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The Library
We had always planned to build a Victorian style library in this space, but didn't get to it until the summer of 2009. It was a big project because it was all new construction with mostly old materials. The red indicates the built-ins we wanted.  We started collecting old, interesting windows at salvage warehouses. It took us 5 years to assemble the right number and the right kind. The library's design would depend on what we found. We would use the windows as doors for the cabinets. We've found that this is the best way to build a custom cabinet with a vintage look. Start with old windows/doors, then build around those. 
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When it seemed we had enough windows and doors to work with, we began stripping. As most of these were 100-year-old salvage, we had to be careful and remove the glass from every one. We did NOT remove the glass from the leaded glass doors becasue these were very stable. 
The library we installed in 2000 was nothing more than cobbled-together Ikea book cases that I had trimmed in with oak molding. They looked pretty good but weren't really appropriate for our Victorian house. So we emptied these and took them out. 
