Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Progress.

The New Doll House.  All freshly pained. Raspberry Swirl Pink and Hunter Green.

This is how the doll house looked when I got it. A really bad paint job and color.


   I promise I will not do every new blog in 2012 about my new doll house project.  If you really knew me, you would know that I tend to get carried away when working on a project. I guess it is the Leo in me, as I have always been this way. When I start a new project, I am so driven that nothing else seems to matter. I am so glad I jumped in and bought this little jewel. It was  a very hard decision, as I knew it meant lots of work, devotion and cash. Yes, my friend Blossom was so right when she said, " a doll house is like a real house, it never stops." I think she was on to something there. I have promised myself I will try and hold it down, who knows what will really happen.
   The doll house is in the style of a 1850-1870- Second Empire structure. This type of architecture became popular in America a little latter than it did in France. During the reign of Napoleon III , this was the choice style in France.  Soon to follow was American , architects  began to design homes in this popular style. Things that make this style are: tall mansard roofs, they were designed to create a sense of height.Other features were: dormers, wide eves with elaborate cornices and brackets. Balconies, bay windows, slate roofs,cupolas, classical pediments, tall windows,arched windows,double front doors and small entrance  porches.
   Is it Second Empire or Italianate? This is a question that is often asked of this style home. Both styles tend to be square in shape. Both have decorative brackets and single story front porches. Italianate does not have the mansard roof. This roof is the one major difference in the Second Empire and the Italianate styles. Sometimes the Second Empire home is a combination of Italianate, Second Empire and Gothic styles. My doll house has a Gothic styled stair  case.
  Doing the doll house is not unlike doing a real house. Decisions have to be made as to colors and patterns. In doing some research I found that pink was a favorite color for Second Empire Homes in the late 1800's. It seems paint was a fairly new thing, especially colors, so people who could afford it, wanted to show off, and bright colors were often used. This was not a hard decision as I have always wanted a pink house. The big decision was the choice of pink. I wanted something strong, yet not over powering. This rich shade is what I ended up with. It's name is  Raspberry Swirl. The wooded roof shingles did not appeal to me, as the usual material used for roofs on the second Empire House was slate. I thought that if it was painted it would look more like slate. I chose a Hunter green as the roof color.
  I spent hours doing research on the computer and I found this wonderful site. www.dollhousecollectables.com. They have all periods of reproduction wallpaper and carpets.  I am starting with a room I am dubbing the, Dining Room.The paper and carpet I picked are both perfect for this style of house. I have chosen to do the wall to wall carpet on the entire first floor and on all three halls. Wall to wall carpet was very much in vogue in this period. It was woven in 30 inch strips, sewn together  and stretched wall to wall. Hard wood floors are a 20th century invention.Mostly soft pine sub floors were used in construction  of homes of this period. The carpet I  chose is named, "Empire". It is a very bright red and gold, large pattern wall to wall.

The dining room progress. Ceiling edges caulked and painted.New woodwork for windows made and painted.The area about the bay window had no ceiling, so I made one.


I can just see this in Napoleons drawing room. The wallpaper is also a bright red and gold. Both the wallpaper and the carpet are a perfect one inch to one foot scale, making them perfect for my project.
   After painting, caulking, replacing wood work, I am ready to install the carpet and wallpaper as soon as it arrives. I wish it was here right now. I have taken the time to make a pattern out of white computer paper for the floor and back wall. This will save me from making a mistake when cutting expensive period reproduction wallpaper and carpet. When they arrive I can trace the patterns, fit them, and then glue them in place.
   I am sending in this blog, pictures of my progress with the exterior painting. Also the readied dining room. Since I do not have the carpet and paper, I am sending photo's from the web site.
   I hope you enjoy this post about the progress of my Victorian Second Empire Styles doll house. Come by anytime for a real tour. I will leave the lights on and Sissy Dog will always meet you with a jump and a kiss.

This is the new wall to wall carpeting.


The new Dining Room Wallpaper with Boarder


Patterns for dining room floor and wall.


I have the front and one side painted on the outside. This end still ends several coats. You can see the difference a little paint makes.

49 comments:

we three dogs and me said...

What a transformation. Love it. Can't
wait to see it completed.I know it will be fantastic.

Stacy Leigh said...

Wow!! Amazing! It's beautiful!!

Sweet Old Vintage said...

What a great project... I can tell you are enjoying every moment....

Barbara F. said...

The transformation is really amazing. If anyone can do this up right, I think it is you. (and you're a Leo, huh? Me too! ;) xo )

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Wow - You are working fast! Looking good!!

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

Looking great! Love the carpet and wallpaper selections!

Unknown said...

So Cute! Can't wait to see it finished! Cindy

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Oh, I love it! I have always loved dollhouses even though I've never been fortunate enough to own one. Can't wait to see the rest of the transformation. What a wonderful project! Happy New Year!

Stacy Leigh said...

Makes me want to do the Alice in Wonderland thing and 'eat this' so I can shrink right down and wander through. It is looking so good...transformed already from the way you found it! Love the colors, too. (by Marcia, but accidentally on daughter Stacy Leigh's page.)

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

She is beginning to look like a real "painted lady" Richard!

Have you seen any Eagles? We are wanting to go Eagle watching, probably over at Winfield. The weather is so mild this winter we are wondering if there will be many to see. One year we counted 85 while waiting for the Winfield Ferry on the Missouri side.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Hi Richard, Just found and followed you. I love you dollhouse transformation and I am looking forward to seeing it finished.
Laura
http://imsovintage.blogspot.com/

Bohemian said...

The Mom of one of my BFF's used to make Victorian Dollhouses {and Collectible Porcelain Dolls} by hand, they were magnificent and truly a labor of Love! She got a lot of Joy out of the creative process and I am sure you are going to have many hours of delight with your Dollhouse Project, look foward to seeing updates as the year progresses.

Dawn... The Bohemian

Sea Witch said...

Richard, I love ya, but that pink exterior looks like a bottle of Pepto Bismol fell on it. Too pink for me. LOL I guess I like my painted ladies to not look so tarted up. Do love what you are doing in the interiors and can't wait to see each room evolve. Wishing you a terrific 2012.

Olive said...

Very well done Richard. I like your determination. I sure wish you were here helping me with wallpaper.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Richard,
I love your color scheme! Nice job!

♥charlotte

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Richard! Oh, I love the color you've chosen for your doll house! It looks beautiful! Now did you start without your contractor? :)
If I lived close to you, I'd give you some lemons! I'd eat that pie too! ;)
Be a sweetie and hug little Sissy dog for me,
Shelia ;)

Snap said...

What fun!

Curtains in My Tree said...

It will definitely be a show house when you are through with it.
I know it will be fabulous just like your house

I love all these before and after pictures you will be doing

thanks for you sweet comments about me and my debut on Antique Road Show last night

I hope to drive over and see the new house in person

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

She is now a gorgeous painted lady!
Anxious to watch the transformation

A Few Pennies said...

Adorable! Makes you want to move right in--and the fun coming up with "little" ideas to fill it up! Look forward to future posting of this treasure.

Love Of Quilts said...

My but the outside does look better already. Blessing Trish

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh Richard it's perfect! A few of your pictures looked like actual real rooms. Great job on the photography!

Southern Lady said...

What a delightful way to begin the new year, Richard! I know your "old historic dollhouse" is going to be just as beautiful as your real old historic house ... and I'm looking forward to following your story of its restoration.

Best wishes to you for a new year of good health, peace, and happiness in everything you do.

Tete said...

Oh, is that a lot of work! Love what you have done so far. We all need something that stirs our passion into creativity. Love the colors you chose for the outside.
Love your shop and your feather trees, but I so love that rooster with santa on its back! Now that's flippin' cute. ;)
Hugs- Tete

Pearl said...

Lookin good kid, I can't wait to see it all.

Gary said...

Richard,

“Awesome” When you first posted on the acquisition of your “New Home” showing how much restoration was needed I knew we would be seeing excellent workmanship and this posting proved me correct. I am in awe of the detail painting you are doing. – gary

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I am loving it so far. I am so jealous, I would love a project like this to occupy myself until spring.

lvroftiques said...

It's looking gorgeous Richard! Lovin' the pink and green! Can't wait to see more! I met a lady today who'd created one of the most beautiful victorian doll houses I'd ever seen! I gave her the name of your blog and told her you were transforming a doll house too, and to come visit *winks* Hers took her 4+ yrs to finish, and was soooo finely detailed.
BTW I'm a leo too so I know how that project thang can be *winks* Vanna

Entertaining Women said...

I've been thinking about taking out my daughter's doll house from when she was a little girl and bringing it up to date. I think that you've inspired me. I've always kept the gorgeous doll house furniture in boxes here in our home, so that they would be climate controlled. The porcelain doll mother and father are Rhett and Scarlett Butler. Thanks for energizing me to tackle this wonderful project, and for a peak at your lovely jewel. Happy New Year! Cherry Kay

Dreamgoddess said...

Oh my gosh, Richard this is fabulous and what wonderful progress you've made! The pink color you chose is simply lucious! I love it and can't wait to see what's next, even if every post is about your new home. LOL!

Anonymous said...

It is quite impressive what a difference the new paint makes. I love the colours you have chosen. I can't wait to follow the rest of the transformation.

Donna at the Scarlet Petticoat said...

dear richard, i just became a follower. i can't wait to see how the house develops into a showplace!! lately, the idea of doing a doll house keeps popping into my head...i'll keep an eye on you for inspiration!!
donna

xinex said...

The dollhouse is looking really pretty, Richard. I like the color. I can imagine how you have to squeeze your hand to paint the inside...Christine

Sissysmom said...

Wow..you are off to a great start! I love the color choices. Can't wait to see more!!

Michele

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Richard!
You are amazing!
This is fantastic and I am just beside myself waiting to see what you will do with her. She is a beauty!

Keep us posted often, ok?
xoxox
Alison

Elizabeth said...

Love, Love, Love this house ! Enjoyed reading about the history of this style house, I have always been drawn to them.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love your beautiful house! That's a project I know I would enjoy! Happy new year! ♥

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Richard,
A true Painted Lady!!!
She is looking marvelous!!
Hugs,
Deb

Lella Loves... said...

I love doll's houses. Yours is fabulous. I have one just for storing perfume. Thanks for sharing your project. Lella xx

Unknown said...

Amazing-can't wait to see the end result! I'm your newest followe-stop by for a visit!

Anyes K. Busby - Studio Vignette Fine Art said...

Hello Richard,
Your new project is so fun and you can be sure I will be following your progress. You never cease to amaze me.
Anyes
XX

The French Hutch said...

Oh Richard, my jaw dropped at the work you have in the gorgeous dollhouse. Stunning comes to mind. I know it was a labor of love. Great project….Happy Pink!
Best to you in the New Year….

~Emily
The French Hutch

Kittie Howard said...

Wow! The dollhouse is gorgeous. You did an amazing amount of research and work. The transformation is incredible. I'm following you now. Don't want to miss your great work.

Olivia said...

I love dollhouses! Can't wait to see more.
Hugs,
Olivia

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Richard, What a fun project! I love the new exterior colors. I know the doll house will be beautiful after you add your special touch to it. Thanks for linking to my party this week.
xo,
Sherry

Luv2Shop said...

I have always had a passion for doll houses and can't wait to see your transformation. One of my first purchases when I became a grandmother was a dollhouse. I am currently working on furnishing it.

Luv2Shop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hels said...

I agree about the mansard roof; it makes all the difference to the style name that we attach to the architecture. But the pink was a surpise. I wonder why residents made pink a favorite colour for Second Empire Homes in the late 1800s. Showing off, of course, but didn't the husbands object?

Matthew said...

Great transformation! Thanks for detailing it out how you work this small project.


Matt
Casement Windows Toronto