In Victorian times when things were much more formal, the first parlor was for receiving guests, and would be the most formal room in the house. The caller would present their calling card (predecessor to business cards) to the butler or maid, or whoever was designated to answer the door, and they would be ushered to this front parlor to be received by the host. If they were expected then they would move to the second parlor. If they were not staying long they'd remain in the first parlor. Also to note, if it was a gentleman caller for the daughter of the house, he would be received in said front parlor, then ushered to the second when the father and/or mother came down. Then he would court their daughter with them in the room. Often the second parlor was where forms of entertainment would be, such as musical instruments, card/game table, when electricity came along, the phonograph would be in the second parlor as well. On a different note, I like the idea of the kitchen. I had some thought of a modern fitted kitchen monstrosity in my head like everyone tends to do. The kitchen is similar to something I'd do. As for sources for reproductions and other such things, I have 20 years of collecting websites for restoring my old house (which never happened). If you have an e-mail I can send links to, let me know what kinds of things you'd like information on, and I'll send the links your way. 🙂
Thank you so much! Yes it does seem like they had the formal and informal parlor in this home. You can send any info to nicki@outofthebox.properties, I would love to see what you have collected!
I hate to see that exterior brick painted, but if it's already been painted, I can understand that decision. I think a genuine lime wash would be better than paint, but it's not my decision. Everything else looks fantastic, your proposed changes are both respectful and practical. I hope you can save as much as possible of those original railings, even if they are only used as decorations on an expanded attic bathroom wall. For what it's worth, you have the approval from this internet stranger with no investment in the outcome whatsoever. I think this house will be beautiful when fully finished.
We are leaning towards a lime wash so it sticks to the brick better. We aren't sold either way but the front looks mottled right now because of the years of deferred maintenance.
I’ve come across from Caleb’s channel, and I’m a huge fan of restoration as opposed to renovation and modernisation, however, so far your videos show that you are approaching this project sensitively, so I’ll reserve my personal opinions and look forwards to you bringing this old beauty into the 3 Rd decade of the 21 century. I look forward to seeing f how you juggle the historical value, character And charm whilst integrating the original home.
Gorgeous! Have subscribed and can't wait to see your design visions made reality. Everything is tasteful and the perfect mix of keeping historical features but with modern touches to reflect your personality and lifestyle. Great job. P.S. so glad you didn't alter the windows!
For the niche alcove at the front door you might want to consider pratical as well as beautiful. One idea might be a shallow curved shelf where you can drop off mail and keys when entering the home.
Since you are asking for feedback, the idea of paint on that brick house makes me want to cry. Also, have you considered a different fence other then that aluminum? There are some lovely decorative picket fences, the slats can touch to give you privacy.
We wouldn't even consider it if there wasn't already a layer of white and then a layer of red pain already on the brick. When it was built it was painted white.
I lived in a two story duplex in Houston, built in the early 1920s. It still had the original bathroom, and it looked like the new master bath you designed; same tiles and green paint color! There was also a built in closet along the bathtub wall with a sliding latch. I love your vision for this beautiful old home.
Hello, it's a great house and we can see that the redesign on the first floor is true to what is original and a great balance with modern needs. But I do have a concern for resale. Unless I misunderstood, you need to walk through the master bathroom to reach the master bedroom? I understand that the owner wants to have that big back room as a bedroom. But is there no way to create a hallway by pushing the master bathroom to the left side, toward the side balcony door, so you do not need to interrupt someone in the shower or tube to reach the bedroom?? In the future such a big house will attract many more buyers if the spouses can each have some privacy. Good luck!
That is the intent! Its hard to find that balance but we are trying our best. Thank you for your suggestions it really helps us reconsider and find ways to continue to preserve what is there.
Oh we are! Kaleb has come over over with his dad John Kennemann and we talk old houses and where to find the best stuff. John (we call him Obi John Kennobi because he truly is a mentor to this show) has already hooked us up with 2 chandeliers from a local beer hall built by Busch.
Love everything but not sure about the original duplex doors. Something about them just doesn’t seem right visually. The home is not a duplex anymore and shouldn’t have a mismatched entrance. Would love to see a bigger newell post but understand the overall esthetic may not support that. So excited to see it develop!!!!
The model doesn't show a good newel post, we have purchased one that came out of a house of the same age here in St. Louis so we can replace what was lost.
Great historic house. Why is there an Arts & Crafts light fixture on the exterior. Big mistake. The interior is very modern and HGTV style. Isn't there anything left on the interior for it seems all woodwork is being replaced.
Limited fixtures to choose from in the design program. All floors, trim, windows, and banisters are being saved. The only thing coming out is the plaster.
I think renovations for a house this old just make sense. Houses were made for people not the other way around. This is not a movie set it is a home. Done right renovations fit a period home and don’t have to feel out of place. The design choices look beyond tasteful and appropriate.
Thank you so much for your comment! We totally agree, homes are supposed to be lived in, and that is our intent with this one. It has had so much life and love in its long history we just want to bring that back.
Just don’t go modern. It will look extremely dated in 10 years. We’ve all seen beautiful Victorian homes with horrid 1950s “modern” additions..and look how terrible they look now.
You say it so right. These people have god-awful taste and do not deserve to be the guardians of this historic property. I hope they feel the most gut-wrenching shame for desecrating a treasure like this. I hope they feel guilt.
I have a say I don't like that fence.I would put a beautiful wrought iron one that would look more like an original one.But that's just me.I guess this house isn't going to be a true restoration but a modernization.I'm not sure I'll be watching the whole remodel of this house for that reason.
Rebecca, this is Matt. I would like to personally apologize for the response you received. It was flippant and negative and does not reflect the views of Mansard Media. We have addressed this with the team and we have tightened up our standards. Appreciate your feedback and we will strive to do better in the future.
In Victorian times when things were much more formal, the first parlor was for receiving guests, and would be the most formal room in the house. The caller would present their calling card (predecessor to business cards) to the butler or maid, or whoever was designated to answer the door, and they would be ushered to this front parlor to be received by the host. If they were expected then they would move to the second parlor. If they were not staying long they'd remain in the first parlor. Also to note, if it was a gentleman caller for the daughter of the house, he would be received in said front parlor, then ushered to the second when the father and/or mother came down. Then he would court their daughter with them in the room.
Often the second parlor was where forms of entertainment would be, such as musical instruments, card/game table, when electricity came along, the phonograph would be in the second parlor as well.
On a different note, I like the idea of the kitchen. I had some thought of a modern fitted kitchen monstrosity in my head like everyone tends to do. The kitchen is similar to something I'd do.
As for sources for reproductions and other such things, I have 20 years of collecting websites for restoring my old house (which never happened). If you have an e-mail I can send links to, let me know what kinds of things you'd like information on, and I'll send the links your way. 🙂
Thank you so much! Yes it does seem like they had the formal and informal parlor in this home. You can send any info to nicki@outofthebox.properties, I would love to see what you have collected!
I hate to see that exterior brick painted, but if it's already been painted, I can understand that decision.
I think a genuine lime wash would be better than paint, but it's not my decision.
Everything else looks fantastic, your proposed changes are both respectful and practical.
I hope you can save as much as possible of those original railings, even if they are only used as decorations on an expanded attic bathroom wall.
For what it's worth, you have the approval from this internet stranger with no investment in the outcome whatsoever.
I think this house will be beautiful when fully finished.
We are leaning towards a lime wash so it sticks to the brick better. We aren't sold either way but the front looks mottled right now because of the years of deferred maintenance.
The red paint isn't very obvious in the video, but it's bad on the front. Underneath is a very old layer of white lime wash.
We're now rethinking paint. Maybe sandblast the brick and clean it up. Thanks for the thoughts.
Loving all of this !!
How’s everything going?~ that's amazing , 🌟
Awesome walk-through!
Loved your presentation!
I’ve come across from Caleb’s channel, and I’m a huge fan of restoration as opposed to renovation and modernisation, however, so far your videos show that you are approaching this project sensitively, so I’ll reserve my personal opinions and look forwards to you bringing this old beauty into the 3 Rd decade of the 21 century. I look forward to seeing f how you juggle the historical value, character
And charm whilst integrating the original home.
Gorgeous! Have subscribed and can't wait to see your design visions made reality. Everything is tasteful and the perfect mix of keeping historical features but with modern touches to reflect your personality and lifestyle. Great job. P.S. so glad you didn't alter the windows!
For the niche alcove at the front door you might want to consider pratical as well as beautiful. One idea might be a shallow curved shelf where you can drop off mail and keys when entering the home.
I like the attic bathroom. I vote for keeping the window trim.
We should start a poll!
Since you are asking for feedback, the idea of paint on that brick house makes me want to cry. Also, have you considered a different fence other then that aluminum? There are some lovely decorative picket fences, the slats can touch to give you privacy.
We wouldn't even consider it if there wasn't already a layer of white and then a layer of red pain already on the brick. When it was built it was painted white.
I lived in a two story duplex in Houston, built in the early 1920s. It still had the original bathroom, and it looked like the new master bath you designed; same tiles and green paint color! There was also a built in closet along the bathtub wall with a sliding latch. I love your vision for this beautiful old home.
Thank you so much for your feedback! We put a lot of thought into every decision.
Hello, it's a great house and we can see that the redesign on the first floor is true to what is original and a great balance with modern needs. But I do have a concern for resale. Unless I misunderstood, you need to walk through the master bathroom to reach the master bedroom? I understand that the owner wants to have that big back room as a bedroom. But is there no way to create a hallway by pushing the master bathroom to the left side, toward the side balcony door, so you do not need to interrupt someone in the shower or tube to reach the bedroom?? In the future such a big house will attract many more buyers if the spouses can each have some privacy. Good luck!
Good News! Check out our design update episode!
th-cam.com/video/htiBdiDplls/w-d-xo.html
Nice job, it’s difficult to find the right balance between function and preservation. Keeping the windows and major architecture is good.
That is the intent! Its hard to find that balance but we are trying our best. Thank you for your suggestions it really helps us reconsider and find ways to continue to preserve what is there.
Wow never thought id find content lke this! 1:03
Check with Kalib about historical hardware that is available and his experience with his bath restoration.
Oh we are! Kaleb has come over over with his dad John Kennemann and we talk old houses and where to find the best stuff. John (we call him Obi John Kennobi because he truly is a mentor to this show) has already hooked us up with 2 chandeliers from a local beer hall built by Busch.
Have y'all thought about doing a German smear finish on the outside bricks instead of white?
Adding that to the hopper of ideas.
Rather than tile in the alcove inside the front door one solid slab of interesting stone or two pieces of book matched stone.
Food for thought. Thank you.
Love everything but not sure about the original duplex doors. Something about them just doesn’t seem right visually. The home is not a duplex anymore and shouldn’t have a mismatched entrance. Would love to see a bigger newell post but understand the overall esthetic may not support that. So excited to see it develop!!!!
The model doesn't show a good newel post, we have purchased one that came out of a house of the same age here in St. Louis so we can replace what was lost.
I dislike the lights for the picture frames
this is Nicki, the program is limited in the lighting options, I am sure Matt and I will come up with a better option!
Great historic house. Why is there an Arts & Crafts light fixture on the exterior. Big mistake. The interior is very modern and HGTV style. Isn't there anything left on the interior for it seems all woodwork is being replaced.
Limited fixtures to choose from in the design program.
All floors, trim, windows, and banisters are being saved.
The only thing coming out is the plaster.
@@MansardStudios Got it - good to hear, best of luck!
This is a bit too modern I feel to be respectful of this beautiful house. I think I'll pass.
I appreciate y'alls efforts and teamwork though 💝
I think renovations for a house this old just make sense. Houses were made for people not the other way around. This is not a movie set it is a home. Done right renovations fit a period home and don’t have to feel out of place. The design choices look beyond tasteful and appropriate.
Thank you so much for your comment! We totally agree, homes are supposed to be lived in, and that is our intent with this one. It has had so much life and love in its long history we just want to bring that back.
@@nickimizell you’re so welcome.
@@nickimizell You make me so mad! Old homes are not for people like you. Go and sulk in your modern monstrosity!
Just don’t go modern. It will look extremely dated in 10 years. We’ve all seen beautiful Victorian homes with horrid 1950s “modern” additions..and look how terrible they look now.
Modern systems, yes. Modern fixtures, no. We want to keep the timeless look of the period and bring it back into the home.
You say it so right. These people have god-awful taste and do not deserve to be the guardians of this historic property. I hope they feel the most gut-wrenching shame for desecrating a treasure like this. I hope they feel guilt.
I agree, your home is clad but try to stay with the era!!!!!!
I have a say I don't like that fence.I would put a beautiful wrought iron one that would look more like an original one.But that's just me.I guess this house isn't going to be a true restoration but a modernization.I'm not sure I'll be watching the whole remodel of this house for that reason.
Rebecca, this is Matt. I would like to personally apologize for the response you received. It was flippant and negative and does not reflect the views of Mansard Media. We have addressed this with the team and we have tightened up our standards. Appreciate your feedback and we will strive to do better in the future.