Fixing Doorway & Ceiling Conversation

Posted on | January 6, 2010 | 50 Comments

The last few nights we been restless and neither one of us can fall asleep. The conversation eventually turns to the renovation and Greg asks me night after night, “So have you decided what you want to do about the doorway?”. I argue with myself in circles with no interjections from Greg.

“I just don’t know. We should put it back. Let’s keep it wide because I like they way it connects the large and small room. It’s more historically accurate to have it narrow. I don’t want to ruin the house. I just don’t know, what do you think?”

Who ever thought the width of doorway could cause so much uncertainty and angst? Tonight, I’m thinking I want it to be narrow again. The reason the doorway got gutted because the right side of the frame had been cut and wall was crumbling (see photo below). It had to fixed. While we were fixing it I thought I like the doorway wider. The photo above shows it narrow and wider. Thus, the battle begins…

In other news, we have decided to take down all the ceilings on the second floor. It’s a super messy job but I figure while we are at it we might as well do them all. Each one has it’s own trouble spots and will eventually need to be replaced. I figure if I hire someone to come hang new ceilings it’s better to get four rooms done at once rather then one at a time. No, I’m not hanging ceilings myself. From what I have heard it relatively inexpensive and I don’t want my amateur job to be an eye sore for the rest of my life. (greg will read this say to me, “we are totally doing it ourselves”.)

I’m hoping in the now dining that hopefully someday will be a bedroom I can leave the beams exposed. The room feels really squat and doesn’t get much natural light (below). Hopefully this coming weekend we will be able to do some more demo and see what we have to work with.

Category: house renovation

Comments

50 Responses to “Fixing Doorway & Ceiling Conversation”

kristen
January 6th, 2010 @ 6:49 pm

i understand keeping the door narrow for historical purposes.
but it makes such a huge difference, and opens up the space so nicely… just my thought…
Taryn
January 6th, 2010 @ 7:15 pm

I totally feel your pain. My husband and I are slowly renovating our 124 year old home and I am just stuck on what to do ALL THE TIME. There are simply too many options and I like too many of them. It’s also really hard trying to be true to the original style of the house and still manage to make it not feel like a museum.

Arrgh!

It’s so refreshing to read that you are having these same difficulties (although, I sure as heck don’t wish them on you!). Most often, these reno blogs that I read, the owners always seem to have this clear ultimate design in their heads and I just cannot fathom how they do it!

Good luck with your beautiful home. Love this blog so.
Monica
January 6th, 2010 @ 7:42 pm

Very tough decision…but if you are taking a poll, I think it looks better to have the wide doorway. Very much enjoying your blog and best of luck as you continue your renovation!
melissa
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:05 pm

My two cents -
Our 225 year old house in Rockport had a similar small doorway connecting two similarly situated rooms. It was indeed historically accurate – and it was also a pain in the rear getting furniture in and out of the room. I would have loved to have opened it up but didn’t get around to it before the house was sold.

I have been eagerly reading the blog and following your house’s progress. You two are amazing and everything you guys are doing is with an eye toward your house’s venerable history and with respect for its old bones. (It’s not like you’re turning the house into a chrome-laden loft space.) Your doorway expansion is just a little modernization that does open up that room a great deal. Don’t sweat the impact upon the house’s history. If you like the way the rooms look with the larger doorway, keep it. Your plumbing and electricity aren’t historically accurate either, but I hope you keep them in!

-melissa
bright and blithe
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:22 pm

I am swooning over your wide plank floors. I grew up in a house that was built in the early 1800s. I remember the way the place creaked and moaned with the changing of seasons and how many hours my poor mother spent retrieving splinters from our bare feet. I wish I had those floors today.

What you are doing with this place is incredibly inspiring. We have dreams of renovating an old farmhouse someday…someday.
evencleveland
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:29 pm

For what it’s worth, I don’t think widening the doorway would ruin the house or even dent its historical character, but you have to go with whatever helps you sleep at night. Even if that is Nyquil : )
Kate F.
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:33 pm

Don’t torture yourself. The rooms look infinitely better and more livable with the wider doorway. Total historical accuracy isn’t something to aim for–you are respecting the age of your property far more than most, and the finished product will be stunning but it’s not like you’re using whale-oil lamps and a privy in the backyard, you know? Widening the doorway (especially once it is finished off with the right trim pieces) won’t be a jarringly modern note and you will use that little room soooo much more!
Kate F.
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:33 pm

P.S. I *heart* your blue stairs!
kristen
January 6th, 2010 @ 8:43 pm

sometimes bigger IS better!
I vote for the wide door, it really does open things up nicely.

on another note, I have just recently started reading your blog and I am loving the great blend of topics you touch upon… I especially love the entries about maine. I am from coastal maine and miss it so much!
S@sha
January 6th, 2010 @ 9:25 pm

I agree with the comments advocating for the wider door. I think that modernizing when it comes to making a space function better is a good thing. It seems like there are plenty of other doors in the house that can function as examples of the historic narrow openings. Ultimately this is a residence, not a museum and you want your home to make you comfortable– so go ahead and make tweaks to that end.

Also, if you ever find the time to sketch up a floor plan of your house, it would be awesome if you could link to it on your sidebar. I get confused when you mention the 2nd floor, because then I start to wonder how the layout differs from the first floor, third floor, etc. Also, it makes me wonder which floor you are actually living on!
Kathy G
January 6th, 2010 @ 9:39 pm

Wide….I don’t think you will regret it.
Jill Dion
January 6th, 2010 @ 9:46 pm

I’m for the wider door too. It looks more inviting.
I also would love it if you could post a floor plan
of your home. I’m a little confused about the configuration
too.
Katy Elliott
January 6th, 2010 @ 10:10 pm

I’ll get greg on making on a floor plan.

The first and second floor have the same exact floor plan. No hallways. It’s weird.

The third floor has our office in the front and our bedroom in the back. Right now we live on the second and third.
Margaret
January 6th, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

I also vote for wider (not that you meant to take a poll necessarily). It really opens up the space.
TDM
January 6th, 2010 @ 10:45 pm

Leave the door open wide…the flow feels so much nicer and you will get better light…

Times and people evolve its ok to improve on an already good thing…:)
ECM
January 6th, 2010 @ 11:11 pm

I vote wider. Really opens up the room and makes it feel bigger!
Pamela
January 7th, 2010 @ 12:25 am

Homeowners have never hesitated to change something that wasn’t working for them in order to be “historically accurate” until the modern age, when we have so many old houses that we must maintain in order to live in them. You are the Keepers of this old house, and as I see it, are doing almost everything to keep it looking as original as humanly possible. But it is not only a bit of history, it is your Home, and your mark on it’s history is just as important to future generations as the details that past families have put into it. People were smaller then, they were afraid of sunlight fading their delicate fabrics, etc… it was just a different time with different needs. Make your mark on this house, document it, and put it in a time capsule buried in the wall. That’s my suggestion!
the goodie life
January 7th, 2010 @ 12:34 am

i love the wider door frame.. i know you’re trying to respect the historical bones of the house (which is fantastic!), but keeping the door frame wider opens up the space and i think you might be happier with it in the long run. just my two cents ;)
Scooter
January 7th, 2010 @ 12:52 am

Oh God, I am going to be a total contrarian, but I really prefer the narrower opening because the wider opening is too close in size to the other door, but is clearly not the same size, thereby really messing with the symmetry of that room. BUT, I would take the opportunity to frame in the opening flush with the fireplace wall (ie move it 12 inches to the right), so that both doors are in the same place, in a mirror image way, on that end wall.

I wouldn’t worry about it historically — I am sure doors have been added and subtracted throughout that house over the years. It’s no sin!

I absolutely love your blog — you guys are doing such a wonderful job with the house, and I really enjoy the other things you post too. I have lots of friends who also read it, and we’ve all found it in different ways. I have it bookmarked in my “Shiny Things” folder. :-)

Good luck with your decision, hope you get some sleep soon!
helen james
January 7th, 2010 @ 6:28 am

I like most others also prefer the wider doorway x I completely empathise with your struggle, no-one can tell you when you begin a house renovation that you will lie awwake torturing yourself about doorknobs and baseboards!
I LOVE the wooden (?) molding, and am with you on gettin in the professionals good luck x x
Erica
January 7th, 2010 @ 6:35 am

I, too, think wider is better. I’m in favor of keeping the spirit of the old home, but not being an absolute stickler for authenticity. Are you going to rip out the electricity and plumbing and use candles and build an outhouse?

The original corner looks awkward and ill-conceived. The wider opening is much more elegant.
Terry HENNING
January 7th, 2010 @ 9:49 am

What about hanging something grand and new that you’ve painted over that sofa (on the far right wall) and leaving the doorway wide so it can be seen? I’m for keeping the doorway wide and accessing more light.

The wider doorway opens up both rooms and makes the ceiling look higher and the living room much larger. Go for it!
sarah
January 7th, 2010 @ 9:56 am

Well my 2 cents is that I like it better wider. I know it’s more historically accurate to keep it smaller but does everything need to be accurate? Clearly the house will have been through a renovation and to have somethings not be accurate would be expected. I think the wider opening makes the room more open and would certainly be easier for moving furniture.
jen jafarzadeh
January 7th, 2010 @ 10:22 am

I love how you guys are taking your time and really thoughtfully making each decision. I don’t think the wider doorway hurts its historical character, either, and my amateur guess is it may help resale factor (since everyone is always looking for spaces that feel more open these days.) Not that I can imagine you selling your home after all the heart you’ve put into it! putting in ceilings sure sounds hard to me.
Kim
January 7th, 2010 @ 11:11 am

I just found your blog today and am so excited! Did you already publish the name of the color paint in the blue stairway? It is spectacular. I’m thinking of taking my monitor to the hardware store to try to find a match.

Go with the wide door, no doubt about it.
Virginia
January 7th, 2010 @ 11:54 am

I’ve got to go with Scooter on this one and say keep it the original size. The room it leads to seems quite small and the wide opening is not in proportion with it. With it wide open it looks like an odd alcove. If you want the light, why not use a french door? The other big question is how do you plan to use the room? The size diference between the two doors on the same wall does bother me,as well, and you would be left with an awkward area to the left of the fireplace.
Kim Hudson
January 7th, 2010 @ 11:59 am

I’m going to be contrarian #2. I like the narrow door, not so much because of historical accuracy, but because of the beautiful symmetry it creates in the room.
Katy Elliott
January 7th, 2010 @ 12:05 pm

Wow! First wide was winning and now narrow is creeping up in the ranks.

I think if I show you all a floor plan it will make things easier to understand. Greg is on the case.

The stairs are no particular blue. They are what was left after we ripped up the cat stained carpet. Eventually they will get repainted.

Oh and sofa doesn’t belong in that room. It got stuck in the little room while we rip down the ceiling in the big room.
Here is another view of the small room with the sofa not in it. http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2009/12/rustic-console-for-plants.html

I imagine the little room will kinda look like this… http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2009/01/english-cottage-inspiration-from-the-holiday.html
Patsy
January 7th, 2010 @ 1:11 pm

I love Virgina’s idea of moving it further to the right and adding french doors, but I wonder if you have the space for a door to open? What about a pocket french door? Or have the pocket door match the wall trim and make it a secret room. I love secret rooms and the size of the doorway becomes less important.
elizabeth
January 7th, 2010 @ 2:58 pm

wider. no question about it.
Jennifer
January 7th, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

Are these both living rooms?

I also vote for the wider door.

Katie, thanks for posting on this blog; I recently came across it and spent two days reading all the way back to the beginning.
recovergirl
January 7th, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

Wide. It seems like a modern take on a traditional style. Like something Isle Crawford would do.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2010 @ 7:55 pm

I have been in your shoes, and sympathize! Unless you’ve been there, it is impossible to imagine the myriad decisions required. It is overwhelming. I love the process, and yet there were times when I just wanted someone else to come in and tell me what to do.

That said, try not to fret too much. Go with your gut and do what you like. In the end, you only have yourself to please. I honestly think there is no “bad” option here.

And I love, love, love your home and everything you are doing with it.
heather
January 7th, 2010 @ 7:58 pm

I vote wider. Since when is symmetry the most important factor in designing a room? Phooey.
You have to live here and it should feel comfortable to you. If it bothered you when it was there, it will probably bother you when you put it back.
Well put, Pamela – I totally agree with you. Katy, you should interpret this house as you see it – it belongs to you. :)
erin
January 7th, 2010 @ 8:01 pm

my goodness, what a fascinating debate being waged over here! having grown up in an old new england house myself, and having worked in more historic houses than i can count, the question of historic accuracy in houses is one that i have struggled with both personally and professionally. as has already been mentioned, the most important thing to remember is that houses are always evolving. times change, needs change, style changes. “custodians” of historic houses should be mindful of the past, without also preserving a false sense of history (something historic house museums have a lot of trouble with..but that’s another story).

above all else, house renovations should be both thoughtful and practical–and you guys are clearly doing a fantastic job.

kudos, as usual,

e.

p.s. sorry for writing a tome ;)
nkp
January 7th, 2010 @ 8:40 pm

I vote wide. No particular rhyme or reason. Just seems more aesthetically pleasing to me. It’s amazing all the work you are doing yourselves and that you are living in the midst of it. Hats off to you!
michelle
January 7th, 2010 @ 11:12 pm

i vote wide…i don’t think you’ll regret it…it doesn’t take away any itegrity. *loving* your blog!
Katy Elliott
January 7th, 2010 @ 11:13 pm

Wow! 27 say wide and only 4 say narrow. So interesting.

Tonight, I am back to thinking I want to keep it wide.
oh holland
January 8th, 2010 @ 2:41 am

Open wide and say “ahhhhhh — that so much more appealing.”

Aesthetics and function change with time.
The original narrow opening probably came about because of economic or heating necessity, which isn’t warranted with today’s options.

“Original” loses its relevance with modern improvements. Would you hold to no indoor plumbing, woodstoves for heat or straw for mattress filling?

Go with what you love. The wide opening without a small wall return virtually blend the two rooms into one flowing space. With such a passage, it does not read as a room with an asymmetrical pair of doorways.
Mopar
January 8th, 2010 @ 9:26 am

Can you make it the same size as the other door? Is that an option? Otherwise, I also prefer the original, narrow door. The proportions work with the room. Of course, I have only the photo to go by and can’t judge how it works with the layout of the whole floor.
Susan
January 8th, 2010 @ 1:54 pm

Just because it’s historically accurate doesn’t mean it’s pleasant to live it. Make it FEEL good because you are living there.
mopar
January 8th, 2010 @ 2:14 pm

I just came across a profile on Refinery29, and noticed the subjects deliberately stripped their baseboards and left them unpainted as a style. Thought you might think that was interesting.

It’s the third photo down.

http://tinyurl.com/y9segw2
Sarah
January 8th, 2010 @ 3:42 pm

I love your blog! I’ve been following it for a while but this is my first time commenting.

I originally thought wide is better because that little bit of wall to the right of the narrow doorway looks odd to me. But after someone pointed out the fireplace, I think narrow would be better because the fireplace would look awkward without the little wall.
kk
January 8th, 2010 @ 7:02 pm

i’m late to the convo but my $.02: there is no question. wide!
kristina
January 10th, 2010 @ 1:06 pm

Definitely wider. Historical accuracy is great, but not at the expense of livability. If the rooms are small and dark, let the light in.
Christine
January 11th, 2010 @ 4:39 pm

Leave it wide! Your thinking too much, trust your initial instincts.
heather
January 11th, 2010 @ 6:24 pm

defintely wide!
Elisabeth Dunker
March 9th, 2010 @ 10:37 am

I love what I’m seeing here Katy, all these rough details – beautiful.
Jan
April 12th, 2010 @ 11:53 pm

Tackling a project like this is truly a labor of love. I also think that you should go with your instincts and not look back. You may make some mistakes along the way, but you just might end up holding onto your sanity (haha). You’re doing wonderfully!
Alice Almighty
May 21st, 2010 @ 10:34 pm

Put it back! I love the narrow doorway, it makes that little room have a secrecy that a wide door would take away. The best part about old houses are all the suprises, rooms you didn’t expect to be there, doors in odd places, the challenge of finding furniture that will fit, etc.

My very lonely vote is: Narrow. {although I doubt you are running a blog-ocracy}

As Always, Alice