Library Project at O'Dea-O'Dea

It was a jam packed weekend, as I was working with my neighbor Saturday and Sunday on the fence project for our property line.  Plus, I went into Re-Build Friday PM to begin the process of picking up the two pallets of large slate paving stones and hauling them home in my truck, etc.

Once again, I did not get out alive, so to speak.  But, I count this as a good thing, as I do believe that I finally have the cabinet and shelving components to re-do the main man cave, a.k.a. the basement library. 



View of custom built library prior to being removed from private residence

The procurement consists of 11 pieces and most are shown above. 

I also purchased two very large, three drawer matching custom units that are larger than commercially made file cabinets.

My current estimate is that the top shelving units are approx. 15" too high for the less than 8' floor to ceiling height in the basement.  But, I am optimistic, that as these were custom built, that there should not be any issues reducing the height by removing some of the top and a little more from the bottom of each shelving unit. (note, top crown moulding was not included.)

One very tall shelving unit will be placed upstairs in the front of the living room (not shown).  It is 8'10" and roughly 32" wide.  The only space that it can occupy in the house is the front room, as it is sunken and has a vaulted ceiling that extends to the roof.

Actually, in terms of scale, I believe this will be a welcome addition, as the walls are very high in this room and yet I do not have any items that are tall within the space.

From the same Great Falls estate, that is being dismantled, Re-Build had a Vermont Castings, Radiance gas stove in enamel biscuit and included the added side warming shelves.  This I purchased as the basement is cool or cold year round, in spite of central air and it only makes sense to heat the space during cold months as needed.

Vermont Castings Radiance Gas Stove with Warming Shelves

It is going to be one difficult project given the amount of "stuff" in the basement and the fact that all of the carpet has to be removed and flooring replaced.  Plus, the walls will require cleaning and painting.  This is just the tip of the iceberg, I am sure.

Rough dimensions of the space are 25' x 16' for the main section and at the base of the stairs the hallway area is approx. 5'x6'.  Translation a heck of a lot of flooring material will be required for this project.  Thus, I quickly made the determination to go with a Daltile porcelain tile in neutral colors that Home Depot currently has on special for 77 cents per square foot, as I estimate that this project will require at least 380 square feet of material.

I already have a blue, leather Chesterfield sofa that I have had for years that will be moved down stairs once the room is completed, as well as two new sets of cotton toile custom drapes that are full length.

Recent purchase of the two antique arm chairs manufactured in Cambridge, MA will make residence along with the sofa.

Stay tuned as the project gets underway and the man cave and library  is transformed into the catwoman cave and library.

MeOw!