The Architectural Details of a Fine Home
Whether you're building one or own one, a fine home is distinguished by certain details that might individually go unnoticed, but collectively make the statement of quality.
Traditional homes can vividly illustrate these features:
Windows €" whether casement or double-hung, traditional windows typically have divided lights, meaning there are mullions that further separate the window into smaller panes. This €look€ is accomplished by either truly building a window with these divides, or installing a grid that sits on the interior to give the appearance of these divides. Authentically constructed, these add real charm to any home. I would advise you to avoid the grids, however. If you're building and just can't afford the real thing, don't try to fake it.
Doors €" Any attempt at €traditional€ will have paneled doors of one configuration or another. There are imposters out there that are foam-filled metal or plastic paint ready. At first glance, you might not notice the difference, but the first pull will say it all. The weight is different and the lack of heft will register with you immediately.
Floors €" Hardwood and tile with carpet, perhaps, in the bedrooms. The pre-finished flooring is a close second, but it tends to look a little too perfect. And, over time €" as it gets beaten up, you'll be disappointed to find out it can't be refinished. Similarly, tile needs to be the authentic ceramic or porcelain varieties. Avoid the 4€x 4€ and 12' x 12€ sizes.
Millwork €" if you're painting, you really can't tell the MDF from the real wood. If there are any moisture conditions, the MDF will swell and be ruined. Real wood will take it. The devil really is in the detail when it comes to millwork. The finishing details around every corner, fireplace, window, and wainscoting can only be addressed while underway and a skilled craftsman will know the way. With scrutiny, an amateur (as in DIY) can figure it out. But the fit and finish for even the most simple of millwork applications is what really stands if only in subtle ways.
Hardware €" Cabinet pulls, door handles, bath towel racks, and the many other hardware fixtures that are in a home seem to fall into 3 categories: Plain vanilla (as in the standard knobs and levers you see everywhere, the garish (cheap fixtures trying to look authentic, but not pulling it off), and true high-end (solid metal without €faux€ finish in interesting but understated style). Avoid the garish!
Lighting €" much like hardware, lighting fixtures also tend to fall into the same 3 categories. But so much lighting is accomplished with recessed cans and these need to be located with discretion. Row upon row of lights does not necessarily spell fine home. Think of recessed can as accent or task related. Leave the rest to lamps and fixtures.
Armed with these rules of thumb, go out and explore some new construction and older and nicely done traditionals during the next open house Sunday. These points may help you identify why one home works when the other leaves you wanting. And, I hope, give you focus when you're taking on a project of your own.
Traditional homes can vividly illustrate these features:
Windows €" whether casement or double-hung, traditional windows typically have divided lights, meaning there are mullions that further separate the window into smaller panes. This €look€ is accomplished by either truly building a window with these divides, or installing a grid that sits on the interior to give the appearance of these divides. Authentically constructed, these add real charm to any home. I would advise you to avoid the grids, however. If you're building and just can't afford the real thing, don't try to fake it.
Doors €" Any attempt at €traditional€ will have paneled doors of one configuration or another. There are imposters out there that are foam-filled metal or plastic paint ready. At first glance, you might not notice the difference, but the first pull will say it all. The weight is different and the lack of heft will register with you immediately.
Floors €" Hardwood and tile with carpet, perhaps, in the bedrooms. The pre-finished flooring is a close second, but it tends to look a little too perfect. And, over time €" as it gets beaten up, you'll be disappointed to find out it can't be refinished. Similarly, tile needs to be the authentic ceramic or porcelain varieties. Avoid the 4€x 4€ and 12' x 12€ sizes.
Millwork €" if you're painting, you really can't tell the MDF from the real wood. If there are any moisture conditions, the MDF will swell and be ruined. Real wood will take it. The devil really is in the detail when it comes to millwork. The finishing details around every corner, fireplace, window, and wainscoting can only be addressed while underway and a skilled craftsman will know the way. With scrutiny, an amateur (as in DIY) can figure it out. But the fit and finish for even the most simple of millwork applications is what really stands if only in subtle ways.
Hardware €" Cabinet pulls, door handles, bath towel racks, and the many other hardware fixtures that are in a home seem to fall into 3 categories: Plain vanilla (as in the standard knobs and levers you see everywhere, the garish (cheap fixtures trying to look authentic, but not pulling it off), and true high-end (solid metal without €faux€ finish in interesting but understated style). Avoid the garish!
Lighting €" much like hardware, lighting fixtures also tend to fall into the same 3 categories. But so much lighting is accomplished with recessed cans and these need to be located with discretion. Row upon row of lights does not necessarily spell fine home. Think of recessed can as accent or task related. Leave the rest to lamps and fixtures.
Armed with these rules of thumb, go out and explore some new construction and older and nicely done traditionals during the next open house Sunday. These points may help you identify why one home works when the other leaves you wanting. And, I hope, give you focus when you're taking on a project of your own.