As I type two lovely gentlemen are sledge-hammering through a kitchen wall in our new old house about ten feet away. The dogs are sound asleep. Jeff Bridges snores softly and Beau chases rabbits in his dreams as I imagine our new neighbors wondering what the heck is going on over here.
The wall enclosed the servants’ stairs from the first to second—and perhaps third—floor. (More on that later.) The staircase is so narrow that I can just make goal posts with my arms if I am standing in the center. Some people have lamented its removal. “It’s so charming,” one person remarked, and I understand the sentiment. I’m conflicted about old houses being modified in a way that erases their integrity.
I am not remorseful about this change. The staircase offers no convenience. Literally, it runs parallel to the main stairs, and for me is a reminder of the prejudice that inspired it. We won’t miss it.
In addition, removing it allows us to pick up space for the kitchen, add a pantry, and reconfigure a small bathroom behind the stairs. I was hoping that a bit of architectural salvage from our old house—that is a similar age of this house—would be put to good use here.
A previous owner had removed the 100+-year-old plumbing from our last house’s basement, but an old soapstone sink remained. We brought it with us unsure of where we’d put it. I was hoping that it might work in the reimagined powder room, but I think it’s too large and my husband’s enthusiasm for the idea is too small. Regardless, I feel as if we are adding more good energy—old and new—to this old house.
Interested in soapstone sinks? Any of our local stone suppliers and professional designers can resource or manufacture them for you. In addition, national retailers have products with similar looks, including Rejuvenation. (No, they’re not local, but I keep hoping our KC orders will generate their interest.) If you need a more economical option, check out the concrete West Elm San Francisco Bucket Sink, which has a similar look at a more approachable price. Signature Hardware has a swell Fireclay sink in matte black that is worth a look as well.
