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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Not So Wordless Wednesday This Old House

Time for more snooping around my old house. For those of you who missed the last couple of Wednesdays, this series will keep me inside with my camera during the cold weather. I will be taking photographs around our historic home which was built in 1891.

A little recap, we bought it in 2006 and spent 8 months renovating before moving in so just like any other renovation where the owners don't have a clue or help, we did some things right and some things dead wrong. I'll be showing it all and fessing up to my mistakes and making a much bigger deal out of hubby's mishaps.

Last week I showed the kitchen so today we will be taking a look around the dining area that is just on the other side of the kitchen peninsula.




This is the view as you come in the back door to the kitchen and look through to the dining area. We didn't have to do a lot to the dining area. We had layers of old painted wallpaper removed, had all the baseboards, mouldings and trim painted and had the ceiling cracks and plaster walls repaired.

I love the old ceiling medallion and plaster crown mouldings.  Our own brass dining room light fixture looks nice in this home. (Hubby's ex wanted that fixture from their old place but didn't get around to stealing it in one of her many post-divorce raids!)



As you move inside on the kitchen side of the peninsula, you can see through to the foyer. (Note the snow out the front window). This Gibbard dining set is from hubby's first marriage. The ex-wife wanted the bedroom set (including the old mattress yuck!) instead. Is it just me or would you like to sleep on the same mattress with your second husband that you shared with your first husband? Ewww! I was glad to see the back of it along with their bedroom set!



Now you're in the center of the peninsula looking toward the front of the house.  A strange thing happened with this photo.  Samantha who has been following along the tour of my home asked if there had been any paranormal activity because it was built so long ago. I had told her nothing much. Well take a look at that little white spot on the fireplace arch on the right side of the photo. It is definitely an orb. I didn't see it until I downloaded the photos and since it only appeared on this one picture, it's not something that was on the camera lens. Not as easy to see here as when looking at the full-sized photo.



This is the view from the dining room doorway looking at an angle towards the kitchen. I do love the old uneven wood floors in this room and there are some lovely birds-eye maple boards mixed in with the hardwood.



Now you're in the front foyer looking straight through to the kitchen. That fireplace on the left  is all that separates the dining room from the family room behind it and is open on both sides since we removed that entire wall.  This infamous fireplace will be getting its own post later.

Once our 3 1/2 year old is done spilling her food and throwing it around the table, we hope to put down an oriental rug, I'll wait until then to do the drapes. In the meantime, the plantation shutters give it a nice look and allow lots of sunshine in as well as offering privacy at night.

Hope you've enjoyed this little trip around the dining room.  More on the ex-wife later, I could write an entire blog about her!
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59 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have a truly beautiful home. Thanks for sharing. I love the architecture of old homes.

yonca said...

Your dinnig room looks beautiful Deb. Btw,i agree about using different mattress lol.I wouldn't like to sleep on the same mattress either.

Nikia, May and da kids said...

That is a lovely dining room. I love the trim and floors.

May

Mama-Face said...

I have to say, I'm so jealous. Plus I love the infamous fireplace. Maybe I won't after I found out why it's infamous! :)

And I can't wait for the ex post. Would you like her to read it or not? haha. :)

CalgaryDaddy said...

So Nice! Calgary was only settled in 1885, so no homes go back that far. I love those old homes.

Shane

Ashley said...

I want that hutch...with the glass doors. Is that what it is called? That is what my mom calls them. Is that part of the dining room set?
I NEED/WANT ONE SO Badly!!
YOUR house is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

glitterbygrammie said...

I lopve your home. It is beautiful and cozy. The dinning set is pretty. The dark wood is gorgeous. I love love love the hutch. I have a hutch that is filled with antique and newer candy dishes. Who wouldn't love to have a fireplace in the dinning room.

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Beautiful! I just adore old homes they are one of my favorite things. That was a very strong orb in that photo.......they like you.

Anonymous said...

Everything looks great..you did a wonderful job...older homes have so much character..!!

VandyJ said...

Beautiful home! Thanks for sharing it with us. Looking forward to seeing more.

Together We Save said...

You home is beautiful!!

brainella said...

Gorgeous. Those windows are gorgeous -- love how tall they are. Lots of natural light. The fireplace is lovely too.

Shannon K. said...

Love it! It's beautiful. Good luck waiting for your spills to stop...my stepson is almost 11 and he is still a huge walking mess. Oh, and I hope the ex doesn't read your blog or you may have just reminded her to come get the light fixture ;)

Corrie Howe said...

I love the openness and the fireplace! It is a beautiful and uncluttered (meaning a lot of stuff everywhere, not necessarily unclean).

Connie K said...

What a great looking home you have ! And a fireplace by the table i would have it on all the time :) Gorgeous just gorgeous ! cant wait to see more pic's

Anonymous said...

Oh I had to come over and snoop. I do so love lookin' in other peoples homes:)
We've got radiators too! Some of them I like exposed and others not so much. Do you like yours?
You are so lucky to have that fireplace in the dining room AND family room. I don't want to miss that post! Come nudge me if I do, will you?

Unknown said...

Deb,

It's just beautiful, really. I love everything about it. We have a new home which is nice, but lacks a lot of the little touches & personality of older homes....

Thanks for letting us in (again)!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful. I love the fireplace!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the virtual and not so wordless tour. It's all so beautiful!

AiringMyLaundry said...

You have a beautiful home!

Mine is usually covered with toys or crumbs.

Traci said...

What a beautiful home that you have. You guys did a terrific job. I am ready to jump through the screen, it seems so inviting. :-)

P.S. I was humming Twilight Zone music while I read about the orb.

P.P.S. I think it is weird that she wanted bedroom furniture. Just sayin'.
:-)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Thanks so much for the tour of your beautiful home. It was a joy to visit.

Have the best day enjoying your blessings!!!

Ina in Alaska said...

Very interesting! and what a lovely home. I am enjoying your tour. Not to freak anyone out, though, I moved into my husband's home in 1987 when we married. His wife had died in the house (age 39, sadly from breast cancer..) and actually we sleep in the same bed as they had (yes, the one she died in) but I have put a pillowtop cover on it. Very cozy. She was a very nice lady and I don't mind sleeping in the same bed. In fact one day early in the marriage I was sitting in the living room. I was completely alone in the house. I have asthma and do not wear fragrance of any kind. As I sat in the calm and quiet living room I smelled suddenly the most GORGEOUS floral fragrance that briefly but powerfully came upon me. I am certain it was her, letting me know it was all right. Just my hunch but I am sticking with it!!!

Betty Manousos said...

Deb , yoy home is very beautiful!. I love your furniture in the dinning room!
And the kichen! I could spent hours there! Love it!
husg hugs

ethelmaepotter! said...

Oh, it's a gorgeous room; love the size, the moldings, the ceiling medallion, the windows, the shutters, the china cabinet, and the colorful African ladies print. Oh, and the fireplace, of course!!!!
BTW, if you click on each photo, they will enlarge so you can view details. That mysterious orb shows up much better!

Anonymous said...

Our house was built in the 1800s as well. It's not nearly as full of beautiful details as yours. I think they tries to 80 it up and it looks like green carpet attacked most of the house. Lots of updating there. But what is similar is the open space. Your house is beautiful and yes, that definitely is an orb and if you look at the other shot of the fireplace, is that a speck or another mini orb. Blog about that. I'm creeped out!

xx

Cristina

Anonymous said...

Oooh I just love your home but Im a little disappointed its so darn clean! hehe....just kidding! Its so beautiful and cant wait to see more pictures!

Oh by the way, I love ex stories....juicy juicy! Cant wait!!!

Liz Mays said...

It's absolutely beautiful! You've really done a remarkable job with the place!

But where is your faux brick linoleum? ;)

Stephanie said...

Your open hose Wednesdays are quickly becoming on of my faves!
Love what you have done with your house, such character. (and I'm just a tad bit jealous of the fireplace in the dining room!)

Tooth Soap® said...

Deb, I forgot to tell you that I love old houses too. :-) I used to have dreams of buying an old house and fixing it up. Your home is lovely and I bet you look beautiful there when wearing that Sherman jewelry. :-)

xxx said...

thanks for the tour.
your home is lovely.

best wishes for the season
Ribbon :)

Unknown said...

I love your home!

Unknown said...

I LOVE it! I can't wait to see my (notice I said "my") guest bedroom because you did say I could visit anytime, right? :)

But, I have to let you know that the ghostie friend better be nice or I'm going to have to bring some ghostbustin' clothing.

I have always wanted a fireplace that is dual sided...it's beautiful.


The chandelier goes perfect with the medallion and the crown molding.

You all have done a wonderful job of remodeling and still keeping the personality of the house.

Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com said...

Love the archway, the color and that amazing fireplace. What an awesome room that is!!

Lissaloo said...

I love the hard wood floors and the gorgeous fireplace :)

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

That archway is so pretty. And I love brick fireplaces. Great dining room chairs.

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Can't remember where I spotted your blog.. you posted a comment on some other blog, but I just had to come check it out. See, I'm menopausal too, and not many people I know are. (I'm in my 30's.) Anyways, love seeing the renos. Hate renos myself, but love seeing others do them. :)

Unknown said...

i'm with you on letting the hub's ex have the bedroom stuff. ick. i love your bright, sunny yellow color. and the orb...how freaky! i clicked on the pic to enlarge it and it most definitely is an orb! what kind of stuff do you have going on around there?!

Dreamfarm Girl said...

I love the house tour! The dining room is lovely. I especially like the brick fireplace, the white radiator and white shutters, and just inside the kitchen, the red appliance (mixer, is it?). Also the art on the wall near the kitchen. You have a great eye for color and lines! It's hard to believe a 3 year old lives there. very nice.

The Four Week Vegan said...

It's yellow! I love yellow and our dining room and adjoining family room are yellow too. It's such an uplifting color.

Pink Haired Momma said...

Wow it is stunning! I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing. You guys did a great job! I am so loving your home tour, without me having to walk or put on my shoes or a coat or anything!!

gayle said...

Wow!! I love your house ..everything...the wide baseboards, love love the fireplace well it's all beautiful. I agree about the rug..and I may never put one down...thought I wanted one but now I just think it might be a pain...having to vacumn it and food getting under it. Not sure!! Did I tell you I love your house!!!

Suburban Scream said...

This is my first visit and I love it already! I LOVE old homes, all that charm and character! I'd love to someday buy an historic home and renovate it myself. Can't wait to see more!

Annie Z said...

Really enjoyed the tour. thank you! Need to go back to the kitchen now!

xx

Life Laugh Latte said...

Beautiful home...thanks for sharing it with us. Holly

Helene said...

Your dining room is beautiful!! I love the crown moulding at the top of the ceilings and around the windows. Oh, and the fireplace...LOVE IT!!!

NYCGAL said...

What a gorgeous room, just love it!!

Iva Messy said...

what a fantastic dinning room! you have done a great job with it!

harmonysong said...

Great room! Nice and open! Love all the trim!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

What a gorgeous room. Love the fireplace!

adrienzgirl said...

Noelle sent me over. She says that you make her happy. Happy I like, plus I see see you hangin' out at all my favorite spots! :D

Love your home!

Natalie said...

*sigh* So beautiful. :)

kyooty said...

I love the fireplace in the dinning room! what a beautiful home

J.J. said...

I love that fireplace!

Samantha said...

The orb was awesome! Wonder what TAPS would have to say about it? Your dining room is absolutely beautiful!

Matty said...

A fireplace in the dining room? Now that's a bit different. If it's a working fireplace, I bet that's neat during dinner. Very cozy.

But I'm sure the ex will make for a much more interesting post.

sanjeet said...

,i agree about using different mattress lol.I wouldn't like to sleep on the same mattress either.

Work from home India

kanishk said...

The orb was awesome! Wonder what TAPS would have to say about it? Your dining room is absolutely beautiful!

wagyu beef burger

Debbiedoos said...

AWESOME! And I love that FP...you have a beautiful home Deb....I love the charm of it. Thanks for letting me know about it.