Heritage Homes - Services

Three years ago my husband and I started looking for a "new" old house.

We looked and looked and looked. Finally after a full year of searching we finally found the 1912 four square home we're living in now.

Why did it take so long?

Because I have never seen so many heritage homes (50 years plus of age) destroyed by good intentions, lack of understanding about how to restore an old house or how to simply maintain it.

The more homes our real estate agent showed us the more appalled I became. Beautiful woodwork had been  ripped out and replaced with skinny cheap " mahogany" baseboards and MDF molding. Lovely old windows had been replaced en masse with new vinyl clad windows that won't last much past 20 years. Antique light fixtures had been dismantled and replaced with contemporary lighting. Often the window treatments that were chosen were better suited to high rise condos than heritage homes. Did these sellers not realize how they affected the value of their homes by their choices?

But wait, you say - Isn't it just a matter of personal taste?

Yes and no.

Personal taste can exist along side good restoration.The problem starts when people make choices that affect the structure of the house - the "envelope". But it doesn't mean that you have to live in a museum setting only with antiques.

After all we all want the benefits of 21st century living -

I know I sure do.

You can have a totally modern lifestyle with modern furniture and accessories as long as you don't ruin what it is that makes that home special - its architectural integrity,

Think about it. If you make your heritage home into a "modern" one, there will be fewer buyers who want your house when it comes time to sell it.

Doesn't make sense, does it? But listen to this...

People who like modern homes don't want the mechanical systems and maintenance issues of an old house. And... people who want a heritage house will be turned off by how much character has been stripped out of your house.

This is where having the help of a good decorator that specializes in heritage home decorating and restoration will help you.

Here's how I can help you.

For the last 14 years my company "From Times Past Antiques and Interiors" has specialized in helping heritage home owners restore and decorate their homes. Experience and knowledge that can help you in making good decisions.

Do you like antiques? As a previous antique dealer I can give you plenty of advice about what to do with your pieces - how and where to get them restored (or not).

Prefer modern furniture? I can help you choose pieces that are in the proper scale with a heritage home - another mistake that many people make.

You'll learn all about the kinds of materials, window treatments, millwork and finishing touches that are appropriate for your style of home.

Are you interested in pursuing historic designation and finding out how you can access money to restore your home? You'll need some contacts. As a member of municipal heritage boards and associations I can let you know what you need to know and who you should talk to.

Doing a renovation? You have to make so many decisions that it can feel overwhelming!

I can act as a fresh pair of eyes, helping you make the right choices on an ongoing basis.

If this sounds like the kind of help you can use call me at 780 722 7494 to set up a time to meet or just to get more information about how I can help you in your home. Or you can email me directly at info@fromtimespast.com.

I promise to do my best to help you in any way I possibly can!

Johanne Yakula