In With the Old

Home improvement television programs, featuring younger personalities who appreciate older architectural styles and fundamental designs, are influencing a shift in interior door trends. Historically, interior doors in Central Florida were primarily shaped by their cost and availability during construction. Before the 1970s, local manufacturers and carpenters produced most doors, often characterized by straight lines, multiple panels, and a robust appearance, which resulted in longer installation times and higher costs due to their custom nature. The 1970s saw the expansion of door plants and component door manufacturing, leading to the mass production of door slabs that were then assembled with door jambs and casing at local plants. This innovation created pre-built units that expedited installation and reduced job delays. The popular style at this time was a smooth wood lauan door with clamshell casing, which could be painted or stained. While affordable and quick to install, these doors lacked distinctive style. The pursuit of improved aesthetics led to advancements in hardboard doors, which featured embossed designs. By the early 1980s, six-panel hardboard doors, coupled with colonial casing, became the dominant interior door choice, balancing affordability and style, and remain popular today. The mid-1990s introduced further stylistic variations with arch and panel designs in hardboard doors. As homes grew in size, door heights increased from 80 to 96 inches, offering a more dramatic look. Additionally, sound-proof, solid-core doors were developed to enhance privacy in bedrooms and media rooms, broadening consumer options. Contemporary homeowners are increasingly seeking the beefier, custom-made door styles reminiscent of older homes. Masonite, a major manufacturer of door slabs, has responded to this demand by reintroducing styles that echo earlier designs. Their Livingston interior door, for instance, is a three-panel hardboard door with wider styles, available in hollow or solid core and various heights, mimicking the look of carpenter-built doors. This follows the introduction of other classic styles like Lincoln Park, Logan, and Winslow, which feature basic panel and straight-line designs to give a perception of higher quality. Homeowners are also opting for wider, thicker eased-edge casing to complement these vintage-inspired doors. Thanks to Masonite's ability to mass-produce and distribute these hardboard doors efficiently, the price difference between these new, cleaner styles and the standard six-panel doors used for decades is minimal. Many prospective custom home buyers and remodelers are often unaware of these stylish yet affordable options. A significant advantage for existing homeowners is that there are no Florida Building Code requirements for upgrading interior doors to these newer styles. Homeowners interested in Masonite's new designs can contact local door shops, which can typically match hinge and lock bore locations. This allows for a complete change in a home's appearance by simply replacing the door slab, transforming the aesthetic of a home by leveraging modern manufacturing to reproduce classic designs affordably and efficiently. #InteriorDoors #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalStyles #HardboardDoors #Masonite #DoorDesignTrends #HomeImprovement #BuildingMaterials

Home improvement television shows featuring younger stars are influencing a resurgence in older, more basic interior door styles. Historically, Central Florida homes primarily used interior doors whose style was dictated by price and availability during construction. Before the 1970s, local manufacturers and carpenters produced custom, beefier doors with straighter lines and more panels. However, this method was time-consuming and expensive due to the customization involved. The 1970s saw the expansion of door plants and component door manufacturing, leading to the mass production of door slabs assembled with jambs and casing to create pre-built units. This innovation significantly reduced installation time and costs. The most prevalent style during this period was a smooth wood lauan door with clamshell casing, which could be painted or stained. While affordable and quick to install, these doors lacked significant aesthetic appeal. To address the demand for more stylish options, hardboard doors emerged. These doors utilized wood product skins embossed with designs. By the early 1980s, six-panel hardboard doors became the dominant interior door, often paired with colonial casing. They successfully balanced affordability and style, offering a visual improvement over their predecessors. The popularity of six-panel interior door units persists to this day. Mid-1990s advancements in door skin technology introduced new styles like arch and panel designs to hardboard door inventories. As homes grew larger, door heights increased from 80 to 96 inches, providing a more dramatic look. Sound-proof, solid-core doors were also introduced, offering enhanced privacy for bedrooms and media rooms, thereby expanding consumer choices. Contemporary homeowners, many of whom grew up with custom, beefier doors, are now seeking a return to these older aesthetics. Masonite, a major door slab manufacturer, has responded to this trend by introducing new styles that evoke earlier designs. Their Livingston interior door style, for example, is a three-panel hardboard door with wider styles, available in hollow or solid core at various heights, designed to mimic the appearance of a custom-built door. Other styles like Lincoln Park, Logan, and Winslow also feature basic panel and straight-line designs, offering a higher-quality look. Homeowners are also opting for wide, thicker eased edge casing to further enhance this classic aesthetic. Thanks to Masonite's ability to mass-produce these hardboard doors and efficiently distribute them, the cost difference between these new, cleaner styles and the six-panel doors prevalent for over three decades is minimal. Many potential custom home buyers and remodelers, however, remain unaware of these affordable new options. A significant advantage is that there are no Florida Building Code requirements to upgrade interior doors from older styles. Existing homeowners can easily change the look of their homes by contacting a local door shop to match hinge and lock bore locations, allowing for a simple replacement of old doors with new styles. This technological advancement by Masonite allows for the mass production of custom-style doors at affordable prices, a process that once took weeks for a carpenter to achieve on-site, effectively making something old new again. #InteriorDoors #HomeImprovement #DoorStyles #Masonite #HomeDesignTrends #Renovation #AffordableDesign #ArchitecturalElements

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

Jon Gray and Pinky Noll reside in the Yates Mansion, a historic home in Springfield's Washington Park neighborhood, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Pinky Noll led the private restoration of the house, consulting with Victorian experts to ensure the mansion authentically reflects its original period. The residence, located at 1190 Williams Blvd., was designed by Springfield architect George H. Hemle and completed by James Culver in 1905. The Hemle family, prominent architects in central Illinois during the late 1800s and early 1900s, were responsible for numerous public and private buildings. Notably, the wrought-iron railing in front of the Yates Mansion was salvaged from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, another of Hemle's designs. The house exhibits Romanesque architectural elements, such as its stone foundation, first floor, open porch, turret, and arched and squared columns, alongside late Victorian shingle design characteristics like a steep, gabled roof and shingled upper stories. The mansion boasts a finished area of approximately 2,500 square feet per floor across three stories. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by walnut woodwork, interior columns, and molded plaster medallions and ornaments on the central hall and dining room ceilings. A sitting area is located in the turret just past the front doors, with a large parlor and formal dining room flanking the hall. Both rooms feature original, floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The interior design adheres to the historical period, with most furnishings being antique and formal. Wallpaper, a common feature in older homes, is extensively used throughout, with Pinky carefully selecting patterns to match the house's original style, such as the yellow and cream pattern in the dining room that mimics draperies. Original sliding pocket doors separate the dining room from the central hall, with leaded-glass artist Julia Schad creating wisteria patterns for them and stained-glass transoms for the main hallway's front doors. The main hall also features a large landing with a cobblestone fireplace, which Pinky discovered after learning from a former owner that a marble slab covering it was merely a facade. The fireplace, constructed from Illinois River rock, contains petrified skeletons and two cannonballs from the Chattanooga battlefield, gifts to Governor Richard Yates Sr. A house legend states that touching both cannonballs simultaneously grants a wish. The extensively remodeled kitchen retains an Old World feel, with cabinetry designed to replicate an original cabinet door found during the renovation. Despite its grandeur, the Nolls found the home suitable for raising their three children. The distinguished first-floor office, once used by Governor Yates, now occasionally stores toys for their grandchildren. The second floor comprises a master bedroom, five additional bedrooms, and several bathrooms, all accessible from a large 8-by-20-foot landing. The master bedroom, situated in the turret, features a carved oak fireplace mantle originally from the State Capitol. The master bath includes a brass basin in an ornate vanity and a clawfoot tub, both acquired by Pinky. Several other bedrooms serve diverse functions, such as a private study, a piano room, and a former maid’s room with a servant’s staircase. One bedroom, previously a chapel during the Episcopal archdiocese's ownership, was modified by Pinky to expose a beloved leaded-glass window. Throughout the mansion, details are preserved, including ornate light fixtures, extensive woodwork, and original glass doorknobs, which Pinky meticulously cleaned of paint to reveal their star-like designs. Both Pinky and Jon appreciate the home's history. Governor Yates Jr., who owned the house from 1904 to 1928, lived there for 14 years and referred to it as “our beloved home in Springfield” in his autobiography. Adlai E. Stevenson, a former Illinois congressman and U.S. vice president, also resided there at one point. Yates treasured the attic, calling it his “Romance Room.” A brochure about the home mentions a resident ghost in the attic, near the turret room, heard on full moon nights. The Nolls' daughters, as teenagers, shared a finished third-floor apartment with two bedrooms, a large bath, a study, and an informal living area. Pinky dedicated nearly two decades to renovating the home, balancing this work with her full-time job and equestrian pursuits. Exterior features include a large stone porch, a lawn overlooking the park, and a fenced-in pool area. The carriage house, left untouched for about 90 years, was extensively remodeled into a cozy apartment and pool cabana, providing additional living space. After 25 years in the Yates Mansion, the Nolls express their deep attachment to the home, despite its size for just two people and a cat, acknowledging the emotional and financial investment they have made. #HistoricHome #YatesMansion #VictorianArchitecture #HomeRestoration #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #SpringfieldIllinois #GeorgeHHemle #ArchitecturalHistory #InteriorDesign

Robert and Stacy Vevoda, after renting in Serenbe for over a year, decided to build their home in the community's new Swann Ridge hamlet. Their home draws inspiration from an Old World aesthetic, a style influenced by a photo their daughter, Lauren, discovered in Architectural Digest. The house features English-inspired cottages connected by a footbridge, visible from their property in the community south of Atlanta. The couple collaborated with their builder, Martin Dodson, and interior designer, Hope Vanzant of HMS Designs, to actualize this vision. A defining characteristic of their home is the extensive use of arches, both within the interior and on the screened porch. A particular highlight is the kitchen ceiling, which boasts a half-barrel vault design crafted from reclaimed wood beams and brick. Mahogany arched doors further enhance the Old World theme, leading into the pantry and laundry room. The Vevodas' home spans 2,900 square feet, offering four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. It was built in 2015. Stacy Vevoda noted that one of the appeals of Serenbe is the architectural diversity among its homes, allowing for individual styles. The interior design leans towards an English cottage style, incorporating a mix of new and antique furniture. Floral arrangements from Botanica at Scott Antique Market add to the home’s charm. A notable custom element is the kitchen hood, crafted by California craftsman Eric Montgomery of The Metal Shoppe. He hand-sanded stainless steel and treated it with an acid wash to achieve a unique patina. The design features stainless steel rivets that are mirrored in the border of the glass tile backsplash beneath. Additional design consultants included Traditions in Tile, Ferguson for lighting, plumbing, and appliances, and CWP Cabinetry. Furniture was sourced from retailers such as RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), Circa Antiques, Thos. Baker, and World Market. The paint palette includes Sherwin-Williams' Mindful Gray for the kitchen, dining, and great room, Anew Gray for the master bedroom, and Bittersweet Stem for a guest bedroom. A design tip highlighted is the use of mosaic tile inlay behind the bathtub in a bathroom to add a decorative element. The article underscores the thoughtful and customized approach taken to create a unique home that embodies an Old World charm within the pastoral setting of Serenbe. #OldWorldDesign #SerenbeHomes #EnglishCottageStyle #CustomCabinetry #ArchitecturalArches #InteriorDesign #HomeBuilding #ReclaimedWood #KitchenDesign

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

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