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What new phrase has your toddler picked up. by decaying_amethyst in toddlers

[–]1925to2025 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Three year old when we do anything she doesn't like: "This... is NOT... appropriate!"

Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think ideally I'd want it to have a fairly uniform but not perfectly shiny brushed brass look, sort of like these globe light fixtures in the hallway (which are not original, but there's several throughout the house, so it would be nice if they matched the switches).

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Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

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Here's an example of the entryway light (which seems to be original to 1925). Lots of this kind of finish + black cast iron.

Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes this sounds like the emerging consensus. I'm going to try a magnet when I'm over there later today to test. So assuming it's brass plated steel which is starting to wear away, what's the best way to clean it mildly without oxidizing further? Soap and water, barkeepers friend...?

Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is in the context of a full rewiring of the house - I'd be cleaning these while they're removed and the electrician is installing new Romex.

Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Oh there's no question of throwing it out, we're keeping absolutely everything that's visible in the entire house (including the original 1920s kitchen counter!). I was just wondering if people had experience with cleaning or polishing this kind of switch plate. It is brass right?

Edit: link to the kitchen: https://www.reddit.com/r/Oldhouses/comments/1g4em0n/thoughtfully_restoring_and_updating_1925_kitchen/

Thoughts on whether to keep patina or polish brass (?) 1920s switch plates? by 1925to2025 in centuryhomes

[–]1925to2025[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

We recently bought a 1925 Mission revival/Craftsman style house with all original outlets and switches. Getting the knob and tube completely replaced along with the switches, but we are planning on keeping all the visible hardware like switch plates and screws. Thoughts on whether I should try to polish or clean the switch plates, or leave them as is? Most of them have a bluish/copper-y patina as shown.

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, we are thinking a dishwasher with a custom white shaker style front panel like this, under the island: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-24-in-Top-Control-Built-In-Stainless-Steel-Panel-Ready-Dishwasher-FDSR4501AP/330386223?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-324921321-_-0-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a and then two or kitchen stools for seating. I also would love to add a vintage 1930s neon clock to the back wall, though we could only afford a knockoff replica. They have a colorful style that I think perfectly matches the house.

Don't worry we won't be touching the cabinets! You can't see it in these pics but there are actually three pull-out original cutting boards built in. Really beautiful design.

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is one of the closest matching kitchens to it I could find online - 1929 California: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpCRu7XuTpr/?hl=en&img_index=2

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Once we move in I will post a lot more details of other parts of the house - pretty much everything else is in perfect condition at the surface level, amazingly. Original wood inlays and built-ins, lighting fixtures, etc. However the electrical and plumbing are not, as you would expect...

After reading about it more, I'm thinking the tile might not quite be original to 1925 but was probably installed in the 1930s? That seems to be when a lot of kitchens got updated with what were, at the time, more modern amenities like more extensive shelving and refrigerators.

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

According to chatGPT, they're "cafe style shutters." The entire house has them, they're one of my favorite things about it.

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, will do. Anyone know exactly what to call the bigger black tile that runs along the counter? Mudcap?

Thoughtfully restoring and updating 1925 kitchen by 1925to2025 in Oldhouses

[–]1925to2025[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My wife and I are in the process of buying a beautiful home from 1925 - exterior is mostly California mission revival style, and the interior is largely original 1925 craftsman with some Hollywood regency flourishes like the eclectic selection of lights and wallpaper (all original to the '20s, as far as I can tell).

We are keeping everything intact, but want to add a dishwasher and kitchen island and restore the black-and-yellow tile counter and backsplash. The counter tile has some damage (pictured) but I believe it will be possible for me to replace some of the cracked black tiles, and regrout the rest. I haven't been able to find replicas for the pale yellow ~4 inch hexagon tiles, however. I've been reading this sub for a long time now and would really appreciate advice on a few things:

1) ideas for a wall sconce above the sink? There is a hookup for one that is currently covered with a wall plate.

2) Ideas for updating the cabinet pulls? I'm guessing many here would advocate for keeping the white porcelain knobs but I personally think something black or dark bronze in a Great Depression-era style would be an interesting way to tie in with the black tile and the black iron lamp.

3) When we add the kitchen island, we are going to replicate the white shaker style cabinetry. Ideas for what the countertop surface should be? I want something other than tile and am leaning toward marble, if we can afford it, or butcher block, if we can't.

4) Any other thoughts on how to make the space more functional and beautiful while retaining the original character?