Ep 8. Arlington Arts & Crafts | A New Look to Match the Old

In season 38 episode 8 of This Old House titled "Arlington Arts & Crafts | A New Look to Match the Old," the team takes on renovating an early 20th-century Arts and Crafts-style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The owners are a couple who love the character and charm of their historic home but want to update it to better suit their modern lifestyle.

The episode starts with a tour of the house, highlighting its unique features and detailing the project goals. The team plans to maintain the home's original charm while adding modern amenities and improving its energy efficiency.

One of the first areas tackled is the kitchen, which is outdated and small. The team makes several changes to open up the space and add more storage. They remove a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and install a large island with a sink, creating more counter space and better flow.

The team also updates the cabinets with custom woodworking and adds new appliances, including a larger refrigerator and a gas range. To maintain the home's original charm, they choose subway tile for the backsplash and period-appropriate hardware for the cabinets.

Next, the team turns their attention to the master bedroom. The room is spacious but lacks proper insulation, causing it to be drafty and cold in the winter. The team adds insulation to the walls and ceiling and replaces the existing windows with more energy-efficient ones.

They also add a new fireplace with a stone facade and custom cabinetry for the TV and other electronics. The new fireplace adds warmth and character to the room while also being more efficient than the previous one.

The team also updates the master bathroom, which is cramped and outdated. They remove the existing tub and replace it with a spacious walk-in shower, complete with a custom glass surround and marble tile. They also install a new vanity with a marble countertop and add new fixtures throughout the space.

The episode concludes with a tour of the finished home, showcasing all of the updates and improvements. The owners express their satisfaction with the renovation and how it has transformed their home into a modern space that still maintains its original charm and character.

Overall, episode 8 of season 38 of This Old House is an informative and captivating look at the renovation of a classic Arts and Crafts-style home. The team's attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the home's original features while adding modern amenities is impressive and inspiring.