Old House Journal November/December 2022

A quick timeline: OHJ started in “brownstone Brooklyn,” in 1973, its debut coinciding with that era’s Back to the City movement. The early OHJ was a 12-page, typewritten, DIY newsletter, punched with three holes in order to be archived in a three-ring binder. Coverage eventually expanded beyond row houses and Victorians to old houses built 1690–1940 (now 1970), in all parts of the country. The first color cover—and first paid advertising—came in 1986, sparking a “bring back the holes” wail from long-time subscribers. Several iterations followed, then Active Interest Media became this magazine’s owner in 2007. I’m still here! The magazines Old-House Journal and Old-House Interiors (founded in 1995) merged as OHJ, in 2013. We’ve got special things planned for our 50th year. First up, by reader demand, is the long-awaited…

A DYNAMIC DUO OHJ’s West Coast editor, Dr. Brian Coleman, has been in our court since 1996. A prolific scout and writer, he has also written 23 design books…this in addition to his primary career as a practicing psychiatrist. Over the years he’s worked with photographers who share Brian’s love of interior design and his careful attention to detail. (Perfectionism in this case being a good thing.) Perhaps his longest association has been with William Wright, who like Brian resides in Seattle. We’re featuring Brian’s own exuberant Victorian house in this issue, as we enter our 50th year. Bill Wright took the photos. We’re so grateful to them both. Thank you, too, to Doug Keister, Dan Mayers, Ed Addeo, Erik Kvalsvik, and John Neitzel, all Coleman collaborators whose work we’ve been proud to…

1. SWIRLS OF SILVER Quarried and fabricated underground in Vermont, Danby marble has a water absorption rate lower than many granites. Crystal Gray is unusual for its deep-color swirling patterns with touches of green and peach. About $30 per sq. ft. for a 3 cm slab. Vermont Quarries, (802) 775-1065, vermontdanbymarble.com 2. ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING Suspended like softly falling globes of light, the Bocci 14 pendant chandelier is composed of between three and 26 cast-glass frosted spheres hanging from a round canopy. Each holds a low-voltage Xenon or LED lamp. $1,275 and up. Hive Modern, (866) 663-4483, hivemodern.com 3. MEXICAN SILVER Named for the Mexican hill town synonymous with silverwork, the Taxco Vintage Jeweler drop-in sink is available in satin and polished stainless steel and two other finishes. It measures 22 ½" long x 16 ½"…

1. HERALDIC PLATE The Gothic Revival pull plate in solid brass comes from an early-20th-century pattern in a bronze finish. Featuring pointed ogee arches, it measures 18" tall x 3 ¼" wide with a 2 ½" projection. $139 each. The Kings Bay, (800) 910-3497, thekingsbay.com 2. LIGHT THE DRAWBRIDGE The Wexham porch light is loaded with intricate brass castings including arches, crosses, and scrolls. Available in three finishes including unlacquered brass, it measures 19" high x 43/8" wide x 12" deep. With butterscotch or white art glass: $875. Vintage Hardware & Lighting, (360) 379-9030, vintagehardware.com 3. FOIL AND CUSP Quatrefoils may be the defining motif of the Gothic Revival. The Quatrefoil mirror with white waxstone inlay is framed in antique gold and measures 30" x 30". Made by Maitland–Smith. $806.51. Emma Mason, (212) 518-2752, emmamason.com 4.…

1. CEILING STAR The Star flush-mount fixture has a bit of Sputnik in it. Designed with variable-length star points, 14 ½" wide x 2 ½" deep, it’s an excellent choice for low ceilings and small spaces. In four finishes: $519. Stoffer Home, (616) 401-4406, stofferhome.com 2. GEOMETRIC FIELD Bees and Stars is taken from a pattern found on an early-American bandbox. The pattern, dating to 1800–1815, creates a bold geometric framework for bees and six-pointed stars. The blockprinted paper is sold in 33' rolls at $500 each. Adelphi Paper Hangings, (518) 284-9066, adelphipaperhangings.com 3. PASTEL LINES Based on a historic textile, the cotton Jefferson Stripe rug is flat-woven in rose, mustard, blue-green, and beige stripes. It’s available in standard widths up to 12' wide in any length and also comes as a runner. A 6'…

ONLINE TO VOTE! READERS’ PICK FACEBOOK.COM/OLDHOUSEJOURNAL BROOKFIELD, WI /$1,350,000 Built in 1960 of cedar, local stone, and glass, this architect-designed Contemporary features lofty beamed ceilings, multiple glazed areas, an original tiled sauna, a built-in bar, and a sensitively restored kitchen. EQUIM, WA /$649,000 With the best of two worlds, this spacious, 1978 A-frame has a log and shiplap exterior with an open, knotty-pine interior. A floating staircase leads to bedrooms with exposed cross beams, plus a desk with built-ins. HOUSTON, TX /$635,000 This Texas-sized Eichler Modern from 1965 is loaded with iconic architectural details, from terrazzo floors to exposed beams that pierce the building envelope through floor-to-ceiling windows. It has many intact features including the kitchen. PALM SPRINGS, CA /$1,400,000 Clean, rectangular lines and sensitive updates characterize this 1962 Mid-century Modern home. Features include a Mondrian-inspired entry wall, breeze-block dividers,…