I’m also with Fleur. Cleaning and restoring it to what it may have looked like originally is a way to honor history. Wanting to privilege an untouched dilapidated state is a very modern take - one that would have seemed bizarre to previous generations of owners. They made over the house in ways that worked for them, and so should Fleur. This is not an artifact in a museum archive - this is a living, breathing part of a living, breathing home!
Spot on. I think restoring it to its original glory has got to be the way to go. Leaving it untouched would be for a museum piece. It will look stunning.
But what if you destroy a now irreplaceable feature and then HAVE to go over it with modern, say wallpaper. When you didn't originally intend or want to... o idk. So tricky. I see now how it's easier for ppl who are unmovably set on a complete 'style flip' makeover. It's easier because you don't allow yourself this agonising!
I envision this house to be near the sea, gently worn by years of sun and salted wind. Lovingly filled with the finds of two who spend their time mudlarking the nearby shore.
My husband’s aunt had a dollhouse her father made that was in pieces and in desperate need of love. She gave it to me before she passed. I left the color alone on the front because it was in great condition. Where it wasn’t I sanded and repaired and painted with some distressing to make it look like the front. The inside I made my own but used all her stuff and added to it with my stuff and making other stuff. It pays tribute to her and her father. He saw it and LOVED it. Do it how your heart feels!
I agree, if it was mine I think I'd like to preserve the aging on it. I really think it's lovely as is. I'd love to see the furniture in it before doing any updating.
I'm with Kate: if you cover it all, you can never go back... her idea of trying out all the furniture in it before making a final decision is even better... And the distressed look is actually lovely (though cleaning up the white stuck-on bits is a good idea). I haven't finished watching yet, but I hope you find a solution that makes you both happy! kindest regards, k
It would make a great haunted house for Halloween because it does appear to have a ghost when it made that movement in the beginning of the video. Thank you for this wonderful video. The red rug in your house is beautiful.
Hi Kate & Fleur! Regular viewer from Vermont here. Firstly, I’d like to say that I stumbled upon your content when you did the library clock and I was absolutely taken in. I have gone back and watched everything, and look forward to all your new videos. It’s hard to describe the feelings your videos evoke in me, but the whimsy, the nostalgia, the unbridled creativity (not to mention your glorious British accents, which I could listen to until the end of time)…it all is so inspiring, calming, and welcoming. Thank you so much for sharing your passions with us. Regarding the new house you introduced: I would like to see a middle ground. I would like to see all the old sticker additions removed from the front, and then perhaps using a paint wash to sketch the mustard and red back in without totally obscuring the age of the wood. As for the inside, I would love to see what you can do about removing the additions and recovering the old wallpaper. Without closeups, it was hard in the video to see what you’re actually dealing with, but I find myself in agreement with Fleur that the house needs some care, but I also agree with Kate that you can’t get the “old” back once you’ve gotten rid of it. Lastly, I would really like to see you do the 1940’s house next. You’ve been talking about that project for so long. And maybe one of your MiniMas videos could be a compilation of your finished houses? And maybe another one could be an introduction of the projects you have on deck? Sorry for the long comment. I just wanted to let you both know that I love being invited into your world for a little while each week. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll be following along. with admiration, Kellie
I wish my sweet Mom was still alive and could have spent such a lovely time with me going through all the miniature treasures l’ve collected since she passed. The two of you are such a gift.
We are definitely with Fleur on this one Kate normally your right but come on it's too far gone! Let Mama make it pretty and don't give her a hard time❤
For the inside you could take transparent paper and sketch out the areas where the wood is exposed and use that as a pattern to match the existing wallpaper instead of ripping off the original. I would clean it up but not repaint the outside.
Oh I wish it was mine, you’re so lucky Fleur. Definitely frame some of the pieces of original wall paper but in reality you could not live in such neglect. I use very old yellowed paper which gives the aged look but keeps ‘the look’ add the framed original pieces voila! As to the front why not get rid of the white bits then dry brush a coat of the original colours, win win. Whatever you do it’s just a wonderful wonderful house I’m green with envy. Can’t wait for more films.
I agree with Kate, leave it as it is and maybe make an abadoned house out of it :) Distressed and vintage assemblage is your specialty, show it to the extreme, cosy abondened 😍
You'd make a house that looked like this a home. Cleaned and decorated how you would live. If it was for a museum to show how dollhouses were in yesteryear I'd say stick to what you've got, but it's not. Take this one and make it shine. If anyone can do it, its you two!! However you decide you will make it wonderful for us to watch and I thank you for that.
Kate I completely agree that once you strip out a period interior decor feature you can't reinstate it; in a dollshouse or a house house! Except... I personally have every faith that there are many of these features that you're agonising about, that if you removed and then went 'nope; bad decision; that should've stayed'; you have the skills between you, and the knowledge, and have done the research, to be able to to some extent, put it back! ❤
I wouldn't change anything about this house. Its beautiful historical state is priceless❤ Keeping the wallpaper is a wonderful idea. So nice to see you both.
I totally agree with Fluer ,I really don't like wood either so that would have to be sorted out with something .I would say simply trust your mum ,whatever she does will be with love and sympathy, everything you both do to any old items in your possession is with real respect for its age and previous life .I cannot wait to see this house when you have completed it ,it's a amazing house .Congratulations on getting such a beauty
I'm with Kate, keep it the way it is. It is beautiful just the way it is. A nice piece of dollhouse history 😊. It also looks like it's well lived in. Generations of dolls families with history all over the walls ❤❤ I would personally want to see this one done first please. Can't wait, it's all very exciting 😊
All I can say is pleasure is all mine. When you guys laid out the 1940s and big house finds I became stunned. My fav was the 1940s bathtub with the sure signs of rust. I so appreciate you guys-to the moon.
Do whatever feels right for you and follow your heart. As simple. Besides, dear Fleur, it looks as if you do know but you just try to compromise and not hurt your dear daughter's feelings.. In that case, it feels as if a compromise wouldn't make you happy. So, change and restore if that feels good to you, don't do, what you don't like full heartedly and each of you could do an own project her very own way. It is totally okay to have different tastes and point of views. ❤
Clean off the modern paper and keep the original/vintage as much as you can! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this house it’s absolutely beautiful!! 💚✨💫
You could probably find some antique wallpaper for that house if you research when and where it was built, good luck with that. I hope you find something close to what was the original wallpaper for your new miniature home.
This house reminds me of the house Frankie McCourt grew up in Angela's ashes. They were a very poor Irish family, and it was all they could afford as their father drank away his earnings The downstairs floor got flooded with sewage and water in wintertime, so they would move all they owned upstairs to "little Italy" they called it., where it was much warmer as it had a fireplace. One winter was brutally cold, so the children removed a wall upstairs to burn it so that they could keep warm. The only difference is that their house was in a row of houses that shared one single loo at the end of the street. Lol, I'm sure once you have made it over, it will not come to my mind again.
This doll's house looks tall, narrow, and a little spooky to me. How about a Halloween house, a place for little ghosts and witches? The front walls open in a very cool way.
I am of the opinion that the beauty of the house is entirely in the distressed state it has acquired over the years, it's beautiful, so I totally agree with kate, but ultimately whatever you decide to do I'm sure you'll sympathetically bring it back to life in your own unique way, either way I shall enjoy the process as always 🌹
Keep the new dolls house as is, just clean and restore it as original as you can. I would love to see either dolls house started. Love watching you turn it into something special. Take care and thank you for sharing 👏🙏❤️
Personally, I would completely start over with it. Start anew, with sanding it down to its bones, fresh paint & wall paper etc. Sometimes starting fresh will bring new life & light to an old dolls house.
I think you should find the original wall paper but still try and make it look old by maybe adding some paint or eyeshadow if you have any but anyway I hope you decide what to do I with you your bestest luck😊
I agree w/Kate. Use as much of the paper bits on the walls. Put that large piece w/the building on the wall. For furniture make it w/old wood. Keep it distressed! Start the 1940's - we've been hearing abt. it for ages.
I love the argument of preserving the integrity and the history of the dollhouse. If I was in your shoes I'd scan as much of the flaked wallpaper into the computer and try with a photo editor to recreate the wallpaper. I do like the idea to pain the front of the house mustard yellow. I think it needs a facelift and a new coat of paint will help prolong its life span ( as well as take care of any potential lead paint). There's nothing wrong with changing up the house and putting entirely new wall paper or new floors etc etc etc in either! I know you'd renovate with respect and give it the love it needs. it all depends on whether its meant to be simply focused on the life it has led and holding onto that, or deciding if its new life is worth adding to its story
Personally I would do a kind renovation...some times things need some help and unfortunately that house needs some help... keep what you can and lovingly help the rest ❤
Can you take the wallpaper out off the top floor and paste it to card and see if you have enough to do one of the walls. In the same way they restore wallpaper in actual building, like in National Trust Properties.
Yes, maybe scan it, and reprint it, so it would look like the old one, then retouch it only on the parts that are missing and age it to fit the age? Like a proper restauration?
I don't care which dolls house you do first. I'm here for all of it. As far as the tall house, I'm with Kate on the outside. Clean it up only to remove any lose bits of paper. If you mess with the patina too much you are messing with the history! On the inside, clean up the bottom room, glue down the loose bits of flooring. You may have to gut the top room, but slowly, gently as you don't know what treasures may be hiding under the layers of rubble. This seems like a good compromise to me. Looking forward to seeing what you decide.
I luv the new- old- dolls house I’m with Kate, wanting you to keep the charm of the shabby ol’ house , and I know that Two are better than one, when forming Creative. Ideas. Once you clean it up a bit, I’m confident you both will work together to make this ol’ Dolls house charming. Leaving some of the old charm and adding your exquisite Touches. To it. Now, let me bee clear, In understanding, from past projects, That I agree with Fleur, you both know how to “ Age Down” anything, and keeping with the houses original time period , kerpingv it authentic, I think is your main concern yet You always do a beautiful job of restoring & we continue to spend hours of fun watching your videos. Thx🍄❤️🐭🐝😊I’m 72 You really help me pass the time
I would redo the 1940’s first since you had it before. As for the newest big dollhouse I would remove the white bits of paper in on the outside. Then try and repair the inside, decorate it and see if you like the look Fluer if not then redo the inside. But I am like Kate once you change it you can’t go back. Whatever you decide I will be excited to see the process! ❤❤
Maybe you could build ontop of a veneer layer and mount that over the distressed walls. This will preserve the history and also gives you the restored look Fleur is looking for.
It is wore a bit played with a lot! It sure was loved & still loved by you both! What to do for it. I would restore as close to what it looked like. Maybe google about it.
I had a similar dilemma with an old house I bought that turned out to be a German antique with a blue roof. I took my time, carefully stripping back but it was too far gone so I ended up painting and aging it and decorated the interior with antique papers, I love it! My advice is to take your time, gently strip back the layers and let the house “speak” to you. Whatever you decide I am confident will be an absolute delight!
I’m with Fleur, it would look better with a sympathetic renovation, and that piece of paper with Rutland street Leicester, l live in Leicester, tfs x Julie
I agree to make it whatever you want. Think of it as an old abandoned house that you are making over to suite you. Start with the 1940's so you can think about the new one. That will give you time, write down your ideas for it while working on the 1940's. looking forward to seeing what you do with both!
I adore the time-worn patina on the house front. I also like the idea of a paper fireplace too. Replace the brickwork over the windows and it will look superb. ❤ Have fun whatever you decide.
Sorry for telegraphic writing style: Character limit. I understand Kate’s POV, wants to keep house’s history. But I understand Fleur too, and I think there’s a mid-point: “sympathetic restoration.” Note on “Do Nothing”: I feel leaving bare, rough wood isn’t keeping the “history.” It’s like living in a Victorian where lathe and plaster fell off and just bare stud walls, plumbing and wiring are exposed. Shows what was never meant to be exposed; gives false sense of what was enjoyed… bare wood walls have no historical context, are only evidence of the glue quality used. Like ripping out Victorian woodwork and putting in bare white walls… or 1970’s “paneling.” Restoration: Don’t frame bits of wallpaper. Puzzle out a best guess on remaining location. Take quality photos of paper on a neutral surface (properly lit, square to the camera). Then glue the bits of paper back in place. Where the paper is still on walls (no scraps), take best photos you can manage. Next… Plan A (possibly too fiddly): Paint in missing bits of wallpaper. Being a cohesive whole, it meets Fleur’s need to have an attractive doll’s house, in keeping with the original design. Being a combo of the original and painted, it meets Kate’s desire to show the history; the painted bits will be distinguishable from the paper. The history of childhood play is evident, but the original design is also shown. Plan B: After gluing, use tracing paper to trace out shapes of what’s missing, where pattern located. On a computer, using the photos, fill in the missing bits - create full pattern, not just the blank bits. (I can try if you can’t - though not a pro. Or someone with better skills may offer.) Print to scale on paper; may have to test different paper weights/colors. Do painted “aging” as needed before cutting. On printout, use tracing paper to help cut missing bits, jigsaw style. Paste them in. Like the painted option, it preserves the history but looks attractive. And hopefully would be a bit less fiddly. Definitely do something about the baseboard. Reproduction, or painted replica… the scale of the baseboard is part of the history. Exterior: Similar process: Clean paint you’ll keep. Fill in the missing bits, without painting over the original. Up to you how you deal with the missing porch. Without a porch, it’s like the Victorian next door to me. 1930’s, ripped off porch, covered in stucco. Professional architects & historians get into heated arguments when restoring historic monuments…restore to which period? You’re in good company. 😉
You could use the scraps of wallpaper and the picture at 6:51 to patch in the wall on the second floor--a compromise between leaving the history and finishing the project. Is there anything you've found mudlarking that you could use as architectural trim on the outside? It might give a more finished look with the aged patina.
Leave it distressed! Maybe make some window boxes and jazz it up a little but I think the outside is perfect. I think you should call it Miss Havishams house!
The first thing I thought of was Christmas. Red roof and green door. How about a Christmas doll house? You can even decorate the outside with Christmas Fairy Lights! And a Christmas tree inside that can be seen through the window.
Being restored is part of its history. Add your addition to its history and restore the front to its former glory. If there's enough original paper on the sides, scan it and have it printed to restore the front. The sides can be left as is and by covering it with acrylic panels you could protect it from further damage. Use the same approach for the inside try and scan it to reprint and restore.
I do love the rustic state the first house is in!! Its romantic!!! Kinda would love to see it as a nostolgic colage of bits ... a house for the three Bronte sisters... bed room upstairs and their write room down stairs!!! I dream for a house like this oneday!!! Im sure would be beautiful what ever you do with it!!!
I’m just impressed (and a bit envious) that you find these things! Maybe just clean the soil off to start and then wait and see if it speaks to you.that last segment with the compilation of all the things chosen was gorgeous. I bet you could assemble something similar, take an amazing photo and market it to a jigsaw puzzle manufacturer.
The stuffing I sent you makes good chimney smoke or smoke going up in a fireplace. Love the new house but I think you shoud do the 1940 house first as its been waiting a while for some tender lovely care from you two. Can't wait to see what you do with it.♥
I’m also with Fleur. Cleaning and restoring it to what it may have looked like originally is a way to honor history. Wanting to privilege an untouched dilapidated state is a very modern take - one that would have seemed bizarre to previous generations of owners. They made over the house in ways that worked for them, and so should Fleur. This is not an artifact in a museum archive - this is a living, breathing part of a living, breathing home!
Spot on. I think restoring it to its original glory has got to be the way to go. Leaving it untouched would be for a museum piece. It will look stunning.
But what if you destroy a now irreplaceable feature and then HAVE to go over it with modern, say wallpaper. When you didn't originally intend or want to... o idk. So tricky. I see now how it's easier for ppl who are unmovably set on a complete 'style flip' makeover. It's easier because you don't allow yourself this agonising!
I envision this house to be near the sea, gently worn by years of sun and salted wind. Lovingly filled with the finds of two who spend their time mudlarking the nearby shore.
You could get some stiff carboard paper cut to size of the walls and Decorate as you wish and then it can still be removed.
Excellent
I agree, that would be my compromise too 😊
This is what I’m doing with my old house ❤
I agree, that would be a good way to do it. It will be the way Fleur wants it but, it can be taken out at any time and reveal the way it was!
great idea, but keep the original bits that did fall out, somewhere safe then!
I’m with Fleur. I think the old girl deserves to be brought back to some glory…✌️🤍
I’m completely on your side Fleur! Go with your heart and make it your own. ❤
I totally agree w/ Fleur , it really needs love & redoing. As is, This is NOT a good distressed look, it’s just rough, dingy & neglected looking.
Fleur is right "it's too far gone" - distressed that is too far gone needs refurbishing.
I'm all for preserving the past but this poor old house looks like it went through Hurricane Katrina. It needs some intense tender loving care!
You’re not arguing you’re planning and allowing each other their opinions. You’re just adorable!
My husband’s aunt had a dollhouse her father made that was in pieces and in desperate need of love. She gave it to me before she passed. I left the color alone on the front because it was in great condition. Where it wasn’t I sanded and repaired and painted with some distressing to make it look like the front. The inside I made my own but used all her stuff and added to it with my stuff and making other stuff. It pays tribute to her and her father. He saw it and LOVED it. Do it how your heart feels!
We all like to be loved and refreshed from time to time! Fix it up some
I'm with Fleur. I would clean it up and fix up the inside. The outside can stay how it is after a thorough cleaning.
I love the distressed look so I'm with Kate on this one. Just sticking down anything loose and sealing❤
Like an old home, I would restore the dolls house. It is quite far gone and there's nothing wrong with bringing it back to what it would've been 🤗
Bring this sweet house back. Surely some of the characteristics can be improved and still honor the age
You definitely need to do some restoration, especially on the inside, it will be lovely when it is finished!
I’m with Kate on this one. The patina on this house is amazing! Love the idea of putting the furniture in before making any more decisions ❤
This isn’t a patina, this is neglect. 🙄
I agree, if it was mine I think I'd like to preserve the aging on it. I really think it's lovely as is. I'd love to see the furniture in it before doing any updating.
I'm with Kate too
I'm with Kate! The house is beautiful like this!❤
I'm with Kate: if you cover it all, you can never go back... her idea of trying out all the furniture in it before making a final decision is even better... And the distressed look is actually lovely (though cleaning up the white stuck-on bits is a good idea). I haven't finished watching yet, but I hope you find a solution that makes you both happy! kindest regards, k
It would make a great haunted house for Halloween because it does appear to have a ghost when it made that movement in the beginning of the video. Thank you for this wonderful video. The red rug in your house is beautiful.
Also, also the special box with all of your little dollhouse treasures in it is just magical
It's crying out for a make over ❤
I think fleur should do what she wants.
Hi Kate & Fleur! Regular viewer from Vermont here. Firstly, I’d like to say that I stumbled upon your content when you did the library clock and I was absolutely taken in. I have gone back and watched everything, and look forward to all your new videos. It’s hard to describe the feelings your videos evoke in me, but the whimsy, the nostalgia, the unbridled creativity (not to mention your glorious British accents, which I could listen to until the end of time)…it all is so inspiring, calming, and welcoming. Thank you so much for sharing your passions with us.
Regarding the new house you introduced: I would like to see a middle ground. I would like to see all the old sticker additions removed from the front, and then perhaps using a paint wash to sketch the mustard and red back in without totally obscuring the age of the wood. As for the inside, I would love to see what you can do about removing the additions and recovering the old wallpaper. Without closeups, it was hard in the video to see what you’re actually dealing with, but I find myself in agreement with Fleur that the house needs some care, but I also agree with Kate that you can’t get the “old” back once you’ve gotten rid of it.
Lastly, I would really like to see you do the 1940’s house next. You’ve been talking about that project for so long.
And maybe one of your MiniMas videos could be a compilation of your finished houses? And maybe another one could be an introduction of the projects you have on deck?
Sorry for the long comment. I just wanted to let you both know that I love being invited into your world for a little while each week. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll be following along.
with admiration,
Kellie
Is that actually your last name ? - so similar :)
The house is worth making beautiful again. Any way I would give her a face lift ❤
I would clean it up but leave all its features as is. Its beautiful and history
I wish my sweet Mom was still alive and could have spent such a lovely time with me going through all the miniature treasures l’ve collected since she passed. The two of you are such a gift.
I love the idea of restoring it to its former glory!
We are definitely with Fleur on this one Kate normally your right but come on it's too far gone! Let Mama make it pretty and don't give her a hard time❤
For the inside you could take transparent paper and sketch out the areas where the wood is exposed and use that as a pattern to match the existing wallpaper instead of ripping off the original. I would clean it up but not repaint the outside.
Oh I wish it was mine, you’re so lucky Fleur. Definitely frame some of the pieces of original wall paper but in reality you could not live in such neglect. I use very old yellowed paper which gives the aged look but keeps ‘the look’ add the framed original pieces voila! As to the front why not get rid of the white bits then dry brush a coat of the original colours, win win. Whatever you do it’s just a wonderful wonderful house I’m green with envy. Can’t wait for more films.
I’m with Kate too! It is beautiful as is! I think it’s crying for a home to be loved in , not a renovation.😊❤
I'm with Kate. I love the patina =:)
Neglect is not beautiful
@@kelleyhawk6595 in your opinion of course
It could need a whole new makeover, a good clean up.
I agree with Kate, leave it as it is and maybe make an abadoned house out of it :) Distressed and vintage assemblage is your specialty, show it to the extreme, cosy abondened 😍
You'd make a house that looked like this a home. Cleaned and decorated how you would live. If it was for a museum to show how dollhouses were in yesteryear I'd say stick to what you've got, but it's not. Take this one and make it shine. If anyone can do it, its you two!! However you decide you will make it wonderful for us to watch and I thank you for that.
Flor I think you once deserve a new doll house and have fun seeing it all new where ever you want it! ❤
Kate I completely agree that once you strip out a period interior decor feature you can't reinstate it; in a dollshouse or a house house! Except... I personally have every faith that there are many of these features that you're agonising about, that if you removed and then went 'nope; bad decision; that should've stayed'; you have the skills between you, and the knowledge, and have done the research, to be able to to some extent, put it back! ❤
I wouldn't change anything about this house. Its beautiful historical state is priceless❤ Keeping the wallpaper is a wonderful idea. So nice to see you both.
There's no wall paper to keep😂
@@shannonclayton8844 Seems you skipped over that bit.
The forties would have had a claw foot tub. I know because we had them in two different houses. In the forties and early fifties.
I’m with Katie on this one ❤
I agree with Kate! I love the visual history :-)
I totally agree with Fluer ,I really don't like wood either so that would have to be sorted out with something .I would say simply trust your mum ,whatever she does will be with love and sympathy, everything you both do to any old items in your possession is with real respect for its age and previous life .I cannot wait to see this house when you have completed it ,it's a amazing house .Congratulations on getting such a beauty
I vote that you start with the 1940s so you can spend more time to think about what to do with the big one😊
I'm with Kate. Good clean and leave it.
I love the worn look, in this case. You wouldn’t be able to come close to creating this look and it’s very nostalgic. ❤
I agree with Fleur, the house is crying out to be restored to its former glory.
Restore it, you don't have to change everything, but I agree it needs love to last.
Yes I Vote for Fleur because it's her house 🏠 Thanks 🙋♀️💯🌼🌻🌸
I'm with Kate, keep it the way it is. It is beautiful just the way it is. A nice piece of dollhouse history 😊. It also looks like it's well lived in. Generations of dolls families with history all over the walls ❤❤
I would personally want to see this one done first please. Can't wait, it's all very exciting 😊
I agree with Kate. Give it a clean and tidy up what you can but leave the history
All I can say is pleasure is all mine. When you guys laid out the 1940s and big house finds I became stunned. My fav was the 1940s bathtub with the sure signs of rust. I so appreciate you guys-to the moon.
Do whatever feels right for you and follow your heart. As simple.
Besides, dear Fleur, it looks as if you do know but you just try to compromise and not hurt your dear daughter's feelings.. In that case, it feels as if a compromise wouldn't make you happy. So, change and restore if that feels good to you, don't do, what you don't like full heartedly and each of you could do an own project her very own way. It is totally okay to have different tastes and point of views. ❤
Leave it! It has so much character as it is now. This house is fascinating with all its layers and history. 💗
Clean off the modern paper and keep the original/vintage as much as you can! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this house it’s absolutely beautiful!! 💚✨💫
You could probably find some antique wallpaper for that house if you research when and where it was built, good luck with that. I hope you find something close to what was the original wallpaper for your new miniature home.
This house reminds me of the house Frankie McCourt grew up in Angela's ashes. They were a very poor Irish family, and it was all they could afford as their father drank away his earnings The downstairs floor got flooded with sewage and water in wintertime, so they would move all they owned upstairs to "little Italy" they called it., where it was much warmer as it had a fireplace. One winter was brutally cold, so the children removed a wall upstairs to burn it so that they could keep warm. The only difference is that their house was in a row of houses that shared one single loo at the end of the street. Lol, I'm sure once you have made it over, it will not come to my mind again.
Great book..I agree.
This doll's house looks tall, narrow, and a little spooky to me. How about a Halloween house, a place for little ghosts and witches? The front walls open in a very cool way.
This was my first thought too, as soon as I saw it. But I'm a huge Halloween fan & it's my go to favorite craft theme.
I am of the opinion that the beauty of the house is entirely in the distressed state it has acquired over the years, it's beautiful, so I totally agree with kate, but ultimately whatever you decide to do I'm sure you'll sympathetically bring it back to life in your own unique way, either way I shall enjoy the process as always 🌹
Keep the new dolls house as is, just clean and restore it as original as you can. I would love to see either dolls house started. Love watching you turn it into something special. Take care and thank you for sharing 👏🙏❤️
Personally, I would completely start over with it. Start anew, with sanding it down to its bones, fresh paint & wall paper etc. Sometimes starting fresh will bring new life & light to an old dolls house.
Spose then though they make a horribly sad discovery about its structural integrity?
I think you should find the original wall paper but still try and make it look old by maybe adding some paint or eyeshadow if you have any but anyway I hope you decide what to do I with you your bestest luck😊
I agree w/Kate. Use as much of the paper bits on the walls. Put that large piece w/the building on the wall. For furniture make it w/old wood. Keep it distressed! Start the 1940's - we've been hearing abt. it for ages.
I love the argument of preserving the integrity and the history of the dollhouse. If I was in your shoes I'd scan as much of the flaked wallpaper into the computer and try with a photo editor to recreate the wallpaper. I do like the idea to pain the front of the house mustard yellow. I think it needs a facelift and a new coat of paint will help prolong its life span ( as well as take care of any potential lead paint). There's nothing wrong with changing up the house and putting entirely new wall paper or new floors etc etc etc in either! I know you'd renovate with respect and give it the love it needs. it all depends on whether its meant to be simply focused on the life it has led and holding onto that, or deciding if its new life is worth adding to its story
Personally I would do a kind renovation...some times things need some help and unfortunately that house needs some help... keep what you can and lovingly help the rest ❤
Can you take the wallpaper out off the top floor and paste it to card and see if you have enough to do one of the walls. In the same way they restore wallpaper in actual building, like in National Trust Properties.
Yes, maybe scan it, and reprint it, so it would look like the old one, then retouch it only on the parts that are missing and age it to fit the age? Like a proper restauration?
I don't care which dolls house you do first. I'm here for all of it. As far as the tall house, I'm with Kate on the outside. Clean it up only to remove any lose bits of paper. If you mess with the patina too much you are messing with the history! On the inside, clean up the bottom room, glue down the loose bits of flooring. You may have to gut the top room, but slowly, gently as you don't know what treasures may be hiding under the layers of rubble. This seems like a good compromise to me. Looking forward to seeing what you decide.
I am with Fleur.
I luv the new- old- dolls house
I’m with Kate, wanting you to keep the charm of the shabby ol’ house , and I know that
Two are better than one, when forming
Creative. Ideas.
Once you clean it up a bit, I’m confident you both will work together to make this ol’
Dolls house charming. Leaving some of the old charm and adding your exquisite
Touches. To it. Now, let me bee clear,
In understanding, from past projects,
That I agree with Fleur, you both know how to “ Age Down” anything, and keeping with the houses original time period , kerpingv it authentic, I think is your main concern yet
You always do a beautiful job of restoring & we continue to spend hours of fun watching your videos. Thx🍄❤️🐭🐝😊I’m 72
You really help me pass the time
I would redo the 1940’s first since you had it before. As for the newest big dollhouse I would remove the white bits of paper in on the outside. Then try and repair the inside, decorate it and see if you like the look Fluer if not then redo the inside. But I am like Kate once you change it you can’t go back. Whatever you decide I will be excited to see the process! ❤❤
I’m with Kate. I see this as a house a family returns to after a war, or a house a young couple could afford, and they renovate over time. 😊
Maybe you could build ontop of a veneer layer and mount that over the distressed walls. This will preserve the history and also gives you the restored look Fleur is looking for.
Fleur, Do what you want, Its your house. Take Control !!!
It is wore a bit played with a lot!
It sure was loved & still loved by you both! What to do for it.
I would restore as close to what it looked like. Maybe google about it.
I agree with Kate. I prefer as much of the original history kept as possible.
Oh how I love the size and shape of this house! It is such a classic looking design.
I had a similar dilemma with an old house I bought that turned out to be a German antique with a blue roof. I took my time, carefully stripping back but it was too far gone so I ended up painting and aging it and decorated the interior with antique papers, I love it! My advice is to take your time, gently strip back the layers and let the house “speak” to you. Whatever you decide I am confident will be an absolute delight!
Love all your videos you are very lucky to have each other
I’m with Fleur, it would look better with a sympathetic renovation, and that piece of paper with Rutland street Leicester, l live in Leicester, tfs x Julie
Restore it! It's gonna be a beautiful house. In current state its more like mudlarking house, as one you did before
I agree to make it whatever you want. Think of it as an old abandoned house that you are making over to suite you. Start with the 1940's so you can think about the new one. That will give you time, write down your ideas for it while working on the 1940's. looking forward to seeing what you do with both!
Redecorate the inside and save the outside! Love your videos!!
Absolutely love it.
Full of history and its story.
I’d keep it exactly as it is and display it as it is,with lights
I adore the time-worn patina on the house front. I also like the idea of a paper fireplace too. Replace the brickwork over the windows and it will look superb. ❤ Have fun whatever you decide.
100% agree with leaving it just as it is. It's got a charm all of its own.
I love it the way it is
I would love to see the 1940's house done first.
Sorry for telegraphic writing style: Character limit.
I understand Kate’s POV, wants to keep house’s history. But I understand Fleur too, and I think there’s a mid-point: “sympathetic restoration.”
Note on “Do Nothing”: I feel leaving bare, rough wood isn’t keeping the “history.” It’s like living in a Victorian where lathe and plaster fell off and just bare stud walls, plumbing and wiring are exposed. Shows what was never meant to be exposed; gives false sense of what was enjoyed… bare wood walls have no historical context, are only evidence of the glue quality used. Like ripping out Victorian woodwork and putting in bare white walls… or 1970’s “paneling.”
Restoration: Don’t frame bits of wallpaper. Puzzle out a best guess on remaining location. Take quality photos of paper on a neutral surface (properly lit, square to the camera). Then glue the bits of paper back in place. Where the paper is still on walls (no scraps), take best photos you can manage.
Next…
Plan A (possibly too fiddly): Paint in missing bits of wallpaper. Being a cohesive whole, it meets Fleur’s need to have an attractive doll’s house, in keeping with the original design. Being a combo of the original and painted, it meets Kate’s desire to show the history; the painted bits will be distinguishable from the paper. The history of childhood play is evident, but the original design is also shown.
Plan B: After gluing, use tracing paper to trace out shapes of what’s missing, where pattern located.
On a computer, using the photos, fill in the missing bits - create full pattern, not just the blank bits. (I can try if you can’t - though not a pro. Or someone with better skills may offer.) Print to scale on paper; may have to test different paper weights/colors. Do painted “aging” as needed before cutting. On printout, use tracing paper to help cut missing bits, jigsaw style. Paste them in. Like the painted option, it preserves the history but looks attractive. And hopefully would be a bit less fiddly.
Definitely do something about the baseboard. Reproduction, or painted replica… the scale of the baseboard is part of the history.
Exterior: Similar process: Clean paint you’ll keep. Fill in the missing bits, without painting over the original. Up to you how you deal with the missing porch. Without a porch, it’s like the Victorian next door to me. 1930’s, ripped off porch, covered in stucco. Professional architects & historians get into heated arguments when restoring historic monuments…restore to which period? You’re in good company. 😉
You could use the scraps of wallpaper and the picture at 6:51 to patch in the wall on the second floor--a compromise between leaving the history and finishing the project. Is there anything you've found mudlarking that you could use as architectural trim on the outside? It might give a more finished look with the aged patina.
That new house has such charm to it. Would be nice to see it restored how it use to be. It has a cottage feel to it. Wonderful find !! ❤️❤️❤️
Leave it distressed! Maybe make some window boxes and jazz it up a little but I think the outside is perfect. I think you should call it Miss Havishams house!
1940’s!!!!!! Can’t wait.
I think I'm first in at 3 minutes, but I'm going to top up my wine glass before I settle in to watch. (it's 9 pm in Scotland, it's allowed!)
What if the distressed outside is used to depict a more impoverished doll family living within?
The first thing I thought of was Christmas. Red roof and green door. How about a Christmas doll house? You can even decorate the outside with Christmas Fairy Lights! And a Christmas tree inside that can be seen through the window.
Being restored is part of its history. Add your addition to its history and restore the front to its former glory. If there's enough original paper on the sides, scan it and have it printed to restore the front. The sides can be left as is and by covering it with acrylic panels you could protect it from further damage. Use the same approach for the inside try and scan it to reprint and restore.
I do love the rustic state the first house is in!! Its romantic!!! Kinda would love to see it as a nostolgic colage of bits ... a house for the three Bronte sisters... bed room upstairs and their write room down stairs!!!
I dream for a house like this oneday!!! Im sure would be beautiful what ever you do with it!!!
I’m just impressed (and a bit envious) that you find these things! Maybe just clean the soil off to start and then wait and see if it speaks to you.that last segment with the compilation of all the things chosen was gorgeous. I bet you could assemble something similar, take an amazing photo and market it to a jigsaw puzzle manufacturer.
Everything is so beautiful! will be wonderful what ever you decide! Thank you for sharing!
It’s ok to feel a home wants a better a new house for a new generation
The stuffing I sent you makes good chimney smoke or smoke going up in a fireplace. Love the new house but I think you shoud do the 1940 house first as its been waiting a while for some tender lovely care from you two. Can't wait to see what you do with it.♥
Kate. I like the romance of her train of thought❤