Design Episodes
186
May 4, 2026
186: Preservation Month & A Bungalow Story
In this week's episode, Stacy kicks off Historic Preservation Month by revisiting the State of Restoration voicemail project, sharing updates from Utah and the Pacific Northwest. Then, she chats with Emma Shay about her 1924 Craftsman bungalow. They get into how Emma's first house, what she calls an “old house on easy mode," sparked a love and respect for old houses. That experience now shapes the thoughtful decisions she’s making to preserve charm and character without overcomplicating the p...
153
Feb. 3, 2025
153: Crafting Timeless Homes with Brent Hull
In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor...
152
Jan. 27, 2025
152: Architectural Goofs and the Great Modillion Mix-Up
Stacy and Daniel kick off Season 12 with old house updates, product tips, and a lively conversation on preserving historical materials. In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back and ready to...
148
Sept. 9, 2024
148: Christopher Brandt - Architect by Day, Preservation Hero by Night
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt. First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal...
69
Jan. 17, 2022
Episode #69: Hands-on Trades Education or a College Degree? Why Not Both?
During this final episode of season six, Stacy welcomes Dave Mertz, program chair of the Building Preservation Program at Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Also, Stacy offers several end-of-season updates, including the season seven listener...
66
Dec. 6, 2021
Episode #66: House of Brinson
On today's show, recorded in front of a live audience in Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy chats with Susan and William Brinson from House of Brinson. Eight years ago, Susan and Will left New York City and bought Stony Ford, a large country estate with a...
64
Nov. 8, 2021
Episode #64: Leisa Collins Loves Art and Old Houses
In today’s episode, you’ll meet artist Leisa Collins. Leisa traveled across the United States, creating paintings of old homes and buildings along the way. She turned her art into a beautiful coffee table book filled with love and reverence for history and...
61
Sept. 27, 2021
Episode #61: Everyone Still Loves Cheap Old Houses
In today’s episode, Stacy is thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Finkelstein from the wildly popular Instagram Account and recent HGTV and Discovery+ TV Series, Cheap Old Houses. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy...
60
Sept. 13, 2021
Episode #60: Man with A Hammer
On today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Greg, a fun-loving Brit best known as Man with a Hammer, on Instagram. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss ways to find a good contractor.
54
May 24, 2021
Episode #54: Choosing House Paint Colors With Expert Help
One of the most popular old house questions is, “What color should I paint my house?” Kristine Teno from Teno Interiors is here with some tips and ideas for choosing an exterior paint color you’ll love. Also, Alex from Old Town Home is back to...
52
April 26, 2021
Episode #52: What Style is That? Identifying Old American Architecture
In this episode, Stacy chats with Karyn Norwood, an architectural historian and teacher. Karyn founded the popular Instagram account, What Style is That? an educational and fun side-project where she photographs, identifies, and labels the defining...
51
April 12, 2021
Episode #51: Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth and Flax
In this episode, Stacy asks Natalie Yon-Eriksson from Earth and Flax all the linseed oil paint questions she’s been wondering about over the years. Is it easy to use? How is it made? What are the benefits and limitations of linseed oil paint?...
45
Dec. 21, 2020
Episode #45: Stephen and David: Driven by Curiosity
Driven by boundless energy and curiosity, Stephen and David talk about adding character back to their Boston-area Victorian, the One Room Challenge, and beekeeping.
44
Dec. 7, 2020
Episode #44: Karolyn's Childhood Dream Comes True
Known as Lady Dukart, on Instagram. As a child, Karolyn biked the backroads around her rural home, exploring abandoned old houses and daydreaming about restoring one of her own. Now, her dream has come true.
36
Aug. 17, 2020
Lee Ann: Show Me the Flow Blue
Stacy talks to Lee Ann, lover of all things Victorian and flow blue pottery. Lee Ann explains the origin of the style, learning how to spot fakes, and some resources and tips for starting a collection.
35
Aug. 3, 2020
Alicia and Zach: What We Leave Behind
After Zach found the blueprints of their old house tucked away in a built-in cupboard, the pair went down a rabbit hole of serious research. As we listened to their story, we couldn't help but wonder what we, as old house owners, should be leaving behind for future generations.