This Old House magazine published a story about our old fireplace recently…
It’s in their January/February 2013 issue, but I found my copy at Books-A-Million about a month ago, so I’m not sure if it’s still on newsstands. (?)
I absolutely love the illustration on page 76…
…and I’m intrigued by the columned-room divider project on page 57:
…but it’s the ad on page 88 that reminds me to ask you:
Should we be watching this show? I don’t know a thing about it except that I’m seeing that (always-hard-for-me-to-pronounce) title everywhere!
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Jenn A
Ok. That illustration is fabulous! You should frame it and hang it somewhere.
YES! You should be watching Downton Abbey – that is if you enjoy British period type movies/shows. It is a really good one.
Erin
One more enthusiastic yes vote for Downton Abbey! Start at the beginning and cancel. All of your plans because it is so very addicting! Enjoy!
Shauna @Satori Design for Living
I’m late jumping on the Downton Abbey train. It’s not that I think I won’t like it, I just never seem to see it. It used to be on Canadian Netflix and when I went to find it the other day, not sure where it went?? I want to start at the beginning, but not sure where to find it.
Suzy
first, KEV-gratu-LAYLA-tions on your fireplace feature in TOH magazine! i have to admit that when i get “seasonally antsy” and want to spruce-up my mantle, your site is the first place i check for inspiration. =)
second, DA is a must watch if you are into british period dramas or consider yourself even the slightest of an anglophile. i will admit that. like others, i was taken aback in episode one by the homosexual bend of one story line. i continued to watch and haven’t really thought about it since–it’s not a topic that’s explored much in relation to the character in question. however, it is coming into play more this season (season 3). i realize it’s a topic of epic proportion and i do not wish to engage anyone in a biblical/moral/ethical debate. i will say that as a christian, i was not created to pass judgment on others. i do believe that DA is a beautifully crafted drama with exceptional acting, gorgeous costuming, historical relevance, and intelligent/witty dialog. i definitely think it’s worth your time. the fact that my husband and 16 year old son are as eager to watch each week as i am, i feel, speaks volumes.
angela
yes, you MUST watch the show.
must.
it’s probably one of PBS’s greatest masterpiece theatre series ever.
Marsha Sefcik
Definitely should be watching Downton Abbey. I watched season 1 and 2 over Christmas break. It’s my new addiction. Start from the beginning as the story carries on from the very first episode.
Melissa
I thought it was about a girl named Abbey who lived downtown when I first heard the name. Not even close! Great show. I highly recommend it.
Amanda
Just started watching the DVR’d Season 3 the last two days (staying up way too late!)……just ordered Season 1 & 2 from Amazon five minutes ago! That should answer that question. 🙂
Karen M.
That’s great!
Yes! Do watch Downton Abbey.
Cammee
YES! YES! YES! You have to start at the beginning. I started season 1 just after Christmas and thought I would watch an episode each day to catch up before season 3 began. Well, that was a good plan, but I forsake everything else and was caught up in 3 days! I couldn’t walk away from it. I don’t agree you have to be a fan of British period dramas. It’s just good writing.
Sandy
Yes, you should absolutely be watching “Downton Abbey”! I hadn’t watched it until recently but I borrowed seasons 1 and 2 and had a DA marathon for a couple of days. I loved it and couldn’t wait for season 3, so I went online, found it, and watched it too. I don’t know why the show is so appealing but it definitely is to me and obviously lots of other people also.
Steve
I’m a huge (but recent) Downton fan. Found no difficulty catching up with a few reruns from the first two seasons and then jumping into season 3. Even if you don’t get into the story line right away, Layla, you of all people will get hooked by the sets with all the great period interiors. Well worth watching just for that, and the costumes as well. And Maggie Smith as the pithy Dowager Countess is unforgettable. Great show; like a British 1920 version of Dynasty or Dallas. (If you’re old enough to remember those.)
Pam
Absolutely you should be watching Downton Abbey!!
Mary Feagley
Yes, yes, yes! And if you can recreate a Household Wants Indicator (Google it) like they have in the kitchen, I would buy one in a heartbeat!
Mary
Hi Layla! I’m so excited about your blog…just started following along a little while ago. I’ve been searching for a living room color, and after about 6 samples my hubby came home yesterday w/ a new one I just found on your blog – Natural Choice 🙂 Definitely my favorite so far!! I also have a fireplace that I’m trying to update and was wondering what white you used for your mantle if you don’t mind sharing. Thanks for the color inspiration!!
gina
Love Downton Abbey! Became obsessed this fall and had marathon weekends watching seasons 1 and 2. Loving season 3 so far. Think you’d love it Layla!
On a totally different note I also became addicted to Breaking Bad and had marathon weekends for that too. That one is 5 seasons worth! Cannot wait for July when its starts back up!!
Nancy
I agree. Very dark but so good.
Alisa D
Love, love, love Downton! I totally recommend it. I just jumped on the bandwagon this year and watched from the beginning. It is the best show. The only problem with it is that it has a short season – only 7 or 8 weeks I believe.
Liz E.
YES! Please watch Downton Abbey ASAP! Start at the beginning so that you wont miss any important plot points and avoid Downton Abbey comments/blogs/etc. at all costs until you’re caught up (even then be careful: the season has already played through in the UK and I have officially ruined the end of the season for myself. It was an accident and I’m not happy about it =P). I hope you L-O-V-E it like I do!
Lynn
Yes, yes, yes it’s the best show on TV.
Waynette
YES! My husband and I don’t usually watch any TV, but we wanted some kind of show that we could make a ‘date night’ out of; something we would both enjoy. We started watching a couple of weeks ago with Season 1, and we were instantly hooked! We’re now on Episode 3, and can’t wait to have time for the next one!
Jennifer
Hi Layla!
I have that magazine and I love your fireplace.
But on to more important stuff….You Must watch Downton Abbey! It is fantastic. If you like the series there is even a book written by the real countess who calls Downton/Highclere Castle home. The book is called Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle. It is written by Countess of Carnarvon. Just Keep Calm and Call for Carson!
Happy Viewing 🙂
Elizabeth
Yes!!! Watch it!!! It’s on Hulu or Netflix. You must must start at season one.
Kathi
Yes you should! We just joined the zillions of fans this year at the recommendation of our daughter and so many others. We hit the library for the first two seasons and ended up watching them 2 or 3 episodes an evening- we were hooked. Most of the men I know watch it too- not just a girlie thing. Join the crowds, you won’t be disappointed!
Kandy
Yes, Downton Abbey is something you need to watch. I think it is sooooooooooo good. Can’t wait until the next show!!!!
Allyson
Oh, you definitely should be watching Downton! I literally started a week ago, and am sitting at season 3 right now. It took me about 2 episodes to get into it, then I couldn’t stop!
Angie
Downton Abbey=YES. Best show television has created since the Cosby Show. Prepare to be addicted. I watched seasons 1&2 in the span of 9 days. Couldn’t get enough. Also, congrats on the mag feature, y’all are beyond talented!!
Kathy
Haha. My husband and I tuned into that show last night for the very first time. A lot going on but i’m sure once you get all the “who’s who” down you’d do ok. Personally, I thought the acting was pretty poor, but you should view it sometime so you can decide for yourself. Kind of a neat story line ~ following the lives of the rich upstairs while peering into the lives of the servants downstairs.
Unfortunately for my family TV is becoming less an less of an option because of the poor choices in programming. I miss the good old days of the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family (all right, maybe just the Brady Bunch).
Vickie
Downton Abbey has to be my most favorite show if all time!!! You (and Kevin) will LOVE it!!!!! I’ve watched Season 1 and 2 all in the last 2 weeks and now I am “up-to-date” and can watch Season 3 as they are aired. You can watch Season 1 on Netflix and Season 2 on Hulu Plus (with Trial Subscriptions 🙂 Enjoy!!!!
Lori
Definitely yes on the “Downton Abbey’ question! Even my hubbie loves it.
But back to your fireplace feature…What caught my eye, though, was the pine paneling in your room. I am getting my parents’ 55+ year old home ready to put on the market and there’s one room with the same pine paneling. I’ve always hated how dark it made their den, but our realtor doesn’t want me to paint it. Maybe I should show her your room. 😉
Amy G.
A huge YES to both:
“Downton Abbey”
&
“Call the Midwife” – also Masterpiece Theatre on PBS – and possibly even BETTER than “Downton!”
Stephanie B.
Downton Abbey – YES!!! Pretty clean show by today’s standards.
Jeanene
Yes, watch Downton Abbey immediately! But be sure you watch it in order and try not to see spoilers from the current season. It’s an awesome series. I didn’t hear about it until the second season was almost over. I got the first two seasons through iTunes and now am watching the third season as it unfolds. I think you will like it.
Jessica
Yes you should definitely give downton a chance…it’s pretty good. My mother-in-law and i actually tackled a wainscoating project in her kitchen that was inspired by a room we spotted on that show! And it turned out beautiful. So you might even find some decorating inspiration here and there!
Katie @ deranchification
I don’t watch that show, but that is awesome about your fireplace in This Old House! (Note to self – go look for a copy!) In fact, we loved it so much that we are making our new family room around a copy of it – literally, it was on our mood board 🙂
http://www.deranchification.com/living-room-redesign-time/
Chris E
YES!!!! to Downton Abbey. I suggest you start with the first season. The one that is airing now is season three. I watched last Sunday night’s episode again and cried again. Pitiful I know.
Chris E
Yes!!! also to Call the Midwife. I am also waiting on the sixth season of Doc Martin. There is something about the British. They know how to tell a story.
Marsha
I am enjoying the Downton Abbey series. I watched season I this past fall on Nextflix. I received Season II for my birthday in October and am right up front on PBS on Sunday evening. I look forward to it each week. I watch with my husband (he was the one who had first watched all of season I in a single weekend while I was out camping with my Girl Scouts).
The costumes in season I are beautiful. Just beautiful. Season II was a time of war, so things weren’t quite so pretty. I’m now trying to “figure it out” as far as a few twists and turns in the current season.
See if you can watch the special on PBS that features the real estate where the show is filmed. A grand historical home.
It’ better than other television offerings, I think.
You can buy the DVDs at Target.
Marsha in Prattville
Patricia
OH ! You Must ! It’s wonderful ! But start from the beginning – Season 1 this is Season 3
Carla Pennington
Congratulation, y’all!! How cool is that? Almost as cool as all the work you two have done, both at home and in your volunteer work.
DOWN (emphasis on that syllable!) ton Abbey is wonderful, and yes, yes, yes, if you watch anything, I’d say watch it. You may need to go to Masterpiece’s or PBS’ website to read about the characters and story line, as it may be difficult to follow otherwise. I’ve told some many people that they HAD to watch, and yep, they’re addicted. Even the manly-man types!
Love yáll’s pics and posts, and look forward to hearing about all of your journeys.
Ashley
Oh my, you really must watch Downton Abbey. I typically watch with a few pieces of fine dark chocolate and a small glass of red wine.
It’s lovely. Really.
Tina K
I just started watching right before Season 3 started and yes…just watch it! I LOVE the storyline and the characters. Added likes are no language, no sex scenes and not any violence (that I can think of anyway). And to know that the house actually exists and is still inhabited today (I love the history part of it) just makes it even better. One of the best sets I’ve seen.
Tina K
I just had to post the castle’s website. You should check it out.
http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/
Dawn
By all means!!!! Start at the very beginning on Netflix and then get caught up via the pbs website. You won’t regret it. They give Cousin Violet the best lines!!! Maggie Smith is wonderful, as always.
Sue J.
heavens, yes, to Downton (as if you haven’t figured that out by now!) fabulous fabulous. as an interiors nut, you will appreciate the set (Highclere) hugely.
Sandy R
Oh Yes Downton Abbey is a Must See- I started it in Janury and HAD to watch season 1 and 2 immediately (like an addiction) now I am watching season 3 as it unfolds- it is Wonderful!!
Heidi @ Decor & More
Lol, well you’ve already gotten 154 comments as I type this and I’d venture to say about 150 of them are telling you to WATCH IT! It’s compelling historical drama AND it’s beautifully written. Which is saying something in the age of terrible sitcoms and reality TV. It’s the only show I make a point to watch… other than Sarah Richardson or Genevieve Gorder on HGTV, that is. 😉
Congrats on the magazine feature — I’ll have to try to find it!
xo Heidi
Kristin H
Love Downton Abbey! Must watch!!!!!
Tammy O
YES, like so many others have said — watch but start at the beginning. Get Seasons 1 and 2 at Netflix. It’s what everyone says — fabulous and addictive!
Kim
Congrats on the magazine call out! If you like English historical pieces, then you will like Downton Abbey. Maggie Smith is one of my favorite actresses and she provides quite a bit of dry humor. There is a little suspense, drama, romance. It is well written and well acted. I’ve already seen all of 3 Seasons (season 3 is airing now on PBS) and I hope they bring it back for Season 4, but not sure if they will. The first couple of episodes in season 1 are a little dry and boring, but if you can make it past the first 2 shows, I think you will get hooked! 🙂
trisuv
Layla don’t be silly and buy Downton Abby, I work at our town library and we have all of the popular movies to borrow. That series is very popular so get on the waiting list for it now if they own it at your library. Your public library is the best deal in town…check it out!!!
Layla
Oh, I would never *buy* a movie or TV show- I just wanted to know if I should check that one out! 🙂 #NoPunIntended 😉
Beth
Absolutely!
Heather's Hodgepodge
You should only watch Downton if you enjoy shows with engaging plots and well-written dialogue 😉 And if you don’t mind occasionally yelling at the characters on the screen (not that I would ever do that…)