Tips

Want quick, useful tips for design, restoration, or spotting architectural styles? This page gathers practical advice you can use—whether you're fixing up a colonial house, choosing details for a Craftsman interior, or planning a Rome trip to find hidden Roman gems.

First, when identifying a building style, focus on three visible clues: roof shape, window type, and ornament. A gambrel roof usually signals Dutch Colonial Revival; rounded arches point to Romanesque; and tall pointed arches and stained glass suggest Gothic Revival. Use photos on your phone to compare what you see with our Gothic Revival and Romanesque guides.

If you’re renovating an old house, document before you touch anything. Take photos, note original materials, and label removed pieces. For woodwork, test finishes in hidden areas before stripping. When matching paint, sample multiple brands—historic colors often look different under modern lighting. Our American Craftsman and Colonial articles show common finish choices and realistic restoration hacks.

Preserving old buildings needs planning and the right team. For masonry work on Beaux-Arts or Byzantine facades, pick masons who know historical mortar mixes. Modern Portland cement can damage older stone. Ask for references and a report on methods. If budget is tight, prioritize keeping original features that are costly to replicate—cornices, moldings, or iconic windows—then repair rather than replace.

Travel tips: avoid the biggest tourist traps during peak hours and look for lesser-known sites. If you’re in Rome, add our Ancient Roman Hidden Gems piece to your list. For Greek Revival or Georgian architecture, wander side streets and civic squares at dawn when light shows proportions best. Carry a small notebook to sketch or jot measurements—those details help when you want to replicate a pattern at home.

On design: mix old and new carefully. Pair a sleek modern light fixture with a restored Renaissance or Baroque mantle to keep rooms feeling fresh, not forced. Use scale: a large baroque mirror suits high ceilings but overwhelms small rooms. For minimalism beginners, start by clearing one surface each day and choosing three items to keep on display.

When sourcing materials, try salvage yards and restoration suppliers before buying new. Reclaimed doors, vintage hardware, and leftover stone can cut costs and keep authenticity. Join local preservation groups to learn where professionals sell reclaimed stock.

Quick checklist before any project: photograph every wall, measure ceiling heights, list original materials, test for lead or asbestos, and set a realistic repair budget. For design choices, make three options and sleep on them; choose the one that fits your daily life. If unsure, ask a restoration pro for a consultation—it often saves time and money and prevents common mistakes. Start small and learn as you go.

Finally, keep learning. Read focused posts—Renaissance architecture for classical proportions, Postmodern pieces to understand playful form, and Byzantine entries for mosaics and domes. Use each visit, repair, or shopping trip as a chance to practice spotting styles and testing techniques. You’ll get better.