Old House Journal Magazine - May - June 2025

In this issue

Gingerbread Houses
Lacy to flamboyant, millwork in the 19th century was a riot of ornament in wood. Learn about its use for various styles.

Foundation Fundamentals
Case studies look at lifting, digging, rebuilding, and water abatement.

English Arts & Crafts Sensibility: Rumford Hall
A history of stewardship at this 1879 house in the Hudson Valley.

Something to Come Home To

Tweaks that up your curb appeal and make you smile. By Mary Ellen Polson

2 mins

OUR RENAISSANCE FOURSQUARE

We were happy to finally get the chance to restore this unique home.

1 min

19th century millwork A RIOT OF ORNAMENT IN WOOD

Gingerbread meant overdone, at one point in time: a word for superfluous details on houses so over-embellished they resembled the decadent sweets of medieval royalty, or fictional fairytale cottages.

3 mins

Carpenter's Friends

For the skilled and discerning woodworker.

1 min

Is Yours a MAIL-ORDER House?

Suspect your house is from Sears or another catalog company? Ready to do some research and forensic sleuthing?

3 mins

NEWEL RENEWEL

To bring back a longneglected staircase, the owner resorted to gently stripping, cleaning, and refinishing the newel posts and balustrade.

2 mins

When Planting Near the Foundation

Trapped water and even water vapor-any kind of moisture, from rain and snowmelt to high humidity usually has a negative impact on materials, particularly wood.

1 min

restoring RESTMERE

A historic music festival provided clues as this Italianate villa, designed by Richard Upjohn, was brought back from the brink.

3 mins

English Arts & Crafts sensibility at Rumford Hall

It was twenty years ago that a friend told Jeanne Farewell and Monty Denneau about a unique property in New York's Hudson Valley.

2 mins

outside IN

The Arndt family found the mid-century house of their dreams-and life immediately got brighter.

3 mins

Read all stories from Old House Journal

Old House Journal Magazine Description:

Old House Journal is a leading magazine for owners, restorers, and admirers of old and historic homes. The magazine provides a wealth of information on restoration techniques, architectural styles, and historical research, as well as advice on home maintenance and renovation.

Old House Journal was first published in 1973, at a time when many old and historic homes were being demolished or neglected in favor of new construction. The magazine was created to provide a voice for those who were passionate about preserving and restoring these important structures. The magazine also provides in-depth coverage of architectural styles, with features on everything from Victorian homes to mid-century modern. One of the unique features of Old House Journal is its focus on historical research and documentation.

By subscribing, readers will have access to the most comprehensive coverage of old home restoration available, making Old House Journal an essential part of any restoration enthusiast's library.