The formal parlor

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     So here it is. Our second empire in the heart of the city of Lockport. It doesn't look like much now but I have vision! Rain was literally pouring in through the failed roof for six years. Much of the original features had either been stripped or damaged, but this is how I prefer it,a blank  canvas.

     This is what would be considered the formal parlor room, where families would gather and socialize amongst friends. Television was not yet invented of course, so entertainment would have been in other forms such as, plays, piano, drinking, gossiping etc. This area would typically be very detailed and Impressive to gloat of ones financial status. 

     As you can see by the puke green shag carpet, drop ceiling and vintage wallpaper, this room took a serious remuddeled hit in the 70's. Unfortunately,  many homes in the area have suffered the dreaded 70's makeover. Any good news? Yes, this can all be ripped out and restored to its glory! The nineteen seventies was a bad decade that brought us urban renewal and many housing remuddles. Eyesores and outdated architecture have scathed our cities for too long. It is our duty and responsibility to restore out heritage. The task is not easy and will take dedicated, talented individuals. The rewards will be priceless.

     Everything must be brought down to the studs with the exception of the original coffard ceiling and hardwood floor. This allows us an opportunity to rewire, insulate and widen the entrance to the room. The room has two openings. One is small and one fairly large. The small doorway will be doubled in size, while the large will be upgraded to an arched opening.

Here is a large opening that leads to the dining area. This home was clearly made for separate units. We will return the home to a single family and live in it. 

     This is our first time doing a project this large and we will make mistakes. Minimizing mistakes and really taking time to tackle each challenge, as well as using historic photos as reference is necessary to put this jigsaw back together. 

     This is the view from the dining room looking into the parlor(left) and hallway(right). Studs have been replaced where needed, insulation on exterior walls, and all new electric is being added. A hard wired fire alarm/ carbon monoxide system is required in nys and is also being installed.   Essentially it will be a new room, designed to look old, however everything will be up to modern code. 

At this point were getting close to install drywall and get this room finished. I did not take as many photos as I'd like to have, but keep in mind we moved along the whole house at the same pace. 

Here is the view once again from the dining room with the drywall almost finished. I purchased a corbel from online and took a rubber mold from the piece. I will then be able to cast my own plaster pieces in the mold and mount them under arches. This gives a very authentic victorian look.

I have never hung wallpaper before but one late night I decided to give it a go. It was surprisingly easy and went very quic around the entire room. I am only going from about three feet up because we plan on running a wainscot design in wood around the room. 

So here is a slightly finished photo. Red and gold will be the main focal points of color in this room. We still have some minor details left like trim work etc. but we are mostly happy with the outcome. Three arched windows in the front bill were replaced with square vinyls. These will have to go and be replaced with wooden true arched windows. Next spring most likely will be the time to tackle that.