A Continuing Niche…60%!
Today, I finished restoring the oak trim on the third window! Whoee! I am now past the 50% mark of restoring the niche trim!
With the scary DARK old shellac gone, you can see how perfectly the wood complements the stained-glass…just as it would have in 1894.
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So wonderful! Cannot wait to see the radiator coordinate with the wonderful original faux finish.
Soon, Christopher, soon!
Ross, your radiators look to be identical to ours, and it is amazing how putting a shiny metallic paint on them really makes the details stand out. I painted ours all one shade of gold many years ago, and they are needing a fresh coat; my plan for next winter is to repaint them with a lighter or brighter gold on the details. Since I will be closely watching your method and results, please don’t f@^& it up. Thanks, Mike.
That is just stunning, Ross. I am impressed with your tenacity and steady progress. The change of color in the woodwork is phenomenal, and really does set off the richness in the windows. What a lovely surprise for you to discover this wondrous little beautiful jewel in your home. It’s like unwrapping gift after gift that has been hidden in plain sight for all these years, just waiting for YOU!
Scrumptious & sumptuous!
It’s looking soooo good! I remain gobsmacked at just how beautiful all the stained glass is. I would have trouble not staring at it all day and getting nothing else done. LOL
The results of your labors would be enough to spur me on. I know it’s hard work and time consuming. But MY GOSH the difference is simply stunning! Go Ross go!!
I adore this niche, it’s almost represents everything I love about Cross house. The beauty, the attention to detail even in little areas like this niche. The jewel like windows, the gorgeous carved wood. Man it’s tiny but it’s got it all. Well done Ross and cats.
I keep thinking of all the people who lived in the Cross House over the years (especially the apartment tenants) who never knew or never appreciated what a jewel the place really was, as layers of shellac and other “improvements” disguised the home’s true beauty. If they could see it now…
Stunning! I so look forward to your updates! I do have one question, will you be moving the radiator to do behind it? I know they were a nightmare to get up and running so if you are hesitant I can’t blame you.
It’s interesting how cozy this niche looks – it’s quite deceptive. At first glance, it appears to be just a little bump-out area. Then, one realizes there are 3 windows, 2 doors, a very substantial radiator – this is a well travelled, highly functional area! No wonder it has it’s own sly arch with unique detailing on the pillars & posts. This is meant to be the modern, second entrance – The Business Entrance – the busy portal to Grand Central!
🌻 Dangit Ross, you’re making me think out loud – and probably too much! But you are also inspiring me to tackle my own aspirations with a greater, more thoughtful tenacity. I humbly thank you. 💜
Carry on, Ross!
(there’s you’re teeshirt/coffee mug/bumper sticker) 😉
I’m almost 60 years old and I always thought that old houses all had dark wood finishes. Thanks for enlightening me. It looks great.
Ross,
Truly incredible are the wonders you are working on this fabulous old home. My parents bought a house similar in size and age in Great Falls, Montana when I was 16 and the journey of restoring it has been toilsome, but also incredibly rewarding. Through it, I’ve learned so much and I hope to continue the project they started. Watching your process has been such an inspiration for me— thank you for sharing!
Nice meeting you, Jerry!
Ross, that is GORGEOUS. It glows. One question since I can’t quite make it out: Was the north foyer floor tiled?
Yes, Celeste, the north vestibule has a tiled floor with encaustic tile inserts.