November 17, 2009
A Tom Silva original
Remember the three-season porch with jalousie glass we demolished to make way for the new, two-story addition? Well, it actually sat a little bit below the level of the rest of the house and below the grade of the rest of the property. We wanted the new addition to sit on the same level as the rest of the house. The problem came in trying to marry the second-floor addition and stairway with the old hallway to maintain enough ceiling height on the first floor. The biggest problem area was in the first-floor hallway where the new stairs to the library landing would have to cut into the ceiling height across the new entry. This presented a big challenge in trying to build the basement stairs with enough ceiling height to meet code requirements, and it was also going to be an aesthetic issue in the entry hall next to those stairs.
Tom's ingenious solution was to match an existing archway in the front hallway using a barrel ceiling to mask the disparity in ceiling height from front to back. We thought it was a great idea to take a problem and make it into a distinctive feature of the house using an existing architectural element. And now we'll always know that we have a "Tom Silva Original" design in the house! Next we need to consider whether we'll add any lighting inside or rely on the existing hallway lights on either side of the barrel to cast enough light on the area. It might be pretty to have small sconces on either side to cast a glow on our distinctinve barrel ceiling. What do you think?
(26) Comments
Comment on this BlogWAY 2 GO TOMMY to the RESCUE again!!! We always liked his tricky solutions to problems in renovations and this one of using design elements from old to new was great. We would suggest using a small unobtrusive lights like LED strips that would wash up or down the hallway and give it depth and make a statement not too bright but enough light to guide the way..
Like your posts BTW.....
On the show where you pionted out the Dutch influence in the New York area, you mentioned the Holland Tunnel. The tunnel is named for the architect and enginer Holland. His plans were thearchetype for many future tunnels. It was not named in honor of the Dutch Heritage
Gillian - love the renovation and all of your nooks and crannies!
I would recommend a narrow "hall table" with a small lamp suitable to your decor!
I like the solution Tommy had too. I have to agree I think a narrow hall table but not with a lamp on it as that could easily get knocked over. I am thinking maybe some small wall lamps that you could plug in or be wired in. Looks great though!
Nice technique to bring the two sections together. That hallway will be really inviting once everything is complete.
Hmmm... A little faux paint, some fake stone, and you would have an interesting train tunnel. Be great for a conversion piece. Have you considered a recessed spot in the centre of the ceiling?
the jig (the way he layed it out)to lay out the archway how do I see that again? The ellipse. Or can you explain it on the computer?
My opinion is that wall sconces may make the space feel smaller, perhaps crowded. I think the LED lights suggested above or one or two recessed downlights with small diameter, perhaps quartz lamps.
Is this project complete? The web cams have not worked in weeks and it's been a month since any blog postings. Hope all is well.
Tom Silva, Please send an e-mail address to me at drleephd@drlee.com as I use to be a Master Carpenterand Cabnet Maker and would like to talk about the old days when people built houses that were buitiful inside and out insted of the trash being built today by builders only interested in how much money they can make per house where all look alike except point in the opisit direction yet the lay out inside and out side are the same. If I am allowed to have your e- mail I will give you my phone and if you have the time I have an ub limited amout of long distance so even talking on the phone will cost you nothing. I love the work you do and I do very simular type of work as I hate the way new houses look!!! Please respond and I promose I will not be a pest just anoth older carpenter that dislikes the way the new houses look.
I have a Dutch Colonial house that we are considering a remodel on so I was following this blog but it seems to have gone away. Hope the project is progressing well and I look forward to seeing more posts.
Watching the show I was surprised to see the identical wallpaper as in my parent's 1918 colonial. My father recently refinished the house and had new paper reproduced from a remnant. I would be happy to pass-on the contact info if the Dutch Colonial owners were interested. (trlsend@myactv.net)
good work it looks really cool
cool work in the house
I think maybe a small Chandelier might just give it a touch of class and show of all the great work.
Great design feature. I agree with Bob Smylie. It may end up being a bit of a dark tunnel. Maybe some small pots could have been incorporated.
I love the archway. I think Tom's idea was incredible, brings consistency to the whole house. It is looking real good!
would like to see Tom's trick with ellipse layout. How can I do that? On the same show,when removing wallpaper, contractor was asked if razor scores would show in the paint job; she said no. This is totally wrong,and I'm sure they had to repair all those slashes before painting and should be explained to the viewing audience. It's exactly why I never use razors(did it once and learned my lesson)for that task. A little more time with sponge and hot water will save on dust
and a totally upset customer. Please get back to me- really want to go over Tom's brilliant solution with the barrel ceiling!
Thanks,
Rene Alfani
Fix This Now ! Inc.
Hartsdale, NY
Hey Tommy! Thanks so much for using my Zadokhammerpad!I don't know if I'll get any calls,but seeing my invention on TV was a real trip! If anyone wants more info they can go to www.Zadokhammerpad.com Thanks again for everything! You all are the best!
well i think simple art with led lights could make a mini gallery. they could be kept very close to the wall and use small delicate frames- if the display lights shine up onto the art it would make the hall taller. you would want it to go the length of the hall too.
Thanks for all the comments, everyone. We still haven't added any lights, but these are some great suggestions.
woohoo great one... love this blog
I think relying on lights from either side will create a some sort of dramatic effect and subtle look while placing light inside will make it bright and happy...oh well either way it will be beautiful. you got a great work right there...
I find one of the biggest pains in doing up the home is getting the wiring sorted before hand and planning ahead. I do rather enjoy your arch way doors there by the way
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