If you know me you know I am a sucker for wood detailing in a home. I simply swoon over molding, casings, wainscoting, corbels, well you get the picture. I have often told Mr. RL that if I ever learn how to master the art of wood crafting he'd better watch out because I would probably cover every inch of our home with wood.
Here are 10 ways we have added some architectural interest or detail to 21 Rosemary Lane.
1. Crown Molding: Since moving to 21 Rosemary Lane we have added wood detailing to almost every living space in our home, and in 3 of our rooms the addition was in the way of crown molding. The latest addition was in our master bedroom.
2. Built in Book Cases: The fireplace wall in the living room has been through a huge transformation over the years. To give you an idea of what I am saying, here is what the living room looked like when we first saw our home back in 2002.
And here it is by the end of February of 2013 with the addition of bookcases and shelving to flank the fireplace and mantel.
3. Adding a new Mantel: This brings me to the addition of a custom mantel and surround for the fireplace. The original mantel was nothing more than a piece of wood on top of the brick, not very substantial or deep enough for my decorating needs. The surround was actually bought pre-fab from Loews, then Mr. RL had to make a custom mantel to fit between the book shelves.
4. Painting a Mirror Frame: In March of 2013 I decided to paint the black frame of the mirror white. Painting the mirror frame to match the wood of the mantel definitely added some architectural detail by making the mirror seem more like a window.
5. Wainscoting: Another way we added interest to our walls in the dining room was by incorporating some wainscoting under the existing chair rail.
6. Bead Board Back Splash:The kitchen received a new bead board back splash to liven up the room. This was an incredibly inexpensive project costing just under $50 for all materials.
7. Window Shutters: I have always loved the look of window shutters in the home. Even before the new back splash was installed I had Mr. RL hang these on my kitchen windows.
8. Over the Door Shelf: In our kitchen over the back sliders which lead out to the screened-in porch, Mr. RL put a shelf up using wood drapery rods as the brackets for the shelf. Then I just slipped the rod through the holes to hang my drapes.
9. Hang a Shelf: Just last week Mr. RL hung yet another shelf for me, this time in the entry way over a mirror. This gives the wall some 3D interest and another place for me to decorate!
And yes there is more wainscoting in the entryway!
10. Louver Doors: Finally the last way we have added some architectural interest to a space was in the guest bedroom. I know I know I haven't shared this room with you yet, but soon very soon I promise. Any how we have this one wall in the room which is just closet space and I wanted the doors to be more that regular old double doors which slide back and forth. Mr. RL installed bi-fold louver doors to add some interest to the long wall.
Aren't they pretty?
So those are just a few ways we transformed our mid-century kind of boxy Cape Cod into a much more interesting and cozy place to call home.
Wishing you a wonderful fun filled weekend!!!
XO
