Episodes

  • 132: Brooke Young Russell + A Canvas Ceiling Quesion
    May 20 2024

    This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about the history of canvas ceilings and the feasibility of repairing them.

    Later, Brooke Young Russell from Evergreene Architectural Arts joins Stacy for a fascinating conversation about the technical aspects and limitations of architectural conservation and how her research relates to historic preservation.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop Weekend Retreat at Silver Lake: July 19-21 or July 26-28, 2024. (New, lower prices!)
    • Clara Barton House in Glen Echo, Maryland
    • Wyoming State Capital (Portrayed as the Montana State Capital in the TV drama Yellowstone)
    • Brutalist Architecture
    • Dalle de Verre Technique (video)
    • World of Concrete Convention
    • Contact Brooke: brussell@evergreen.com
    • Evergreene Architectural Arts

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

    The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

    Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

    Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

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    52 mins
  • 131: Minisode Japanese Toilets and Mouse Mummies
    May 13 2024

    This week's minisode is off to a wild start, with Stacy and Daniel discussing their unconventional "words of the year."

    Then, Stacy talks about her upcoming trip to Japan and shares a story about Google Translate and bidets.

    That segues unnaturally into a discussion about a common old house problem: animals that die in the walls. Daniel's house has largely escaped this issue. So, he has chosen an unusual way to honor the critters he finds during demolition.

    Finally, Daniel chats about wrapping up the cottage renovation with a punch list he calls The Apology Tour.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Travel to England with Stacy and Holiday Vacations in 2024. September 7 - 17, 2024. Discover royal history, magnificent palaces, and England's beautiful countryside--Book by May 18.
    • Learn to Restore Windows at the Wood Window Workshop Retreat in Silver Lake, NY - Choose your weekend: July 19-21 or July 26-28, 2024.

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

    The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

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    32 mins
  • 130: The Brownstone Boys + Public Art & Painted Brick
    May 7 2024

    True Tales From Old Houses is back! Season Eleven is off to a good start with a fresh, new logo and an episode packed with old-house fun.

    This week, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about public art and painted brick. Are public murals a good idea? How are neighborhoods affected? Is painting a giant orange wizard on a building ever a good idea? Daniel has big feelings about all of it.

    Then, Stacy and Daniel welcome Barry + Jordan, better known as The Brownstone Boys. This Brooklyn-based renovation duo quickly fell in love with Brownstones and each other. Their work combines the love of preservation and restoration with functional, modern touches. Since 2018, they have been featured in magazines such as Dwell, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful. They have also been the focus of two TV shows for the Magnolia Network, The Point of View and In With the Old.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Travel to England with Stacy and Holiday Vacations from September 7th to 17, 2024. Discover royal history, magnificent palaces, and England's beautiful countryside—book by May 18th.
    • Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop Weekend Retreat at Silver Lake: July 19-21 or July 26-28. (New, lower prices!)
    • Mineral Silicate Paint - history and information
    • Follow the Brownstone Boys on Instagram.
    • Pre-order Barry and Jordan's book, For the Love of Renovating.
    • Enter to win a signed copy of For the Love of Renovating.

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

    The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

    Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

    Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

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    1 hr
  • Bonus Minisode: Moving Updates & More
    Apr 30 2024

    It's a bonus mini! In this minisode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after a three-month hiatus.

    First, Stacy offers an update about moving to Salt Lake City. Is that ever going to happen?

    Then, Daniel chats about his timeline for listing the cottage for sale. He follows up with updates about his vacation to Barbados (sun poisoning!), lake cottage ceiling repairs (light drama!), and antiquing.

    Finally, Stacy and Daniel discuss the difference between hand-knotted and machine-knotted rugs and a fun fact about wool fibers.

    Season 11 of True Tales From Old Houses begins Monday, May 6, 2024.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Travel to England with Stacy and Holiday Vacations in 2024. September 7 - 17, Discover royal history, magnificent palaces, and England's beautiful countryside.
    • Learn to Restore Windows at the Wood Window Workshop Retreat in Silver Lake, NY - Choose your weekend: July 19-21 or July 26-28.
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    30 mins
  • Tara Mangini & Percy Bright of Jersey Ice Cream Co Design
    Feb 5 2024

    In today's episode, the finale of Season 10, Stacy and Daniel discuss best practices for a clean, healthy, and mostly dry basement.

    Then, Stacy and Daniel welcome Tara Mangini and Percy Bright, the legendary design team behind Jersey Ice Cream Co. Tara and Percy have traded their nomadic lifestyle for an 1880s farmhouse in upstate NY and most recently starred in their own TV show, The Story of Home on Magnolia Network, now streaming on Max and Discovery+.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Travel to England with Stacy and Holiday Vacations in 2024 - Discover royal history, magnificent palaces, and England's beautiful countryside September 7-17.
    • The Story of Home (trailer) streaming on Max and Discovery+
    • Learn more about Jersey Ice Cream Co. Design
    • Season 11 of True Tales From Old Houses begins Monday, May 6, 2024.

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

    The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales.

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

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    57 mins
  • Minisode: The Last Mini of Season Ten
    Jan 29 2024

    This week, during the last minisode of season ten, Stacy and Daniel offer plenty of edutainment as they chat about their current projects.

    Stacy recently wrapped up a hall painting project, so she asks Daniel how he chooses paint colors.

    Then, Stacy and Daniel talk about their color choices as children, and they agree that one of the perks of becoming an adult is not having to live with painting mistakes.

    They also touch on Daniel's upcoming vacation plans, why New York State has two school breaks during winter, the Buffalo Bills, and the next season of True Tales From Old Houses.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • A Dictionary of Color Combinations
    • Colour Confident Stitching

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSOR

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

    To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

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    29 mins
  • Minisode: Tangents, Travel, and Trying New Things
    Jan 23 2024

    This week, Stacy is waylaid in Salt Lake City as back-to-back storms turned a long weekend into an 8-day trip.

    Soon after Stacy's travel update, Daniel apologizes for not correctly crediting architect Christopher Brandt for the information on Rochester Carpet we discussed during episode #108.

    Then, tangents abound during a conversation about enjoying Christmas decor well into January and bread baking.

    Finally, Daniel explains how his trip to a saltwater deprivation chamber went and whether or not it helped him "get back in his body."

    Old house chat is sprinkled in there, too, we promise!

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSOR

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

    To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

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    26 mins
  • A Cottage Built From Architectural Salvage + Smoothing Lumpy Plaster
    Jan 15 2024

    In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel answer a question about smoothing lumpy plaster in preparation for wallpaper.

    Later, they welcome Kylie McKay. Kylie is turning a 1940s garage into a cottage that blends well with the rest of the houses in her historic neighborhood. She is using architectural salvage for all of the windows, doors, and finishes. Kylie talks about her favorite finds and the challenge of hiring contractors who know how to work with salvaged materials.

    To request a transcript of this episode, please reach out via the contact page.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Travel to England with Stacy and Holiday Vacations in 2024 - Discover royal history, magnificent palaces, and England's beautiful countryside September 7-17.
    • Plaster-Weld bonding agent
    • FibaFuse - tapeless drywall repair
    • Follow Kylie's project on Instagram

    WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

    The Craftsman Store - Another excellent resource from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog. The Craftsman Store is a cozy online hardware store full of books, tools, and supplies. For 10% off, use the coupon code truetales.

    Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

    Show more Show less
    49 mins