When renovating a room, the ceiling is often the most overlooked surface. Yet it represents roughly one-sixth of the visual space in any interior. A well-designed ceiling can define the character of a room, add architectural interest, and even improve acoustics. From acoustic ceiling solutions for commercial spaces to decorative residential treatments, there are more […]
How Architectural Clues Reveal the True Age of a Historic House Determining the actual construction date of a historic house is rarely as simple as reading a plaque or checking a deed. Across North America, countless old homes carry dates that were assumed rather than verified, and the difference between a building’s perceived age and
Historic home renovation requires a careful balance of preservation and modernization. The Nathaniel Page homestead in Bedford, Massachusetts, a 1720 Georgian Colonial listed on the National Register of Historic Places, exemplifies this challenge. Featured as the This Old House Season 33 project, this three-century-old home underwent a thoughtful renovation that respected its Revolutionary War-era heritage
As homeowners increasingly seek to remain in their homes well into retirement, aging in place has become a mainstream priority. The bathroom, often the most hazardous room in the house, presents both challenges and opportunities for creating a safe, accessible living environment. Thoughtful design that anticipates future needs does not require sacrificing style. It integrates
Black and white tile remains one of the most enduring and versatile design choices for bathrooms, offering a timeless palette that works across architectural styles from farmhouse to contemporary. When properly executed, a black and white tiled bathroom can feel simultaneously classic and modern, retro and fresh. This color scheme has been a staple of
Modern barnhouse architecture continues to gain traction among homeowners and designers who appreciate the blend of rustic warmth with contemporary minimalism. The modern barnhouse style, popularized by projects like Amy Matthews’ 2021 Modern Barnhouse featured on This Old House, combines the clean lines of Scandinavian design with the sturdy material honesty of traditional agricultural structures.
Transforming a standard bathroom into a glamorous Hollywood Regency space is one of the most rewarding renovation projects a professional builder or contractor can take on. The style, rooted in 1930s Tinseltown glamour, combines silvery finishes, mirrored surfaces, crystal accents, and luxurious fixtures to create a space that feels both opulent and timeless. Whether you
Why a Windowless Bathroom Needs a Strategic Light Plan Bathrooms without windows are common in many homes, particularly in guest baths, powder rooms, and interior spaces where exterior wall access is limited. These rooms can feel cramped, dark, and uninviting even with adequate square footage. The challenge is not simply installing brighter bulbs, it is
A Home Waiting for Its Moment: The Auburndale House Before Renovation Every renovation begins with a clear-eyed look at what exists. Season 32 of This Old House visits Auburndale, Massachusetts, where a 1940s Colonial Revival with Georgian influences sits along the Charles River, owned by Raveen and Allison Sharma. The house has a prime location
Transforming an underutilized attic into a functional living space is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. A recent project demonstrated that a dingy, makeshift bedroom and bath can be turned into a cheery retreat with custom built-ins for less than the cost of a new set of furniture. The
