Ep 16. Arlington Arts & Crafts | An Arts & Crafts for the Ages

This Old House season 38 episode 16 follows the renovation of an iconic Arts and Crafts-style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The episode titled "Arlington Arts & Crafts | An Arts & Crafts for the Ages" shows the team tackling the project with great enthusiasm and skill.

The show begins with an introduction to the home, detailing its history and the unique challenges that come with renovating a property of this style. This particular home was built in 1915 and has only had a few small updates since then. The owners purchased it with the intent of bringing it back to its former glory, while also making it functional for modern living.

The first portion of the episode focuses on some of the exterior updates the team is working on. The original leaded glass windows are being restored, the foundation is being repaired, and a new chimney is being built. The crew demonstrates the intricate process of fitting custom pieces of leaded glass into the window frames, ensuring that they maintain the historic integrity of the home.

The next portion of the episode takes us inside the home, where the team is working on the living room and dining room. One of the challenges they face is updating the space while still maintaining the original character of the rooms. The living room features the original wood burning fireplace, which is being updated with a new hearth and surround. The dining room, which features original paneling, is being updated with new lighting fixtures and paint.

As the team works through the renovation, they uncover some surprises in the home. For example, they discover an original stained glass window hiding behind some paneling and decide to restore it. In another instance, they find a hidden staircase behind a closet, which they decide to restore and incorporate into the design of the home.

The final portion of the episode features the renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. The team is focused on making these spaces functional, while still keeping with the original style of the home. The kitchen is being updated with new cabinets, appliances, and countertops, while the original pantry is being restored. The bathrooms are being updated with new fixtures, while keeping the original tile work intact.

Throughout the episode, the team shows a deep respect for the original architecture of the home, while still finding ways to make it work for modern living. The show highlights the value of preserving historic homes and the importance of skilled craftsmanship. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the restoration or renovation of historic homes.