Most people will agree that a period house looks best with a period kitchen, and that a period kitchen looks best with period stoves. With that in mind, homeowners who are considering vintage stoves usually still have a few basic questions about them, “Are vintage stoves practical?” “Will a vintage appliance have enough capacity?” and “Who will service vintage appliances, can parts be found, and are old appliances safe?” Kim and Roy Fox’s 1915 stove, restored by Dave Erickson. Joan... more

Portland, OR is well known for its unique array of architecture: new and old, residential and commercial. These neighborhoods were built and designed by interesting people with forward thinking ideas. Getting to know a home’s history, its architectural origins, and its designers/builders can give a new appreciation for the houses we live in. Researching a home’s history can be fascinating and informative. Your home probably had several owners, and could have undergone a remodel or two.... more

Several times a month we have customers through the shop with a common frustration. Somewhere in their old home they have a new door or doors with modern hardware. They want to replace the modern hardware with something keeping with the age of the home, but have found that old hardware seems to be incompatible with the newer door. We hear the same lament from owners of newer houses that are trying to add some “old world” character to their home. Left; mortise lock, above; tube latch and square... more

While traveling around town it is easy to notice creative uses for recycled articles that have had a previous life with another purpose. Portland is especially great for this because we recycle everything. Almost all things can have a second life and that a good thing. Old house parts left over after a remodel or deconstruction can be recycled into another home. They can also have a second life reused as something functional, rustic, or whimsical. Old doors, for instance, can be made weather resistant... more

When remodeling or adding on to an older home, it adds value to use as many true vintage building materials as possible. Knowing your home’s architectural style and era helps. If your home suffered a bad remodel years before that removed all evidence of your home’s original splendor, drive around your neighborhood and check out other homes that appear to be built around the same time as yours. Pay attention to the style of the front entry door and window shapes and styles. If you can tour the... more

Here are a few tips on getting the correct hardware for your house or for that great deal you found at the thrift store. Know Your Vintage First, you need to determine the year of your house or piece of furniture and the correct style. Many styles of homes and furniture have subsets, for example the Victorian style, 1820 through 1920, includes Gothic Revival 1830-1850, Victorian Gothic 1850-1875, Queen Anne 1876-1905, and Victorian Italianate 1855-1870. As for furniture, Gothic and Rococo are approximately... more

When purchasing new or reproduction hardware, note some of the basic rules to ensure your purchases will proceed smoothly. Non-stock new items can take up to four to eight weeks to arrive. Schedule accordingly. When placing special orders, choose carefully as most special ordered items are non-refundable; check with your supplier. Choose timeless classic styling that will stand the test of time. Architectural hardware tastes change about every seven years. You may also want to go with a more common... more

In the world of old homeownership, “repair or replace” is a constant dilemma. Old hardware can pose a particularly difficult challenge. Hardware stores of today rarely carry replacement parts for your 80-year-old home. What they do carry is often of the very cheapest quality and has an aesthetic quality that says, “function only.” When contemplating repair or replacement of hardware in an old home, I recommend answering three questions: Does it fit the character of the home? Chances are you... more