Defeat
A few weeks ago, a very nice carpenter named Ken stopped by our house to investigate our kitchen. His task? To determine if we could reconfigure the two staircases in our kitchen into one single staircase that entered into the pantry. His verdict? Not possible. My thoughts on the subject? It’s impossible for it not to be possible!
So, we called in another builder/carpenter, Ralph, whose friendliness and skills mirrored Ken’s, but his good hearted nature really won us over. Ralph is a former Eagle Scout and he’s been volunteering with the Boy Scouts for years. When he learned that Joey and I had never heard of his favorite movie, The Cowboys, he hopped in his car and drove back with his copy so we could learn of the greatness that is John Wayne. He even offered up some of his tools so we could finish a few odds and ends around the house. Ralph is a good, church-going kind of man – I could tell right away when he bristled ever so slightly at hearing the word “ass” fall from my lips (as in “we love this house, but it’s also a pain in the ass.” Had I used that word in any other context, I think Ralph would’ve dropped to his knees and asked the Lord to save me from my own vulgarity).
In other words, the two staircases in our kitchen will be staying with us and we’ll have to work around them.
Granted, we could eliminate the back steps to the second floor and stick a fridge in the cavity of the old staircase…
…but I love them and it hurts me to screw with the original character of the house that much. After all, these were the steps that some of the hardest workers in this house used – the maid and/or the butler. These steps carried them from their small bedroom in the back of the house to their workplace, the kitchen, downstairs. I’d hate to eliminate the only memory this house has of hired help. Don’t get me wrong, we still have a maid and a butler, but they look an awful lot like Joey and me. And we would appreciate a staircase.
Wow! What a strange challenge to have. I know you guys will come up with something fabulous:-)
Why not have a free standing kitchen, bring back the charm of the kitchens from before! You can make them look great with kitchen furniture like they did back then. Just a suggestion, Our kitchen is like this too, lots of windows, doors,and a chimney, that was the only option we had and we love it! Since your not going to keep the place, let the new owners start from scratch!
Thanks, Susie!
Mandy – you’re so right. Now that we know we’re stuck with our kitchen as it is, we’re getting closer and closer to just embracing it. Either way, we’re determined to turn it into a cook and family friendly environment. It helps to hear that you had similar issues and ended up with a room you love. Thanks for the comment!
SO sorry your plans just don’t want to cooperate. I’m laughing though because your Ralph sounds a whole lot like my Lawrence! Aren’t we lucky?!