Search Results for: life

For years, a Queen Anne-style house in York, Pennsylvania sat empty, slowly falling into disrepair. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1887, but years of neglect left it a shadow of its former self. Recently, someone saw the hidden potential in the old house and undertook a massive restoration. The historical home has been returned to its former glory, and it’s quite impressive! 1. The Uninhabitable Home Before: trulia.com Above is an image of the home before it was restored by the current owners. As you can see in this image, the home looked like it was unsafe to enter. There is trash in the front and all of the porches look like they are rotted. The peeling paint and lack of windows make this home look like it needs to be torn down and tomorrow! Luckily, the homeowners saw the potential this beauty had and restored it to its original glory. 2. The Breathtaking After trulia.com What a breathtaking before and after! The home, built in 1887, looks like it was built within the last year and designed after an “older” home. New paint, windows, and overall restoration make you stop in your tracks when walking by it. No longer is it an eyesore or the embarrassment of the neighborhood. 3. A Warm, Welcoming Entryway trulia.com The entryway and grand staircase let you get a glimpse of the five different types of wood used on the floors. If you glance at the flooring in front of the steps, you can see there are many different patterns. The herringbone pattern, angled, and horizontal laid wood adds character and a regal look to this space. 4. Formal Sitting Room trulia.com Immediately to the left of the entryway is a formal sitting room. The arched doorway reminds one of the architecture of the 19th century. The rounded shape of the room and height is highlighted by stained glass windows. Even though there are curtains covering the windows, they bring in lots of light because of their massive size. 5. An Ornate Front Door trulia.com Looking back at the front door from the entry hallway, you can see the zig-zagged wood flooring. This is made up of different types of wood and makes a striking style statement. Oriental rugs are placed on the floor to protect the wood as well as warm up the home. There is stained glass around the front door for added character. 6. The Fireplace trulia.com Another less formal living space can be found directly behind the formal sitting room. The ceiling is painted with all different types of frames that lead to the chandelier that hangs in the center. A fireplace has both brick and wood surrounding it. The flooring room in this space is laid horizontally and look less ornamental. 7. A Space For Relaxing trulia.com From another angle, this less formal living space looks like the perfect place to write a letter to a friend or play a game of cards. An antique desk sits in the corner with an accordion cover. You can also see the radiator which provided heat to the room in the winter. A mix of sconces hanging on the wall and lamps brighten up the room. 8. A Designated Desk for Letter Writing trulia.com Along with a writing desk, a piano can be found in this space. Black and white family photographs are placed around the room – on the writing desk and on top of the piano. A green floral motif wallpaper is applied all the way around the room where the wall and ceiling meet. You can see the pocket doors peeking out from the walls, which close off this space from the rest of the home. These are original to the home. 9. Antique Piano in Living Space trulia.com Different sized rugs are laid on the floor and designate different seating zones. In this room, there is a round rug which anchors a roundtable, chair, and love seat. In years past, a space like this would be set up for friends and family to sit around and play games. Chess, checkers, and cards were popular pastimes in the Victorian era. 10. A Royal Formal Dining Room trulia.com There’s room for at least six guests to sit and enjoy a nice meal in this formal dining room. Large wooden doors are on each side and can be opened and closed to close off the room from the rest of the space. A salmon shade is painted onto the walls and fills the room with a warm energy. The rose adorned tablecloth picks up the wall color and waits for the homeowner’s best china. 11. Large, Updated Kitchen trulia.com Although practical, the kitchen in this restored home isn’t too basic! The wood floors end into the tile and there are modern-day appliances added. A white refrigerator and dishwasher take this home from the 19th century to today! As you can see, there is lots of room for added workspace. There is a small table and chairs to eat a quick meal or prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for a big group! 12. Intricate Details in the Dining Room trulia.com The gold-hued seat covers on the chairs pick up the gold shades in the wallpaper. A large antique mirror doubles the space by reflecting the table. Instead of the horizontal wood flooring, this formal space is designated as fancier with the zigzag wood pattern. A curio cabinet displays family treasures, like teapots and special serving plates. 13. Stained Glass in the Kitchen trulia.com Above the kitchen, the backdoor is a beautiful stained glass window. The window features a flower as well as leaf accents. Repeated again, you can see another stained glass window placed in the window beside the back door. Things like this add character to this home that is unlike any other. A vintage wood burning stove appears to still be in use! 14. Exposed Pipes in the Kitchen & Cookbook Storage trulia.com Exposed pipes was a popular thing in older homes. This is how the family could showcase their wealth. Having indoor piping was looked at as a luxury. The homeowners who remodeled this home kept the old pipes and they appear to still be in use. Cookbooks have found a perfect home on bookcases in this large kitchen. 15. Yet Another Fireplace trulia.com Nothing says “cozy” more than a wood burning fireplace. This space is used to relax in and catch up with friends. You can see the floor is a wonderful accent. There are pieces laid in a square and they get smaller as they go inward. Around them on the outside are the zzig-zagpattern, which gives the room a vintage feel. 16. A Relaxing Space for Guests trulia.com Red wainscoting add an additional color accent to this living space. If you look closer, you can also see that it has a texture. Again, the pipes are exposed and there is a fan mounted above to help cool the room in the summer. Instead of matching the throw pillows on the couch, the owner decided to add some contrast. 17. Floral Wallpaper in the Powder Room trulia.com This antique bathroom appears to have the original sink that came with the home. The porcelain sink is supported by steel leds. There are beautiful antique faucets that control the temperature of the water. Uniquely, the toilet is attached to plumbing that goes upwards. The homeowners have kept the tile original. There is a fun geometric design on the floor. This is balanced with a floral wallpaper. 18. Sage Green Guest Room with Twin Beds trulia.com One of the many bedrooms, this space looks like it was taken out of the 19th century. There is an antique water bowl perfect for washing your face before bed and when you awake. Two separate beds are designed for two children to share a room or two adults. It was normal for a husband and a wife to sleep in separate beds when this home was built. Although the wallpaper is very busy, the patterns are connected by their dark green shades. 19. Antique Furnishings Finish It Off trulia.com From another angle, you can see an ornate Tiffany lamp on an antique dresser. Instead of adding the detailed wallpaper all the way down to the floor, the designer has chosen to break it up with the red on the bottom. This choice keeps the room from feeling closed in. 20. A Space For the Inner Artist trulia.com An artist’s paradise! This space has everything to inspire someone who loves to explore art. The small draft table is set up to look out the window and take in the sights. To the left, there is a dresser that can be filled with canvases, paints, and brushes. It’s assumed that the artist who has enjoyed this space has painted the painting that sits above the dresser. There also appears to be a ceramic chamber pot beside the radiator. Chances are, this is just for looks. 21. A Romantic Bedroom Escape trulia.com This bedroom has a larger bed. It appears to be a full size or a queen. Instead of sage green wallpaper, this room has burgundy. In each corner of the ceiling, there is a painted triangular accent. A small sitting table is cornered by two chairs and it seems as if there is a painting of the home itself hung on the wall opposite of the bed. 22. A Four-Post Bed trulia.com Simple, yet elegant, this room is ideal for a husband and wife. The beauty of the dark wood bed blends perfectly with the ornate wallpaper and window dressings. One lone lamp illuminates the space and gives off a romantic glow. By placing the bed off to the right of the room, there is more walking space. 23. An Elegant Bathroom with a Unique Statue trulia.com This is a bathroom like no other! Your eye immediately is drawn to the statue of the woman. She looks blissful and serene. This energy is then transferred to the rest of the room. Extra dark stained wood floors contrast with the brighter wispy wallpaper. Another ceramic white sink is held up with steel legs. A gold hung mirror looks like a rare antique find. 24. Clawfoot Tub trulia.com A traditional clawfoot tub makes this bathroom true to its original design. There is plumbing that is vertical and gold. This makes the room feel extra decorative. The underside of the white clawfoot tub is painted a light green which ties into the wallpaper. Lastly, the radiator is perfect for placing towels on to heat up while bathing! 26. Jewel-Toned Guest Room trulia.com Brighter, jewel tones colors are used in this bedroom’s comforter. These don’t necessarily match the rest of the home, but a peacock accent hung above the bed hints at the use of the colors. Instead of overpowering the room with hanging art, one lone frame is placed off the side of the bed. The radiator is painted white to lighten up the room. 27. Purple Window Coverings Add Style trulia.com From this angle, you can see that this jewel-inspired room has a great view. Large windows are adorned with periwinkle curtains, which match the comforter. The bay window, which pops out, as its wall painted green to bring the whole space together. To invite the outdoors in, there is a green planter placed on the window seat. 28. 3rd Bathroom with Tiled Floor trulia.com This bathroom is completely different than the other. There isn’t a clawfoot tub and there are no gold accents. White tile is accented with an ivory wallpaper. A unique checkered floor reflects the home’s age. Nothing else competes the the texture except the lace on the curtains hung over the window, which lets in lots of light. 29. An Upstairs Home Office trulia.com Making the most of the beautiful architectural quirks, the homeowners finished the “peaks” of this Victorian beauty. An office is filled with light and has a cool “A” frame shape. The floors are painted white, which contrasts the rest of the home. Three different windows are outlined in brown, which draws the eye to them. 30. Hidden Upstairs Hobby Space trulia.com Similar to the room before, this space is dedicated to hobbies. You can see the owners enjoy playing guitar. There’s also a spinning wheel, which is probably added as an accent and not in use. The room makes the most of its dramatic peaks by being painted white. The eye travels up the lines. You can see piping runs along the center, which is unique. The floors are also painted white and then warmed up with rugs. 31. New Landscaping & Patio trulia.com Landscaping is one of the biggest ways this home has been brought back to life! You can see that a paver patio has been added along with concrete walkways. There’s room for plenty of guests to sit and put their feet up. The two-tiered porches have been restored and are used regularly. A storage shed has also been added on for yard tools. 32. Front Porch Restoration trulia.com All the different colors have been used to this house’s advantage. The owners highlighted it’s unique designs with color. Gingerbread cutouts have painted a mix of salmon, sage green, and a warm orange shade. The design on the porch spindles has been restored and added to. Wicker seating is ample and invited the bed and breakfast guests to sip tea and relax. 33. A Warm Welcome trulia.com As you walk up to the entryway, you’re greeted by a fun painted front door. The burnt red shade contrasts well with the orange, which outlines the panels. On either side of the door are stained glass windows. A special accent is added above the porch to designate the entrance to this mansion. 34. Lush Landscaping trulia.com Perennials and other planted beauties make this home stand out. Outlined by paver stones, this landscaping has matured and is little up-keep. Larger trees create privacy that is needed when you have guests over to enjoy the back patio and other outdoor spaces around the home. 35. A Vintage Sign On the Front of the Home trulia.com A vintage sign and a newer sign marry when mounted outside the front door. The newer sign states the year the home was built and designates it as a Queen Anne style home. The second sign is difficult to read but appears to be an antique sign that was either found in the home or was created during the time the home was built. Credits: marblebuzz.com