The Final Look for the Front

That’s right, everything is picked out now!

A few weeks ago when I was getting neurotic deciding whether or not the windows should have muntins like I originally planned, or not like the house was originally, Tito looked confused about why this even mattered because he didn’t think it would look that different. Blog readers overwhelmingly voted no muntins for historical accuracy, a simple look that suits the house, and less vertical emphasis on an already narrow house. The muntins also cost a few hundred extra (total, not per window). I came around to Team No Muntins and had them taken off the quote. Meanwhile, my mom was firmly on Team Muntins.

Tito, on the other hand, did not understand why I was so bent out of shape over this question anyway since he thought that the muntins didn’t make enough difference to matter. Well, that’s what he said one night. But the next day he was in very Victorian West Philly and told me that he saw a lot of 1 over 1 and 2 over 2 windows from the bus and that he really liked the 2 over 2’s and was glad we were getting them.

I had the muntins put back in the order. And… Christmas came early! I could only fit the upstairs windows in my car (the downstairs ones are bigger) but I had to go get those 2 right away.

Then there was the question of paint colors. The very dark green and tan combination was love at first sight.

But for the door, we weren’t sure. Charetreuse? Gold? Gentrification lime? Then my mom called and suggested a lighter frosty green, and she was really excited about how cool and soothing it was after she saw it on some expensive house in Center City. We looked from there, moved back into the land of brighter colors, and landed on Jadeite. I think it strikes a good balance. (This is just one coat.)

Sidenote: my first try with putty glazing is also the most visible spot possible. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty good! I got laminated glass because my parents were worried about me having a big glass panel on my front door in the city.

Then, I got a glimpse of original door jambs on houses that look like mine after all! There are 3 that I could see that were behind storm doors but still visible. And it looks like while the brick mold on my house is much simpler, the original transom bar would have been fluted someting like this one. The door jambs themselves were also fluted the same way.

A historic preservation carpenter friend of mine came to look at this job. This was really refreshing because (1) he let me finish my sentences and actually listened to me when we talked about the job, (2) he was methodical about measuring the inner vestibule door and the salvaged door I’ll be using and looking to get a cohesive look between the 2 doors, and (3) he is rigorous about historical precedent.

I told him that I really like the early 20th Century replacement jambs and he made a face. But I do want to stick with the Victorian look, especially with the door and windows I’m using. We walked around and got glimpses of transoms behind storm doors in the dark, but he doesn’t want to just work off of what I think was here; he wants me to make friends with the 3 people who have original jambs and invite myself in to take pictures and measurements. So I handed these out.

And finally, door hardware. The door came with iron door knob roses, which I presumed were period correct to the house. And one of my keyhole escutcheons has this interesting shape so that’s the one I’ll use outside.

Now, it’s come to my attention that this might not be period correct after all. People put all their money into the front door and might have had something fancier. I’m still using what I have, but if we think I should switch it out later I’m up for that. I like fancy.