The COVID-19 pandemic did more than disrupt daily routines and global economies. It fundamentally challenged how we think about the spaces where we live, work, and rest. In This Old House’s Clearstory podcast season 2 premiere, host Kevin O’Connor sat down with author and architecture professor Sara Carr, journalist and bioethicist Elizabeth Yuko, and assistant […]
Restoring a historic home is one of the most rewarding challenges in residential construction. Every element must be carefully considered to preserve the original character while meeting modern standards for comfort and efficiency. This is especially true when it comes to windows, which define a home architectural personality and play a vital role in energy
The concept of blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor living has become a defining principle of modern residential architecture. Homeowners increasingly seek designs that invite natural light deep into interior spaces, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and create a seamless visual connection with the surrounding landscape. Large glazing assemblies, full-height window walls, and strategically
Chalkboard paint transforms ordinary walls, cabinet doors, and furniture into functional writing surfaces that combine style with practicality. Whether you are creating a family command center in the kitchen, a menu board for the dining area, or simply want a dark matte finish that adds depth to a room, understanding the proper application technique makes
Old houses often hold hidden treasures beneath layers of neglect. One of the most rewarding discoveries is finding original wood stair treads buried under old carpeting, only to realize they have been damaged by roofing nails and years of foot traffic. In Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 15, builder Charlie Silva shares practical guidance
Historic homes possess character, craftsmanship, and a sense of permanence that modern construction rarely matches. But they often lack one essential modern comfort: central air conditioning. This challenge was front and center for the owners of a 1913 row house in Washington, D.C., who turned to This Old House Home Technology Expert Ross Trethewey for
The LTW Design team faced a thrilling challenge when they took on the 2020 This Old House Idea House: a 3,700-square-foot modern farmhouse perched on a hilltop in Norwalk, Connecticut, overlooking Long Island Sound. Every room had to feel intentional, lived-in, and welcoming. The result is a masterclass in furniture placement and styling that homeowners
Have you ever watched a professional patio begin to buckle, tilt, or sink after just a few winters? This exact problem brought a homeowner to This Old House Mason Mark McCullough in a recent podcast episode. The patio pavers would rise up and push into the backyard every spring, leaving a surface that was both
Modern construction and renovation demand precision that traditional measuring tools alone cannot always provide. Laser levels have become essential equipment on job sites, allowing tradespeople to establish accurate reference lines across long distances. These battery-powered devices shoot precise beams of light that stay level and plumb, making them ideal for installing cabinets, doors, tile, trim,
If your bathroom feels stuck in a past decade with dated fixtures or a persistent leak, you are not alone. Many homeowners face giving a tired bathroom a new lease on life without full demolition. In Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 12, builder Charlie Silva guided a homeowner through upgrading her sink and shower
