Custom Built in Cabinetry Idea: Daybed and Library in One!

reading nook in historic home

We ran across this photo from Country Living magazine and love the daybed and library in one!

 

If you are thinking of creative ways to add charm and functionality to your antique home or to an existing room in your house or to a room you plan for an upcoming addition, let the custom cabinet experts at Tiefenthaler build something special for you at our local woodshop in Norwalk, CT .

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Historic Restoration of West Norwalk Home

At Tiefenthaler Construction, we are proud to have recently completed the historic restoration and expansion of a sweet, 1898 home which was saved from demolition in West Norwalk, CT!

The project began by expanding a long and narrow living room, bumping out one side to fit new built in’s and a fireplace with a custom antique chestnut mantle. We continued onto the kitchen where we discovered an old fireplace behind the 30″ stove, so we restored that and upgraded to a commercial gas range, new cabinetry facings on the current cabinets and custom made beautiful wooden countertops in the kitcheHistoric West Norwalk Restorationn. Upstairs, we gutted two of the small bedrooms, making a master en suite with beautiful raised paneling and built in’s with french wire door fronts. On the backside, we took off an old sun porch and created a gorgeous family room with coffer ceilings, two sets of french doors onto a new blue stone terrace, a large stone fireplace and a mudroom with custom cabinetry and moldings throughout.

We love saving antique homes, so if this is your passion, give Tiefenthaler a call for a complimentary walk through and discussion on your Fairfield County historic home restoration project!

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Keep Your Historic Home in Great Shape With These Maintenance Tips

Owners of historic homes have the honor of enjoying gorgeous building quality, as well as the pride and traditions of craftsmen of the past.

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

These homeowners however also face special challenges when it comes to proper maintenance. The upkeep required for modern structures is very different than older construction. Our preservation experts at Tiefenthaler have a few pointers for the owners of classic buildings:

  • Homes with wood siding require regular cleaning to remove debris and mildew to prevent rotting and other damage. If the wood is painted, adding another coat every two years or so will protect it from the elements. For stained wood, apply a layer of outdoor polyurethane annually and re-stain when the color begins to fade.

  • To properly maintain exterior brick, stone and masonry, it’s essential to frequently check for leaks around the roof, windows, doors and chimney. The mortar can weaken if water seeps in, which can result in the bricks and stones becoming loose and falling off. The damaged masonry will need to be removed and replaced with the proper mortar mixture, a project you may want to leave to a professional.

  • The windows in historic homes also need proper care to ensure they stay functional. The frames should be cleaned regularly, removing and performing paint touch ups on any flaking or damaged paint. This debris is what usually causes windows to stick. Also, keep the hardware lubricated by applying an oil solution to hinges, latches and cranks.

In addition to our preservation expertise on historic homes, Tiefenthaler Construction also specializes in new construction, renovations and large scale building additions. We maintain a talented staff of contractors, carpenter and custom millworkers to help you build your dream home. Please contact our office with questions on our handiwork or to set up a consultation with an expert.

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Architect Profile: Patricia M. Miller

At Tiefenthaler Construction, we pride ourselves on employing the best and brightest construction project managers, carpenters, and estimators in the Fairfield County area.

Source: Patricia M. Miller Residential Design LLC via Houzz.com

Source: Patricia M. Miller Residential Design LLC via Houzz.com

However, the close relationships that we maintain with the most talented Connecticut architects and interior designers are equally important to our success. One of our best relationships is with Patricia M. Miller, a nationally-recognized professional who specializes in unique creations exclusively designed for the discerning homeowner.

Ms. Miller is an essential part of the renovation process from the very beginning, consulting with them over several sessions to make their visions a reality. From a few sketches, she’s able to transform these dreams into a blueprint that encompasses everything on the homeowners’ wish list. She takes into account the intended use of a room, as well as a client’s preferred styles and existing infrastructure.

When it comes to working with state and local regulatory bodies in charge of building, Ms. Miller has established a protocol for handling zoning and environmental clearance. She works closely with Fairfield County builders, carpenters, craftsmen and other designers to ensure the right fit for a particular project. Once a contractor is agreed to with you, she is in constant communication with project managers on a regular basis.

From contemporary to colonial to Victorian, Ms. Miller’s expertise encompasses all building styles and the latest trends in quality materials. Your home renovation project should be something distinctive and unique; therefore, she relies on years of experience and feedback from numerous clients to deliver a one of a kind transformation to you.

If you’d like to know more about Ms. Miller or any of the other Connecticut architects with whom we collaborate, please contact our office. We’re happy to answer your questions, provide references, or arrange a tour of one of our many exceptional projects.

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