Ep 12. Arlington Arts & Crafts: Changes Start to Show

This Old House season 34 episode 12, titled "Arlington Arts & Crafts: Changes Start to Show," follows the progress of a home renovation in Arlington, Massachusetts. The house, a 1920s Arts & Crafts style home, is being transformed into a more modern, functional space while still maintaining its original charm.

The episode begins with a focus on the exterior of the home, specifically the roof and windows. The crew installs a new roof and begins work on the window frames, salvaging as much of the original wood as possible. They also begin work on the front porch, which has been completely stripped down to the original foundation. The porch will eventually be rebuilt with new materials while still keeping the original design intact.

Inside the home, the focus is on the kitchen and pantry areas. The crew begins work on installing new electrical wiring and plumbing for the kitchen, which will feature modern appliances and a new layout. They also demo the old pantry and begin work on a new, larger pantry with ample storage and shelf space.

Throughout the episode, the crew faces a number of challenges, including a snowstorm that delays work and the discovery of some unexpected structural issues with the house. However, they are able to overcome these obstacles and keep the renovation on track.

One of the highlights of this episode is the focus on the design elements of the renovation. The homeowners work closely with the This Old House team to select finishes and materials that will give the home a modern feel while still staying true to the Arts & Crafts style. This includes selecting a bold, patterned tile for the kitchen backsplash and choosing a paint color for the kitchen cabinets that complements the original woodwork.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers get a sense of the progress that has been made on the home. While there is still much work to be done, the changes that have been made so far are starting to show. The crew reflects on the challenges they've faced and looks ahead to the next stages of the renovation.

Overall, "Arlington Arts & Crafts: Changes Start to Show" is a fascinating look at a home renovation that combines the best of both worlds - old-world charm and modern functionality. With plenty of design inspiration and insight into the renovation process, this episode is sure to delight fans of This Old House and home renovation enthusiasts alike.