Going Old School

The article details the challenges and rewards of restoring historic buildings, focusing on the work of David Sutphen, owner of Southfen Restoration Home Builder and David Sutphen Design. The piece opens with the experience of Robert Voss and Ben Frey, who encountered unexpected complexities while renovating an historic building for their business, John Brown General and Butchery, in the Shawan Valley. Their initial plan for a quick renovation and opening was derailed by the discovery of extensive, outdated plumbing and electrical systems dating back to 1938. Voss credits Sutphen's expertise and passion for older spaces with successfully navigating these challenges. Sutphen's approach to restoration is highlighted as a blend of preserving historic charm while integrating modern functionality. With interior plans from Towson’s ADW Architects, the building housing John Brown General and Butchery was transformed from a dilapidated structure into a modern shop with a second-floor apartment, maintaining its historic character. Sutphen's lifelong interest in historic buildings, sparked by woodworking in high school and exposure to historic homes in Baltimore and the Eastern Shore, has shaped his philosophy. He is praised for his integrity in treating old buildings and his deep knowledge of historical construction methods and materials, as noted by Barbara Voss, Robert Voss's mother, who also worked with Sutphen on her own historic farmhouse. Sutphen emphasizes that restoring older homes requires critical thinking and problem-solving, going beyond mere assembly of parts. He explains his method of imagining himself as the original craftsman of the 18th or 19th century, which simplifies the process and reveals multiple valid solutions to a task. This mindset helps him preserve the building's spirit while incorporating modern conveniences. The article also addresses the importance of managing client expectations, as historic projects often present unforeseen difficulties. Sutphen's experience allows him to provide realistic advice. An example is the restoration of a 200-year-old log cabin in northern Baltimore County, where defects in the log walls only became apparent after cladding removal, necessitating continuous design adjustments. Despite such challenges, historic restorations can lead to pleasant surprises, such as the discovery of hidden stonework in Traill's log cabin, underscoring the value of recognizing and preserving worth-while elements in old structures. Sutphen views the demolition of older homes as a waste, driven by his commitment to preservation. Another project, Tom Spencer's 160-year-old fieldstone farmhouse, was saved from demolition by Sutphen, who completely restored and updated its interior, added an extension and garage, all while meticulously preserving its historic nature. Spencer expresses gratification at living in such a house, recognizing the privilege of residing in a preserved historic home. The article concludes by encouraging readers to visit southfen.com or davidsutphendesign.com for more information on Sutphen's work. #HistoricRestoration #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #BuildingPreservation #DavidSutphenDesign #JohnBrownGeneralAndButchery #MarylandArchitecture #HistoricHomes

The perception of flooring materials often shifts with evolving design trends, and certain 'old-school' options are now re-emerging as fresh and desirable choices for contemporary interiors. These materials, once ubiquitous or relegated to specific, less prominent areas, are experiencing a renaissance, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Three prominent examples of such revitalized flooring types are rubber tiles, linoleum, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Rubber tiles, traditionally an industrial staple, were a hallmark of 1970s loft aesthetics. While black rubber tiles continue to offer a sleek, utilitarian look, designers are increasingly exploring bolder primary colors to introduce vibrant pops of color and playful energy into spaces. This versatility makes rubber tiles suitable for a range of applications, from kitchens and bathrooms to playrooms and even commercial settings where durability and comfort underfoot are paramount. Their resilience, water resistance, and sound-absorbing qualities contribute to their renewed popularity. Linoleum, a material that peaked in popularity during the 1940s, is another flooring option making a significant comeback. Modern manufacturing techniques have expanded the design possibilities for linoleum, moving beyond its traditional muted patterns. Contemporary linoleum is available in a sophisticated palette of moodier shades and subtle, refined patterns that elevate its aesthetic appeal, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into high-design environments. Beyond its improved visual characteristics, linoleum is celebrated for its natural composition, durability, and ease of maintenance, appealing to those seeking sustainable and long-lasting flooring solutions. Wall-to-wall carpeting, a flooring choice that dominated homes for decades before being largely confined to basements and recreational rooms since the 1960s, is also seeing a resurgence. This return is driven by a growing appreciation for monochromatic interior schemes and the desire to create soft, inviting, and acoustically comfortable spaces. Unlike its patterned predecessors, modern wall-to-wall carpeting often features solid colors or subtle textures, providing a continuous, seamless look that can make rooms feel larger and more cohesive. It offers warmth, reduces noise, and adds a luxurious feel, making it a viable option for living areas, bedrooms, and even home offices. This renewed interest in wall-to-wall carpeting underscores a shift towards prioritizing comfort and a unified aesthetic in interior design. #FlooringTrends #InteriorDesign #RetroFlooring #RubberTiles #Linoleum #WallToWallCarpeting #HomeDecor #DesignRevival

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt