We didnt have the money or the zip code that would support a period correct kitchen so we did a complementary kitchen to our taste. It was new space added (the original kitchen, which was actually a 90's era cheap remodel is now a bedroom) so we did it the way we want. Vintage Spanish Eclectic creates lots of options, but our focus was on muted colors and shapes. Our contractor has moved on, but his blog is still up with more pics. Good luck with your project http://goodhomeconstruction.blogspot.com/2012/11/1929-spanish-bungalow-full-kitchen-and.html?m=1 edited to add: Hi! I was just passing through tonight. Avoiding the rest of my laundry. You can find me more on Home Decorating. We're also in So Cal, but not on the beach.

That was an incredible article! And describes exactly what my problem is. Thank you. I mentioned that there had been panelling or wainscoting. This was is one of the smaller rooms. Unfortunately it had been covered with materials that blocked any vapour movement. And it was also riddled with woodworm, so it had to go. The wood supports nailed into the bricks were fine at higher levels, but had rotted closer to the ground - capillary action with ground water which I can do nothing about. Even if I removed my current floor and waterproofed it, the fact that I have neighbours sharing both inside walls means that their water will just come over any barriers. And replacing the floor is also (currently) out of my budget. So far, the lime plaster I have has softened and crumbled in the areas where damp has come through because of the uncovered and currently unused chimney, near the single glazed and rotten windows and near the broken guttering. Only a small area has been affected by the groundwater. I might not need to replace all plastering. Where the wainscoting has been taken doen, there is bare brick. But replacing this wainscoting would be a great idea, especially if I can then plaster and paint with a breathable colour on top. It also means I can hide gas and water pipes behind them. I suppose the last layer lasted for 80 years, although the woodworm had a party for most of that time. Perhaps there are non-wood breathable materials I could use? Wood would be an expensive option for the square footage. And how clever would it be to add a layer of cellulose or sheepswool under this? Or an insulation material which can deal with damp? However, internal humidity will be a lot higher soon, due to the replacement of windows (they have trickle vents, but a trickle is nothing compared to the air movement I have now!), new and insulated roof, blocking the chimney opening with a gasfire flue and replacement of gaps in the mortar. That's my fear - that even by having a house that lets moisture in and out, it's still pretty airtight and keeps the inside too humid. And a complete ventilation system is quite expensive over here, although I'll have a unit placed in the bathroom. With the latest European EPC standards, my refusal to have damp proof chemicals, thick impermeable insulation and artificial ventilation means the value of my house suffers. But they can change what they want when I'm in a retirement home! Maybe the regulations will have accepted that most of their recommendations for older houses are incorrect unless they are knocked down and rebuilt which would be a real pity. Thanks for that article. Absolutely brilliant! So next question: is wooden wainscoting the only breathable option? Are there other products out there, both modern or traditional looking, that would work as wainscoting panels? And would I be adding to the problem by sticking a layer of hygroscopic insulation between it (might mean the dog barks less loudly!). And apart from leaving the windows open in summer and winter for 20 minutes a day (prefer to save the heat in the winter), what other ways might I increase ventilation/reduce condensation into the brickwork without burning a hole in my pocket? Thanks AGAIN!!! Photo shows the remnants of original wainscoting supports and brick underneath. Sarah.

Matt and Ash Construction and Design Inc. - yes, this is just the look I am going for! What sort of material would you recommend for the patio itself? kiminpl - I think I am leaning towards that, the concrete. Seems the simplest and most cost-effective. I would love to get the name of a contractor, but I can't figure out how to private message you! I was resistant to the big chunky pergola look, but maybe I'm just used to seeing ones not made to fit the scale of the homes (looooot's of cheap flips when I was house shopping). Dig Doug's Designs(8A) - I really like this! I wonder if it would look as nice not raised. The only problem I have with putting anything in front of that room to the right of the patio is that wall has my only access to the crawl-space under the house. Maybe it could be moved... l pinkmountain - That's what I am leaning toward. Terracotta tiles are beautiful but I imagine quite expensive to install outdoors and might be fragile/take a lot of maintenance. What do you think I need to look out for to make sure it is done properly?

If you look them up online, they are sometimes described as “oval” spring tension rods. But they look good with flat panels, if you want to show off a William Morris fabric design or something like that. But as has been suggested, above, your woodwork and windows are beautiful! Less is more. Simple, subtle, so the woodwork is the star!