On New Year’s Eve we hosted a little party for our friends. One of my friends came early and stayed the weekend. We had a blast!
You see, she’s as much into decorating as I am and she provided a much needed second pair of eyes. I had tons (well, maybe not tons…maybe a half-ton) of items laying around my office that were waiting for inspiration and several areas around my house that were waiting for some decor. We decided to play matchmaker.
One of my areas was this legendary “hallway of doors” (eight doors opening into one small passageway between rooms!). When I was complaining that this was a big space, but couldn’t be decorated, my friend, scoffed. Scoffed! And then helped me with ideas.
I had several door pediments laying around and she gave me the brilliant idea to mount them above the doors in here. Loved it! Then I looked around for other architectural salvage I might have. Those rusty metal register covers, in the first picture, have been soaking in my laundry sink for about 3 years now. I think it was time they made their debut! (That quilt rack will not be staying here. It’s in front of a hall closet that’s used quite often. I’ve already scratched the floor several times moving it out and back. Ugh!)
She also gave me the brilliant idea to put some vinyl numbers on the pediments. I chose dates that have some meaning to me. Above our bedroom door is the number 83–the year we married. #22 is my oldest son’s birthdate. #1 is my daughter’s. I’m just waiting to find more pediments to finish this “room” out.
Not to mention, my kitchen and that door frame.
I just got word that my cabinets are in, so there may be hope for my kitchen, yet! I can’t wait to get it done!
So, if you see any cheap pediments on ebay or etsy, or you own some, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if you let me know!
Bye from the bungalow,
Hi, I'm Jean. I live in historic Butte, Montana in a Craftsman home built in 1920. This blog is all about my adventures (and sometimes misadventures) in updating and decorating my house with antiques and vintage goods I find at garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales or wherever cool things from the past are waiting to be discovered.
Architectural salvage makes me drool. I love the door pediments (and also had no idea what they were called before now).
I like what you did using the doorways almost as a backdrop. it looks great and I, too, love the salvage pieces- xo Diana
I noticed the pediments over the doorways right away, Jean! They look great there. How nice that your friend hung out with you for a few days and helped decorate. Which guest room did she stay in? : )
I always hope a post from you shows up before I leave for work, gives me something cool to think about?!
Thanks for your great insight.
What? You are not considering making your own pediments? Then you only have to look for old pieces of wood and trim. Any of those 8 doors have the possibility of removing the doors and putting barn style sliders on? Or being built out like a shelving unit with baskets?
Bliss