Fixing America's most charming house.

[@treywuebbles6800]

This is a beautiful house. Though I've only lived in ranch style houses, the tudors and cape cods, with their high pitched roofs, ornate windows and beautiful entrances, have greatly appealed to me throughout my life. I am from southern Illinois, and in lebanon Il, there is a jaw dropping tudor in the middle of town, on an old golf course, that I think you would absolutely appreciate.

[@BrentHull]

Sounds like it. Thx.

[@rogerhodges7656]

The draftsman stripped all the charm from the house. They failed at every opportunity. I hope the homeowner or builder takes your input to heart. Great job! Brent

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!!

[@elenaeich]

My husband and I moved to Texas from California and we bought a 1929 Tudor revival in a small town just outside of Dallas. I’ve never lived in a tutor style, but I’ve lived in Victorian style back in New York. You’re absolutely right that they are very charming. What I find is people are trying to bring them into the modern age and unfortunately they lose a lot of the charm that was put into the building in the first place. I find it sad that people don’t appreciate a home as opposed to having a house. To me those little extras are what make everyone feel comfortable and secure in a home. When I see sadly, some of the older neighborhoods in the Dallas Fort Worth areamowing down these beautiful homes to put in these horrid boxes that take up all the lot crushes my spirit. I’m very glad that you’re around to remind us of the beauty of building a home and not just a house.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you.

[@cottagekeeper]

“What in the world” 🤣 I like the design improvements - absolutely brought this cottage back to life, she can’t wait!

[@BrentHull]

THANKS!

[@Squay313]

The more of these video I watch, the more the changes become intuitive. Thanks for sharing so much knowledge and insight. Highly appreciated

[@BrentHull]

Glad it is helping!

[@joshuadee]

That chimney is a huge part of the home's identity and really like the way you made it feel more integrated into the home's massing.

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thx.

[@joeyjones5664]

What you were sent was just one big failed opportunity. Your fix turns it into a Story Book house. 🙂 We would love to live in that house too.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed! Thx.

[@josephambuul814]

wooww this is so beautiful. Tudor homes are my absolute favorite. everything you changed is perfect.

[@BrentHull]

THank you!!

[@frankc6644]

Wonderfully brought back around to the clients intent. They must have been disappointed upon receiving those plans from the cad operator. I wanted to contact you many times when I was living in Texas. I do historical restorations and worked as a carpentry on some good projects out west. Gamble house and many others. Much respect for your passion for old houses.

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Come on!

[@frankc6644]

@@BrentHullfound a gal in rural NY and we’re building a gothic revival house with a shop and garden. Damn I miss the music in Texas. 40 years of carpentry and still have all my fingers but they don’t play my guitar like the great ones did with theirs. Keep up the great videos! Passing our knowledge along is the only way to ensure it’s not forgotten.

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

Yes and every home should have a book case:) Even if it’s a 600 to 900sqft house. If it’s not full of books, it can still be used for pictures and collectables …,

[@BrentHull]

Agreed.

[@lindacgrace2973]

THANK YOU! I am having one helluva time finding good exemplars of my favorite 1920s revival: Spanish Colonial Revival houses. I grew up around them in Los Angeles and love the simplicity of the finishes, the whimsical details, the gorgeous tile work, and the proportions. I am a minority, apparently. Not a whole lot of books on Spanish Colonial Revival houses. Using reverse look-up will be a tremendous help. Love this series. Even though you don't do Spanish (or, haven't yet) I learn a LOT from studying the historical details you apply to other styles - particularly how to arrange proportions so the house looks right. Keep up the good work! (And please consider Spanish Colonials for those of us living in the Southwest and Texas, where they are ideal for the climate).

[@elsa_g]

I have had the same issue finding references for remodeling our 1930 Spanish Colonial Revival home. The best book I found was Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture by Arrol Gellner and Douglas Keister. I've also had some luck finding charming facade photos by using the San Diego section of the California Historical Resources Inventory Database. You can set it to search for designated properties, of a particular style, built within a general timeframe or specific year. Not all of them are winners IMO, but there's a number of charming homes photographed. I just wish I could see some others angles! If you find a good book on them, please post the name in this comment thread. I'd be very interested in checking it out. :)

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@elsa_g Oooh, you have the real deal! Congratulations! I'm not finding a lot of Spanish Colonials here in Prescott, AZ. The few that exist are ridiculously overpriced. THANKS for the "Red Tile Style" tip - As soon as I read your post I darted over to Amazon and bought one (only used available, but that saves me some money, so I'm quite pleased). My library at present is filled with practical how-to-build books; everything from Larry Haun to Joe Lstiberick, so not as helpful for remodelling as they are for new construction. Most of my style inspiration comes from books I check out at the library (there is no way that I am paying over $80 for a coffee table book!). I enjoy getting inspiration from "California Casa" and "California Romantica," but advise you get them from your local library because they are very expensive. Somewhat helpful, but not worth the money overall. I had to get help from a librarian to order them on inter-library exchange. Another source that I have found helpful are online reproductions of period tile patterns taken straight from manufacturers' historical catalogues (DAL Tile and Kohler have some stunning bath designs). I plan to check out the California Historical Resources Inventory Database ASAP. I wish you the very best of luck conserving and restoring your own chunk of gorgeousness. 🙂

[@elsa_g]

@@lindacgrace2973 Thank you for your reply and well wishes on the project. I checked with my library system and they have both of those books so I will be checking them out. I'll also look into the tile catalogues, what a great idea! Our home is less in the colorful Mediterranean vein (it has Batchelder-style tiles on the fireplace) but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate some beautiful Spanish tiles. :) I wish you luck with finding your own beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival home to cherish, I can tell you will put a lot of love into it!

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@elsa_g Thanks, Elsa! (BTW, I'm an author by trade, and I use "Elsa" as one of my pen names - 'tis kismet).

[@BrentHull]

Great. Thanks!

[@martinp1544]

I like your dig at the windows…. Pretty funny…

[@BrentHull]

Haha. Have to laugh to keep from crying

[@bestpilot98]

Thanks for another great Wednesday Design Video!

[@BrentHull]

Glad you like them!

[@conservativemovement]

Nothing like a good Brent Hull rant first thing in the morning: "Is this a mobile home I mean what in the WORLD?!?!?!...? 😂🤣😅😊

[@BrentHull]

haha. sorry about that. thanks for watching.

[@sofiachampion2543]

I love looking at old homes inside and out. I despise any additions as they do not belong. I am not into modernizing homes. It appears they replaced windows with what was available at a DIY place. I am having fun with my little home. It is not like the 1881 that I was raised in, but it is becoming a charming doll house. I removed the add-on mechanics (unfinished) shop and put the siding back where it belonged. I love what you have done! This is my first experience seeing your channel. wow. This channel offering is a definite love!

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Enjoy!!

[@miketackabery7521]

Another awesome Wednesday. My favorite KZbin day!

[@BrentHull]

Wow, thanks!

[@T_157-40]

Your design has great character.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@tc9148]

100% charming, 100% great changes

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@urbanlumberjack]

Great stuff! Amazing how consistency makes the appearance of the house so much better. Even to the untrained eye those improvements make a huge difference

[@BrentHull]

Nice. THanks.

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

Brent you’re a talented designer and architect:) May you live long and prosper:) Yes - your revised version of the tutor, is charming and classy.

[@BrentHull]

THanks!

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

@@BrentHull The English Tudor - sorry about the spelling...

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

@@BrentHull I took drafting in high school and, early 1990's. I should have went more that direction as a career path. It could still be a wonderful hobby. Much more quiet than loud electric guitars and Diesel Engines. I took wood shop too:)

[@michaelbissen1946]

Great changes!!!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks

[@erawanpencil]

Those curved timbers really seal the deal with your redesign! especially if they could get a few cracks in them so the real wood element stands out

[@BrentHull]

Agreed. Thx.

[@crowznest438]

We have a couple of those Tudor Revival houses in my little town. They are charming, indeed.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed!

[@harp_stutts]

Do the architects who do the original designs ever see your videos? Might hurt their feelings but at the same time would be very beneficial to their careers. I tell everyone I know in the industry from builders to interior designers about your channel. Love learning from the past and love how a few historic details can transform a bland house into a timeless and charming home. Also no shame on the google phone! Just means you're not a sheep lol

[@BrentHull]

Haha. I have a few clients that have asked me to take them down because they don't want to hurt feelings. FYI

[@justinbradshaw5112]

We are and we're taking notes. Brent's an awesome architectural lecturer.

[@schauv07]

BRAVO! The iron stay is patterned after the "F-Hole". I'll have to Google it to remember exactly but I'm pretty sure Stradavarius invented that design for his violins. If you haven't read it yet, the musical/math theory beind the sound emitted thru the F-Hole is beyond genius. And it's quite pleasing to the EYE! That design was also mimic'd often in shutter dog designs.

[@BrentHull]

Nice, great point.

[@piggly-wiggly]

It's always interesting to see how you add charm and authenticity to one of these houses. It was also really interesting to see how the builder had stripped charm out of the original model. I'd like to say it was to keep costs down, but there's no excuse for the slider windows or some of the other choices that didn't cost less (that faux dormer bump-out above that one window) but amped up the absurdity and ugliness of the result. I guess we are sometimes blind to the impact of some of our choices--choosing a slider because they're on sale or removing the coining or stonework because it would cause another week of build time. I just wish builders and builder-grade architects would think a bit more about how long their cut corners are going to hang around to insult anyone with a bit of sensitivity to the rightness of how things used to be done. Bravo on bringing this house closer to what it should've been all along.

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks.

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

Brent theres a whole new group of guys, that don’t watch television anymore. Even truckers - don’t watch TV anymore. So there’s a Detroit 60 series and Caterpillar C15 repair manual in the mini bookcase library:)

[@BrentHull]

Ok. Thx.

[@laurensouthgate2458]

thats a cute little house I like that.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed!

[@selectooldave]

It would be interesting to get your take on how much more cost some of your suggestions would add to these homes. Great videos.

[@BrentHull]

Yes, I should do that. Thx.

[@rozinant1237]

Would easily double the cost this house. It’s all about labor, these details would add hundreds of hours.

[@user-steve_wrwoodclassics]

Everything in your design makes this house picture perfect. I have been fortunate to work in many period revival homes and really appreciate seeing a great video that explains all the details and character that these homes offer !

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thx.

[@brucebenson9651]

Another Brent Hull great fix/ save to bad design. Thank you for what you do.

[@BrentHull]

Glad you like them!

[@stenzeliron6818]

Wow! This one is really cool! Great ideas for a little iron work. Notes taken.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@hifive1309]

Great design! One of my favorites so far. I would just say that depending on orientation/climate/wind direction that chimney placement could cause problems. (Hot air getting blown onto snow covered roof).

[@BrentHull]

noted. thx.

[@LaLadybug2011]

It IS super charming and if I win the lottery, I'm hiring YOU to design my home. ❤

[@BrentHull]

Thank you! Lets do it.

[@TomNeedell]

Hey, I have a Google phone. 😎 That circle to search feature is clutch!

[@BrentHull]

Haha. Agreed!! Thx.

[@BangerFleet]

The cottagey design of this house reminds me of Kenneth Dalzell. His 1921 book “Home of Moderate Size” has many examples of period revival “cute”. Library of Congress has a PDF available online if you want to take a look.

[@BrentHull]

THanks. I will.

[@nealwalden3543]

Hello Brent: Trust you know of the two paperback books "Small houses of the 1920's" full of pretty lovely houses, albeit dated in terms of bedroom or bathroom counts in today's standards. A fun window into pretty fine architecture during the pinnacle of residential architecture (in the United States) time frame (the 1920's).

[@dudeguynet]

Author?

[@BrentHull]

Yes, its great. I have a copy of the original hardback. Thx.

[@DuendeLounge]

It's always fun to see how you remake a "blah" design into something historically charming and beautiful. I also have also been using Google Lens to track down old houses in my collection of old photography. It helps but I often don't find them. Makes me wonder if it's because they've most likely been demolished. Breaks my heart to think about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@BrentHull]

Interesting. Thanks.

[@anthony01571]

OUTSTANDING : o .....

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@martybauer9663]

Is that a slate roof? That house is perfect. Round top door too!

[@BrentHull]

Noted. Thx.

[@fatcatblue]

Love these videos! We need your expertise in Denver Colorado! you'd be shocked what people do to the beautiful victorian homes here 😬

[@BrentHull]

Ugh Shoot. I've done a couple there.

[@eamonnmckeown6770]

Took an IG pick a week or so ago of what might be a period revival house. Big dominant chimney, stone and brick. Covered in ivy and obscured by landscaping but looked quite like the other ones shown here.

[@BrentHull]

could be... Thx.

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

Brent - do a video about how much you’ll charge to design a house. Homes that are 600sqft to 1,500 sqft Brent I want a timber frame home. Texas limestone used in the design.

[@BrentHull]

ok.

[@lasalleman6792]

Very nice house. At about 7:04. Don't know the style. Maybe tudor revival?

[@BrentHull]

Yes. Thx,

[@RonRobertson-lafrance]

Those windows! You said exactly what I thought (What in the world!?!) LOL. I've wondered nearly my entire life if people just are unable to spot bad proportions. I keep seeing these buildings where it looks like almost every single thing is wrong. What was that cartoon, something like the island of misfit toys (? can't remember exactly) where the toys had all the wrong things stuck on them, like a gorilla arm on a barbie doll, stuff like that, and I may be conflating that with something else, but you get the idea, I'm sure. But that's what these houses are like, it's like they have a box of parts, and they stick them together willy-nilly. And the parts themselves are all wrong, like those styrofoam columns you did a video on.

[@BrentHull]

Toy story. Yes. Thx.

[@martybauer9663]

Maybe a plank round top door Brent?

[@BrentHull]

Yes, I thought the same thing.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

I wish more new home builds were based on old traditional designs.

[@BrentHull]

Me too!

[@ElvinLeadfoot]

I’m going to study and learn the methods of the chisel work:) But I’m not a designer or architect…

[@BrentHull]

ok.

[@LolaLee1970]

Brent, I've just found your videos and immediately subscribed. My husband and I bought a house that was built between 1930 and 1940. It's under 1,000 square feet and it's been "adjusted". We have the storybook swoop in the front and I would love to hear what you had to say about it. I've looked and researched this type house, but I don't find anything helpful regarding the original kitchen or bathroom would've been.

[@BrentHull]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like an interesting house.

[@broederbond60]

Mr. Hull is quite adept at removing the mustache from the Mona Lisa.

[@BrentHull]

haha

[@free_at_last8141]

I was perusing your book list and have to say, I am envious of your collection if you have a copy of Domestic Architecture in Rural France. I don't know what makes a book published in the 1980s cost a few thousand dollars. It must really be something.

[@BrentHull]

It's nice. Thx.

[@Oldhouseguy]

Hey Brent - On the historic photo, I'm surprised to see that the siding in the gable just stops in a random location and not extend downward covering the entire gable. It looks incomplete.

[@BrentHull]

I see it as a charming twist.

[@Oldhouseguy]

@@BrentHull I guess but it lacks punctuation and doesn't even have a piece of trim at the base separating it from the stonework. I guess it is a modernistic twist. I advise my clients of it as a no-no. It may have been done historically but lots of things were done historically in the 20th century that can upset the balance of a house. Maybe if it stopped at the window sill with the apron of the sill extending across it would feel more connected. Just my 2 cents.

[@DrWarBear]

Love the redesign! So much better than the original! I’m curious though why you used multiple different window sizes even when the windows were on the same floor (like on the side for example, the second floor windows seemed like they’re different sizes and not aligned across the top). I know that’s a common critique you have on other Wednesday design videos, so curious Is that a style characteristic of Tudor homes or was there a different reason for that design choice

[@BrentHull]

Different window sizes for different rooms. Bathroom windows were historically smaller. Thx.

[@treystills]

Hey Brent wondering if you have a book of concept designs or even blueprints that you've designed?

[@BrentHull]

We have blueprints from specific jobs, no book. . . yet...

[@viviannedonnelly233]

keeping the 1920s charming details is what the house deserves.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed!

[@justinbradshaw5112]

I'm getting a Edwin Lutyens vibe.

[@BrentHull]

Maybe by osmosis. I'm a huge fan. Thx

[@KhrisKringle]

Does it add or subtract if you give us sqft and bed/bath numbers so we have an idea of space and layout?

[@BrentHull]

3bdrm approx 3000 ft.

[@j.frankparnell3087]

The outrage over the incorrect windows! Charming.

[@BrentHull]

Haha

[@timothyjones9804]

Too many architects design to suit the builder, not the client. It’s the same here in Australia. Also, I heard Richard isn’t doing the passion for craft podcast. I hope a replacement (even if only temporary) can be found, I really enjoyed the podcast.

[@BrentHull]

We start filming new episodes for the podcast next weekend. Should start posting again in Oct/Nov. Richard is the best, but we are VERY excited about where we are going and watching a modern apprenticeship at North Bennett St. roll out. Should be fascinating. Thx

[@natepressel6747]

100% improvement, I agree. BUT all your changes almost doubled the cost of the house if you can find workers to do the detailed work. I'm still trying to complete my arts and crafts home and most of the detail work ended up with me doing it. Unfortunately mostly because I couldn't find people who knew how. It's sad. At every trade I got pushback "that's not how we do that anymore", "those windows are going to be expensive", "all that tile is special order"

[@BrentHull]

Thanks, not sure how the cost doubled? You've got to keep fighting. Its worth it. Good luck.

[@peztopher7297]

They probably chose those details because they're cheaper. Or they just don't like pre-MCM style. It seems a lot of people can't embrace that. I love this house, too, especially that chimney. But I prefer buildings, especially homes, in those pre-War styles. I'm old enough that I've lived the later 20th century and I want something different now, something charming and authentic.

[@BrentHull]

Its unclear why. I love old bldgs as well.

[@cborecky]

Home buyer even gave them a picture of what to build and they utterly ruined it. This is going to continue until architects and builders start getting fired for bringing trash drawings like that to a client meeting.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks.

[@blt2421]

Another incredibly informative video. Thank you! But about that Google Phone , be sure to back up all your data. Mine died suddenly two years out and a family member's Google Phone up and died less than a year after it was purchased. Phones were babied and well-cared for. Good luck.

[@BrentHull]

Ok, good to know. Thx

[@Sohave]

The only acceptable excuse for the original drawing is giving Brent chance to showcase his skill. This is quit the transformation. We need more schooling in classical architecture so we wont end up building something akin to this house before Brent corrected the drawing.

[@BrentHull]

THanks!

[@janderson8401]

Seems like we Americans don’t want cute and charming anymore. From the crew cab 4 wheel drive pick ups we drive to the McMansions we aspire to live in bigger is perceived to be better.

[@BrentHull]

I think there is a change afoot. . .