Third floor, before and after.
For posterity sake, I am beginning with the attic’s true “before.”
Here is a post about how we got here… it has more photos of before.
I didn’t take a lot of video way back when—I did not know I would need it for a blog… but there is enough that you can see what a mess it was! For those of you who are just here for the kittens, there is a sneak attack at the end.
Things to know:
The floor was ALREADY painted (a dark color that looked woodish from a distance), stripping it would be a herculean task of self-loathing… also, the walls were painted in various shades of eye-violence… before-gallery of more eye-violence is here… every room was a different blinding color.
Paul added ALL the insulation humanly possible— that’s the blue stuff under the roof in the video… he had planned spray foam, but I vetoed because outgassing… it was a hill we BOTH wanted to die on; I prevailed.
If you google spray foam insulation, along with the word toxic, you will see that science gives humans reason to be wary… tho, obviously I assume the blue stuff will also kill us, but hopefully slower?
Originally we had painted the floor blue, because I had only lived with the idea for a week… if I had sat on it, I would have seen it was a passing whim.
Going through photos, I am ASTONISHED to remember that the previous owner was SO DEVOTED TO PURPLE that he painted the eaves on the entire house… see out the window, in the photo below– outside? PURPLE.
Aside from being hideous, THAT IS A LOT OF WORK.
Here is the post about painting the exterior of the house… if you want to see MORE purple.
Below is how Paul paints doors or anything flat you want to flip while still wet.
Put two screws in the top and bottom… not all the way, leave enough so the screw ends can rest on the boards that elevate it; then, use the screws to flip the door while it is wet– leave yourself enough room on the boards to support it when flipped.
I have had all kinds of assortment of fancy furniture up here but after all the try-ons, I eventually settled on Ikea Kivik lounges (I got on Craigslist)… they suited the space and have washable cushion covers, but I cannot sterilize the frame, (after panleuk kittens) so I’m not putting them back.
However, it turns out that I LOVE IT EMPTY… which is WEIRD, for someone who generally wants three layers of fancy before we even begin discussing the REAL plan for fancy.
This is going to sound insane… but it’s very peaceful– whatever the visual equivalent of quiet is; obvs I am not familiar.
What I’m reading: The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock — Imogen Hermes Gowar… by the middle, I was SUPER into it, by the end, I did NOT want it to be over!!
If you like historical fiction, this is for you… if you like good writing and a good story… also for you. (and also Slammerkin and The Dress Lodger)
Victorian women in class-segregated, industrial revolution London, who have zero use for the expectations of others, are apparently a favorite of mine.
Of course, I cannot recommend anything in this category without endorsing Michael Faber’s The Crimson Petal and the White… when I discarded books, I had two extra copies. THAT’s how much I love it.
ALERT: for already-fans of Faber— when I went to get the link for Crimson, THERE IS A SEQUEL (of short stories). The library did not have it so I ordered a used copy on Amazon… I am super excited!!
June 13, 2019 @ 4:48 pm
I read another home decor blog and that writer goes through her home on occasion taking out most of the little decor (tabletop stuff, some wall decor) to gain some visual rest so she can decide what to put back in. She calls it “quieting” the house. I think you’re on the right track with the term. Our eyes need rest as much as our ears.
June 13, 2019 @ 6:31 pm
I’m with you! I love it plain because it IS peaceful. White wicker would look nice for a few pieces of relaxing furniture. What a neat place to escape to, even on wintry days-it’s so bright and cheerful. 🙂
June 13, 2019 @ 6:44 pm
Looking good. My vote is to carry the eggnog color onto all the ceilings in that room. Cocoon it.
June 13, 2019 @ 11:38 pm
DAF, that is a perfect name for that color – eggnog.
June 14, 2019 @ 12:22 am
It’s a beautiful space, serene and calming, somewhat like a cathedral.
June 14, 2019 @ 12:48 am
I LOVED Slammerkin – read so long ago . . .
June 14, 2019 @ 8:58 am
I read the Dress Lodger at your suggestion a while back and liked it too, so your others are now on my list as well!
I HIGHLY recommend “The Various Flavors of Coffee” by Anthony Capella — no, the main character is not a woman struggling, etc, but there are many secondary female characters whose lives are circumscribed by society’s rules and expectations.
Capell must have been a food writer in a former life — his descriptions of food, flavors and aromas are unlike anything I’ve ever read. And the plot is broad and sweeping and all things good. I’ve read all his books (well, the last time I looked I had read all his books, but he may have a few more poking about) and it’s fun to see him progress as a writer – plots especially are increasingly more complex
Let me know what you think if you decide to give it a try!
June 14, 2019 @ 9:35 am
What did you use to strip the newel post and railing? Something non-toxic? I love the stain color!
June 14, 2019 @ 11:09 am
If you like historical fiction I highly recommend “golden hill” by Francis spufford, which is about 1740’s New York City. It is splendid.
June 14, 2019 @ 6:07 pm
Absolutely lovely!
June 15, 2019 @ 3:36 pm
Victoria, the 3rd floor empty “ballroom” is splendid. Host a costume ball for your dancing friends before furnishing.
June 24, 2019 @ 2:20 pm
Just read Slammerkin and loved it. I like your book choices a lot. Thanks for the ideas.
July 7, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
A need to know question;
What kind of paint was Paul rolling out on the floor?
December 4, 2019 @ 12:16 pm
“Various shades of eye violence”
I just spit out my tea!!!
I love perusing Real Estate listings, dreaming of a big old house at the end of a dirt road, with a massive barn and hoards of animals running rampant around my land… dreamy… anyway. Most times I can’t even make it a few images in before I’m huffing and puffing at the interior shots of “eye violence “
You’ve officially given it a name… I thank you ❤️
April 14, 2020 @ 1:38 pm
Are you still blogging and letting us know about the house and the cats and all? I haven’t seen a post in a looooong time.