Wednesday 9 July 2014

Designer Interiors.


                                      
                               
I have no particular desire to live in a house such as the above; not that I dislike it.

My problem is that if I did desire something similar, who the hell would I get to build it?

We live in an area where 'tradition' is all-important, and any divergence from the norm is greeted with a wringing of hands, shaking of heads, and sharp intakes of breath.

At our current project of converting an old Tobacco Drying Barn into a comfortable home, we want to install a simple, not too expensive, yet spectacular, staircase. We've considered numerous designs, drawn dozens of plans, and in every case come to a dead-end when thinking of who we could get to do the job.

The staircase will become a focal point of the very large downstairs open space, and will need to be an important feature (think Tara-ish). Inevitably I end up trying to design a hi-tech, easy-build, drop-down-gorgeous job, that I could build myself. But even then I find myself hunting for materials that simply do not seem to exist in this area.

I WILL eventually find a solution (I think I'm getting closer), and I WILL eventually find a craftsman to assist me (I think I may have someone in mind)..... but for the moment the search is still very much on!



21 comments:

  1. I understand your problem. Just trying to source wooden planks that are different to the norm caused me months of headaches. I could find them without a problem in the UK but here, NON.

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    1. I'm 'almost' ashamed to say that the guy I have in mind for my staircase is ENGLISH. He seems to be the only chippy around with an open mind.

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  2. I am sure you will be able to do better than the above picture which I find quite ugly to be honest.

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  3. I am sure it will be fantastic when completed.

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  4. Sounds interesting! I hope we can have a guided tour when it is all finished? How is Monty today?

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    1. I think he may be a little better; probably due to his painkillers.

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  5. Grand designs are ugly cold and built to impress and so that the owners can boast about how much money was spent on the atrocities. Architects are not artists and never will be. Bad architecture is the only crime that should receive capital punishment. One of the reasons I visit you is because I like your unpretentious house and its enormous appeal. I hope you are not going to do anything too tricky to that barn in an attempt to become uber French trendy:)

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    1. This is certainly NOT a 'Grand Designs' type project. Everything is studied to be as practical, attractive, and simple as possible. In the specific case of the staircase it HAS to be quite a powerful 'statement', because the room is so large. If it was just a puny little standard stairs it would look ridiculous.

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  6. I've always like the idea of spiral stairs done in industrial steel with grate like steps. You could just install a firemans pole lol.

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  7. How about this, the kids would love it!
    http://longroadhome.inthekoots.com/2012/03/03/shelter-to-yurt-or-not-to-yurt/

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    1. Funnily enough, I was going to use that picture instead of the above!!! Brilliant; I wonder why no-one thought about it before.

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  8. When I put my stairs in recently the best stair men had long waiting lists, like v long and v expensive.

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  9. I think this is the fellow you are looking for:
    http://infallible-catholic.blogspot.com/2012/03/miraculous-staircase-of-saint-joseph.html
    Might be a bit difficult to get a hold of him today though.

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    1. Possibly a little ornate for us, but very nice. I liked it best without the hand rails.

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    2. Agreed. About 14 years ago we visited the chapel when we were in Taos. The photos do not do it justice. As a carpenter with some experience in staircase building it is truly an object of wonder.

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  10. Saw a home (on TV) where they used a HUGE tree trunk for a staircase. took many saws and lots of time but oh was it pretty. Can't wait to see pics of this Tobacco Barn revision.

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    1. Every time I suggest such things, I am vigorously reminded that Bunny is only a few months old. But wouldn't that be great.

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  11. More exciting projects, remember lots of photos.

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  12. I've seen that staircase in Taos as well. It is truly amazing, but i wouldn't want to have to carry furniture up or down that staircase!

    I'm sure the right thing will pop out at you when it's ready.

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