One of the things I enjoy about historic homes is that they were usually custom built and the craftsman paid close attention to quality and detail. My house is relatively simple inside as far as historic homes go. Because it was a carriage house, it was designed to be functional. The people who lived here would have been paid staff, not high class. There are not a lot of intricate details that you might see in grander homes of a similar age, but there are many things about my house that give it charm and character.
Picture Rails: I think I’ve already mentioned this is another post, but they are truly one of my favorite features of old homes. When walls were made of soft plaster, it was not only more difficult to patch a hole if you decided to move a picture later, but the nail could actually crack the plaster. For this reason a picture rail was installed (usually in line with the tops of the windows, but sometimes closer to the ceiling) which had a lip that hooks could securely rest on. You can then use wire, cord, or ribbon to attach the picture to the hook. This is so handy for changing up your decor without having to patch holes or risk having to drive another nail in if your first attempt was off.
Peaks and Eaves: Not as much functionality, though I suppose this was to help the rain run off more easily. Eaves always remind me of classic novels such as Anne of Green Gables. I was practicing sketching and here are some of the results to show the abundance of peaks, eaves, and dormers on my house. I am not entirely sure which side to call “the front” so I labeled them by the points of the compass.
Hard Wood Floors: Hard wood floors not only have natural beauty, but are easy to clean and will not trap allergens the way carpets will. To clean, they often only require a dry swiffer for dusting. If you want a deeper clean, you can use a cleaner formulated for wood floors or try a vinegar and water solution (though it is recommended that you check the ratio carefully and rinse with water afterwards).
Sloped ceilings: I guess this is really just appreciation of peaks and eaves from the inside! I adore the feeling of being in a little bungalow or cottage. It is cozy and the small space can be efficiently heated and cooled.
Lots of windows: All but one of the rooms in my house has three windows spaced on two or three different walls. This design allows natural light to flood the rooms for as many hours as possible. This not only energy efficient, but mood boosting. It also allows for really nice air flow on the days I want to open the windows.
Welcome To The Carriage House 