This Old House Hour Season 12 Episode 23 Arlington Italianate | Decorative Details

This Old House Hour season 12 episode 23 takes the viewers on a tour of the Arlington Italianate project where they witness the restoration of a 19th-century beauty. The episode dives deep into the decorative details of the house and showcases the efforts of the experts in preserving its historic charm.

Hosts Kevin O'Connor and Tom Silva team up to help the owners of the house bring its beauty back to life. They start by repairing the damaged wooden clapboards and restoring the original look of the house. The experts then move on to the intricate decorative details that make the house a true gem of its time.

In the first segment of the episode, homeowners make a special request to the team to create an original ceiling medallion that would complement the house's existing design elements. Tom Silva starts by drawing the design of the medallion and then transfers it to a template that will guide him as he cuts and shapes the wooden pieces. With precision and skill, Tom puts together a stunning medallion that serves as the highlight of the room.

The episode then turns to the exterior of the house, where the team focuses on restoring the decorative brackets that adorn the porch. In a process known as lost-wax casting, they create molds of the original brackets and then cast replica brackets in fiberglass. The replica brackets are then installed on the porch to restore the house's charming exterior.

Next up, Kevin O'Connor takes the viewers on a tour of the kitchen, where they are introduced to custom cabinets that complement the house's historic charm. The cabinets are meticulously crafted by the experts, who pay attention to every detail, from the hardware to the finish. They also install an antique oven that adds to the kitchen's vintage appeal.

In the final segment of the episode, the team tackles the challenge of creating a fireplace mantel that is true to the house's original design. With the help of historical photos, they recreate the intricate carvings and the scalloped design of the mantel. The finished product is a stunning piece of artwork that gives the living room a warm and inviting feel.

Throughout the episode, viewers are exposed to the house's unique history and the efforts of the experts to preserve its charm. They learn about the intricate details that make the house a treasure of its time and witness the dedication and passion of the professionals who work tirelessly to restore it.

The Arlington Italianate episode of This Old House Hour season 12 is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates history, design, and restoration. With its attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, the episode serves as a testament to the beauty of historic homes and the value of preserving them for future generations.