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Decorative Concrete Block

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Decorative concrete blocks were the rage in house building from about 1890's to the 1930's.  These decorative concrete blocks came in an assortment of styles and sizes. They could be purchased from a local building supplier but most likely made right on the construction site. A concrete block machine could be ordered from the Sears [...]

Understanding Aesthetics – Classical Rules of Design

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Rules of Design - Your Answer to Everything The following is from "The Right Way to Use Trim in Old Houses" - Old House Journal Feb/Mar 2013, written by Brent Hull. Click here for full articleArchival Screenshot - retrieved on 04/19/18From: https://www.oldhouseonline.com/articles/the-right-way-to-use-trim-in-old-housesCloseClose. Ever wonder why you like old houses? Maybe there's a certain room from [...]

Understanding Classic Moldings – Part 2

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I have read many blog articles about how to improve a house with the use of molding. Adding a cornice with cove molding, embellishing window and door casings etc. are some examples. These blogs say to take different types of moldings and put them together to create a more ornate appearance. This all sounds great [...]

Understanding Classic Moldings – Part 1

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The use of classic moldings date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Classic moldings were designed to work with light. They were designed to create contrast and shadows to give definition and add interest. Over the years the profile of these moldings have become watered down and changed in shape to something they were never [...]