Older Home Resources
From How To Renovate An Old House by Deborah Lynn
Restoring an old home requires careful planning and expertise to preserve its character while ensuring safety and functionality. Using trusted resources—experienced contractors, historic preservation specialists, and reliable suppliers—ensures quality workmanship and materials that honor the home's original design. This approach minimizes costly mistakes, protects your investment, and helps maintain the integrity of your home's unique charm for years to come. Here are a few resources where you can begin your restoration journey.
Old House Interiors Magazine was a former print and online resource devoted to interiors from homes built between 1700 and 1840, including romantic 20th century colonial revivals. Good inspiration for First Period homes through Georgian, Federal, early Greek Revival, and regionally flavored residences. Click on the link to search the archives of their past issues.
Antique Homes Magazine focuses on historic homes for sale throughout New England.
Rabbit Goody’s studio, Thistle Hill Weavers creates custom period fabrics and trims. We love her Venetian carpets, which would be stunning for whole-room flooring as well as stair runners.
Steve Smithers is a master of finer silversmithing and design. We were amazed by his beautiful tea sets and lighting. His handcrafted brass lighting is extraordinary and a rarity.
Heritage Metalworks offers Winterthur Reproduction pieces, including the Lebanon Bedroom Chandelier. This group is also wonderful with restoring and repairing metal antiques and creating custom metalwork.
If you love that smooth and sensual soapstone feel, then you'll appreciate Bucks County Soapstone Company and their custom sinks, countertops, and fireplace surrounds.
Ball and Ball has extraordinary antique hardware reproductions covering the 18th Century through Victorian times. Chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, hand-forged iron house hardware, locks, fireplace accessories, knobs and drops, door knockers, and Chippendale pulls are their specialties.
For a collection of custom-made, beautifully crafted doors, visit Historic Doors. They make custom-crafted doors, entryways, and porticos that add beauty to interior and exterior doorways.
The Real Milk Paint Company offers timeless products that have added vibrant color to homes for centuries. The paint is environmentally safe, non-toxic, weather resistant, non-fading, and remains usable for years. Check out their tung oil, waxes, brushes, and other products, too.