The thing about a historic renovation is the ever tugging dance to make character and convenience move in step. The beauty we are renovating was built in 1920. It was built originally as a duplex, and we will be the first to convert it to a single family home. It’s a big job, bigger than our last two historic renovations combined. Color us crazy.
We followed protocol and submitted our plans to the historic commission to get approval. There are some things we wanted to add that we cannot (a front porch) and others that we are free to embark on (moving walls to open up the choppiness of the duplex). There are details to tend to so we ensure the historic charm carries throughout the house (glass door knobs). There are modern day conveniences to consider (closet space). Cabinetry seems to be our conundrum. We have done white cabinets and stained custom cabinets in previous renovations. We are looking for something different this time, something that feels like 1920 yet modern. Balancing character and convenience is a lesson in paradoxes.
I’ll spare you the details and share the final results in the big reveal. We’re months out yet so be patient with me. It looks like we’ll be in our little retro rental until Christmas. Ugh. Alas, we have the time to hunt down bargains and finishing details to add some character to the house. At some point in the 1960s the house was a fraternity house (devoid of character any way you define it) and then it was home to nine friars who chopped up rooms and put up walls to create a den of rooms for each one. The history of this house begs for a Saints & Sinners themed house warming party, no?
On one of our many hunts to find doors, floors, and more, we came upon a battered old cabinet that we just. had. to. have. It was love at first sight, pockmarks, snags, wonky bits, and all. Just look at that detail. The hinges and knobs are original to this 1920s piece. And just look at the old flour bin that is still intact! I have no idea what I’ll do with that but I’m keeping it as is.
This cabinet was pulled from an old shop from back in the day. There are beaded glass doors that will be reattached up top. I picture this as something from the old general store like the one from Little House on the Prairie. I can just see the shelves brimming with dry goods and glass jars. We’re having this piece refinished and installed in the butler’s pantry. We’re finishing it in a distressed cream color and keeping all the original hardware, natch. It will hold our china and crystal, a lovely blend of homey and fancy. I can’t wait to open up our home to entertain and see everything in place. And for the record, we don’t just display our china and crystal, we use it.
That’s interesting about the front porch. I’m excited about the final reveal.