Carrie's First Post

Hello Blog World! I've never been mistaken for a writer or poet, so since this is my first blog post, please bear with me!!

Obviously my husband, Ryan, is the construction guy. My involvement in his projects usually includes finish selections and other interior design decisions. Luckily we have very similar taste and usually agree...I said usually.

See how handy he can be!!

Since I pick everything out I'll show you a few of my favorite things. Sometimes its the little things in life that make me the happiest!


Obviously I am grateful to have my new master bedroom, bathroom, and den, but one of the little things that makes it perfect is our door hardware.

I love old houses and all of the character that comes along with them. And I especially love old door hardware. Our goal with our addition was to make it appear that there never was an addition. This meant the hardwood floors had to match the old, our doors/door hardware had to match, and our bathroom had to look original (I will do a separate bathroom post later).


We searched multiple salvage places in Memphis for our knobs and plates and finally found a match at Market Central here in Memphis, which also happens to be one of my favorite antique markets!


Ryan then had to take our purchased hardware to Memphis Plating Works on Madison. There they re-plated all of the hardware to match the original finish. He then adapted the plate and knob to a new latch mechanism.

 No, these do not lock, even though they do have the cute little key hole, but this doesn't bother me. Besides the bathroom door, who really uses their bedroom locks anyway?? Yes, it was more difficult than driving to the local Home Depot, and yes it cost a little more but it was worth it. Every time I put my hand on those shiny antique knobs it makes my heart happy.


Now with all that being said, when we moved in our house all of our original knobs had been painted over. Some look like they have a lovely spray painted gold tone and others have just been painted over completely to match the door. Our original intent was to have them all re-plated at the same time. Well that didn't happen. It is one of those things I am so used to by now so I don't really think about it. But I would LOVE to have the old ones re-done, (hint, hint..... Ryan).

Lovely Gold Ones

Who does this?

Here are my cute puppies, Addie on the left and Stella on the right, looking at me while I was taking pictures of the knobs. I love this metal screen in the door, necessary in a time that air conditioning wasn't an available luxury. Another example of character and charm of an old home!









In other news, Ryan has been busy. He has passed his real estate exam and will soon be a practicing agent!!!! Our next project is coming...we promise. Things are about to get even busier. We are starting our next High Point house this week and another even bigger project will be starting the first of October.

Until next time,
Carrie

Past Projects

 I should be starting my latest project next week, but for now I thought I would share some photos of changes we've made to our own home. Hope you enjoy!

Family room addition with new entry and mud room to the right.

 

Master addition adjacent to family room.

Reclaimed bricks used for the fireplace hearth are surrounded by a custom mantel.

Master bath with a drop in tub and stand-alone shower. The antique chandelier and subway tile help give this room an original appeal.

Carrera marble top, custom vanity, and wall sconces complete the room.

All new doors were outfitted with salvaged hardware that matches the original hardware on the house. The pieces had to be stripped and refinished before being retrofitted onto a modern latch mechanism. Well worth the work in my opinion.

Updates in the kitchen were limited, but new tile, appliances, and countertops gave a much needed face lift.

Master bedroom addition