 40 year old dirty carpet to plastic chandeliers, these doozies have to go!  But there are a few items in the house that have so much character, it pains me to get rid of them, but they simply aren't practical.  Take the awesome print on this laminate type flooring.  Straight out of the late 50's early 60s.  And these retro lights.  While they look cool, the fluorescent light is painful and every last light in the house has a pull chain!  Okay, I'm done with the chatter.  I'm going to get to work on that electrical.  I have some new fixtures in mind that I'm super excited about.  Check the inspiration board for details.
 

 

Getting Started

Let's Get This Party Started!

I never would have thought that I could be so excited to use a sledgehammer.  But several areas of this house pushed me over the edge.  Demolition is getting started and a capable crew (my friend Scott and his friend Tony) have hit the walls swinging!  First up.  Down with that dated kitchen!  So, what's under these walls?  Well, a few old burlap sacks, no insulation (surprise surprise) and lo and behold....

Yes.  You've got it.  A MOUSE!  I screamed like a little girl in pigtails! I am a pretty tough lady, but anything that has a tail like this...ick!   Not sure how many of these little suckers are left in the house, but when I'm done, you can be sure that number will be ZERO!




The walls have a unique layer of years of cooking grease and grime on them.  I can imagine lots of delicious meals were served by Grandma Cecilia in this kitchen.  Unfortunately we are the ones that have to remove the aftermath.  Small price to pay for a home that has tons of character!