Photo Credit: MosbyBuildingArts.com
I've always loved the look of a transom window above a doorway.
Their ability to create the illusion of taller ceilings makes them so appealing. I also love the way they instantly create an easier, breezier vibe by allowing natural light to keep on, keepin' on.
Last night, while sitting on the couch, eating my supper, I had an idea.
Let's cut an opening above the door that leads from the living room to the hallway!
Kevin thought it sounded like a cool idea, so he literally walked away from his plate and immediately popped off the trim above the doorway so we could figure out the best way to start the project...
We could hardly fall asleep last night we were so excited about it!
Today after breakfast, he went to town on the wall above the doorway with our reciprocating saw...
The paneling came out very easily...
Next, he had to cut through the planks of wood on the other side of the wall...
No problem!
(It's hard to believe he didn't even know what a reciprocating saw was two years ago!)
Just look at all that sunshine pouring into the hallway now!
Next, he started to trim everything out, all nice and neat...
Here's what it looks like as of tonight...
Obviously we still need to caulk and paint, but I can already tell I'm going to love it- especially when the planks are painted in the hallway!
Tomorrow Kevin's agenda includes priming and painting the hallway, and finishing up the transom. The trim and ceiling will get painted white (which will help make that big vent disappear) and the walls will be an off-white color, like the ones in the Guest Bedroom. Since there's no windows in the hall, I want to keep it as fresh and light as possible color-wise. I also have plans for a large mirror, to reflect some of the light coming in from the Guest Bedroom.
Tip du jour: "Do one thing every day that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt
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91 comments:
Hi Layla (and Kevin),
That is very cool!!! I've always loved the look of transoms over doorways too, but our ceilings are the standard 8-footers like yours! I've always thought the ceilings needed to be higher in order to "clear" the header over the doorways. Must just be a West-Coast earthquake-code thing... Lucky you guys!!! Just cut, remove and trim. Nice!
On a seasonal note, I took a break from the house remodeling tonight and did a little makeover myself...http://patinamarie.blogspot.com/2009/09/cutest-little-witch-emily.htmlIt's officially FALL tomorrow. YEAH!!!! Let the Halloween cottage decorating begin! I already have the cobwebs in place...hee hee...darned spiders!
Lovin' your progress. Funny how a little a-ha moment can change EVERYTHING, huh?
Tina
Wow, I can't even get my husband to take out the trash.
Well, I have to say you guys don't mess around.....love the idea and am looking forward to seeing the project completely finished.
With my luck there would have been pipes or important wires or something back there...
Actually, with my luck, I would have had to call our contractor and waited a week before we could have done it. lol
Great job!
Okay, you guys are by far the bravest people I've met. Err..read about. I wish my husband and I were that fearless.
I wish I had a reciprocating saw, for that matter.
Bravo, show us some more!
I LOVE your blog but have never commented, but I have to now! That transom is too cool. And I LOVE that Kevin just got up right then and there and started- that is my feeling sometimes but I usually talk myself out of random destruction! But I think I will listen to my first thoughts from now on. NOw, if I could just hire you and Kevin for a month, even a week...we need your services.
Great idea!! It will look fabulous when finished!
One quick question I have been wanting to ask you..as you are pulling off the sheetrock in the rooms, does the wood "walls" that remain- are they the only layer between you and the exterior? If they are, isn't that killing you on heating and cooling?...just a curiosity question more than anything- it looks wonderful!!
Beautiful so far! I love how you have an idea and just get to it! It's going to look great! We were going to do transom windows above our hallway doors {many, many moons ago} but sadly, our ceilings were too short:( It really is a great way to bring light into a dark space!
You guys didn't waste any time! I love that! I cant wait to see the finished project, including the hallway.
damn, you're lucky to have such a husband! :)
It looks like it is gonna be such a lovely renovation. You are one lucky lady to have a handy man by your side:) Do share the finished look.
Ok. First, thanks for modeling bravery. Second, I visit your blog daily for inspiration, so thanks for blogging. Last, I'm totally stoked to begin removing a wall....just wish my hubby was on the same page. *sigh*
OMG, you must really miss him when he is on the road LOL...what a clever idea! Love it!
You guys are such a great team! I love how Mr. LC embraces home improvement with as much enthusiasm as you!!
What a great idea. It looks fabulous
Alison
Hi Guys,
You two are a match made in Heaven: free-thinking, frugal and fearless. (You know you loved that alliterative description of your fine selves!)
The transom was yet another stroke of genius. I'd have had at least one in our home, but the architecture wouldn't allow it. I shall live vicariously through your transom-dental transformation. (Are you old enough to catch that word play? Transcendental Meditation was a big 1970's/early 80's self-help technique. I'm feeling extra clever this morning.) ;)
Layla, thanks for stopping by my blog. When I saw my comments this morning, I literally said aloud, "Ooh, Layla stopped by!"
Layla, great idea for the transom over the door. I like the natural light coming in. I think Kevin is enjoying his talent and developing it even more. Christmas is coming so you can buy him some more tools! What is you next project? My husband has been working on my store and he really enjoys doing handy work too. Thank goodness he can do just about everything himself. sandi
Way to go Kevin !
I have been in love with the window above the door look forever. I totally admire your husband's gusto. C'mon what guy leaves his dinner to attack a home project? OK, all us gals now have a super big crush on your hubby! He! He! Can't wait to see how it gets finished.
That takes a brave person to just go cut a hole in the wall! LOL! I do love the look of transoms....but I can't picture them on any of my interior walls.
Love that tip!
Wow! Very cool! Now I am eyeing all of our doors. Hmm...think the ceilings aren't hight enough of the doors are too high.
And hey! Hey! I just forgot what I was going to say. Never mind.
I love transom windows and it will be a wonderful way to let light in the halls. Everything is going to look so fresh and breezy when you all are done.
Mr. L.C. is having too much fun. You are so lucky he indulges you with your ideas.
I love that he immediately starts on whatever project you happen to think might be a good idea. My hubby just looks at me, says "Hmmmm" and forgets about it. I guess after 17 yrs of my hairbrained ideas he's immune.
The project is looking great, btw.
wowza! you two are so brave and your hubby is awesome!! i love your courage and spontaniety! most men don't embrace change...love your house and blog! :O) erin
Love it! You guys are quite brave!
mmmmm
I did that in my house too - and on a whim as well.
I sure wish we were that brave...looking good...can't wait to see it when he is done! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Linda
I almost choked on my coffee when I read this post! I can just picture Mr. LC jumping up and going to work, dinner getting cold and you cheering him on! You guys are so full of ideas! My handyman (DH) is always asking me if my head hurts from all the ideas bouncing around in there. Your's really must.
hysterical-- I love how open your hubby is to trying out these projects without any convincing-- could he have a talk with mine and get him on the same page?? :-) Looks fabulous!
I am picturing a very very slightly frosted glass, with numbers, or a special saying on the glass... like an old hotel... would be awesome with that door you want for the bathroom...
Don't know why i am giving you advise, because i get inspiration from you, but i just seen it in my head and had to pass it on...
Looks amazing!!!
(note to self... buy saw)
I love it! Amazing! What a "whim" project. I wish I had the guts to do stuff like that. And like Kristen said "I can't even get my husband to take our the trash!" my point exactly! I don't know if I trust mine with a hammer and a nail :) Great job!
I love your get up and do it attitude! I need some more of that in my life.
Layla,
Looks incredible. I LOVE that look. You are so lucky (which I am sure you already know) to have a hubby who gets right into your decorating ideas as much as you do. Your place is looking awesome.
Like, seriously, I want to buy on older home just so I can play. I love that you are both so bold and so willing to follow thru with the charms of your home.
Would it be weird if I said your husband is my hero?!
hey that is SO COOL.......what a lucky girl you are to have a hubby who is eager to try your ideas.....looks fabulous!
Suzanne
I love transomes too. I can't wait to see yours finished. Hugs, Marty
Absolutely fantastic. And for what it's worth, the fact that you said "keep on keepin' on" just made me smile. :) Good stuff! (I say that too...and usually get a look from someone like "WHAT?" LOL!)
Awesome idea! I love the windows above doors or at celing height too..
{{Hugs}}
Cathy
Love it!! Is it possible to clone your husband? At least the get up and go part!
Your guy is a keeper. My husband would do the same for me, but it would take days to draw up plans, price out materials, shop for materials, etc.
Nice job Kevin!
you guys are so brave!! I love transoms! I love how you did it on a whim too!
SMiles!
Michelle
I love it that you use so much off white and white! Makes me feel less boring! THANKS!
LOVE that! Oh I wish our house wasn't so tiny with low ceilings! I'd be cutting holes over each door in my house! I love that look!
Rachelle
Well, now I'm thinking you need to give Kevin an alias, like "Pablo" or "Gesipe'", 'cause he's so good to you other women are going to be jealous! With the alias, you can call him your "contractor" or you "handy man", and no one will come along and try to steal him! LOL Looks great, btw. ;-)
It's going to look amazing when done - what a great idea. We've been looking at houses recently now the ones with the dark hallways might not scare me as much.
Just read the comments. Comment #2 proves my point!
I love it, it really looks amazing!
So cool! And the place where that picture is from is a company where I live - even cooler! They do amazing work - but I am even more impressed with the LC's because it's not your daily job to rip out walls and stuff. I'm inspired.
I LOVE IT!!!
Amazing how that lightens up the hallway! Great job, and what a nice husband. :)
That transom is HAWT! I'm really enjoying these updates. Can't wait to see it when its finished!
Just perfect. I love this look and he has done a great job that hubby of yours........
you guys are amazing - love your 'can do' go-for-it attitude! ;)
The transom idea is amazing and I've always loved them as well!! I just love you two with all your enthusiasm and you are just too cute!
OMG....I want Kevin to come stay with me for a week or two!!! Any chance? LOL great job!
Wow, you really lucked out in the husband department. I would have to really bribe my husband to get him to do that, but he would never be excited about it. I love how you are always finding ways to add light to your home.
I love that you are inspired to do something and you get right to it!!! I used to have ideas and think and think and think about them, but i wouldn't just jump right in and get it done. Since i've started reading your blog though, i am much more apt to act on my ideas. I'm currently in the middle of making changes in my laundry room.(starting small) Then i plan to take on my half bath and then hopefully the kitchen!!!
This is unbelievably cool! I can't believe you thought of it and just went for it so fast like that! Your husband is so awesome... What a fun team you two make:)
Holy moly-where can I find one of those handy-dandy husbands!? Mine is handy, but not so dandy when I ask him to anything as much as hang curtains in the house! I love the idea of hte "window" though!
Very, very nice!!!
aaahhhhhhhh!!! i LOVE it! what an awesome idea! (i am screaming this out loud!) i so want to do that one day! maybe my next house?!
Boy, when you two get an idea in your heads, you really run with it!
I think the transom is a fabulous idea. Can't wait to see the entire area finished & decorated.
or hey even "ceiling" height! LOL
{{Big Hugs}}
Cathy
maybe you could put a decorative piece of tin ceiling over the vent, sort of suspended a bit for circulation :) gio
It looks great! Too funny about your husband, I mention a maybe project and he walks away.
Love your blog, Layla. And I love how you two just boldly attack a project. It took me 15 years to talk my husband into painting the ugly living room. Seriously.
I Think getting up from dinner and ripping a hole in the wall would"totally scare me".
It would be absolutely thrilling too!
I would LOVE to try this but my farm house ceitings are just 7' tall and no space from doorway to ceiling.
I do have lots of pop corn ceilings though calling me to transform them some how.
Keep the ideas coming. Kevin is a genious.
Geri.
Layla & Kevin,
You guys totally amaze and inspire me! Thank you for sharing your life and all your hard work. I love watching this beautiful love between the two of you and the transformation of your cottage. It's a beautiful thing!
Take care,
Adrienne
That's going to look so great!! Can't wait to see it all finished! :)
LOVE transom windows. Your blog is so inspirational, Layla! I almost started demo on every doorway in my home! You are a great team - Way to go Mr. LC!! Woot-woot!!
That looks so good and was so brave of you and your hubby! My hubby would NEVER tackle that! I love how it turned out and I can't wait to see the painted hallway.
Are you kidding me? Who just gets up from their dinner plate, cuts a hole in their wall, and trims it out easy peasily??? WHO? It looks awesome!
Hey you two! You have just done what I have been begging my husband to do for 5 years. I have three doorways that I would love to add transoms too but have just let fear stand in the way. I am going to show Marc and maybe...just maybe he will get the hint that it is do~ able! Yall rock!
Holy Cow! Can your husband come over and rub off a little on mine! You are one lucky lady to have a fella as project oriented as you are! BTW, love, love, love the transom!
I absolutely adore this idea! It's looking fabulous!!
Amy
I love transom windows and when we re-did our kitchen I had my husband install them above 2 doorways. I wanted some old stained glass but it was really expensive so we ordered this (http://www.stainedglassandmore.com/RetroBeveledElongatedPetals.htm) and my husband framed it in. If I say so myself I think it looks awesome!
Layla,
I swear my next husband will be handy! Is there a purpose for a transom or is it just to let additional light into the room? Whatever the reason, I live vicariously through the two of you!
Love your can-do attitude! It's inspiring!
Holy Cow- FABULOUS JOB!! A++
Please come to home and redo my upstairs-Love your style
Kel
http://kellyannstudio.blogspot.com/
Unbelievable. Kevin personifies Nike's logo: JUST DO IT.
Very nice! We live in an Edwardian home and have transoms over each doorway on the second story - they really are lovely. The glass and hardware was removed sometime before the 50's, so we are adding the glass. Looking forward to seeing your finished project - best of luck!
Wow, that is amazing. I love that look! Can I move in? : )
Hi TLC~
I LOVE that y'all are movers and shakers! You have an idea and implement right there on the spot during dinner! That Kevin is a gem :) Thanks for sharing!
WHat a brave man!
you are on a roll! and to think it all started with electrical problems and dominoed into beautiful "new"
planked walls and transoms... awesome job guys!!. It is so much fun to follow you on this LC journey.
Wow! Love it!
Kevin and Layla:
How do you keep a a sane mind when you are in the middle of all of these projects? As a believer- I struggle to remember that Christ is enough, but truly know that He is...
Practically- I wonder if you have some sort of agreement or method that keeps things together or clean as you work through your house.
Just wondering if you can possibly create a post that will outline a couple of ground rules for those of us slowly but surely working on our homes. It would be good to hear from some of your experience.
Sincerely,
Angie
Good thing that wasnt a load bearing wall.....
War Eagle.....
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