Porch conversion idea

As I make my way through what feels like my neverending list of projects I have been obsessing about fencing the yard, remodeling the bathroom/ laundry room and I have added a new obsession--

an enclosed front porch!

I dislike how my main entry opens to the dining room and always believed I needed some type of vestibule. The it dawned on me--for a smart person, sometimes I am a little slow on the uptake--that my current porch really is useless as a porch due to it diminutive dimensions but would make a wonderful enclosure. We truly seldom use the front porch, so why not try to reclaim it as usable living space?

Now I have absolutely no idea as to the feasibility of this project--zoning, permits and cost--but it hasn't stopped me from procrastinating...um...researching such things. Hello Google and Pinterest, ha.

This is my porch from 2012 and not much has changed except the plants have gotten bigger.

My idea would be to shorten the porch so as not to cover the living room window. 

 I found this posted on Old House Web forum. It gives a good visual as to how my addition could look with  the entry offset and  a small scale enclosure. 

Old House Web Forum

My porch dimensions currently are 5 feet depth by 24 feet length and  if I were to have my enclosure the dimensions would be 5 feet by 18 feet (shorten the length so as to not cover the window. That seems like a lot of good space!

There would be a larger space on the left (5x 9)--I envision low bookcases under the windows with plants lining the outside wall with possibly a club chair and ottoman and to the the right (5 x 5) would be a coat/ boot bench--sort of the "mud room" area of the vestibule.

Project wish list 
Remove all the current siding within the vestibule.
Insulate and drywall
Add a few outlets
Move the exterior light fixture from wall to ceiling
Slate tile for the flooring but would settle for a faux painted and stained concrete.
Full pane horizontal sliders, so as not to block the view--even if it is of my neighbors house.(The dimensions would allow for 4-5 nice sized  windows)
Bamboo blinds for privacy.
Main entry door would be 2/3 glass but etched/ frosted for privacy.
A transom with our house numbers!
Expand the entry into the dining room  from a 36 inch opening to 42-46  inches if possible. I would like to frame it in nice thick molding and casing and no interior door. Wide open space. How lovely. 

Can you picture it?

Forgive my poor artistic skills but these are my mock ups and they aren't to scale...

Of course this is a "down the road aways" project and would need to take place around the siding and roofing phase. But a girl can dream...

What makes a home

Let's face it-- most people have a pre-conceived notion about mobile homes or trailers as they are sometimes called. Mobile Homes are NOT tin cans on wheels. No-one thinks twice about if someone mentions they live in an apartment, a condo, or  a duplex. Not sure why there is such a hang-up over mobile homes.

I spent a fair amount of my childhood living in trailers. Some of my family still live in them. As do some of our friends. I can tell you growing up I took a lot of abuse for living in a trailer. Trailer trash was the phrase most commonly launched at me. Well that and how I was no good and never amount to anything. Good memories, yeah. NOT. 

(I have been to therapy  I swear! It helped. sorta) 

This is what many people picture when you say trailer or mobile home

"The infamous Redneck mansion"

Instead of seeing this ( I would SO live here!)

Yup it's an "upwardly mobile" home

Some people live in mobile homes because is an affordable alternative to traditional homes. Because they put their money into buying land instead of a building. Because they are starting out. Because they are starting over. Because they downsized. Because they want to. Because there are a thousand reasons.  Living in a mobile home is a lot like living on a boat. Everything is streamline and compact, (unless you have a  BIG modular home).  I prefer to think they are cute and cozy. They have an efficient flow and work space. It has all your basic necessities. And shoot there isn't anything that a little paint and TLC can't fix right up!  I came across a great blog http://www.mobilehomeliving.org/ that celebrates living in a mobile home. I am telling you some most of these mobiles homes featured in her blog are a helluva lot nicer than my farmhouse. (And they probably got a lot cheaper electric bill than I do!)

I guess  the point I am trying to make. It's a HOME regardless if it is traditional stick and mortar build or a pre-fab. A home is where your heart is. Your happiness. Your loved ones. All anyone ever wants is a safe place to call home, share a warm meal and soft pillow to lay their head upon. So the next time you hear someone say trailer or mobile home don't automatically assume they are any less of ANYTHING.  Because everybody's got a story.

I said it was bad memories associated with my trailer living but that isn't completely true. It was bad memories of the narrow minded judgmental assholes I had to contend with at the time.  I had have some really good memories from when I was living in a trailer. My daughter learned her first words in a trailer. Took her first steps in a trailer.  I took my college entrance exam when I was living in a trailer. (That was the moment I realized I was GOOD,  my life was going somewhere and I WAS somebody.) I also have memories of my step-dad grilling out at 2 am because he worked second shift. Memories of sunbathing in the side-yard with my friends listening to the radio. Memories of sitting on the deck watching the kids ride their bikes up and down the streets. Memories of me and my sisters piling up on the couch on a cold wintry night drinking hot cocoa and watching holiday cartoons. I bet some of you are thinking---"hey! that's a lot like my memories" Except maybe the grilling out at 2 am thing--don't judge!

A persons true worth has nothing to do with the type of  HOUSE  in which they reside and everything to do with the connotation of HOME. So always fill your home with laughter. Be surrounded by love. And most of all--make it cozy.

"Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, 

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

John Howard Payne

Dining Room--the Christmas edition

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The North Pole has exploded in my house! This is the room formerly known as my dining room. Once upon a time there was a  floor to walk on. And a table and chairs to sit and eat- I am feeling a little overwhelmed and ALOT claustrophobic!

Sadly this only about a 1/3 of my Christmas stuff

How many stocking do I actually need? If you are counting there are 8. One for each dog's paw?

A girl needs choices right?

2 Tree skirts here. The 3rd one is already under the tree (it has pine cones embroidered on it).

I  ♥ snowmen!

Slowly things are taking shape. (Well at least I have a path to walk through.) A nice welcome into my house. 

I changed this vignette to something a bit more winter-esque. I picked up this garland at Joann's for 50% off. It was serendipitous the bird matched the picture (which was a gift from a friend)!

The wooden plaque and Joy ceramic are past gifts from my daughter. The birdcage I bought at Delhi for 80% off  and the candle is called Snowflake and was a Christmas from a friend last year.

In case I haven't mentioned it-- I ♥ snowmen!  The snowman on the left was a gift from a friend (along with the box which was to pretty to get rid of) and the little Hurricane snowman was an Avon giftable some years back.




This is the bookcases just outside my living room. (Typically they are the catch-all for everything.) The mirror is a yard-sale find for $5 and is a plaster/ chalk-ware frame. At some point I will paint the frame (not a fan of the gilt) but I love that the  mirror is cloudy and aged. Very nice patina. The Father Christmas was a Hancock's purchase YEARS ago. The cardinal bell was a gift as was the little red tea light lantern. The lantern was from IKEA, not sure if they still sell them.

The bookcases were given to me from my son-in-law. They were handmade by his Grandpa.  Eventually these will be painted (don't worry--my SIL said it was ok)

One extra guest--he prefers to stand, haha. This is Billy the birdwatching snowman. I acquired him at a local festival (Apple-fest) in September.  So cute!

Finally everything is neat and tidy. My centerpiece  is a rectangular vase from IKEA filled with red and silver ornaments nestled inside a jingle bell wreath. Super simple. (What would have made the center  piece pop is if I had used battery operated LED lights inside the vase--I still may do that). My daughter made the birdhouses several years ago. I especially love the button birdhouse!

And here here is my cute little mini tree. 

I still need to put the mirror back in the frame and hang curtains. Possibly put down a nice area rug. I am pretty happy with how it looks so far. I hope you like it!

Falling in and out of love

Do you remember when you fell in love? Because you found...THE ONE! You could barely contain your excitement. The object of your affection was always on your mind and it was the topic of every conversation. After some time passes and careful consideration you throw caution to the wind. You jump in and make a commitment. A long term commitment. A life altering commitment.

You change how you go about your day. Long gone are the carefree days and nights as an non-committed person. You feel you crossed the threshold into adulthood and have responsibilities. So MANY responsibilities. Your friends who have not yet taken the plunge harass you in a good-natured manner, when you beg off of a night of fun and frivolity.

You continue to work and strive for all your dreams, because after all...this is the ONE! After some time there is a sense of  familiarity. While not as exciting as in the beginning,  you are glad it is comfortable. You feel a little more relaxed and settle in for next phase. You tackle all the things life throws at you..setbacks, emergencies, and additions. You spend the next few years living life, growing and changing.

Then one day it happens. All the things that your were once enamored with are now minor annoyances. Quirky and charming have been replaced with ambivalence. Day after day the feelings of unhappiness  grow until you ...cannot possibly live like this ONE MORE DAY! You decide that it may be time to say good-bye.  You wonder could I have done something different? How could something that seemed so perfect now seem so wrong? You understand that people and interests change. You think about friends and family and how they have have been committed for so long. You hear from well meaning elders,  "This generation is never happy. Always wanting bigger and better. Why can't you stay and make it work?"  You just want something... different.  So when did it happen? When did you fall out of love...with your house?

HA!! Fooled you! I bet you thought I was talking about a relationship. Well, I suppose in a matter I was. You do have a relationship of sorts  with your house. Your home. You put your heart and soul into picking colors, making changes to suit you, and  to make it comfortable and inviting. Sometimes it is a forever home. Sometimes it is not.  Even though it may be time to say good bye doesn't mean it was all bad.  You will take with you memories, photographs and anecdotes to tell during social gatherings. You will take with you things you did wrong and right.

Maybe you don't love your house right now. Maybe you can love it again. Maybe not. Regardless if  you are on your first home or your forever home, just  make it yours. Don't base your choices on what society dictates. Your house--your HOME--is a reflection of  YOU. Let your personality shine through. Whatever you love will show and that's what makes design work. It isn't always about pattern, texture and color. It is about the mood-- the feeling it exudes. Be your house big, small, new or old--may it always be filled with love and coziness.

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams." unknown

Home Sweet Home

Cute ideal!  Using Ceramic tiles for house number placard.

I suppose I should offer up a little more information about my house. As you know my house was built in 1881. The architecture is pretty much none existent at this time due to a remodel remuddle in the 1960's by the former long term owner.  Here's a bit of history on the house...

The prior owners lived in this house for 51 years. When we purchased our home in 2000 we were the first "outsiders" to live in this home for 85 years. Prior to that the home was strictly generational. When the house was originally constructed the home was 1 of 3 tenant farmers residence, all which belonged to the gentleman farmer (whose very large Queen Anne Victorian, which sits atop a hill overlooking my property). The original owner actually owned over 2000 acres.  Can you imagine?

The three tenant farm homes were very modest in construction--clapboard siding and wood shingled roofs. The original layout consisted of pseudo great room and a loft. The great room was divided  by fireplace into a modest kitchen (of sorts) and a sitting parlor.  The loft was accessed by a ladder.

There was a a common cookhouse used by the tenant families in the summertime. A summer cookhouse was used for multiple reasons. 1) It could serve great number of people at once 2) Due to the elevated temperatures in the summer and 3) The biggest concern was fire since the houses are of timber construction. I am told there was an outhouse but I am still not sure where on the property it was located.

Indoor plumbing and electric was installed some time 1910-1920. I still have tube and knob wiring for 3 rooms of my house (which scares the bejeezus outta me!) but we haven't been able to (afford) rewire the house yet. We are hoping next year! Our housed passed inspection when we purchased it. The electrician said the wiring is still tightly wrapped and doesn't show any signs of oxidation--which is good. It apparently was a quality job.

Street side view

Over the years the rooms were divided and rooms added on. The former lean-to porch is now the kitchen. A partial second story was added in the 1950's, which resulted in a bathroom and bedroom addition. A carport and garage were constructed in the 1970's.  The well was slabbed over and a block shed was installed over the slab in the 1940's-1950's. The patio which is located between the back of the house and front of the garage sits  over what was once the cistern.

We have a dungeon cellar and stone foundation.  This was HAND dug by the prior owner in the 1950's and all of the dirt and debris was carried up in buckets via a ladder  because no stairs were installed.  He then poured his own concrete slabs by mixing in a wheelbarrow and transferred via buckets to the cellar.  Such amazing stories!

The largest of the rooms is no more than 12x12 and the smallest  is the spare room closet (aka my craft room) which measures a diminutive 3 x 6 feet. When our daughter was living at home that bedroom was the master which means that was the master closet AND the only true closet in the entire house! We had to shimmy in sideways because it was a "walk-in". Good times, not!

The final dimensions are Living Room (12x12), Dining Room (8x10), kitchen (12X10), 1st floor 1/2 bath (4X6), laundry room (5x6),  up 10 stairs for the 2nd floor which consists of  the Master bedroom (12x12), dressing room  (6x14),  full bathroom (6x7) and the L shaped spare bedroom room (10x13, 8x6). If you count all of my hallways and unusual nooks, I have a grand total of ~ 985 square feet of living space!  Rather small by today's standards.

Former side porch is now the main entrance.

Our house has standing seam metal roof -with the exception of the "addition" and that has normal shingles. Most metal roofs (if maintained) will last upwards of 100 years! Based on inspection we were informed ours is now pushing 90-95 yrs.  An interesting fact--visible in the attic is the ORIGINAL wood shingles under the metal roof. Pretty cool, huh?

My house actually has 4 doors. This picture was once used as a side porch but  is now our main entrance.  We have a 2nd door from our kitchen to the carport, the 3rd is located smack dab in the middle of my living room facing street-side-(we don't use it and have plans to convert it a window) and the 4th and final door is located at the bottom of my stairs from the carport. That is weird because it appears to float several feet from the ground. Unfortunately if you want to get any furniture to the second story that is the only way to move stuff upstairs.

And speaking of stairs, while mine aren't so creaky since they are relatively new (installed in the 1950's) since the addition was put on. They are incredibly steep and narrow! More than 1 person has in this house has rode the stairs on their bum. OUCH!

View of the garage and house from back field.

The original clapboard has long been covered with aluminum siding. You can hear it contract and expand as the weather changes (it makes a popping noise). We don't have any plans yet to remove it, however we have located several contractors who will paint it.

As for the property, we have about 0.65 acre. The lot is narrow (~65 ft.) but long (365 ft).  Can you say football field?  It is great for running my dogs though! We have a creek that runs the back edge of our property which is great until the torrential rains happen. It changes from a sleepy trickle to a roaring river. It is especially scary when it floods, although (knock on wood) my house hasn't flooded in over a hundred years.

Well that is pretty much all I can tell you on the history of the house. With one exception. When were house hunting I saw the pictures of this house (and they looked horrible), so I refused to come look at it. The realtor showed us 12 other houses which had great pictures--but were horrible in reality. Finally in desperation we agreed to come view this house.

Immediately upon pulling in the driveway, I was struck by the resemblance to my Nanny and Pawpaw's house. Yup it was sooooo totally a grandma and grandpa house. We walked in and it felt warm and inviting (just like someone had hugged you). Never mind the dated ugly stuff--it just felt right. The hubbs and I grinned at each other. This was the ONE! It was home.

That is the great thing about older homes. They have a soul. So many people have passed though those doors. Loved and lived their lives. You can not but feel that energy! So despite all of the quirks and inconveniences of this old house- and that it is a bit dated and worn- we are very happy with our home.

"Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest"  Robert Montgomery