Choosing an Old House Ceiling Fan for Your Classic Home
An old house ceiling fan is a sizing and a wiring decision even before it's a style one, Everything to know, so you can cool your classic room with confidence.
Blog
Everything here comes from life in our 102-year-old house and the decisions we make while living in it. From the fun stuff — paint, wallpaper, hardware, lighting — to the not-so-fun — foundation, electrical, plumbing, and everything else we have to fix. What we tested, what we'd buy again, how to keep it all watertight, and what we'd tell you to avoid.
How to Choose Cabinet Hardware in Old Houses
How to choose cabinet hardware that works in Old Houses without expensive reorders — get the right hardware, size pulls to the drawer, settle the finish, & sample before you order.
Two Steps to Old House Metal Care: How to Get It Right
Old House metal care takes knowing your metals & how you want to handle patina. Here's your care guide for polish to patina.
Knobs vs Pulls: Know What Works for Your Old House Cabinet Hardware
Knobs vs. Pulls is one of design decisions that seems easy until it's time to make it. Understand the rules to make cabinet hardware choices you'll never regret.
Old House Wallpaper: 9 Styles for Rooms That Shine
A labor-of-love roundup of the nine Old House wallpaper styles that shine in a pre-1940 house. An inspiration room to prove each one, a paper I'd hang, and every tool you need to DIY it with confidence.
How to Confidently Choose a Fountain Pump Replacement
After five years of nonstop work, the fountain pump finally quit. Here's how to choose a fountain pump replacement that actually fits your fountain — and the one I'm buying.
How to Choose Gorgeous Old House Wallpaper (Without Regrets)
Old House Wallpaper is Period Correct. Period. Hot take: you can't design a room that really works for you until you've really lived in the space.
Done in a Day: 15 Energizing Old House Glow Ups
The Old House projects worth doing. They change how your house looks and feels without a contractor, a permit, or a full weekend.
Cabinet Hardware Refresh: How to Beautifully Update Without Replacing
Before you order all new (or new-to-you vintage) cabinet hardware for your Old House, consider some DIY-friendly ways to use of existing pulls and knobs. Save money, reuse what's already in place and get some amazing design results.
Backplates: The Hardest Working Cabinet Hardware in Beautiful Rooms
Backplates aren't just decorative — they solve real cabinet hardware problems. Here’s exactly when a backplate earns its place, and which ones work in an old house.