Lincrusta Repair in San Francisco
Our house was built in 1879 by the Solari family. Lincrusta was invented just two years before that. We’ve got one of the original patterns, which Lincrusta no longer makes, and the section in the stairwell is damaged.
Books I Love For Repairs in Your Historic House
As I recently wrote, it’s challenging to find good information on how to repair things in your historic home if you want to do it in a way that doesn’t permanently damage or take away from character defining features and historic materials. Yes, the materials were better... I’ll die on this hill.
Old House Problems + How to Learn to Solve Them
It’s our first full winter in the Big Red House, and we’ve noticed that during rainy San Francisco days, our house is COLD. Here’s a look into our old house problems. And how to learn to solve them.
How To Research Your San Francisco Home
Do you live in a historic house? Are you nosey about the stewards who came before you and want to learn more about them? Want to learn more about your neighborhood? Believe it or not, all of these things are intertwined.
Projects for the Big Red House
The house we bought needs quite a bit of work.
Why I Go For Granny Houses
My ideal home is one that someone’s grandmother has lived in for the past 50 years and has done minimal updates.
My Turn for the Dream Home — Meet the Big Red House
The scariest thing we did this October was buy a big red house. Like many of my clients, we weren’t necessarily in the market for a house and had been casually browsing, but this house found us. The moment we walked in, we knew it was THE ONE.
Pressed Tin Ceiling... or is it?
I learned something new today!
The Great Window Debate
Windows are a touchy subject in our household. We’ve got a crazy lady who thinks all historic homes should have functioning wood windows and period-appropriate doors (that’s me!) and a dude who couldn’t care less about any of it. This has lead me to do tons of research to try to figure out if my side of the argument really matters that much or not, or if I’m just a crazy old house person.
Don't Pressure Wash that Beauty!
Pressure washing seems like a pretty normal maintenance item for homeownership, right? My dad definitely pressure washed things around the house as a kid, and I often see it when taking walks around neighborhoods on the weekends.
The Difference Between Preservation, Restoration, and Renovation
As someone who lives in a world where all three happen pretty regularly, I wanted to set the record straight on what term means what, so that you can gain a clear understanding about which camp you're in.
Craftsman Bungalows
It is said that the name “bungalow” comes from India (though it is called Bangla in Hindu) and the style is similar to the rest houses that were built there by the English government for foreign travelers.
My Love Affair with Italianate Homes
The Italianate style is by far my most favorite.
A San Francisco Favorite, The Sentinel Building
Cafe Zoetrope — I can't lie, I have a major love for copper things. Especially, old green copper. I first stopped in here with a friend and was completely in love with this massive flatiron-like building named the Sentinel building, also known as Columbus Tower.
The New Orleans Shotgun House
Shotgun Houses. The most plentiful architecture type in the city of New Orleans! Some would also say it’s the most beloved. Nothin’ like a classic.