Before and after plans for Old Farmhouse

13 years ago

I hope you all don't mind, but I'm going to try this again. I should have made a "before" of the farmhouse, as it looks today. Then you have something to compare with, for the "after" :)

The before is the original farmhouse, with a 1950s addition (the living room/bedroom side). The attic stairs come up from the back (by the main bath) and there's a narrow pantry, that leads to the 'scary' cellar steps. The old bath needs to be completely redone, as does the porch, but I think the foundation is okay...the roof is just pulling away from the main building, in both areas.

The living room fireplace is beautiful (antique looking rose red brick) but the little master bath is a disaster. The front door makes sense (in relation to being in the middle of the original house) but not with the addition.

The after has the front door moved, with the stairs going up from that side...and new 'non-scary' basement stairs! The living room is no longer a walk through room to the bedroom and I combined the two small bathrooms into one nice, big one...also, better closet space, in the bedroom.

The porch has been opened up to the kitchen, as the new dining area. Also, there's a small addition on the back, for the pantry, laundry and 1/2 bath. The other, most notable change, is the wall is gone between the old dining room and kitchen, making a much bigger space.

I did add some small air lock/vestibules on the front and back door, for storage and to keep the heat in. Ideally, if I can afford it, I would put a glass/screened porch on the back, instead of the small mudroom, for storage in the winter and to sit out (without the bugs) in the summer!

Also, I've included a close up of my kitchen plan (with woodstove in the corner) which is kind of an french farmhouse/english cottage mix. Think rustic but bright (lots of windows) with cream cabinets, and a work table in the center. Love the french blue and soft yellow together, with lots of plants and lavender!

The dining room photo has all the colors, I want to use. I love the kitchen photo, but I'd have a white sink, with antique brass faucet and hardware.

So, here's the before and after, with a few inspiration pictures. What do you think? Any suggestions? Thanks for taking the time to look!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

Annie
13 years ago
Looks great!
A lot depends upon which walls are the weight-bearing walls. But I like it.
The bottom photo with the white and blue is my cup of tea. Mmmm. Light and fresh.
I love that deep window sill. Those are not too common in the USA - such is the pity.
Love the old-looking farm sink and copper faucets - a nice French Provincial kitchen. I can't have copper fixtures with our hard water, but it we could install a new filtration system to clean and soften the well water then I could. Oh...so beautiful.
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Annie! Nice "seeing" you :)

I love that white and blue, too. If you couldn't have copper, I couldn't either (hard water) but I really want a white sink, with antique brass hardware. Saw that combination with the blue and white, years ago, and it was just beautiful together.

Have a great Thanksgiving!
Related Discussions
Need to replace HVAC in an old farm house: gas, geo, or electric?
Q
Comments (1)
I work for a geothermal air conditioning company in Florida and I would highly recommend the product. They can easily be retrofitted into older homes and will probably take up much less space than your current unit. They also are quieter, have better humidity control, cut the electric bill in half, and more. Also, there is a 30% tax credit based on the installed cost of a geothermal system, so when you couple that with the energy savings you actually will start making money off of it after about 5 years. Best of luck to you! Here is a link that might be useful: Egg Geothermal Systems
...See More
Back with plan for farmhouse remodel
Q
Comments (8)
From what you describe your family like, I think the new plan works much better - for you. Opening the walls will give you the room and feeling of more space as well. I would love to open the wall between my kitchen and dining room, but cannot bring myself to do it because of the wainscoting and built-in in my home. But, my family is not that large, so it isn't a necessity for me either. I would love to see interior photos of the 'before' look to your farmhouse. Some farmhouses were built to be just basic farmhouses, without the lovely parts some old houses have (built-ins, large moldings, intricate details), some had more character than others. In doing your remodel, if you started with the first, you could make it the latter....., I think a lot of old house folks don't necessarily mind tearing out walls, but tearing out the character gets them upset! The PO to my house could never understand all the work I have been doing on this house, saying, "It's just an old farmhouse!" Well, to her it was, but to me it was so much more- by highlighting the special things (moldings, built-ins, plaster walls, divided light windows) and getting rid of the stuff that covered them up-or replacing those that she'd torn our- it made even this old 'farmhouse' better. Btw- she didn't know what she was talking about- it may have been a 'farmhouse' to her, but it's truly a craftsman style, and now those details really show! I love your pantry/laundry area. What a great idea and so close to the kitchen will make doing chores so much easier. I'm afraid I have to keep mine in the basement- not due to space, but keeping it there gives me more exercise going down stairs and after all the sweets this winter, I'll need it!
...See More
Need help laying out a master bathroom in an old farmhouse
Q
Comments (5)
Also look at this thread: What was Your Best Bathroom Remodeling Decision? And a more recent thread: What was Your Best/Worst Remodeling Decision? some things I thought of over the last few days: The bathroom is more complected to build than a kitchen in my option, because of the techniques involved with installing the elements. Of course layout and flow are considerations just like a kitchen. But in a bathroom there is the toilet and shower that can get difficult. If these two features have problems, you have problems. You are constantly managing water in a variety of forms, liquid and vapor, but hopefully not ice, lol. As you probably are well aware form follows function. Decide what you need to have the bathroom accomplish. I see that you have a walk in closet. Some people do put them in the bathrooms. I don't know how that works. There are several articles in the Houzz side of this site that are written on closets. They are informative and inspirational. I would try to have a W/D somewhere close to this area of the house. There is no reason you can't have 2 sets, one near your bedroom and one in the basement, or were ever. Over on the Laundry forum there is a lovely example Linus from Sweden posted on their laundry "rooms". Here is a link for fun: Showing My Laundry Room in Sweden 1) where are you putting exhaust fan/s? Besure to have enough gap under the door for "makeup air" so the fan can work effectively. You'll need to calculate how much ducting you'll have because that will impact what CFM fan you'll use. I call Fantech and they helped me figure mine out. They are reportedly good. There are other companies too. 2) Electrical outlets. I have one by my toilet at about 12" off the ground for an advanced toilet seat which, if you have a choice, is a must. Also electrical outlets within the vanity to accommodate hairdryers, etc. I have an outlet in my medicine cabinet too. I also have one in my small laundry surround so I can use an iron with the small pullout ironing board I have. 3) Floor warming wires, for the winter. You will love it. It only goes in open areas. Be sure to run it under the toe kick so you don't get cold toes. It does not go under the tub, unless they've changed specs. It is to be safely margined away from the wax ring of the toilet rough-in. Get the 240v, and lay an extra thermostatic probe under the tile, in case one goes bad, you'll have a spare. It just gets wrapped up and tucked in the box, ready and waiting for the first to fail. 4) If you are tiling your shower I would recommend porcelain over marble or other stone. The new porcelains are gorgeous and do not absorb moisture. Natural stone will take more upkeep. I used epoxy grout in my bathroom. It is not porous. Others have used cementous grout without problems. I would not use HD standard Custom Blend line for anything. People have had quality control issues, with color, etc. Laticrete is a great brand. There is Bostik that is very good. Mapei is good to I believe. If you have any detailed tiling questions, they can be answered by some on this forum, but it seems those members are not frequently posting any longer. They stop in from time to time. Go to the John Bridge Forum, for tile help professional scope. Be sure to know how a shower is put together from the studs out. You will need to know this! This is the biggest issue I have noticed on GW. People are always posting about dysfunctional showers and the poor tilers that do them. You need to do this homework before you hire it done or your GC hires it. Do not let work continue that is not to code or not to what you know to be standard work in the tile industry. There are standards and they need to be followed. You don't want to have to tear out a shower because of piss poor workmanship. 5) Benjaman Moore Aura Bath and Spa is a very nice paint. I've really liked the matte, velvety finish. 6) Plan your vanity to do what you want it to do. I keep my underware in mine. with my W/D being in the same room it made sense. DH gets his put in there too. Here is a link to my recent reveal that is long in coming, as the bathroom has been done for 1.5 years. My West Bathroom Reveal from Project in 2013-2014
...See More
Looking for advice before I approve kitchen, Swiss farmhouse reno
Q
Comments (4)
Thank you both for your reply! @Zalco/bring back Sophie! I was also thinking about the possibility that the countertops would be too trendy, I will have a look at the solid colours and how they look with the backsplash. @mama goose_gw zn6OH Good point about the layout. I'm not sure if there is room to the right of the sink but I'm going to go have a look. Right now the dishwasher is behind the hidden panel under the little tray of orange juice. I was thinking it should go to the right of the range if possible for symmetry but that would move it even further away from the sink so maybe that's not a good idea...
...See More
Shades_of_idaho
13 years ago
Lavender_lass I have some software I can send to you if you would like it. I never even tried to use it. You can email me through GW and I will watch for it.

What you have done here looks good. It is really hard for me to see some of it as I have crazy eyes. I do love your line drawings though. Are you an artist?. Like ML said it looks like you have already moved in,. I did the same kind of drawings when we were considering building a shop house. Sigh. It did not happen but was a great dream.

Chris
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
Chris- You are such a dear! While that is a very sweet offer, I think I'm getting a little something for Christmas :)

Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
User
13 years ago
Hello, SweetAnnie, and welcome to the neighborhood. Our footprint on the earth is smaller than some, but we manage to LIVE LARGE.

Oh yes, that French kitchen is a classic. I've thought about copper fixtures in the kitchen, and mostly decided to stick with stainless to match the appliances....BUT I do love copper pots. I also found some copper trays which I use for flower pot saucers, or for service boiled crawfish or boiled shrimp and crab. That is the way they do it in south Louisiana, and I like their style. I think I saw a bunch of copper containers in Pottery Barn home cat, and Williams Sonoma cat recently too.

Lavender, if you get software for Christmas, please review it for us, so we know if it really works. I have Sweet Home which is free download, unless you wish to donate to them. Haven't figured it out totally, but did "furnish" our Alabama house. I even figured the square footage of that house, as it is now after bringing in the 10 x 10 sun porch and the 5 x 19 closet/bath bumpout, as being nigh on to 1000 square feet. By the time I redo the kitchen and add a wee bit to the master bedroom, another 180 sq feet, we will top out at 1180 feet. Or say 1200. Maximum.

This is the floor plan I did with the Sweet Home software.
I just upload it here to SHOW AND TELL. I won't describe what it represents on this thread, don't want to hijack Lavender's discussion.

This is the two-dimensional plan.

This is the three dimensional view
User
13 years ago
bump
desertsteph
13 years ago
'I think I'm getting a little something for Christmas'

well, lucky you! sounds like you'll be too busy to use house plan software!
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm actually working on a few changes, then I'll post the new plan.

If I can find a basic software program (similar to using pen and graph paper) I'll be happy! Doesn't have to be too fancy, just something easy to use. Then again, I'm doing pretty well with the graph paper...maybe I should ask for garden stuff, instead :)
sandy808
13 years ago
Nice looking floor plan. I love the blue and white kitchen as well. I have a question for you......what are you planning for your dish storage area? The reason I'm asking is that we are now under construction and I have to finish my basic kitchen layout so we can frame the windows for the house (and get them ordered). The guys have figured out a way to sheath the house so the roof could go on, in order to give me more time on the rest of the window placement decision. I've really been wrestling with having optimum views with a good work/storage area. It's hard to get both. My husband would like the table near a corner of sliding glass doors, but that can put the kitchen work area relatively far away causing a marathon to set the table and clean up. Putting the table into the heart of the kitchen solves that but gives up the table isolated in the corner. (I'd have a wonderful sink and range area though). I have through the weekend to wrap it up, so trying to tap into others who have figured out some solutions.

Sandy
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
Sandy- Can you show us a plan of your kitchen? It would help to see it drawn out :)
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
Sorry, Sandy, I didn't answer your question.

I'm planning to put dish storage in the upper cabinets, one either side of the sink. Also, planning to put nicer china/teacups, etc. in the hutch, over by the dining table.

I love the big pantry in the back corner...which will be used for storing some appliances (like the fryer and food dehydrator) more dishes, vases...and of course, food :)
corgi_mom
13 years ago
I, too, like the blue and white, esp. if you can tie the colors into your living room. Good luck!
lavender_lass
Original Author
13 years ago
Corgi- Thanks :)

The living room is on the other side of the entry, across from the dining room...and has a huge brick fireplace (which I actually love and don't want to change).

The little seating area in the kitchen is the old porch, just enclosed and added to the kitchen for kind of a 'keeping room' effect...at least that's what I'm hoping for (LOL) so smaller scale furniture and lots of yellow, blue, green and a little purple...and maybe a little pink or orange. I like a lot of color, since it was the porch and I still plan to have some plants and a lighter feel there.

It's a loveseat/settee with two chairs, that are actually small enough to use with the dining table for bigger groups. I also have the two chairs at the work table...so with leaves, the dining table should seat eight comfortably.

Here's the latest kitchen plan. I'm back to the woodstove, but very happy with the decision. I got some actual facts and found out the woodstove will fit fine (with plenty of clearance around the walls and furniture) by adding a few feet to the length of the porch. Easy enough to do, since this is being pretty much rebuilt, anyway.

{{gwi:1455503}}

Before and after plans for Old Farmhouse

Comments (13)

Annie

lavender_lass
Original Author

Related Discussions

Shades_of_idaho

lavender_lass
Original Author

User

User

desertsteph

lavender_lass
Original Author

sandy808

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author

corgi_mom

lavender_lass
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Before and after plans for Old Farmhouse

Comments (13)

Annie

lavender_lassOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Shades_of_idaho

lavender_lassOriginal Author

User

User

desertsteph

lavender_lassOriginal Author

sandy808

lavender_lassOriginal Author

lavender_lassOriginal Author

corgi_mom

lavender_lassOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author

lavender_lass
Original Author