Since my wife and I moved into our 1955 home two years ago, I’ve posted a few pictures of its charm on Twitter. However, I haven’t shown everything. With that, I’m planning on introducing everyone to what sold us on this house, but over the course of a two-part post. This first one will include some of the original features and the second will showcase the bits and pieces my wife and I have added to keep the mid-century modern vibe going strong.
Without further ado, here we go. Also, I’m not a good photographer. You’ll see why as you scroll through.
With all the pieces pictured above, here’s a little bit about each:
That’s our bookshelf built-in that we refuse to knock down. Some people have stepped in the front door and asked why we’ve kept it. They don’t get it. It oozes vintage charm and it’s utterly beautiful (minus some bite marks from Hector).
Our bathroom medicine cabinet (this picture is a little old; the paint behind is now pink). The light fixtures beside the mirror are one of my favorite features of our bathroom along with some built-in storage and a small laundry chute. I didn’t post either of those because they’re a little cluttered presently.
Our side door doorbell. When you ring it, it sounds like you’re at a camp and they’re ringing the dinner bell. Basically, if I ring it enough, the whole neighborhood will be over.
The original hardwood floors. The wood flows into our bedroom and office. It could use some cleaning/buffing to get back its original shine, but nonetheless, it’s beautiful and in good condition.
Our front doorbell. Unfortunately, the doorbell is no longer hooked up and works, but the bell remains. It’s too unique to take down.
The front door. It needs a little elbow grease and some stain to get it up to where we want it, but that day will come! The three windows and the knocker make me so happy every time I see them. Also, this door is incredibly thick and heavy. Not sure much could get through it.
These are our front railings. They were pretty rusty, but we sanded them down and applied new black paint to bring back that original beauty.
I included this picture of our 50’s red rotary phone because of what it’s sitting on. A phone nook (also wood paneling below; it flows through the dining part of our kitchen)! It also has a small space underneath it for the phonebook. Unfortunately, there’s no way a modern phonebook would fit in it . . . so, I guess I need to find one from the 50’s. Yay! Another excuse to go antiquing!
Last, but not least is the basement bar. It has a beautiful orange/yellow/green pendant lamp hanging above its parquet bar top. The chairs are also the ones that came with the house. Not sure what year they’re from, but I love them. And yes, I need better storage for all that liquor. That will come in time. And no, it’s not too much.
Though, I only chose nine, these aren’t the only original features this place possesses. There are quite a few more, but for now, these were the best, so I had to share them.
Part II will come next week!