Blog

<p>This project was a special one for me and my family. Our kitchen had recently been renovated and we needed a solution for the empty space in the far corner of the room. We decided to build a custom reclaimed wood slab shelf to use as a dry bar with a repurposed french cleat-style open shelving system above:</p><figure id="figure-x40n4s50nm7l6hr69"><img id="x40n4s50nm7l6hr69" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23tcBISR5G6ByocU8e5v85JjpqSpUS3ovp3xGT613yiCJCd6ptZVQBEXAr76oOcG.jpg" alt="reclaimed wood kitchen" title="reclaimed wood kitchen" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 50%;" data-corners="large" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23tcBISR5G6ByocU8e5v85JjpqSpUS3ovp3xGT613yiCJCd6ptZVQBEXAr76oOcG.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 50%;"></figure><p>The 4" thick wood slab was sourced from an antique shop in Philadelphia and the base was created with 2" galvanized pipe, floor flanges, and hidden wall attachments.&nbsp; There are many different ways to finish and mount large, heavy wooden shelves, but this method added a beautiful, rustic touch to the space.</p><figure id="figure-dmq4q14rchm7mcamlv" class=""><img id="dmq4q14rchm7mcamlv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eYJkVA3fxkGygnnJxQdK2dGWaWHb2y1iejFZWuZOfeBaTejZ3FfLSrGOoh3Vufc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;" data-corners="large" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eYJkVA3fxkGygnnJxQdK2dGWaWHb2y1iejFZWuZOfeBaTejZ3FfLSrGOoh3Vufc.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;"></figure><p>The open shelving system originally resided in my aunt and uncle-in-law's house and was considered a beloved architectural feature for the family.&nbsp; Upon their move back to the Midwest, we gratefully claimed the shelves and cut them down to fit our opening exactly. The construction of this system is unlike anything I had seen - a single french cleat header held the entire system in place while the solid oak boards were held in place with nothing but grooves cut into them and mated tightly together with a set of notched rails.</p><figure id="figure-idoor0dbhm7mcrlie" class=""><img id="idoor0dbhm7mcrlie" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19ewA1LvpyzrcH9af6bYl3QbQyMfTq8biqbRLh0sc2dopt4Hqbl43C3WVwPYmC54.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19ewA1LvpyzrcH9af6bYl3QbQyMfTq8biqbRLh0sc2dopt4Hqbl43C3WVwPYmC54.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 30%;"></figure><p>Needless to say, I'll be utilizing this construction method as much as possible in my future designs!</p><figure id="figure-kyxkg5zxhm7mdc8s0" class=""><img id="kyxkg5zxhm7mdc8s0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12kFitwrbbZ6XrRAv2a6DWaEPb3xxAOhJxstre1IDe6fxdsp48K00vaX8zJPbvip.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12kFitwrbbZ6XrRAv2a6DWaEPb3xxAOhJxstre1IDe6fxdsp48K00vaX8zJPbvip.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure><figure id="figure-wgs6vne4jcm7mdcmsj"><img id="wgs6vne4jcm7mdcmsj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25tZRLmUpwyjzjzQboLNL5reDg4DOzVNO2vgqPDdhczAOrxfElim42sI0SKMORC2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="45%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p><br></p>

Custom-Built Minimalist Open Shelving and Reclaimed Wood Slab - Made to Fit

<p>Embarking on a bathroom renovation in a historic rowhome is not only about updating a space but also about preserving the character and charm of a bygone era. Our part-time, month(s)-long journey to transform a dated bathroom into a luxurious retreat was filled with challenges, surprises, and ultimately, great success.</p><h2>Understanding the Challenges of a Historic Rowhome</h2><p>Renovating a bathroom in a historic rowhome is not your average home improvement project. The age of the building often poses unique challenges such as outdated plumbing, uneven floors, and structural quirks. Before starting, it's crucial to conduct a detailed inspection to identify potential obstacles.</p><p>One major hurdle was maintaining the historic integrity of the property while incorporating modern functionality. This required careful planning to ensure that our renovation would enhance rather than detract from the home's original charm.</p><h3>Planning and Design: Marrying Old with New</h3><p>The design phase was all about finding that perfect balance between old-world charm and contemporary style. We chose simple fixtures and trim styles that echoed the original design elements of the home, such as vintage-inspired subway tiles and an unearthed brick chimney, but with a modern twist for efficiency and comfort.</p><p>We opted for bright and airy, yet subtle tones that highlighted the natural light streaming through the new large frosted glass window, while also complementing the intricate woodwork found throughout the home.</p><h2>Overcoming Unexpected Challenges</h2><p>No renovation is without its surprises, and our project was no exception. During demolition, we discovered outdated wiring and plumbing that needed immediate attention. These unforeseen issues required quick thinking and adjustments to our timeline.</p><figure id="figure-0v5oan699am6tndbn6" class=""><img id="0v5oan699am6tndbn6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28uVLNzYM4vb7cC7UyLY6dZ7RJGA8eoiFcPqLqkHLr9HcbfScJUdELxbTKjOa7Yv.jpg" alt="plumbing renovation" title="plumbing renovation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28uVLNzYM4vb7cC7UyLY6dZ7RJGA8eoiFcPqLqkHLr9HcbfScJUdELxbTKjOa7Yv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><figure id="figure-agex1u0d8m6tpbhc5"><img id="agex1u0d8m6tpbhc5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4cEpzYb9ro5yhsujwDxj1KS1a5ceyQgEWCfXVkg2RAHTtqmu8aYtRGyi76q3xooQ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4cEpzYb9ro5yhsujwDxj1KS1a5ceyQgEWCfXVkg2RAHTtqmu8aYtRGyi76q3xooQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Despite these setbacks, our team managed to stay on track by prioritizing tasks and maintaining clear communication. Flexibility and creative problem-solving were essential in overcoming these obstacles while still adhering to our vision.</p><p>Not all discoveries on this project were negative, however! We unearthed and were able to restore an original brick chimney which ran through the middle of the space.&nbsp; We also uncovered an old doorway leading to an adjacent bedroom, which we were able to utilize for additional niche space in the new tub surround.&nbsp; Blending these discoveries with the new design really transformed the space into something special.</p><h3>Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail</h3><p>Quality craftsmanship was at the heart of this renovation. It took serious skill and meticulous planning to ensure the seamless integration of original details with the new functionality. Attention to detail was paramount, as every element needed to reflect both the history and the future of the space.</p><p>The result was a harmonious blend of past and present, where each detail told a story and contributed to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bathroom.</p><figure id="figure-lv8z95b8sgm6tndgdh"><img id="lv8z95b8sgm6tndgdh" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eRcBsuQWsUv79D3rpqWgr5vJvROhaVa5btMq4Cq9pOZlcTcgkNkjXSu0YHwfKSB.jpg" alt="bathroom renovation" title="bathroom renovation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eRcBsuQWsUv79D3rpqWgr5vJvROhaVa5btMq4Cq9pOZlcTcgkNkjXSu0YHwfKSB.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure><h2>The Final Reveal: A Bathroom Reimagined &amp; Revitalized</h2><p>After weeks of hard work, patience, and dedication, the transformed bathroom was finally ready to be unveiled. The space now boasts modern amenities like like updated plumbing, electrical, and exhaust systems, all while retaining the timeless characteristics of historic homes.</p><figure id="figure-hgzbpl8z87m6tpi6t5"><img id="hgzbpl8z87m6tpi6t5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1babUwnwfMMWByittCcVmEIStFOINXAIT9YmPoavzf1ciE0P8mXkrDVtuK2ZmUCj.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1babUwnwfMMWByittCcVmEIStFOINXAIT9YmPoavzf1ciE0P8mXkrDVtuK2ZmUCj.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>The satisfaction of seeing our vision come to life was immeasurable. The new bathroom not only serves as a functional space but also as a testament to the beauty and resilience of historic architecture.</p><ul><li>Preserving historic features</li><li>Incorporating sustainable materials</li><li>Enhancing functionality with modern technology</li></ul><p>This renovation journey has been both challenging and rewarding. It stands as a reminder that with careful planning, attention to detail, and respect for history, it is possible to breathe new life into even the most storied of spaces.</p>

Transforming a Historic Rowhome: A Bathroom Renovation Journey

Pacella Custom Craftsmanship LLC

I am a carpenter specializing in residential home remodeling, from small projects like drywall and wall framing, trim, baseboards, and crown moulding, medium-sized projects like built-in shelves, custom closets, and garage organization, up to large projects like outdoor living spaces, fencing, decks, accent walls, full bathroom, kitchen, and other room remodels.

Blog

Custom-Built Minimalist Open Shelving and Reclaimed Wood ...

Transforming a Historic Rowhome: A Bathroom Renovation Jo...