Monday, September 8, 2014

Weekend Progress


We had a very busy weekend that included two morning visits to appliance stores, trying to select the new refrigerator, dishwasher and range for the kitchen. Mike decided to spend a couple of hours before dinner this evening at the new house, although he wasn't quite sure which 'to do' item he was going to tackle, (there are many to choose from). 

Apparently, it was the hidden window. He took these with his iphone, creating a panoramic photo from a program he recently discovered. He sent me an email telling me about it. 

Also, notice that the evening prior, he removed the wallpaper. That may have taken more time than the window!   

We're not quite sure if we'll leave the wall that separates the shower from the loo or not. It depends on what we decide to do with the shower/bathtub. I had thought of keeping it, and creating a shower/bath nook. Also, it can carry the plumbing for the shower head. 

Mike thought we should perhaps remove it. 

Decisions, decisions...

The two over two double hung window (to the right) is a newer (old) window that we'll replace with a matching eight over twelve double hung. 

All of the walls surrounding the shower surround are drywall, not plaster. So this bathroom remodel that was probably done about 30 or so years ago. 

What it looked like before. 

What a difference a window makes. 


36 comments:

  1. I am going to enjoy this new house reno/restoration project a lot. What a nice surprise to find the beautiful window behind the bathtub wall!

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  2. Cannot imagine the brain thinking the loss of a window was the answer.

    Garden & Be Well, XO T

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  3. Oh its going to be a treat watching you redo this house !!

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  4. Love your blog. May I ask what State you are now in?

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  5. Wow I can't wait to see what you end up doing to this room - it has so much potential to be a bright and open bathroom. I love the surprises that old houses always have in store.

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  6. I have followed your blog for a long time but am not sure if I have ever left a comment. I just wanted to tell you that this journey you are beginning is amazing. I am looking forward to seeing how you transform this house into your home. Thank you for sharing a bit of your world with us!

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  7. oh, bless ur husband. taking wallpaper off is an ugly job, but shopping for appliances is fun. a window makes a huge difference and you can see it already. when I moved into my house about 5 years ago, I had all the windows replaced. last year I had a new kitchen put in and I needed a different size window. I had the contractor put the old window in my smallest bedroom, which is my sewing room. it previously had one window. the room went from being dark to being sunny and bright and having a great view of the back yard. it's very exciting starting to watch the changes to your house. linda r (phila burbs)

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  8. and there was light! a half wall with a cute claw foot tub would be very nice. Beautiful home, I can't wait to see all the changes you make! Thank you for sharing the process with us.

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  9. And what a window it is! Nothing like a giant 12 over 12 to let the light in. Your house is seriously amazing! I hope you discover more hidden treasures like this one :)

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  10. What a beautiful window. Will this be your forever home or is there no such thing with Mike's job? I cannot wait to follow along with the reno. You are both so talented. Have you set a move in date? Kisses to the wee ones. xo

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    1. Mike doesn't need to move for his job, thankfully. It's hard to tell when we'll be able to move in as there is so much to do before then. Best, Catherine

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  11. What a beautiful home you both will make of this house! You stated a 12 double hung will replace the right window. Thought . . . could the one over the tub be the replacement and a new smaller decorative of the period window go above the tub, if you keep the same arrangement? Something that goes with the outside as well as the inside, but gives you more options for your bath and shower ideas. But whatever love you both put into this house it will be a lovely home. Your last home was a showplace when you had to say goodbye. Best wishes on this adventure! May all go well! Love your blog and thanks for sharing.

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  12. Oh, that glorious light! Can't wait to see how this all turns out.

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  13. Weekend projects! It's looking so great already. I do really like keeping the toilet in a separate niche but the room would feel so much more open without it...hmmmm. I'm sure whatever you decide to do will be wonderful!

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  14. What a wonderful window, getting rid of the shower has made such a light filled room, I love it. I am so going to enjoy this project.

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  15. What a nice, roomy bath and such a difference with the window uncovered. Catherine, are you two doing all the renovations or will you get some help? I can't imagine going solo with two little ones! It will be delightful to follow your progress.

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    1. Yes, with two littles ones, it is much harder to work on the house ourselves. Mike is doing as much as he can but we have hired a local contractor to help out. Best, Catherine

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  16. Your life is so much like my past life. We moved into an old house built in 1939, years ago with two little ones now grown. We took on the project to make that house a beautiful home. Everyday was a surprise as we took wallpapered walls down to the shiplap, redid plumbing and electrical, found hidden nooks behind cedar closets, remodeled bathrooms to make them work. I laughed when I saw the windows over the bathtubs. Mine had the same. I wondered what were they thinking! Your home is a gem! I am sure you will make it truly beautiful as you have in your other homes. Good luck! Love your blog and your decorating taste is superb!

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  17. Catherine, I admit I haven't read your blog in a while, from when you sold the farmhouse and moved... but, but, but... how exciting to check back in and see you've begun a new renovation!!!
    Congrats on the new house. I look forward to following along - all the way from Melbourne, Australia.
    I hope you'll continue to post regularly about your reno journey. It's fascinating to watch - we don't have houses like your in Aus.
    Can I be cheeky and ask for some garden pics? Are you on acreage? What's the state of the garden like? I'm a landscape designer & garden obsessed.
    All the best, Jo

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    1. I haven't taken outside pictures yet. I keep meaning to. The garden is beautiful, although mostly because of the setting, not the plantings. So there's some work to do. I just spoke with a landscape consultant as I'd like to create 'rooms' within our garden/yard. There's also a large portion of the 3 acres that is just a field. I'd like to create some borders so that the field also looks like it's part of the garden. Lots to do! Best, Catherine

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    2. Sounds divine. Can't wait to see Catherine.

      "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow"

      Jo

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  18. Just opening that window made a world of difference! Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do.

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  19. I'm with everyone else - I'm soo excited to follow your family through this new journey!! SO excited! :) Can't wait to see what you share with us next!

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  20. What a wonderful place to find a window! And what a difference it makes.

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  21. love the beautiful hidden window! It was probably covered over as a quick fix so that it didn't rot out with water from the shower? I'm sure some clever planning can remedy this in your new bathroom!

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  22. I would go with your husband's plan. Remove the wall! Then I would put in a clawfoot tub and shower. The shower curtain would form a "wall" between the tub and the toilet.
    Question: What is that little jutting out spot on the wall on the left side of the toilet? What is hiding behind it? Just curious. :)
    Can't wait to see what you do with your new home. Whatever you decide will be beautiful, of course.

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    1. We think it may be a beam. There are a few of those in the kitchen and they are covered support beams. It wouldn't make sense that it was plumbing so must be a structural beam.

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  23. Beautiful view from the mystery window. Way to go, Mike! Looking forward to hearing more!

    Take care,
    Em

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  24. Dear Catherine,
    My best wishes on this new home. For in time room by room you and Mike will combine your many talents to yet again create a home that is warm and so welcoming. We share a very similar approach to design. My husband Peter and I have over the last 22 years renovated 4 homes.
    I have so enjoyed my transformed rooms. For each room has given me both creative self expression, and the joy in seeing my family grow and thrive in these homes. I also appreciate your use of organic products, and as a Canadian health care professional have included this important information to my clients since 1980. I so look forward to your journey in the weeks and months ahead. Your blog has been shared with my clients to inspire them to create soulful and safer homes. My best wishes to Mike, and your sweet children.
    Warmly,
    Alexandra

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  25. Hi Catherine - As a proud owner of an 1800's, New England colonial that is still undergoing restoration (as budgets and time allow), we are very interested in being as green as possible with our cleaning/household products. Do you have any suggestions for the older wood floors/woodwork and cleaning products that you may use in general?

    Thank you,

    Cari

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    1. We are in the midst of trying to figure out how to abate the lead painted floors. The problem is that the abatement companies need to refinish the floors once they've removed the paint, but we of course, only want to use a green floor finish. The floors are really taking a lot of time and effort at the moment. We'll meet with two more contractors this week so hopefully, they'll be a resolution soon. As far as keeping them clean, I just just use a HEPA vacuum cleaner and then steam mop with vinegar every now and then. Best, Catherine

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  26. 8 over 12 is a style of window I don't often see. Is it unique to that period of home? We have a 1922 bungalow with its original windows which are 6 over 1. I love that look, especially the large panes of glass on the bottom half of the window. We know they are not energy efficient, but can't stand the thought of replacing them. They have such character!

    I have a question about your window in the shower. We had the same situation in our house. When we moved in the window was covered with clear plexiglass inside (to protect the wood mullions and sash) and then plastic blinds were hung for privacy. Needless to say, the blinds were hard to keep clean of mold and mildew. We replaced the clear plexiglass with frosted and lived with that for a while before eventually replacing the entire window with glass block (the diamond patterned kind which looks more old-fashioned than other styles). So I was wondering, what are your ideas for protecting the wooden window in the shower from the water that will splash on it?
    Claudia

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    1. Hi Claudia, Not sure really. We had a window in front of the shower at our last house and we did a shutter and shower curtain. They provided privacy and water protection from/to window. So that would be the easiest and most economical. But still not entirely sure.
      Best, Catherine

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  27. Catherine,

    What a difference that window did make! Already a stunning transformation with the window visible and the wallpaper removed. I glorious blank canvas...and that's just the bathroom. You and Mike will work your house magic...and it will be perfectly suited for your family.

    Tim

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  28. Amazing the difference once the window is once again visible! More challenges ahead!!

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  29. So I can't count. Eight over 12. Still dying!

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine