06/02/2026
We’re adding a screened porch to the old farmhouse, and a lot of the decisions we’re making probably don’t make much sense if your goal is simply to get it finished as quickly as possible.
It’s tempting to buy stock parts, follow the standard details, and move on. But the more time we spend with this old house, the more we notice little things that give it its character, the proportions of a column, the depth of an overhang, the way a stair meets the ground, even the size of a railing. Those details might seem small on their own, but together they’re what make a place feel right.
Most of what we’re learning comes from studying the house itself, looking at other homes built in the 1920s and 1930s, reading old books, and paying attention to why certain places still feel beautiful a century later.
One thing this project keeps reminding us is that good design isn’t necessarily about spending more money. Some of the most charming farmhouses, cottages, and small-town homes were built with modest budgets. What made them special was thoughtful proportions, practical details, and people who took pride in their work.
That’s really what we’re trying to do here. Slow down, pay attention, and let the house guide a lot of the decisions.
This farmhouse was the biggest eyesore on the property when we bought it. Now it’s slowly becoming one of our favorite projects.
And honestly, that’s been one of the most rewarding parts, seeing it come together little by little and learning from the process as we go.
