In our own version of one of television’s reality program “While you were out”, my clients Penny, and her son Alec and I transformed an inglenook parlor from a ho-hum, transient space to one that begs someone to sit and spend a while – in about four days.

This wonderful 1912 English Arts and Crafts inspired home is full of nooks and crannies but the entrance area lacked impact. So we set to work.

We chose the warm yellow paint colour from Benjamin Moore’s historic collection in advance so that no time was wasted shopping when we were ready to do the work. Wood moulding was purchased and stained with a special stain that matched the colour of the original fir millwork. The following was done:

• Removal of all personal effects, and light fixtures.
• The walls were repaired. The cracks were filled with a thin plaster compound and wiped back to expose the pebbly finish of the original wall treatment.
• A high quality primer / sealer was painted over the walls and ceiling.
• Millwork was cleaned and touched up using my techniques. (see my article on line at www.fromtimespast.com )  The result is beautiful glowing woodwork with original patina and colour.
• The wall was measured and placement of the “dado” was decided. Houses of this era would have had a deep “frieze” (above the dado). We decided to keep that the same creamy white as the ceiling.
• The walls and ceilings were each given two coats of paint. We chose a low sheen high quality paint that would minimize the rough condition of the walls.
• The stained dado strip was painstakingly measured then installed around the room.
• I went “shopping” in my client’s house choosing antique prints and accessories found in other rooms. The large print above the fireplace, originally relegated to a place in the upstairs hall now has pride of place above the fireplace.
• All accessories, light fixtures, rugs and furniture was placed in the room.
• The final touch – lovely lace panels that soften the light yet show off the spectacular windows were installed.

A lot of work was done in four days, yes, but the results speak for themselves!   

If you would like help transforming a room in your own home call me at 780 722 7494.

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