Dan is measuring the big windows in the entryway so we can buy trim. This house, built in the late '70's, has no, what I call architectural detailing. No molding around the windows or archways between rooms. I love details, especially wood trim, so as we continue renovating, adding trim is high on my list of wants.
As you can see from this photo, the windows look stark. The bottom is still undone--there was white tile there (all the windows had this for the ledge) and Dan will put wood there. The next picture shows trim he's already added in our bedroom. (Sorry it rather hard to see--it's difficult to take a picture that includes a window.)
I also want to frame the opening from the hallway into the living room and add crown molding, at least in the living room. (And yes, we'll be replacing the front door and the wrought iron railing with a wood one.)
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Meanwhile, in the kitchen I'm toying with a simple upgrade to the handles on the cupboards and drawers. The handles that are in there are definitely '70's in style and color. And I really hate them because there's an inch or so on each side that I catch my jeans pockets and belt loops on. Let me tell you, when you're whipping around the kitchen, that'll bring you up short!! Here's a little look-see at the uglies:
So, when we were at the building supply store last week, I picked out a handle I thought I might like. We bought just one and Dan put it on a drawer so we could contemplate. The color matches the knobs on my new cookbook cupboard and the new faucet (I told you we're nothing if not coordinated here at the resort--or at least hope to be).
I really like it, even on our, um, rather dated wood. One of these days we hope to replace the faces of the drawers and cupboards with framed bead board to go with the work we've already done.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in a new house with everything done. Every house we've ever owned, except one, has been at least twenty years old when we purchased it. But then I think, it's kind of fun to have a project and plan and make a place what you want it to be. It might be kind of boring to have no dreams or projects to ponder.
Meanwhile, we keep puttering away and we'll keep you in the loop.
As you can see from this photo, the windows look stark. The bottom is still undone--there was white tile there (all the windows had this for the ledge) and Dan will put wood there. The next picture shows trim he's already added in our bedroom. (Sorry it rather hard to see--it's difficult to take a picture that includes a window.)
I also want to frame the opening from the hallway into the living room and add crown molding, at least in the living room. (And yes, we'll be replacing the front door and the wrought iron railing with a wood one.)
Meanwhile, in the kitchen I'm toying with a simple upgrade to the handles on the cupboards and drawers. The handles that are in there are definitely '70's in style and color. And I really hate them because there's an inch or so on each side that I catch my jeans pockets and belt loops on. Let me tell you, when you're whipping around the kitchen, that'll bring you up short!! Here's a little look-see at the uglies:
So, when we were at the building supply store last week, I picked out a handle I thought I might like. We bought just one and Dan put it on a drawer so we could contemplate. The color matches the knobs on my new cookbook cupboard and the new faucet (I told you we're nothing if not coordinated here at the resort--or at least hope to be).
I really like it, even on our, um, rather dated wood. One of these days we hope to replace the faces of the drawers and cupboards with framed bead board to go with the work we've already done.
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in a new house with everything done. Every house we've ever owned, except one, has been at least twenty years old when we purchased it. But then I think, it's kind of fun to have a project and plan and make a place what you want it to be. It might be kind of boring to have no dreams or projects to ponder.
Meanwhile, we keep puttering away and we'll keep you in the loop.
I love projects! It's great that your making these changes you've wanted. The wood around the windows is a very nice touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hallie! It is fun and it does keep my brain hopping, which is a good thing, I'm sure. (Hmm, but I'm not certain Dan would agree! LOL)
DeleteMy mother-in-law used to say that you never get exactly what you want, even if you build. By accepting the farmhouse as my home, I sometimes think I got my grandmother's dream instead of my own. However, I'm not a great visualizer, so maybe this was best after all.
DeleteI would have loved bead board in the farmhouse kitchen because that's what was there, but I was voted down by the men, who all seemed to think painted cabinets would be a problem. I should have pursued the discussion.
I think your house is great and offers the kind of space you and Dan need. But those '70s houses are a breed of their own. We lived in one for 18 years, so I know whereof I speak. Adding the trim will make it distinctive and homier.
Kathy, I've heard that about building. Someone even said you should build two houses, the first to find all the mistakes and then the second to get what you really want. :-)
DeleteYes, this house is perfect for us and I really do love it. Just enjoying making it more "me" with the details. (And I must say, the brick exterior keeps me from thinking more major renovations--no bumping out!)
I love the new drawer pulls and can't wait to see how the windows in the staircase turn out!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like the pulls! We just ordered 29 more. Yes, there are 30 handles/pulls in the kitchen!! We found the same item on the internet via Amazon, so we ordered and saved $1.75 on each, even with horrendous shipping/handling costs. (It was an Amazon partner (or whatever they're called), so we had to pay shipping...)
DeleteMaybe we'll get started on the windows next week. :-)