Around the house updates...

We are unsure exactly when we'll get to installing a new front door and door surround on our new house, but one thing we knew we wanted to do right away was remove the plaster and lathe. 

This will make the 'one day' much less messy, which is especially important since by then, we'll be living in the house. 

The plans for the front door are to replace the existing (not original) broken door (which is irreparable) with a new solid new wood door accompanied by side lights. 

Someday. 

As you can also see from the above photo, we haven't installed the new stair railing yet. It was either the stair railing or the front door (budget wise) and we chose the stair railing simply for safety issues.

We had a meeting a few days ago to go over the new design and this is what that meeting looked like. 

The railing that was in the house had some structural issues. It was also not original or period appropriate to the house. We are replacing the bulky newel posts and chunky balusters with a hand-over railing (no caps above handrail) and thinner, more elegant balusters. 

Balusters during the Federal period were most often square, though they were also sometimes round, with a taper towards the top. We are in the process of trying to figure out which we'll use (a balance of cost and aesthetics). 

Our mason Edward and his assistant Andrew continue to restore and repair the chimneys. They finished the west chimney, and are currently working on the east chimney in the master bedroom. 

These repairs set the stage for use of the fireplaces in the future.

Another element of the renovation that offered a huge leap forward was the installation of the drywall in rooms whose walls had been demolished or rearranged. This photograph shows our new mudroom.

Next door, here is our future laundry room. The washer and dryer go in the right corner, with a utility sink to the left next to the window.

Downstairs bathroom. 

 Upstairs bathroom, with the mystery window on the left. 

The photographs may make it all seem fluid and streamlined but as you all know, it is hard work. The decisions, the decisions are many. Exhaustingly so. 

And although we feel as if we've hit the 'light at the end of the tunnel' mark - we also feel as if there is so much more to do.

To stay calm, I try and focus on the part I enjoy the most. And that is when we are living in the house and I can putter around from room to room (at my own pace) moving art work around, placing furniture here and there...Changing my mind with ease (something that is hard to do with the bigger things). 

That is my favorite part of the renovation process by far. And unfortunately, the part the comes last, after all the funds have been depleted. 

But I am still looking forward to it, no matter the form. 

HAPPY SPRING! 

Despite some snow yesterday, we are feeling that Spring is in the air. We have mud on our boots to prove it!