How To: Mixing Metals in an Old House
Our Jack & Jill bathroom shared by two bedrooms has original chrome handles and faucets. Can we still love the living brass lighting and cabinet hardware. 100% YES.
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.
11 Old House Books the Community Swears By
The community-vetted old house books worth owning, grouped by topics home owners care about: understanding Old Houses, keeping them working, & design inspiration.
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.
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 You’ll Love
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.