Our next project in our ongoing renovation is the foyer. It’s a two story foyer with a beautiful staircase and wrought iron railing. As always, I thought the foyer would be a simple remodel, and as always, we ran into issues from the start.
The foyer is probably what sold me on this house more than any other room. The staircase is an eye-catcher and there’s a huge “to die for” antique chandelier hanging from the beamed, planked ceiling.
Here is what the foyer looks like in it’s original state.
As with the other rooms we’ve renovated, I wanted to lighten this space up, making it brighter. In it’s current state, everything feels dark and closed in.
The first thing that had to go was the carpet. Easy, right?
No…not so much.
We pulled the first section of carpet up and this is what we found.
The nasty black carpet padding has “melted” into the wood on the stairs. In some places it was like sticky glue, in other places, it was hardened like charcoal, and it would not come up.
Nothing in this house has been easy, I don’t know why I thought the foyer would be different.
I have to admit, hubby has been the one to tackle this dilemma. I have had several other projects on my plate that needed my immediate attention, so he tackled this one without me. We found that the only way to remove this sticky, gooey mess was to gently scrape a layer at a time, until it got down to the wood. Then we used mineral spirits to get the rest of the way into the grain. They will all need sanding, which is fine, since I would like to go with a little darker stain on the stair treads anyway.
Hubby has gotten ten steps stripped, with five more to go. Now I understand why I’ve been told that rubber pads aren’t good for wood floors. This is a nasty mess.
The staircase has a beautiful wrought iron railing that I’ve been told was forged at a local foundry specifically for this house. It appears to have some kind of special painted finish on it, not quite black, but with touches of……..turquoise…..yes, you heard me….turquoise paint mixed in with the black. Perhaps in 1972, it was fabulous….however, I will be going back with a classic black railing.
The staircase curves beautifully at the top with a bedroom and bath upstairs. The landing winds around with a couple of storage rooms.
And then there is that gorgeous antique chandelier, that is huge, and dripping in crystals. The picture doesn’t do it justice, it’s at least 36″ across.
We have also started removing some of the wallpaper….I see scaffolding in my future.
The old baseboard electric heat units have already been removed.
See the doorbell with the hanging chimes. It has the most beautiful “church bell” sound. Unfortunately, the electrical no longer works. I’ve had an electrician look at it, hoping to restore it…but he wan’t much help.
The tapestry was left with the house, it will be coming down….as soon as that scaffolding arrives….
The green tile is coming up, and slate is going down, everything is getting painted, no more golden oak. It should be a great project for winter!
This has been my inspiration photo, courtesy of Pinterest. I love this look, lighter and brighter.
To see our other rooms that have already been completed in our “whole house” renovation, click HERE.
I’m a little late in getting holiday posts out, showing off the Christmas decor…late by blogland standards anyway…..but, I have had a very exciting opportunity come up which has required me to delay my holiday decorating for a few weeks. Hopefully, I will be able to share more about that later on. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, we will begin decorating for Christmas, and sharing some of the photos!
Cheers,
Cindy
You hard work really shows. Your home is lovely.
Thank you Bonnie!
This is going to be a great before and after post someday! I re-did a much smaller staircase in my first home. I was pregnant at the time and would sit on a pillow as I moved up and down doing all the painting!
What a job that is ahead of you..but in the end, I know it will be so breathtaking!…The ironwork is gorgeous…yes, I can see it painted black…love the inspiration pic…Cannot wait to see the progress….and so wonderful to have that exquisite chandelier!
I love your home and your decor style. You have given me so many great ideas. We are using your idea to plank the kitchen. I can’t wait until it’s done. Just waiting for the electrical to be done. Thank you for inspiring me. Oh, I love your Sunday quotes on Sunday’s on Instagram.
Thank you so much Nadia! That means so much to me!
Oh so lovely and oh what a project!! It is wonderful so far and so like all the lovely things you have done with the rest of the house!! I am wondering what that little door on the stairway leads to?? I am making the little sheep holder now that you made with the toy sheep…cannot wait to get it done…thanks for the inspiration! Diane
Thank you Diane! The first door on the right that’s on the stairway leads into the attic/storage space! Enjoy your sheep holder!
Looks like lots of work is being done to your foyer! But it’s going to be so worth your hard labor when it is completed, soooo looking forward to viewing the end result….your inspiration photo is simply beautiful…but I love your railings so much better…..
Smiles~
Mari
Thank you Mari!
Wow… your stairs is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Thank you so much!
Your home is beautiful and your taste is exquisite. But I would totally keep the stair railing the color it is, it’s just an amazing piece and it seems to go with the stained glass side lights by your front door. You and your husband have truly rescued a diamond in the rough! Great work!
Thank you Connie!
Cindy,
It will turn out lovely just like the rest of your home! My daughter is moving into a French apartment complex and I told her to look at your blog !! I was wondering did you ever live in France, that you love decorating in that style ??
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Paula
IN
Thank you Paula! I have only lived in France…..in my dreams! I’m just a Francophile at heart! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
It will be beautiful. The stair area has great bones….
The hallway and stairs already look so much lighter and brighter. Will there be room for a little French settee like in the inspiration?
Oh, Pam, I hope so….I’m looking for a small settee that will work there.
21 years ago my husband and I bought an older home with a slate floor foyer. We
have tried every product available to restore it to no avail. I’d like to jackhammer it
up. Your selection may be different from ours. Just letting you know of our experience. Good luck! Love your blog.
Love your renovations Cindy! Can’t wait to see what is to come!
Cindy, the stairs already look so much better! Can’t wait to see it once you two have worked your magic. And, I can see why that chandy pulled you in!
What a change just removing the carpet runner. The wood looks beautiful! I’m sure it will be stunning when you’re done.
Thank you Melva!
The bones and beauty are there. Bless your husband and his level of patience.
I like the image of inspiration and look forward to seeing your finished project.
Thank you Katherine!
Hi Cindy! That foyer would have sold me on your lovely home too! A challenge at every turn but it will be worth it for sure! Your hubby is a patient man! It’s going to be stunning when you’re done!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Celia
Thank you so much Celia! Yes, hubby is definitely a patient man…I have trained him well over the years! Ha! Happy Thanksgiving!
Wow! Poor John! I’ve scraped glued carpet back off of old wood, too! NOT fun. But the wood floors with their grain underneath are beautiful! When you’re finished, that foyer will be stunning! Keep up the inspiring work!
Thank you Geri!
Yeah! I’m always so thrilled to see a new blog post from you. Wow! I can see why that foyer sold you on the house. Your husband has done a beautiful job on the stairs. The chandelier is stunning and the curve of the stairs, high planked ceilings and wrought iron rail are exquisite. I know you will make it even more elegant than your inspiration photo. I’m wondering if a magazine feature is coming up soon for you?
Thank you Sandy! We shall see……
It is going to be magnificent Cindy! That chandy is amazing to say the least.
Thank you Pamela!
Yes! That staircase and chandelier would have sold me on the house!!! Sold :):):). I love what you have done and so enjoy reading your blog and looking at the pictures. Love how you think “outside the box” on some of your projects….when you are finished there needs to be a decorating book published!!!!!
Thank you Cheryl!
Cindy, lots of work going on there and your hubby has done a great job on the stairs. The chandelier is so gorgeous and I know the foyer will look better than your inspiration photo. I don’t decorate until after Thanksgiving and most bloggers used to not start so early so I don’t think you are late at all. Oh, I think I may know why what is going to happen at your house causing you not to decorate yet. Can’t wait to see if I’m right!
Thank you Kim!
So much character to work with. The stairs turned out awesome! Love the railing. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
From a Canadian friend, Robin
Thank you Robin!