WALLPAPER APPRECIATION IN HISTORIC VICTORIAN

It's really amazing to witness the differences in people who are "in to" historic homes and preservation and people who are just looking for a 4 bedroom/2 bath house. I recently sold this fabulous, little peice of history in Tacoma and I had the opportunity to experience both kinds of home shoppers.

Upon entering this house, you find yourself at the beginning of a hallway and staircase that has been brought back to period with beautiful "Bradbury & Bradbury" period wall papers, recreated specifically for this type of home and the era in which it was built. These papers are recreated and the patterns layed out by professional historians that research the home. For example, this particular home's papers have a heavy asian influence in them, as this area of the country, being considered the "Gateway to Asia," most likely had an abundance of asian influence in the decor of the homes at that time. "Bradbury & Bradbury" paper is about $200 a role (and that was when last I checked in to it 10 years ago).

Ok...back to my point. When I would show this house, about 50% of the people that walked in would make comments like, "Oh my god! I'd have to tear all this busy wall paper off the walls and paint!" and "This is kind of gaudy!" You probably guessed that these were the folks looking for a 4BR/2BA. The other 50% would drop their jaw and stand in that entry way looking up at the papered ceiling and admiring the beautiful detail of the era. They had full appreciation for the restoration to period that surrounded them, gold leaf mouldings included.

This home will be great again, as the new buyer is one of the 50% mentioned above who appreciate the historic value of this 1893 victorian, and plans to bring the whole house back to period. Bravo!