Need help modernizing an old Victorian
9 years ago
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- 9 years ago
- 9 years ago
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Need help restoring Victorian front walkway
Comments (26)Actually...the more I look at it...the walk wants to be as wide as the brick drainage runnels. I think Ink might be right about the gravel bit...but you DON'T want a gravel walk. They are a PITA unless one has a gardening staff. I did a little research, many houses of this era had brick walks in a herringbone pattern. Not certain if you want to/can invest in that. Wish I were better at mock ups. I'd do a picture for you. Are you wedded to the existing driveway? Perhaps what you REALLY need to do is step back and rethink the whole front yard. You've done such a lovely job with the house...it would be worth the time and trouble to get it right. It's getting late to be planting shrubs and such in zone 8...I'm getting anxious about people planting them here in zone 7b...fall is really the better time to plant here in the south. (I'm up in North Cackalacky.) If you could sketch a rough overview of your plat...where the house sits etc...we MIGHT be able to help you come up with something. Or at least figure out dimensions and such. In the meantime...I'd finish pulling back the sod to the driveway area. I'd plant annuals in the earth you've exposed and mulch it. Then it will look intentional, and you'll be happier. ARE deer an issue? It will make a difference as to what annuals you plant. I work in a garden center. I'm no designer...but I DO know how to help people make things "pretty" until they get their bones in place. If you came in "my" gc the first thing I'd suggest is hiring a landscape designer or architect...and then I'd help you figure out a way to live with it until you could get your plan in place. melanie...See MoreKitchen Renovation Feedback--Modern in Old Victorian House
Comments (7)I like it - except for a couple of small things and none of those are fatal. It's more transitional than modern. When you get around to it, you might finish the tops of the cabinets with molding or stack another layer to lessen the modern look even more. You may need light rail depending on how you plan on doing lights - but it can be added later. Altho its not quite a fad, if you are not height-challenged, you might consider raising the cabinets on the wall another 6-12" and doing the 7-1/4" shelves underneath or a rail system or a combination. So, the things I didn't like - starting with the most insignificant. This is a looks comment, but I think I would choose a more substantial appearing hood. I know its just a picture, because I don't think those come in 36" but its kinda floaty. The PRAKTFULL PRO B50 S is the only 36" wide one and its enough money to start looking around instead of buying ikea. The ref. I would get the side panel for the exposed side - called an oven side panel, if I'm not mistaken. And pull the over the ref cabinet as far forward as possible. That makes it easier to access the first shelf of stuff. Buehl somewhere has a great photo of her over the ref cabinet with a shelf and tray holders. Also, maybe move the filler to the top instead of the bottom. The lower the shelf, the better off you are - the more you can reach without getting out a step stool. The sink. I haz the single. I know that the double sink looks large, but each bowl is fairly small - smaller even than the single farm sink. In both of their farm sinks, the faucet ends up being further back than on normal sinks by a couple of inches - something to consider for choosing the faucet or if you are height challenged. It can chip fairly easily. When combined with a wood counter, you are relying on the caulk seam between the wood and the sink. The problem is that the wood and the sink expand and contract different amounts and sometimes at different times. Our seam opened up and there is mold under the rim. Because we were a permit job, it was installed by a professional plumber. Think about whether you really want this sink at all, want it with a different counter or want it undermounted instead. I would now choose a nice stainless undermount instead. For me personally, the sink is a little close to the corner. At least it's a foot away and that may help, but its a little bit close. When you have multiple cooks and one sink, being able to reach the sink from both sides is really nice. Think about maybe putting the perfect between the corner and the sink. It would lessen the heat the wine would be subjected to trapped between dishwasher and ref. It would also push the sink a little more away from the corner. The bummer might be if you have interference from door swings between the dw and the ref. Every exposed side of the wall cabinets needs a cover panel. Here is a link that might be useful: More like this hood...See MoreNeed help to modernize a 30 year old "grand entry" staircase
Comments (9)It is a beautiful staircase. I have a staircase with spindles that have too many curves for my liking as well. Since you are putting in hardwood, the staircase might get lost if you don't add a little contrast. I would paint the spindles the same white as your trim and leave the hand rails and treads dark brown (or go even darker depending on her wood floors). I agree with B Carey about adding a patterned carpet runner....See MoreNeed Help Bringing my Dining Room from Victorian Age to 21st Century
Comments (47)Are your floors cherry? I think a VERY light sage green would look lovely, your walls are very light already but the FEEL is dark. I think the contrast against the brighter kitchen nearby enhances that dark feel. Not every room needs to be "light and airy" but given how your space is used for homework and crafts, it definitely needs better lighting. I see a curtain pulled across the living room window. I presume it's for privacy since that room likely faces the street? You may also have antique pieces you'd like to protect from UV damage--please look into privacy window film with UV protection. Installing that would allow you to mount drapes that can be kept to the side of the window and thus allow more light into the space. Your chairs feel gothic to me. I would look into changing the chairs into something a little more modern (to go with the new table) but use a Victorian inspired fabric to cover the seats as a nod to the house style. Please don't paint the woodwork. Before choosing the wall paint, work on the lighting and find the light and bulbs that work for you (you'd be surprised how much they can vary between manufacturers). Agree with other suggestions to move the light and I would try to tie the new light into the lovely pendants in the kitchen by relating the shape or the material. I love your kitchen, I think you did a good job making it suit the house. Love Victorians, what a fun project!...See MoreRelated Professionals
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heatherl2022Original Author