Our attic is BIG, roughly 1600 square feet, and rises 1.5 stories above the rest of the house. When we moved in 9 years ago, it was filled with all sorts of stuff. Built-in cabinets and shelving, semi-framed walls, and lots and lots of flies. The space had served as a workshop and storage area for the former owner whose fondness for collecting left it filled to the brim. Wood was everywhere; stacked in piles, propped against surfaces, arranged on the floor. Honestly it was hard to see the forest for all the trees. Here’s what it looked like in 2009.
historic homes
The Office
I know you’ve been wondering where I’ve been. While I’d like to offer some excuse, I’d rather brag blog about our latest home improvement project!
[Insert loud applause]
Thank you, thank you. Now. To recap. My husband & I bought ye olde village manse 10 months ago. Maaaaaaany people had looked at this house before us, but turned tail & fled when they realized the amount of work it would require to maintain, let alone restore. My husband & I (dreamers through & through) saw a shining gem of a colonial that with much polishing & SWEAT EQUITY could be Home (capital H).
When we moved in 10 months ago – and that alone is hard to believe, this was our office.
Wallflowers
And swirls. Gilded geometric patterns. Trees sprouting from the minds of men long gone. Welcome to the third *wall* post of the week. It couldn’t be helped.
Like these forms, my husband & I have fallen into a pattern – not of shapes or colors, but of morning conferences. Once the kids are off to school, we commune w/ the house & each other, laying out plans for the day (and ensuing days to come). We were up in the attic an hour ago, when we came upon this cache of wallpaper. Hidden beneath all that wood! In the bottom of a cooper’s barrel. We were searching for trim for the dining room. The former owner – God bless him- was a collector, and saved every scrap we’d need. They’re flaking, still w/ the hand forged nails of the Georgian period. We’re not sure where each of them goes, but thankfully the peeling paint matches, and piece by piece the puzzle takes shape and the picture begins to emerge.