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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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

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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?

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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. 

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

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$50 for this rustic beauty.

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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.

14 comments

Kris said...

Love it all! I know what you mean....I used to pay so much less for certain things. Now, vintage is hot, and so the prices have gone way up!!!
XO Kris

Sarah said...

You have wonderful architectural pieces. I think they add great interest. I wish I could find some interesting pieces to add to our garden spaces. Thanks for sharing!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Just love your atch pieces, Jann- your bug is fun to see.

I think you have really made them work nicely in your sweet home.

I LOVE that mirror that you said you paid too much for- it's my favvie. But so much is awesome, your large pillars, table, coloured glass window (clever adding that, makes it look amazing) and I love that big porch chunk. Two of them together would have made an excellent office desk sides, yes? don't let your friend get rid of hers if she ever cares to do so, ok? Keep them together if you are able to do so!

Thanks for a nifty post.

Hugs.

Fran said...

I know that I've commented on your green pantry door before, but every time I see it I love it even more! And that multi-colored window is fabulous! And the broken panes happened to be in exactly the right spots that you would want them to be, instead of all in a row! :) --Fran

Art and Sand said...

I love all your architectural detail. I have no pieces because the things I have seen were so expensive. The red pillars I am coveting are $195 and I just won't spend that. I think I need to go thriftin' in Utah.

Unknown said...

Oh, I'm smitten, just too cheap to buy them! :)

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

Beautiful architectural pieces! I especially loved the stained glass window. Perfect colors.

cynthia lee designs said...

Love all your architectural pieces!! I would love to have some different pieces, but all I have right now is a bunch of old white chippy windows. I agree with you that the prices are a lot higher now.
~Cindy

Stacey said...

I'm so glad you shared this information. I would love to add some old architectural pieces to my house but have noticed the high prices. I needed to have some idea of what to expect and now I do. I don't mind paying for something if I know we are in the right ballpark. You know?

Ivy and Elephants said...

Love you architectural pieces. They add so much character and personality to a home!
Hugs,
Patti

Nell at njschout said...

Very nice addition to ypur house. What fun!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jann,
I loved this post and all your fantastic finds and how you displayed them in your lovely home!!
I especially loved the gingerbread fretwork piece but i bet you knew that would be my favorite, right??? LOL!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Tea in the Library said...

I know what you mean in regard to American Pickers. Now everyone is an expert. I felt the same way about Martha Stewart (whom I love)back when she started announcing to all and sundry to get to thrift shops and tag sales. And her DIY.... sigh!

Anonymous said...

Jann, I love your architectural pieces, you have great taste and it really makes your home beautiful. I agree about Am Pickers. I like the show but I think it has driven costs up. Take care - Dawn

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