by Architectural Observer | Aug 20, 2019 | Blog, Projects
The goal of finding a house to restore which was both architecturally and historically interesting has been simmering in the background for some time now. Life has a way of distracting us from our goals (most recently getting involved with the renovation of someone...
by Architectural Observer | Aug 5, 2019 | Blog, Drag Queen Architecture
One of the most popular — and easiest — ways to “re-style” a house is through the use of paint. Countless Victorian-era houses, for example (formerly sporting multi-hued exteriors), were painted white beginning in the 1920’s in an effort...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 10, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Much like porch alterations, replacement doors have the ability to change the way a house looks or is perceived. Unfortunately, most people just buy what they like and give little thought to maintaining the architectural integrity of the exterior when purchasing a new...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 8, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Recently while perusing area real estate listings I ran across an all-too-common offering — the unfinished renovation of a house which had retained a good deal of originality prior to being gutted to the studs. At least it affords us the opportunity to take a...
by Architectural Observer | Jul 1, 2019 | Blog, Observations
Built in three stages beginning in 1885, the house at Cottonwood Ranch in Studley, Kansas, reflects not only the place and time in which it was built, but incorporates some traditions of builder John Fenton Pratt’s native Yorkshire, England, as well. The center...
by Architectural Observer | Jun 23, 2019 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses
Print media, while not as influential as it was in decades past, remains a popular platform for the sale of house plans. When readers of Better Homes and Gardens magazine selected House Plan No. 3709-A as their favorite of those presented by the magazine in 1972, the...
