Architecture

Designing Vintage Inspired Bathrooms for Older Homes

Older homes often come with smaller bathrooms, but that does not mean you have to sacrifice style or function. The key is working with the existing footprint while introducing period-appropriate elements that respect the home’s history. Whether you own an 1890s Dutch Colonial, a 1940s twin home, or a 1950s ranch house, there are creative […]

From Ranch to Dutch Colonial: How a Second-Story Addition Transformed a 1940s Home

Turning a one-story ranch house into a two-story Dutch Colonial with an open floor plan requires careful structural planning, smart material choices, and a clear vision for the finished space. The transformation of a 1940s ranch in Westerly, Rhode Island, into a family-friendly home shows exactly how such a renovation can be done well. By

How to Design Living and Entertaining Spaces That Bring People Together

Creating living and entertaining spaces that feel both welcoming and functional is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential design. Whether you are designing a new home or reimagining an existing layout, the goal is the same: to craft environments where family and friends naturally gather, linger, and connect. The 2019 This Old House

Ranch House to Modern Classic: The Westerly Transformation

The Adams family of Westerly, Rhode Island, proved that a dated one-story ranch house could become something far greater than its humble beginnings suggested. By purchasing a run-down 1949 ranch and embarking on a thoughtful nine-month renovation, they transformed the property into a spacious two-story Dutch Colonial that balances historic New England charm with contemporary

Easy-to-Maintain Siding with a Modern Spin: Board and Batten at the Farmhouse in Fairfield County

Selecting the right exterior cladding means balancing visual appeal, long-term durability, and ongoing upkeep. For the 2020 Farmhouse in Fairfield County, builder Jerry Effren pursued a design that echoed a traditional New England barn updated through successive generations, alongside clean contemporary farmhouse lines. The solution came through engineered wood board and batten siding, which delivers

Scheduled Home Improvement Content for Construction Professionals

Easier long-term retention through repeated exposure to related concepts within a themed period, reinforcing connections between different aspects of the same subject. Direct application to ongoing projects as each weekly theme aligns with real work happening on the jobsite, creating immediate relevance that motivates further study. Measurable progress that you can track over months and

How to Design a Colorful Basement Workspace: Layout, Color, and Finishing Guide

Transforming a dark, underutilized basement into a vibrant workspace is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. The Cottage on the Cape Idea House, featured by This Old House, demonstrated how a once-forgotten basement level could become a colorful, functional workspace that inspires creativity and productivity. Whether you are carving

Bathroom Design: Key Principles for Layout, Lighting, and Function

Designing a bathroom that balances aesthetics, function, and durability requires careful planning from the very start. Whether you are remodeling an existing space or building from the ground up, establishing clear priorities early makes every subsequent decision easier. Every well-designed bathroom needs a focal point the element that draws the eye and anchors the room.