157: Balancing Modern Style with Old House Soul
How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these...
How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these questions.
First, during listener Q&A, Emily asks for guidance on recreating the look of traditional beadboard for her porch ceiling. Stacy and Daniel discuss sourcing materials, matching historic profiles, and installation techniques to maintain the period charm of Emily's home.
Then, designer Amy Ilias shares her experience of purchasing and renovating The Lavender Ghost, her historic home. Amy dives into the emotional significance of the house, her design philosophy of honoring history while embracing modern aesthetics, and the inspiration she draws from art and architecture.
The conversation expands to the creative process behind home renovation, the joys and challenges of preserving an old house, and the role of family and heirlooms in shaping personal style. Amy offers insights on the essence of a home, the art of collecting and editing possessions, and the importance of honoring history while making a space your own.
If you love old houses, thoughtful renovations, and relatable conversations about the challenges and joys of historic homeownership, be sure to subscribe to True Tales From Old Houses.
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Mentioned in this Episode
- Sunset and Sips: Taliesin West, March 6, 2025
- 3rd Annual Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake: Registration & Info
- Window Preservation Annual Conference: March 13-15 Astoria, Oregon
- The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows is the brand new book by Stacy Grinsfelder & Scott Sidler. Buy it at TheCraftsmanStore.com.
- The Flat Stanley Project
- Japanese Art Dolls
- Charleston House - Home of Artists Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant - UK
- John Soanes House - Sir John Soane's Museum London
- Follow The Lavender Ghost on Instagram
- Amy Ilias Website
Thank you for listening to True Tales From Old Houses.
Until next time,
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