It seems a shame to let the start of the living room project #2 pass with no more than the sound of shattering glass.
Ex-lam-in-ate!
This is the end wall of the living room, new fireplace feature shelf to be glimpsed on the left. We inherited a solid wood door and a glass screen in the most hideous (to our eyes) embossed laminated glass. It was doomed from the first day we saw it and today was demolition day. It’ll be replaced with a glazed door and the screen glass will be replaced with clear. Leastways, I think it’ll be clear. My vote is for clear.
This picture also serves to explain something of the geography of the house. Graham is standing in the hall, with the glazed front door to his left. Behind him is the short stairway (six steps) leading to the upper floor with its three bedrooms and family bathroom. Behind him and to his right is the doorway to a large walk-in storage cupboard and, further along from that but out of the picture is the doorway into the downstairs cloakroom. Further along again is the doorway to the kitchen. The flooring is cork, installed shortly after we moved in; the same cork is to be used in the living room when it’s all done.
With Graham’s talent, I might be tempted to put a bit of 7 inch deep shelving in there, instead of clear glass. You have so many beautiful bowls, ‘n stuff to display. You could have the clear glass behind it. Or even a enclosed shelving with glass doors. A slender cabinet. Wouldn’t have to dust then.
I agree, the mottled glass was hideous.
Graham is indeed talented, and seems to have energy to burn. He’s going to make your home just the way you both want it. And I cast my vote for clear too.
(Do I get a vote?)
Thanks so much for describing the layout. I’m getting a much clearer picture of the house.
I love to watch Graham work.
OK – somebody has to ask and I guess it’s going to be me.
You’ve described two kitchens, John. Yes? What’s the deal with an upstairs ‘family’ kitchen vs the downstairs kitchen?
I ponder why a door instead of just a doorway into this living area. Am I missing something?
This is probably stupid but I don’t “get” that, John. What is the purpose of having a door and a glass screen side-by-side on an inside wall? Wouldn’t one rather have that wall space beside the door taken up with shelves or something?
Good move! That ‘rippled’ glass is … weird! I do like the idea of shelves surrounded by glass. It might save on dusting, yet allow you to feast your eyes on some of your lovely pots and dishes.
My first thought was, why is there a wall and door there in the first place. If it is to keep in the warmth, is there another solution?
Do you have any remnants from the hearth? I would rock over the bottom portion and make a nice 4″ shelf there with the remainders (is that slate tile??) Nice place to set the mail, your keys, a couple photos or bibelots.
If you need to close it for warmth, then a two sided cabinet would be beautiful. I’d still make it only half wall. Or rock the bottom on the entry side and put shelves below on the living room side. Just deep enough for paperbacks or CDs.