Nowadays, the mantra is "Reuse, repurpose, recycle." Being green is suddenly fashionable. Well, I'm here to tell you, my dad was green fifty years ago. Or maybe just cheap. We have two doors in our Little Red House that were already old when they were hung here. I don't know where he got them; my dad did a lot of work on construction sites, so maybe they just "fell" into the trunk of his car one day.
One is our front door -- painted white on the outside, and wonderful old grained wood on the inside. It has the greatest old doorknobs.
Even as a child, I loved these old doorknobs We used to have a skeleton key for this lock; I don't know where it is now.
The other door leads from our kitchen to the back hall. I'd like to call the back hall the mudroom, but it's really just a glorified hallway that comes from the back door. Some people have suggested that we paint this door to match the kitchen cabinets, but I wouldn't dream of it. I love it just as is.
Recently, I posted this picture of a bit of architectural salvage that I am using as a shelf on my "bird wall" in the kitchen. I was contacted by Karen, of Scioto Salvage, who wanted to use the photo in their newsletter. If you get a chance, check out their website. It's got the most beautiful old doors, and hardware, and much more. And, as they say, "you won't find this stuff at Lowes."
This is a picture of what remains of the old barn on our property. I'm determined to use those old boards for something. Any ideas?
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What beautiful, old doors these are. Never, in a hundred years, would I even consider painting them! They are beauties and besides...they are part of your dad!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
bj
I love the old doors! Every door in this house has the old knobs, other than the front and back doors. We had to switch them out with newer models as there was only one skeleton key. Plus it wouldn't stay closed in the winter unless it was locked. HA!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Julie
We must all be thinking alike today! All talking about old barns! What beautiful doors too!!!
ReplyDeleteWe love all the furniture that has been made using repurposed barn wood-Yum!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Anyone fortunate enough to have an older house and the older features should always keep them. Nothing to me is more of a blessing I think as I have never had the fortunate situation to live in an old house. All my houses have been new builds and while you can do much with decorating, there is nothing like the look and feel of real old features. You are so lucky Mary! I agree with you that you should never paint that door. It is perfect as it is. I really loved the close up of the doorknob! How beautiful like a piece of artwork.
ReplyDeleteI think your hunt print is an antique one? I have 4 small and 2 large reproductions. Still I love them but antiques are just too expensive. I am now searching for something to add to that wall. I need either something totally different like plates or something framed in gold frames which will bring out the gold in the trim of the other frames. Does that make sense?
~~ Heidi ~~
Love the doors! How beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnnie
Suggestions for using the old barn wood:
ReplyDelete(1) Picture frames
(2) Knick knack shelves
(3) Small Cupboard to hold collections
(4) Old bench to place potted plants on (outside or inside)
Maybe those ideas will be useable for you.
Betty in Oklahoma
Those of us who have been thrifting for years have been "green" all this time. Hollywood is just catching up to us!
ReplyDeletethe door is bellissima !!!!
ReplyDeleteMy embroidery is central bay
I love those old doors....they sure do not make them like that any more. I love it that your home is full of family history. I love that knotty pine wall...wonderful
ReplyDeleteMary .. what a truly beautiful home you have.. it is a home that I aspire to but it always just out of reach.. I never quite manage to get it right.. it is fun trying though!
ReplyDeleteThe old barn wood could possibly be used for:
A small coffee table
A table lamp
Box frames
A mirror frame
Greetings from Beautiful Bath UK~Michele
Fantastic post...you're so good at this! I love old doors too. We did replace some because the wind just marched right in and with the price of heating oil...well, you understand.
ReplyDeletePaint an old door? Not when it's in perfectly well kept condition like yours are!
I enjoyed reading this post! Such doors, hardware and wonderful memories of your prematurely green father. I'll be checking back to see how you use that barnwood--that's recycling too you know!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my site. Come back soon.
Mary Ann
Beautiful doors. The knob is gorgeous! Reminds me of one of the houses we lived in many moons ago. The more I see of your home, the deeper in love I fall!
ReplyDeleteAmanda (aka Cottage Contessa)
Not just doors -- but solid memories and portals to the past lives of your home or someone else's house. Even the knobs are magical -- remember "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"? Your story would be Doorknobs and Woodtricks! Barn wood is so useful -- perhaps as a bench -- wisely mentioned above. And benches can be used in so many ways and means and places!
ReplyDeleteJan at Rosemary Cottage whose doors are just plain suburban memories
I love salvage! Is there enought of the old barn boards to make a table? That would be sooo cool!
ReplyDeletePenny
Your old doors are so beautiful and the patina of the wood is rich and warm..no wonder your father wanted to keep them!! Your home is always a treat to see. I have caught up on your posts and that book is lovely. Will have to get it. xo, Becky
ReplyDeleteYour old doors are just wonderful! I would love to find somethings like that for my home. Think I will check out your link. Old is much more charming.
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact I am currently looking for just such doors. We have 3 doors that lead outside, one of them is original to this 70+ year old house but the other two were added later and they just don't seem to fit. My Dad does construction and grading work and is often times asked to tear down the old lake cottages to make room for the new lake mansions... he always lets me come and scout out any interesting items before he begins demolition. It always makes my heart sad to see these little jewels destroyed:( I think it speaks volumes to our trash and go mentality.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
I wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. I look forward to reading every day! The pictures are lovely, and your writing is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI just love that front door and the great hardware. I know they make reproductions but that is so nice with the age on it!
ReplyDeleteThose doors are so great! Your home is very beautiful! Love the bird wall with the shelf. And I'm sure you will find something really great to do with the barn wood. My grandparents use to make picture frames.
ReplyDeleteallie
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