Savoring the Brick and Mortar
Over time, I’ve learned not to attach to things. You can love them and enjoy them but there is a sense of impermanence as well. Life is not permanent nor are our cherished possessions.
Circa 1930 Craftsman Bungalow
Our homes are dwellings that likely existed long before us and may exist long after us as well. They are not “ours.” They are merely sharing time and space with us, providing pleasure and functionality. All things are connected. And all things change. Just as we have to let go and say goodbye to loved ones, there is a right time let go of our castles as well.
Original Firebox
There are few things that will truly endure the decades of time in a home through generations of tweaks, renditions of room usage and the traumas of climate. One material that manages to stay put is usually the brick and mortar whether is in the foundation, the exterior or in a masonry fireplace.
One favorite project we had an opportunity to work on was to preserve and protect the history of the home while evolving the interior of the space, and adding square footage. Whenever one can embrace structures to maintain and respect the heritage, we pass along understanding of the past to future generations.
There are pros and cons to owning a home that has historic connections whether sentimental or through local rules and guidelines. The key design focus was to marry old and new with charm and character. One of our favorite features was to take the original windows from the home and use these as a focal “art wall” feature into the Mud Room. The original claw-foot tub was re-cast and re-used. And of course, original fireplace is still a functional fireplace.
Final Thoughts
To blend some of old and new in a structure, is a movement in moving forward and also never letting go of the traditions that got us to where we are. Perhaps, this is important part of the journey in enjoy the fullness of a home and all that it has to offer. Then to pass it along to yet another person, family and generation. May you enjoy all your periods of embracing and passing along your home.
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