There are very few original artifacts still remaining in the house. Much of the objects, such as furniture and fixtures, are only approximations of what was originally in the house. Emily's writings provided suggestions of how to furnish the rooms.
The piano was originally owned by the McConnel family, one of the Carr's neighbours. Recently, a descendant of the McConnel family, not wanting the piano any longer, was wondering if it could be an addition to Carr house. The piano had come around the Horn in 1887; it's a Romishe, an Austrian make. It has British felt and Swiss workings. The piano is found in the Parlour, and is in playable condition.
There are many fireplaces in the house. In her books, Emily says some of the fireplaces are made from black marble, but actually they are made from slate with a marble-like finish.
The picture to the right is of the light fixture in the ceiling of the Foyer. The ceiling rose may have had the same treatment as other parts of the ceiling, having an ochre and grey distemper.
"Distemper is basically a watercolour wash, the colour being mixed with a size (for greater permanence), not an oil. Usually the painter's responsibility, it was a quick, inexpensive coating with a softness and delicacy of finish not seen in oil paints. White walls and ceiling were usually 'endured' for a year or more until the plaster dried out and tints could be applied. It was not however, a durable finish, and usually not used in rooms liable to 'hard usage'. It could not be washed so it was often used on ceilings in pale, neutral-coloured tints."
(from Report on Interior Site Investigation of the Principal Rooms of the Richard Carr House by Stuart Stark)
Click on the small images to view the decorations that are around the ceiling lights.
A display case in Mrs. Carr's bedroom contains some artifacts owned by the Carr family. The family Bible is there, which contains the birth dates of many family members; it is the same book Emily writes about. Also contained in the case are original hardware for the doors and window. Replicas have now taken their place on the doors and windows of the house.
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