Architecturally Sound. . .

Are you asking yourself right about now, what exactly does it mean to be architecturally sound?

Maybe this will help.

Definition of ARCHITECTURE

: the art or science of building; specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones

sound ² (sound)

 Free from defect, decay, or damage; in good condition

I’m here to tell you my friends, that as crazy as I may seem at times; that I am architecturally sound.

Meaning that having sworn that I, In sound mind and body (sort of)  have a love for old architectural pieces.

What is it that draws me to them?  Generally, they have a bit of chippiness going on that only time and the elements can create. They also have such beautiful lines. I always think of the stories that they could tell if only they could talk.

Some of the pieces that I will be sharing may be more ‘salvaged treasures’ than architectural pieces.  I must warn you, a lot of pictures, but this is a tell all post.  Yes, I am revealing the actual prices I paid.

My most recent find is a piece of gingerbread trim.  I think that I will hang it from my future potting shed.  Until that happens, why not enjoy it.  For now it serves as a back drop on my summer mantel.

Architecture pieces are highly sought after.  Because of this they can be very pricey.  I purchased this piece at ‘Fleattitude’ for $40.  A good price.  I think the seller had repainted it.  I would have loved it even more with it’s time worn look.  It does have a couple of cracks.

This pillar stands in my entry.  Now, it was no bargain.  Bought it at ‘Star Mill’ Antiques 6 or so years ago.  It was priced at $200.  He gave me 20% off.  However, A few years ago I found one just like it for $25.  For that price I felt good about putting it in my garden.

This piece hangs over my living room entry.  It is off an old piano. Set me back $100.

I always pick up small pillars.  They can range greatly.  All depending on where you find them.  I think the most I’ve paid is $25.

Same goes for old windows and window frames.  It all depends upon the size and uniqueness.  This large one was $85.

This one is very large.  It hangs in my family room.  I had the colored glass added where the panes were broken.  I left it in it’s original state and just painted the unfinished sides.  I’m trying to remember what I paid.  I think it was $150.

Vintage corbals are hard to come by and boy they can be costly.  Did I ever luck out with these.  I bought them for $25 each.

I used them to hold this shelf which is an old door cut in half.  It hangs in my living room and I’ve shown it before. The door cost me $75 and I have the other half standing in the guest room in the basement.  The mirror was a purchased piece made from architectural pieces.  A bit pricey, (would anyone care to guess?) but it was the perfect addition to the room!  I will mention that I saw it in two other shops afterwards.  One was $100 more and the other $200.  Made me feel a little better.

I love the chippy feel of this piece of tin ceiling tile.  I’ve had it for so long I can’t remember what I paid.  It wasn’t a lot. 

This piece is out on my front porch.  My friend, Joyce snagged it for me.  They had two of them at ‘Star Mill Antiques’.  She only wanted one, but Daniel said he would give her a better deal if she bought them both.  She knew I would want one.  Yup, bought it sight unseen.  I trusted my friends judgement.  $100 for both, so I paid $50.  Like you couldn’t do the math. lol!  I think they were the base to pillars on a porch.  There is a hole under the birdhouse.

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Sometimes you luck out and find great buys.  I bought two of these half pillars for $25.  ea. They were even longer.  I had them cut to fit the window in my craft room.  I’ve seen them for a lot more.

I snagged two small pillars at a yard sale for $3 ea.  Made them into wreath hangers.

This old green door was only $40 and the transom window was free from a friend.  This is my basement kitchen pantry.  The brass plate was only $4 and the crystal door knob was another gift from a friend.  Aren’t friends the best?

This little corner trim piece hangs next to my chalkboard and I hang an apron from it.  It only cost me $4.  I’ve seen them as high as $20. 

This door was $40.  I loved the chippy green with the blue color showing through.

$50 for this rustic beauty.

I think that the show “American Pickers’ has caused the price of architectural pieces to rocket.  Mike is always stating how ‘sought after’ they are.  Darn that Mike and Frank!  Things that people use to think was junk they now know better.

Oh well, what’s a gal to do when she's been bitten by the architecture bug?  How about you, been bitten yet?

hugs,

Jann

p.s. I might mention that although the ‘Star Mill’ closed last year it has now reopened.