Above picture is from 1938.

P and I have taken on a project that many have labeled as crazy. This c. 1920's Spanish Revival was a foreclosure that had been vacant for about 2 years. This blog is my attempt to document our renovations of what was once a grand old house. Maybe someday it will be again. Someday.

17 September 2011

The butler's pantry - better than we could have imagined!

When redesigning the kitchen, the only thing that remained (and I mean the ONLY thing) was the original butler's pantry cabinet that was located in what used to be the butler's pantry or breakfast room.  We took down the wall between the kitchen and the original butler's pantry room to make the kitchen larger and more usable.  We both agreed that the butler's pantry cabinet was a keeper.  It is a huge floor to ceiling cabinet with solid doors on the bottom and what we think were glass doors on the top.  However, the glass that was in the middle was gone when we bought the house.  In it's place was chicken wire. 
Our dream from the beginning was to have leaded glass panels made for each of the four doors.  We, however, are not gifted in that area of leaded glass.  We thought this dream would have to wait indefinitely.  Our friend J was helping us paint one day and reminded us that her mom was a leaded glass artist and she said she would see if she might be willing to help.  J said her mom would love to help and to send her a pattern we liked.  We sent Mrs. B a picture of a pattern we liked and she and Mr. B spent weeks building the doors.  Here is the cabinet ready for the doors:
And here is a leaded glass panel in Mr. and Mrs. B's shop:
And here is a panel in a door:
P and I would like to say a special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. B for their incredible work for us on this project.  If I remember right, there are 408 pieces of cut glass between the four doors.  We are so thankful for them and their help!  Thanks guys!
Stay tuned for the finished product.  I'm in the process of sanding and painting the door frames now so that we can add the leaded glass.  Hopefully soon... I have two sanded.

08 September 2011

We've moved in!


I am aware that it has been several months since my last post.  But here is an update.  At the end of July, P and I moved into what we lovingly call the haunted mansion.  We decided to hire movers and we were moved in a day.  It was a long day, but it feels great to finally be living here.  We've got a long way to go and a lot of projects on the list, but we're stepping back from this project for a while and back to paying work.  Here are some pictures of rooms that are mostly there.
Kitchen with P's food ready to cook!

P's favorite appliance (and mine too)


Fireplace (with portable a/c) in living room

Living room