Ep 2. Making a Grand Entrance

Restoring Charleston is a reality television show that follows Ames and Amy, a charming and quirky couple, as they take on the task of restoring historic homes in Charleston, South Carolina. Each episode sees the couple take on a new challenge and this week they are working on restoring the grand entrance of a beautiful home that has seen better days.

In season 1 episode 2 of Restoring Charleston, entitled "Making a Grand Entrance," Ames and Amy are tasked with restoring the entrance of an historic home that has stood in Charleston for over 100 years. The entrance is grand and impressive but has fallen into disrepair over the years. The couple set about restoring the entrance to its former glory, using their extensive knowledge of construction and design to bring it back to life.

The episode begins with Ames and Amy meeting with the homeowner to discuss their plan for restoring the entrance. The owner is passionate about the home's history and is thrilled to have the couple working on it. He explains that the entrance was once the centerpiece of the home, but over the years, it has deteriorated and lost its grandeur. Ames and Amy listen carefully and take notes, eager to get started on the restoration.

The couple starts by carefully removing all the damaged woodwork and masonry from the entrance. They locate replacement pieces for the woodwork that are similar in style to the original pieces. They also work with local masons to match the stone's original color and pattern. They want to ensure that the entrance is fully restored to match the home's original appearance.

Next, Ames and Amy turn their attention to the front door. They remove the old door and carefully strip it down to its original wood. They replace the damaged sections with new wood and repaint it to match the home's original color scheme. They also replace the weatherstripping to ensure that the entrance is energy efficient.

The entrance also needs new lighting fixtures, and Ames and Amy source antique fixtures that match the home's original style. They install the new fixtures and restore the original wiring to bring the entrance back to life.

Finally, the couple adds the finishing touches, including decorative plants and a new doormat. With the restoration complete, the entrance looks magnificent, and the homeowner is overjoyed with the results. He thanks Ames and Amy for their exceptional work, and it is clear that the restoration has been a success.

In conclusion, Restoring Charleston season 1 episode 2, "Making a Grand Entrance," is a must-see for anyone interested in historic restoration and design. Ames and Amy's passion for their work is infectious, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to each restoration project. Watching them breathe new life into the entrance of a historic home is exciting and inspiring. Viewers will come away from the episode with a greater appreciation for the beauty and importance of historic preservation.