When renovating a brick home, one of the biggest challenges is matching the color and character of existing brickwork. New bricks rarely match the weathered patina of the original brick construction after years of exposure to sun, rain, and temperature cycles. Yet replacing a poorly designed addition or altering a floor plan often means removing […]
When building a home in the Greek Revival style, every architectural element must carry its weight in classical proportion. One of the most challenging features to get right is the dormer. A poorly proportioned dormer can throw off the entire facade, making an otherwise elegant home look top-heavy and awkward. If your framer has already
The revival of historic homes offers invaluable lessons in craftsmanship, material selection, and design sensitivity. Among the most inspiring examples of residential preservation is the restoration of a Revolutionary War-era stone farmhouse a project that earned the Best Traditional Home award in 2015. This article examines the key strategies and techniques behind this colonial farmhouse
Restoring an 18th century farmhouse while equipping it for modern living is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential architecture. When Period Architecture Ltd., led by partner Jeffrey Dolan, took on a modest Pennsylvania farmhouse built more than 200 years ago, the goal was clear: faithfully preserve the original spirit of the structure while
Learn how to replicate damaged or missing plaster moldings using foam backer rods, setting-type joint compound, and custom profiling knives. A step-by-step guide for remodelers restoring period cornices and trim details in older homes.
Recreating traditional wood moldings is one of the most rewarding challenges in period home restoration and classical architecture. Whether you are restoring a Victorian row house, a Colonial revival, or a Craftsman bungalow, the ability to reproduce authentic moldings allows you to maintain historical integrity while achieving a flawless finish. This guide covers the principles,
Making a home feel larger without adding square footage is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential architecture. When LDa Architecture & Interiors tackled a 1,200-square-foot cottage on Martha’s Vineyard, they proved that thoughtful design can completely transform how a space feels. By converting a two-family layout back into a single-family home, eliminating redundant
Nestled along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho, a remarkable home proves that the most striking architecture comes from working with nature rather than against it. Built by Terry Anderson, this house uses cedar stumps that washed ashore as its primary siding material, creating a structure that appears to grow organically from
The Philosophy of Building Half Your House Outdoors When vacation homeowners dream of their ideal retreat, they rarely picture extra storage closets or sprawling hallways. They imagine morning coffee on a wide porch, the smell of mountain air, and relaxed evenings spent outdoors with family and friends. The most successful vacation homes embrace this reality
When designing a home, few elements carry as much architectural weight as the entry porch. It is the first thing visitors see, the last thing they remember, and the daily threshold between public life and private sanctuary. A well-designed entry porch does more than just keep rain off the doorstep, it directs guests to the
