It’s typical that over the course of a century your bungalow or Victorian’s vintage heart pine floors have taken a world of abuse. Atlanta’s inner city neighborhoods went through a host of hard times: old houses were portioned off into rooming houses; floors were damaged by errant water: … [Read more...]
Unexpectedly Salvaging
January 5, 2011 By ·
I relish putting antique materials back where they belong. Re-hanging mantels back onto raw brick openings in old houses; installing hundred year old medicine cabinets into the wall cavity of a bathroom, complete with imperfect beveled mirrors, the silvering flawed and interesting; or hanging … [Read more...]
An Ornate Mantel Can Be Literally Moving
August 19, 2010 By ·
When we started restoring our house, which is a Victorian/Craftsman bungalow hybrid, the sky was the limit as far as aesthetics go. The house had been mostly robbed of its architectural treasure and converted into a triplex. Several original mantels were long gone, the dining room stained glass … [Read more...]
Infuse Spaces with Warmth Using Salvaged House Parts
July 19, 2010 By ·
Several of my most enjoyable renovation projects were houses that were totally violated: everything worth anything ripped clean out of them. In fact, I live in one of those houses now so I’ll talk about this one. We bought this house after watching it sit vacant for 7 years--of course, that’s not … [Read more...]
Clawfoot Tubs, Bad Hygiene, and the Sears Catalog for T.P.
May 19, 2010 By ·
I am enamored with my clawfoot tub, which is original to our restored 1911 Craftsman bungalow. It’s is a deep wellspring of contentment. I love soaking, with a glass of red vino, on a chilly winter day. And since I’m sharing, I prefer the water extra hot with an ample sprinkling of … [Read more...]
The Silence of the Lambs Basement of Old Junque
May 18, 2010 By ·
I get a huge kick out of amassing great quantities of old junk. Not just junk really, but “junque.” That’s French and that makes it valuable. I kid, sorta. … [Read more...]
