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.

SIDE NOTES

Old House Journal

In Red & Gold • For the holidays and through the winter, these enchanting furnishings add a burst of warm color.

Around the Hearth • Essentials for heating and maintaining the fireplace.

High Romance • Romantic styles Italian, French & Spanish burst on the scene from the Golden Age to 1930.

A NEW BATH IN OUR HISTORIC FOURSQUARE • Restoration is ongoing at this notable house in Spokane, Washington—but the primary bath is done!

DESIGN

woodwork OF YORE a quick tour of original elements • Woodwork is where we look for clues about the style and date of an old house. Back issues of Old-House Journal is where we look for both the classics and some astonishing surprises…something I noticed as a scanned back issues on the occasion of our 50th birthday. Woodwork plain and fancy; Greek, Palladian, or Jacobean; painted in white enamel, gleaming mahogany, oak with shellac. Some examples truly are one of a kind, whether that be a scrolling newel, bold and musical, or a three-dimensional Gothic carving done by German immigrant craftsmen.

BOSTON ROCKERS

Subtle Elegance in a Spa Bath • This new bathroom in wood and marble resonates with old-house lovers for its modest glamour.

An Apothecary Kitchen Design • An impressive old cabinet with a zillion drawers is the focus of a vintage kitchen.

RESTORE

WORKING WITH Wainscot • Adding depth and character to any room, wainscots are a practical and beautiful covering for plaster in high-traffic areas, protecting the lower wall from nicks, spills, and wear. Styles have historically evolved from simple horizontal planks to high-style raised paneling and to the homey, machine-produced material colloquially known as beadboard. Repairing, re-creating, or installing a new wainscot may be a simple DIY project—and other times a challenge for a master carpenter.

wood work • Helpful ideas for many projects involving wood.

Transformation of Stone • I made a fascinating visit to the manufacturer of Silestone, the premier quartz counter material.

Refinishing Victorian Doors • OHJ reader and blogger GinaBellous describes her method for refinishing the historic Eastlake-style doors she came to collect.

An Antique Settee • The gorgeous piece seemed to demand antique fabrics … and a talented upholsterer.

Bullnose On a Concrete Step • By the late-19th century, concrete was becoming he preferred building material for many aspects of home construction, from foundations to roof tiles. Stair steps, formerly made of stone, easily and readily were cast in concrete. Over time however, they suffered from settlement cracking, freeze/thaw cycling, the effect of ice-melting salts, and general wear and tear. At one time, serious degradation of one or more steps would signal the need to remove them and re-cast a whole new set. With the advent of newer concrete patching compounds (Quikrete, Sika, etc.), however, as well as epoxies formulated for concrete, it’s within the capability of most of us to repair old steps. The front edge of treads often is cast in a classic half-round shape known as a bullnose. Trying to “free-hand” this shape is challenging. A template cut to match the profile is the easiest way to make an attractive repair.

INSPIRE

a transitional HOUSE IN ST. LOUIS • From the Romanesque arch on the exterior to the staircase and mantels inside, this welcoming house boasts beautiful details. Today’s owners have been...