Joe and I are committed to finding ways to integrate the old with the new as we add on to the house. The new space will have higher ceilings than other parts of the house, so we are planning to reclaim some old beams to integrate the space, and make it feel like a natural extension of the original structure. We also have an old cistern in the attic that is made of some beautiful, incredibly thick wood that we're of using for a new pantry entry door, much like the one in this picture I clipped from a magazine.
We may also try to re-use bricks from the fireplace, chimney, and front walk to line the garden, and for the new hearth and fireplace. However, we are still coming up with other ways to reuse elements of the old house in the new. Any ideas from you, readers? Thanks!!
(8) Comments
Comment on this BlogReusing beams for the higher ceilings sounds perfect. Having some rooms with lower ceilings is good as it provides coziness for them as well as creating a dramatic effect when you transition into the newer spaces. Depending upon how much old wood is available perhaps a piece of furniture constructed out of it to put in one of the new spaces.
Hi, great job so far and your posts are informative. Might we suggest going around the area and see if any old barns or structures are beinfg razed, pick up some for next to nothing, for that matter a Lumber re-cycling yard might have your beams and old wainscoatting , etc to fit your needs. Then again, there's always Tommy Silva's+ Norms secret stash of old distressed lumber, maybe they can "DONATE' some for the cause!
I like the chalk board idea but I really don't care for the door. Of course I understand the desire too to have something old but I wouldn't over do it either if you might want to sell your house at some point in the future. So a good balance is important. I think maybe a wood beam doorway instead of the usual doorway might be nice as it would look like the addition had always been there. Also consider wide plank wood floors that would also make your kitchen look like it had always been there. I also think an open pantry with no doors and a wide opening is great. After all it is a kitchen and should be celebrated. Good luck to you!
Looking at the floor plans I couldn't help but thinking that the dinning room would be a great front parlor for greeting guests. The future master bedroom better served as a dinning room with the master bedroom relocated to a second floor on the new addition keeping all the bedrooms on the second floor. But then you would probably be changing too much for the Historic registry purposes not to mention adding considerably to the budget.
I agree with Richard; I don't like the "freezer" door & exposed barn door track in finished space unless it's a converted loft; it just doesn't fit in an historic colonial home. Your other plans seem well thought out & I look forward to seeing the final result. As "care taker" of a PA stone 1830's vintage farmhouse I know well the issues of a period home!
HELLO
absolute crime that wheelchair access was removed. do the owners never plan on inviting guests with disabilities over. or just find people with disabilities disgusting and want to keep them out...
access is not just for residents visitability is important too.
every house should have at least one no step entry, with wider door.
delivery people appreciate it too when that new fridge arrives.
I agree on the part where making your house accessible to people with disabilities or children with disabilities that need wheel chairs. Having a ramp for the entrance will help.