|
|
|
Victorian Decorating Tips
|
|
BEFORE
|
AFTER
|
|
Renovating A Home
We have a special "Decorating Tips" section for you to discover from one of our readers.
Ms. Amy Estock informed us that her sister and brother in law renovated an 1882 home,
and thought we may want to use in our magazine.
We were excited about putting this piece in our issue for our readers to put to use for
their own renovations they may be attempting to do.
So, we contacted the owners of this wonderful home Ed and Cindy Schneider, in Ohio,
and they graciously answered some questions in which we feel would be of help
in taking on a renovation project of your own.
Please peruse the many detailed pictures we were sent, and enjoy the great "tips"
from the Schneiders.
|
|
|
As we mentioned, their home was built in 1882. The Schneider's moved into the home in
1994. At that time the house was 98% completed. This was their first restoration
project.
Let us now ask some questions that may be of help in taking on this challenge:
|
|
L/V:
How long did it take you to complete your home renovation?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
It took 5 years for the completion of the renovation.
Also, we completed one room at a time , so we would not be overwhelmed.
|
|
L/V:
Did you do all the decorating yourselves? What sources did you use?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
Yes. We did all the decorating ourselves. We have used a lot
of magazines; such as Living Victorian, to get some ideas. We also have gone
to the library and the internet, to help us with some of the period decorations.
(Thanks Ed and Cindy we were glad to be of help)
|
|
L/V:
Is the entire house in a certain period style or mixed?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
Not really. We went Victorian in our parlor, exclusively, but
the rest of the house is mixed.
|
|
L/V:
What was the biggest challenge of the project?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
There were many challenges that we faced along the way.
The repairing of the horse hair plaster on the lath was a true chore.
We had the house sided by a company in amish country that specializes in Victorian
duplication of existing architecture.
It is a steel seamless siding from ABC
Seamless Siding. It took a crew of 4 men, 11 weeks to complete. The completely
duplicated the existing outside architecture. Although, this was not difficult for
Cindy and I because we did not do the work, the writing of the check for payment
was not easy. (I think we all can sympathize with that task)
Most of the ceilings were drop ceilings installed in the mid to late 60's and early
70's. We had to tear all the 12" by 12" tiles down, and install new drywall on some
of them, and repair the plaster on others.
Since the ceilings are 10 feet high, this ways a very difficult task for the two of us
and our 3 children, who helped.
By far, though, the toughest part of this restoration was the porch system.
An architect designed the porches for us in what would have been true Victorian
design.
He added an addition to the front porch as a wrap on the back, plus the
"pavilion", as we call it. I tore all the porches off, and added new ones.
My family and friends helped tremendously in this 1996 summer long project.
|
|
|
|
L/V:
Did you do all your own landscaping?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
Yes. We have done all our own landscaping.
We have thoroughly enjoyed this
together.
As you can see, when we bought the place, there
was only 3 large maple trees. We have since planted over 150 trees.
Many of the trees were very mature, some being 17 feet tall.
All of us got very good at digging the right size hole, and rolling a 700 pond
tree into it.
We are very pleased with our garden design, and next spring we will be
developing the barn side hill slope for a such awaited water garden.
I hope to send you pictures when that is complete.
(We are looking forward to receiving them)
|
|
L/V:
From this project what decorating tips can you give our readers to
make their restoration easier?
|
|
SCHNEIDERS:
With a project this big, the most important thing that we learned is to pace yourself.
From the beginning of the project, selecting the room to begin with, deciding
on the style of renovation, selecting the materials, and complete.
There were many nights that we closed the door to the room that we were working on,
and didn't bother with it.
It is not to be a chore, but a fun and loving experience.
We have found true joy and partnering growth Cindy and I, because of this old
Victorian Home.
We love it, and hope that your readers can share in that love as well.
|
|
Wow, what great information from the Schneiders.
As you have read, it takes time and patience to achieve such a wonderful home as Ed and Cindy have.
We want to truly thank Ed and Cindy, for letting us into their labor of love Victorian Home.
Also, a special thanks to Amy Estock who informed Living Victorian on the Schneiders renovation project.
Happy Renovating!
|
|
|
|
|
|
