Painting Barns Red

This summer we will try to get some paint on the outbuildings and barns here which can no longer be ignored (along with a pile of old fencing parts etc.). Last summer was so rainy that the task seemed impossible, so this week we painted the cool down shed which had two new sides last year and is the first of three buildings to be painted red. I visited a large Benjamin Moore paint store near surrounding farms and asked for the most popular red barn paint colors which were "Barn Red" of course and "Country Redwood". The first is a very deep burgundy and the second more brick colored and close to what we have now which seems perfect. The trim is "White Dove" instead of traditional white and both are newer "Arborcoat" acrylic solid stains.

The small animal barn is next for repairs before painting. The end has two horse stalls with skylights.

Lighting The Greenhouse

It is wonderful to have a greenhouse added on to the kitchen side of this farmhouse where we now have track lighting installed high along the exterior house wall. With so many track light head options, it will be fun to find a flattering LED one which helps keep the floor free of plug-in lamps. Christian has also fixed the thermostat regulated vent fan to control moisture here.

I have planted white impatient plants in the window boxes outside since so many old trees keep this area shaded some.

Saving Kitchen Cabinets

These vintage solid wood bead board cabinets are worth stripping of paint to refinish with Fine Paints of Europe's bright white marine quality high gloss enamel; brushed and rolled on. Luckily the cabinets are updated to include new appliances etc., although two will be resized to accommodate a taller refrigerator and two more built above the cook top while hiding a new exterior venting duct. The process is tedious, but allows for the kitchen to still function while the ceiling is sound-proofed and sheetrocked as well. Taping off glass panels in some cabinet doors will save much clean up afterward.

Next, a new floor replaces 5" wide oak boards with similar 3/4" X 5" White Natural Ash whitewashed boards and 20 coats of matte finish guaranteed for 100 years. An alternate choice oak (bottom in image) is also lightened but not as hard a wood or finish with half the lifespan. This floor will extend into the dining room and solarium but is buffered by a mudroom, coatroom and greenhouse to contain dirt and shoes.

Classic Trellis Design

I found this classic trellis design in an old gardening book and scaled it up much larger to build on a two story exterior wall with a perennial garden in front. This year the "New Dawn" climbing rose has begun to bloom nicely on it. The trellis is all cedar stained with French ocher colored paint and points cut on the upper ends of  1 1/2" square notched parts; spaced  a foot apart. A friend asked to copy the design which is a true endorsement.

By notching the parts instead of stacking them, this trellis has a flush front and back which is more architectural looking to me. 

Recessed Cans In A Kitchen

This antique farmhouse has a 10' X 20' galley-like kitchen with a 7.5' ceiling height. The old plaster ceiling was removed for new LED recessed lighting and Rock Wool Safe 'N' Sound batting to be installed. Deciding the number of 4" recessed can lights of 660 lumens was based on the recommended per square footage (8) and one was added above the sink on a new light switch. Most cans were placed 30" from the back walls which light counters and the room well while having a dimming switch. Safe 'N' Sound batting will create a more quiet and fireproof kitchen for about $200.

Commercial Electric 24" LED Under Cabinet Bars with 850 lumens from Home Depot and will be direct wired above open counter spaces before insulating the ceiling. Also, wiring for track lighting in the connected greenhouse had to be installed now.