Kitchen restoration, remove wall for one giant room or keep it two roo

10 years ago

I am at the point where I need to make up my mind as to what to do with the kitchen in my Tudor. There are a ton of photos in my ideabook to look at.

I like original, but most of the original is gone. The walls to the closets and a cold room were removed and the servants hall was expanded. However, they left an L-shaped wall that created a little hallway and is where an original 87in dresser sits.

My choice is to remove the L-shaped wall, or not.

On the plus side, I will have one giant space. 34' x 18' I will still have the two dressers and closet in the butler's pantry for additional storage.

On the downside, it is cost and I lose the original dresser.

So, what would you do? Lose the L-shaped wall or not?

I have already determined the floor will be oak, I will keep the tile hearth, and I will paint it Ben Moore Georgian Green with white trim.

Featured Answer

groveraxle

10 years ago

Also, remember, once the dresser is gone, it's gone. If it were mine, I think I'd keep it rather than take the chance that I would later on rue the day.

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Comments (173)

havingfun
10 years ago
i will hobble into the shower, then we will see who dries first? want me to send over my hair dryer? or are you enjoying the party too much.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
I am at my other house.
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havingfun
10 years ago
oh dear, you have many of these?
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
I hoard.
terry toon
10 years ago
NO FAIR. Two house people!
havingfun
10 years ago
so we see. hey hoard all you want, right now, i am lucky to make it from the front door to my computer, about 30 feet. I will give you some of mine to hoard, it doing me any good.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Coat three. Debating coat four or not.
marrymaid
10 years ago
Such a beauty!
emmarene9
10 years ago
Looks very nice now.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks! The floor looks great. The rest of the kitchen, not so much, but paint will fix it. The walls and ceiling have been nearly completely repaired. I am going to primer (kilz oil over oil paint, and then kilz latex whatever the best available, over everything) and then go around and fix any additional issues I missed. I am also actually considering just using the sink in the butler's pantry for now and leaving it open with the large path through to the servant's hall. By stealing from the basement laundry room (which was damaged anyway) I have enough trim to put up original throughout. Hopefully by spring I will be sort of done.
er612
10 years ago
Floors look amazing!!! Quit while you're ahead. Job well done!
havingfun
10 years ago
Wonderful evil.
soccerates
10 years ago
Wow! What an improvement. Not sure you need a 4th coat. Don't let anybody in stiletto heels walk on it!
soccerates
10 years ago
I was just reading about Kilz Complete Oil-based primer and the specs said you can use latex paint (topcoat) over it. I know you'll read up on this anyway, but I don't think you need to use Kilz latex primer too. Hopefully this will save you some work/time/moolah.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
I am sure I don't need latex primer over it, but that misses the point. I am dealing with poor paint adhesion elsewhere and don't want to cause more. So if oil is existing of raw plaster: sand, primer with oil, prime with latex, paint. If latex is existing: prime 2x with latex, paint. The idea being that once the first coat of oil primer and latex primer as needed, the second coat of latex creates a uniform surface and extra protection and adhesion.
havingfun
10 years ago
i don't know, at this time, i think a pair of stilettos and the attached eqpt. might do evil a little good. lol
soccerates
10 years ago
Aha. Makes me wonder what's in the plaster that won't let paint stick to it.
mckrules
10 years ago
Loose the l shaped wall. I know from experience that space is key for comfort and style. Maybe you could somehow save or recreate the dresser if you decide to remove it.
havingfun
10 years ago
Evil, looking this mansion is for sale by the church, 30 rooms for $30,000. i know you do not wish to buy it in New hampshire. But judging by the looks, they kept it pretty much as it was, and they are not known for making things easy so i am sure it has been ages since anyone even thought of updating the kitchen. So you might strike it rich. And since someone has to move the house, they might be very glad not to have to move the extra weight?

https://www.yahoo.com/realestate/own-30-room-mansion-30k-225110169/photo-null.html
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
After extensive research, I have identified the type of range I want. American Stove Company made the reliable brand that I love, but they also made the magic chef brand which essentially is the same range if you buy a 6300 series. Now, the catch is they seem to come in various widths. The dream reliable brand one I saw was 86in wide (the tile hearth is 87in wide) and I have seen a 6300 series magic chef in 68in wide and some other widths. Anyway, one is on eBay for $15k but it is far away. At least I have an idea what to look for.
havingfun
10 years ago
will keep the eyes peeled, did you hear from me?
havingfun
10 years ago
i copied all pics and description to your ideabook, so now when i find one, i can look it up. it is there if you ever need to see. talk soon, have a great weekend, and lovely thanksgiving if i don't hear from you.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
I think you sent me a message, but you should have my cell so better to text me.

The one I want is an eight burner which is 70in or 68in depending on who you talk to. The elusive 86in one is what I hope to find.
soccerates
10 years ago
You keep changing your avatar...again and again and again... How are the window sills coming along?
havingfun
10 years ago
Socc, shhhhh, it is called long cold winter nights. Or he is trying to reassure us that his diet is improving. or Could also be he is trying to reassure us that he now has someone to cook him breakfast and the nights are no longer long and cold. Which ever it is i personally approve.
soccerates
10 years ago
If he had veggies in his noodles his diet would be improving :) I think he wants to see who's paying attention. I've been looking for an old range for your kitchen-so far nothing-but I'll let you know if I come up with one.
havingfun
10 years ago
Nahh, we are always paying attention surely he knows that. Of course being watched by me is not a great caveat. You know wall with a little spiderweb vs evil. hmm think evil wins hands down. Evil did you go vote? You also have a minor role in this dilemma. go see soc.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/giant-competition-winner-to-be-awarded-prize-and-inventor-of-the-yr-dsvw-vd~3537549

night all!
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
10 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/holiday-decorations-lets-see-um-dsvw-vd~3488657?n=342
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
My ideabook has the extent of the window sill progress. Remember, the house has to be done by 2050.
soccerates
10 years ago
Aha, I forgot the deadline. Don't want to rush these things :)
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Being painted, should be done this week. Settled on Kittery Point Green from Benjamin Moore, Aura Matte finish with color matched Aura satin to the cabinets for the trim. I found a sink on craigslist. 1931 a year or two too new but an identical one in the house it came from was dated 1928 so perfect unless you look at the casting -- american standard 74in in great shape with no rust and still has the sticker on the side) that will work until I find a Zahner nickel sink. May take the Zahner in the butler's pantry and put it in the kitchen and put this one in the butler's pantry.

Have not had a dishwasher for a few months. That is the only inconvenience.
havingfun
10 years ago
So happy to see you back home evil! You never said any thing about the gas works, was beginning to get a little worried. yeah, you are ok!
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
I am ok. Would you paint the angled wall/ceiling here green?
havingfun
10 years ago
yes, personally i would. it kinda looks awkward to me if you don't.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Definitely paint that angled part green since the walls it meets are green.
kayleesmimi
10 years ago
Yes, paint it.
soccerates
10 years ago
You're probably done painting already but I agree with the others.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes. It is being painted green. Thank you all.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Now green
havingfun
10 years ago
lovely evil!
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Three hours of boiling, sanding priming painting and ....
havingfun
10 years ago
Expiring minds simply must know, what does happen when you ring Mrs. Coynes Room?
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
When I ring from Mrs. Coyne's room, no one comes. :-(
havingfun
10 years ago
it looks like she might have been a bit busy
Mrs Coyne - - Yahoo Image Search Results · More Info

lol, don't think she could have carried the tea tray anyway! lol
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Mrs. Coyne was the first owner's wife. The tea tray would be brought to her! Although she only lived here until 1938 or so.
felizlady
10 years ago
It looks like you would end up with a 32-foot long kitchen which would be big enough for a great kitchen and breakfast room, but it would cost a bundle. Also, the wall you would remove may very well be a bearing wall which would require replacement support. And I would keep the dresser just for beauty...it may have been built in place and might not be removable without destroying it.
I agree you need a professional or two...architect or structural engineer and kitchen designer, plus contractor.
felizlady
10 years ago
Interesting that this discussion has been going on since last September.....but there is always list to do in an old house.
evilfij
Original Author
10 years ago
Target completion date is 2050 for the house. Kitchen I am down to moving in a sink (should happen Friday) and sorting out a way to get my dishwasher back in and it will be done.
Paul F.
10 years ago
You need to have a completion party... hire a Mrs. Coyne impersonator!
havingfun
10 years ago
yes, there were some kinda cute ones online. Maybe she will become so enamored with you and the house, she will leave Mr. Coyne, become Mrs. Fij. tehehe

Let's make sure she reads first. people who don't read can become so tiresome.

oops, never mind, maybe you should look at hiring mrs. coyne's granddaughter?