Is this fireplace surround original to our 1918 Foursquare?
Jenny H.
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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emmarene9
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoRelated Discussions
What style is my 1918 house?
Comments (14)Stillpitpat, I am a neighbor of yours (just north of Division) and used to have the same built in that you show. Many of our OP homes were originally built with the same interior finishes but have been modified through the years. If your staircase from the first to second floor has been modified and opened up, your dining room built in was most likely removed when that work occurred. Yes, your home is a 4 square with Arts and Craft finishes. Prior to us living in OP, we lived in a 4 square in Minnesota and I stripped 7 doorframes, 1 window and a built-in in our upstairs landing. It was alot of work, but because the doors themselves hadn't been painted, it was ONLY alot of work instead of a ton of work:) We loved the end result. Changing out your landscaping will really open up the front of your house! Does the front of your house face east or west? I work at a local garden center (not the one in Forest Park) and can also share thoughts, if you wish. Here's some Oak Park trivia for you. FLW was pretty much the first to use stucco in home construction in our area. As other homes were built, "copycat" builders also used stucco. Until Wright hit the scene, wood and brick/stone were the common finishes. There is a house on Forest, just north of Lake, and south of the Home and Studio that is now stucco but was built with wood siding.....changed to match the popular trend of the time. you have a great home!...See MoreAmerican Foursquare... archways?
Comments (6)I know this is an old post but our foursquare is very...very...well, square. No curves, no arches. Large...See MoreHow to bring original 'luster' to stone/granite fireplace surround
Comments (7)OK, it's not granite. This is very different from what we imagined (It's not a polished granite). I'd continue the cleaning (very diluted version of muriatic acid) until you have the mortar joints as consistent as possible. Then do the "wet test" to get a visual: wipe/dab with a wet sponge and see if you like it. This will be the more extreme "seal and enhance" effect. Let it dry for days and then use a stone seal and enhance product. Talk to the suppliers in your area about a seal & enhance product that is used in stages. Start light and reapply to your desired sheen and color - use a dabbing technique. Always start in the most inconspicuous area. That's what we would do. You need a little more elbow grease first to clean up the mortar. . Good luck....See More1906 foursquare: Please help with room placement and space planning!
Comments (14)Thank you everyone for the ideas. For some odd reason I could not reply on my mobile for the life of me. I had to get back to a desktop to type, is this a common problem? Anyway, thank you! I am still stuck on the problem and made a decision that makes the design even more difficult. I bought a huge sofa that spans the length of the front living room where the large window is. I decided that yes, the dining room should be closest to the kitchen. I am thinking a round or rectangular dining table next to the window seat (utilizing the window seat) in the dining room along with a smaller seating area in that room. That's as far as I got though! I have no idea where to put the tv. I don't want to remove the mantels/mirrors as they are original and I do like them. Any other ideas?...See MoreUser
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoemmarene9
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoL'esperance Tile
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agodirt_cred
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoemmarene9
8 years agobungalowmo
8 years agodirt_cred
8 years agodirt_cred
8 years agoKristen Pessell
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agoJenny H.
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agobungalowmo
8 years agobungalowmo
8 years agobungalowmo
8 years agoKristen Pessell
8 years ago
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