We’re moving forward with the library plans! We’ve put a deposit down, materials are being ordered, and hopefully the installation will begin in a few weeks. There will be cabinets with doors flanking either side of the window, and a window seat between with a piano hinge and dummy doors to match the others. Above each cabinet will be shelves to the ceiling, and everything will be stained to match the home’s existing oak trim. Here is our contractor’s drawing. This will be an investment in the house. Oak is not cheap, and skilled labor, even less so, and the project will come in at over $7000. (I’m including the cost here because it may be helpful information for those interested in doing something similar.) Rather than attempt to DIY this very big job in this very old house, we are having the shelves custom made by a carpenter who is familiar with the old houses of Oak Park. More importantly, he is familiar with our particular home! He is the person whom the previous owners worked with to replace the clapboard on the exterior, restore the front entryway, shore up and rebuild the front porch, and more. (This house […]