Interior columns, what to do?

mark

89th

@friday said in Interior columns, what to do?:

If you can match the wood perfectly, my vote would be for updating the columns.

If you decide to remove the columns, my vote is for #4.

Agreed, I think that’s where I’m at now.

Renauda

I think the existing columns are fine as is, but then I am used to seeing columns separating my living and dining room. However if you really need to make a change, I would go with Mik's suggestion with the wood. I have considered similar here.

Jolly

Personally, I'd put my money back in my pocket.

Mik

Y’know, one thing you might try is painting them the same flat color as the walls. They really stand out in that gloss white.

Ivorythumper

@89th said in Interior columns, what to do?:

@catseye3 said in Interior columns, what to do?:

One time I had an idea I wanted to implement that involved removing a door-door and installing a pocket door. I had a contractor in to look at this. He took one glance and told me the beam I wanted hollowed out (to accommodate the pocket door) was load bearing and couldn't be weakened that way.

So that is my first thought in your deal. To what extent are the columns load bearing? Probably any guys you get in will advise you on this . . . or maybe IT will.

My only other thought is a matter of taste; the columns look like gilding the lily to me. I'd want to disappear them for that reason. But that's me, you may not agree.

Thanks for the feedback! Yes a lot depends if it's load bearing or not.

The span is too short for them to be load bearing -- if its a stick framed building you could probably just strip the drywall and cut in a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beam at most.

Per Mik's mark up, the whole side wall could probably be opened up as well.

Horace

Beautiful home.

89th

@ivorythumper thanks! We most likely will replace the existing columns with a squared off version of the millwork we see on the stairwell and even the fireplace in the family room. In other words, no removal of the columns but a replacement of the style.

Mik

That would be more in keeping with the rest of the house. There's nothing else I see that is gloss white or that round style.

xenon

One other consideration - when you get estimates for the work compare the cost against what more you can get by adding that amount to your furniture budget.

It's easy to focus on built-in features in an empty room, but they tend to go out of focus a bit in a furnished room.

But if they clash with your planned aesthetic... just change them, else it'll keep bugging you.

The New Coffee Room

Interior columns, what to do?