In this issue

Smart (Old) House Acknowledging a throwback intelligence for efficiency; new offerings with easy retrofitting.

The Art of Juxtaposition Lessons for living lightly in a historic house restored.

Clean Living

It’s never been more important than now.

2 mins

Small Treasures

Stylish, tactile, and colorful Arts & Crafts tile.

1 min

A STAY OF DEMOLITION

Neglected and then damaged by fire, a historic Queen Anne house is rescued by Indiana Landmarks.

2 mins

The Art of Juxtaposition LIVING LIGHTLY IN A HISTORIC TOWNHOUSE

This Victorian-era brownstone is deeply appreciated by its owners for its fine craftsmanship and age. “My clients respect the house for the same reasons I do,” says interior designer Deborah Mariotti, a transplant to Brooklyn from Italy. “We were responsible for its continued preservation, wherever it remained authentic. In areas where it was not original, though, we had no doubt that we would design contemporary space. It wasn’t even a question.”

5 mins

A Principled Synthesis

The new design for a kitchen follows Prairie School doctrine.

2 mins

Brrrringing It Back

A phone niche is useful today for keys, tablet—or telephone.

2 mins

Repairing Pebble-Dash Stucco

Maybe your old house has stucco with the rough, pebbly finish that’s often referred to as “pebble-dash.” Or maybe it’s the variation accurately termed “roughcast.” The difference lies in the aggregate (pebbles) and the method of application. True pebble-dash requires that the wall be finish-coated with fresh stucco while pebbles are literally thrown (dashed) onto the wet surface, where, with any luck, they’ll stick. Most pebble-dash finishes use sharper gravel to aid in the binding process. Roughcast, on the other hand, is a bit easier for the homeowner to achieve. Either sharp gravel or pebbles may be used since the aggregate material is added to the wet stucco topcoat during the mixing. Once applied, the thin surface slurry can be removed with a soft sponge, or even by using a misting spray from a hose.

1 min

Framing a Pocket Door

For rooms where space is at a premium, pocket doors neatly slide in and out of a wall cavity.

4 mins

THE CHINABERRY KITCHEN

Strong color unifies a revival kitchen in a 1910 Seattle house. A NOT-TOO-BIG HOUSE WITH CURB APPEAL WAS WHAT MARISA MUNOZ WAS LOOKING FOR WHEN SHE CAME UPON THIS ONE ON QUEEN ANNE HILL IN SEATTLE. THE 1910 HOUSE, A TRANSITIONAL FUSION OF LATE-VICTORIAN AND CRAFTSMAN ELEMENTS, HAD JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING SHE WANTED: STEEP GABLES AND PRETTY WINDOWS; ORIGINAL MOULDINGS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, AND A ROMANTIC WINDING STAIRCASE. WELL MAINTAINED, THE HOUSE GENERALLY WAS IN MOVE-IN CONDITION . . . EXCEPT FOR THE KITCHEN.

3 mins

An ARTIST'S HOUSE

ULTIMATE SALVAGING IN PROVINCETOWN

3 mins

Read all stories from Old House Journal

Old House Journal Magazine Description:

Old House Journal is a leading magazine for owners, restorers, and admirers of old and historic homes. The magazine provides a wealth of information on restoration techniques, architectural styles, and historical research, as well as advice on home maintenance and renovation.

Old House Journal was first published in 1973, at a time when many old and historic homes were being demolished or neglected in favor of new construction. The magazine was created to provide a voice for those who were passionate about preserving and restoring these important structures. The magazine also provides in-depth coverage of architectural styles, with features on everything from Victorian homes to mid-century modern. One of the unique features of Old House Journal is its focus on historical research and documentation.

By subscribing, readers will have access to the most comprehensive coverage of old home restoration available, making Old House Journal an essential part of any restoration enthusiast's library.