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A Retro Look at the Motel… Our Home Away from Home!

A Retro Look at the Motel… Our Home Away from Home!

by Architectural Observer | Apr 26, 2020 | Blog, Observations

Spring has officially sprung here, and I’ve been itching to get out and about. Usually by this time of year I’ve already posted about an annual auction we attend. This year, however, (as you can surely guess) it was held online. I didn’t even bother...
1960’s Time Capsule Interior Falls Victim to Banal  Makeover

1960’s Time Capsule Interior Falls Victim to Banal Makeover

by Architectural Observer | Dec 5, 2019 | Blog, Observations

Another one bites the dust. For the second time! A Second Empire “twin” house in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, built around 1880, witnessed an exhaustive makeover in the late 1960’s in a semi-successful effort to transform the narrow...
A Petite Second Empire with a Big Attitude

A Petite Second Empire with a Big Attitude

by Architectural Observer | Nov 29, 2019 | Blog, Observations

Likely built in the 1870’s, this surprisingly small Second Empire style house definitely thinks big as it displays details more typical of a house five times its size. Built of native stone in the Kansas vernacular, the house has languished for years, appearing...
“Design” on Wheels:  Inside a Campy Camper!

“Design” on Wheels: Inside a Campy Camper!

by Architectural Observer | Nov 26, 2019 | Blog, Observations

Sometimes I’m drawn to the kitschy and camp as well as the practical and refined. I’m generally not a fan of vehicles of any sort, but earlier this fall friends showed me the interior of their recent acquisition… a 1978 Delta Motorhome. I was...
The Stereotyping of Old Houses as “Haunted”:  A Look Back at the Indoctrination!

The Stereotyping of Old Houses as “Haunted”: A Look Back at the Indoctrination!

by Architectural Observer | Oct 30, 2019 | Blog, Observations

Happy Halloween, everyone! Have you ever wondered why it is that popular opinion has long viewed old houses as creepy, scary and almost certainly “haunted”? Many will be quick to blame television — or Hollywood in general — but movies are only...
Inspired Design:  A Vision Takes Form

Inspired Design: A Vision Takes Form

by Architectural Observer | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, Observations

Recently I attended a birthday party for a retired friend — the location of which was his outdoor entertaining area. A multi-year construction project, the site is now nearing completion. Built entirely from scrap or otherwise salvaged items, the structures...
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