History
Touring Historic Lafayette Square in St Louis
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood in St Louis, which was destroyed by a tornado in 1896 and was largely neglected until fairly recently.
Historic Paint Colors: The Best Palettes for Traditional Houses
Color trends may come and go, but some paint palettes just seem to have staying power. Consider the 10 historical color combinations showcased here for home interiors.
A Tour of Antique Plumbing and the Toilet of the Future
Ask This Old House Richard Trethewey examines historic items from the history of his family’s plumbing company and takes a look at the latest toilet technology.
How to Reimagine a Historic Landscape Design
Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada uses an historic landscape design from a protégé of Frederick Law Olmsted as inspiration to transform an overgrown backyard.
Family Love Sustains Three Colonial-era Homes in Newport
As part of a unique preservation program, three siblings living in a cluster of historic houses enjoy a close connection to the 18th century—and each other
All the Presidents' Paint Colors
Whether you live in a red state or a blue one, these paint colors—all from houses of former commanders-in-chief—just might get your vote
Why Barns are Red and More Paint Color Cues
Have you ever wondered why barns are red? These are the stories behind certain hues associated with Americana.
American Companies Making Home Goods for 100+ Years
These companies weathered 100 years or more of economic busts, technological revolutions, and changing consumer tastes
Paint-Color Ideas for Ornate Victorian Houses
Earthy and subdued or vivid and energetic, there's a palette to suit your Queen Anne, Italianate, or Second Empire house's architecture—and your personality
The Beauty of Antique Tools
Classic hand tools can be collectible, but don't add them to the display shelf just yet. Learn about the beauty and function of antique tools.
Hey, My House Had One of Those!
TOH readers fondly recall the lost architectural details—from water pumps to milk boxes—that gave old houses character
How Old Homes Were Built 'Smart' and Why They Were so Clever
Old homes weren't built with smart technology in mind, but they were built "smart." See why older popular styles were so intelligent here.
If You Dig Up Artifacts During a Remodel
Your old house reveals new charms when you uncover the personal possessions—and with them, the stories—of the people who lived there before you
How to Research the History of Your House
Every old house has a story to tell. Find out when your home was built, who lived there, and how they changed it.
Heirloom Tools
Tools your kids will fight over when you're dead
23 Popular American House Styles
Examine a historical timeline and distinguishing features of American house styles, from the Colonial era to the modern age.
Old-Time Tools
A hardware store from a different era
15 Milestones That Changed Housing
A century's worth of technology, legislation, and plain old capitalism made our homes what they are today