Old House Journal

The Original Restoration Magazine for people who are passionate about old houses to repair, rehabilitate, update, and decorate their homes; covering all classic American architectural styles,—from the earliest Colonial-era buildings to grand Victorians of every variety to Arts & Crafts bungalows and mid-century ranches.

Old houses are a way of life.

SIDE NOTES

Old House Journal • VOLUME LII, ISSUE 3

Authenticity for Today • No design-fusion twists here: these offerings are faithful to their antecedents.

Outdoor Nest • Furnishings and fittings for summer and beyond.

Almost Original • With the exception of functional updates, these five are much the same as when they were built.

OUR NEW VINTAGE BATHROOM • When damage proved too extensive, we traded in our 1950s bath for one better suited to the 1927 casita.

DESIGN

preservation MEETS TODAY’S TASTES AND MODERN LIFESTYLE

house style reveals design intention • THE INTEGRITY OF THE HOUSE DEPENDS ON OWNERS RESPECTING ITS LANGUAGE.

words TO HEART

Modern Luxury in a 1924 Bath • A frieze, embossed ceiling, tile mural, and shower convey high style in a room that just predates the introduction of colored fixtures.

OLD-SCHOOL TOOLS

Timeless 1920s Colonial Revival • This handsome suite of rooms was outfitted by a history-inspired cabinetmaking company who are celebrating their 50th year.

RESTORE

what LIES BENEATH …real-world tips on removing substitute siding • If you hope to remove the second skin from your old house, take heart: it may not be a can of worms after all. Once the aluminum, vinyl, asphalt, or cement board is out of the way, underlying wood or brick is often in surprisingly good condition. Clues are hiding under the siding. Missing trim can be milled anew.

steps TO AN UNVEILING

REPLACING trim

REMOVING ASBESTOS

STONE COLD FAUX

SHOPTOUR: WARD CLAPBOARD MILL • Jan Tierson worked as a logger when he was young, then pursued other careers before ending up in Moreton, Vermont, about 100 yards from Ward Clapboard Mill. Founded in 1864, the business is one of the oldest surviving clapboard mills in the United States.

removing SIMULATED STONE

HOUSE party

The Envelope. Please.

Remedies for a Painted Fireplace • Brick and stone fireplaces are authentic, beautiful, and nearly indestructible. Yet people paint over them! Can that be reversed?

CLEANING METHODS

REMOVING A STAIR RUNNER • With a few hours of effort, even a thick, heavy old carpet held in place with a multitude of fasteners will come free.

Railroad Cart Coffee Tables • Unique, movable pieces with patina.

Include Drip Grooves

INSPIRE

TRUSTWORTH STUDIOS’ sconehenge • A DECORATIVE-ARTS HISTORIAN AND ARTIST SHARES HIS WORK RESTORING AN OLD HOUSE THAT LEAVES VISITORS OPEN-MOUTHED WITH WONDER.

THE MAGIC OF RESIDENTIAL PIPE ORGANS • SYMPHONIC ORGANS WERE ONCE A SIGN OF WEALTH AND TASTE.

a modern RENO in maine • WITH STEWARDSHIP IN MIND, A REAL ESTATE-SAVVY COUPLE LOVINGLY ADD TO A HOUSE BUILT IN 1972 BY A WELL-KNOWN ARCHITECT AS HIS OWN HOME.

ARTEMIS FARM • Love has grown fonder, greener, and more creative between Carol Goldberg and … the house she calls home.

ORGANIC DESIGN FOR THE PERGOLA • A SIMPLE STRUCTURE SUITS THE OLD HOUSE.

Resources

Remuddling!