1940's Vanity and chair update
A Red Bird
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
blubird
5 years agotartanmeup
5 years agoRelated Discussions
1940s time capsule home in Minneapolis
Comments (13)The built-ins are lovely; she had excellent taste in wall coverings. The Chinoiserie paper in the dining room staged with the Chippendale faux bamboo chairs look "fresh" and "up to date" with today. We occasionally get similar time capsules in my neighborhood (built in the late 1920s to 1940s, mostly), halfway across the country. However, it is getting more and more rare to find a time capsule -- or its one of a mid 1970s update....See MoreEmpire vanity and chair?
Comments (13)I would bet it was their designation for the style as mhg was short cut for mahogany. Many years ago....before I was as smart as I am now...wink...I found a small painted chest of drawers that was just perfect for a spot where I needed something. AND it had stenciled on the back "Walnut". I was sure it was walnut and spent laborous hours stripping it only to find "tree wood"....a nondescript wood, likely gum wood. Not to be deterred I stained it walnut....but It always looked like what ti was....nothing special. You're lucky....yours is really mahogany!...See MoreRethinking building to buy old 1940s Colonial (link to tour)
Comments (4)Capedude, you bring up our exact concerns. We definitely know we'd be getting much more bang for our buck with this home and property versus building. We love old houses and breathing new life into them but we don't want to take on a sinking ship either. What we do know is the current homeowners have lived at the property for 41 years which we like. He is a retired general contractor for a pretty big regional firm and it seems that no corners were cut when updating through their tenure. Electric is 400 amp, windows all replaced but for the front storms in living/dining rooms for historical purposes. The hvac was updated and the home has central ac and forced hot air. New roof with tear off in 2008. We need to find out about the insulation. All doors closed and the house felt solid and straight when we toured it. The part that took the wind out of our sails a bit was the basement. It was a typical 1940s unfinished basement. The seller's disclosure admits to sump pumps running infrequently and the homeowner says if they have very heavy rain for a few days there are a few areas where a very small of water may come up through the slab. He further stated that they have not had water in several years. This makes us hesitant since we know water can be a home's worst enemy but it may also be able to be remedied to have a finished playroom type area in the basement for the kids. We've owned a 1920s and a 1980s home before (both with various issues not found by home inspections or contractors coming through prior to buying) so we know that ever house has its own issues, even new ones. We'd like to do our due diligence in feeling that we are getting a home with good bones....See More1940's, 10ft ceiling living room - need furniture help!
Comments (17)A couple of things strike me right away that throw the room off. First is the rug: It needs to be much much larger, and it should never be narrower than the couch. Second is to get longer curtains and hang them about a foot higher than they currently are. The art arrangement over the piano doesn't work; we'll remedy that. I like your fireplace and built ins. The shelves just need to be better styled--there are some good articles on Houzz to help with that, but basic rule is 1/3 books. 1/3 objects. 1/3 empty space--and I'd remove everything now over the mantel and use art. I suspect you can buy new furniture for no more than what it would cost to upholster yours, but that's a decision for you to make. I'll return later with a rendering of your room....See MoreOlychick
5 years agoA Red Bird
5 years agoHelen
5 years agoOneRidgeOff
5 years agoOf the Woods Hydrangea and Peony Farm
5 years agoA Red Bird thanked Of the Woods Hydrangea and Peony FarmA Red Bird
5 years agoarcy_gw
5 years agoStecki Construction
5 years ago
Related Stories
ECLECTIC HOMESMy Houzz: Charming 1940s Home Update Is All in the Family
Heirlooms, handmade furniture and original details take center stage in a couple’s renovated Los Angeles house
Full StoryHOMES AROUND THE WORLDHouzz Tour: Updated and Expanded 1940s Cottage Keeps Its Charm
With a smart design and clever reuse of space and materials, this Australian home now suits the fun and sociable lifestyle of its owner
Full StoryBATHROOM MAKEOVERSBathroom of the Week: Breezy and Open With a Navy Blue Vanity
A designer updates a California couple’s master bathroom with fresh style and a new layout that brings in more sunshine
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESOutfit a Ranch Remodel in Updated Style, Top to Bottom
Get ideas for lighting, tiles, accessories, window coverings and so much more, to make your ranch renovation easier
Full StoryTRADITIONAL HOMESHouzz Tour: Respectfully Updating a 1929 Farmhouse
Period details mix with new features for a family home as idyllic as its pastoral surroundings
Full StoryROOTS OF STYLEDesign Through the Decades: The 1940s
Midcentury designers turn their attention to household storage, family rooms, molded furniture and movie star glam
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: A 1941 DIY Cottage Update — Aided by a Lending Library
Using borrowed tools, a handy homeowner makes her Northern California home both functional and charming
Full StoryBATHROOM MAKEOVERSReader Bathroom: Updated Romantic Style for $9,000 in Minnesota
A homeowner saves for a year to create a customized bathroom that showcases her original art
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Elegant DIY Updates for a 1970s Dallas Home
Patiently mastering remodeling skills project by project, a couple transforms their interiors from outdated to truly special
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNGuest Picks: A Dreamy Bathroom Update
Everything from the sink to the tiles to give your bathroom a dreamy overhaul
Full Story
Focal Point Hardware