Renovator's House Tour

Sometimes when my husband and I are walking the dog after work... when the sun goes down, and people's living room lights switch on, I have to admit... I become a bit of a snoop. Now, before you're completely grossed out, and decide to report me, let me explain. I could care less what Harry Homeowner is doing in his kitchen...or what DeDe Decorator is watching on television. I just really want to peek at his choice in kitchen cabinets or the color paint she decided on for her living room! Or solutions they figured out for small space living, exposed brick, interesting mantels, beautiful chandeliers, mouldings or art pieces, etc., etc. Most importantly because I appreciate it. I value how hard they worked to achieve it, whether I know them or not, or whether they actually did the work/decor themselves, or they moved in and it was done for them. Someone did it, at some point.... and I want to see it!!!

And oddly enough, the more grand and gorgeous the rowhouse, the more historic the property -- the more I feel like it's my right to be able to see how awesome the interior is! Again, because I would appreciate it. These people don't know me, nor do I know them... I just want to see their house! Is that weird???

Well, I might have found my solution...


Saturday, October 13th is the 7th annual Renovator’s House Tour on Capitol Hill. I haven't had a chance to go to this yet, but I'd really like to make it this year. Has anyone else? I'm interested to hear any feedback if you have. Here is an excerpt from their site.... it sounds promising.

"Designed for the modern homeowner, this popular self-guided walking tour showcases a wide variety of homes and styles across Capitol Hill, from the hip H Street corridor to the expanding Barney Circle neighborhood. AMONG OTHER DELIGHTS, be prepared for a peek into:

• the unusual apartment space celebrating its 100th birthday overlooking Eastern Market;
• a 500-square-foot workman’s cottage;
• the art-filled home of award-winning actor Robert Prosky;
• a crow’s-nest bathroom complete with claw-foot tub.

Intrigued? Desperate? Tickets are just $25 to see 10 incredible homes, while supporting a DC public school at the same time (100% of the proceeds go to the Capitol Hill Cluster School — how great is that?)."

Old architectural stars

As evident in the header design of RowHouse - I'm obsessed with old stars! To me, they say classic, American, old, and beautiful. What else could be better? Growing up near Old Town, Alexandria I became accustomed to seeing these old solid metal stars on just about every home exterior, especially old rowhouses. Now, I enjoy walking around Capitol Hill looking at these and other architectural details.

Here's a bit of history for why they were actually very useful: Tie rods and these star-shaped "washers" were often used to connect the gable walls of masonry structures. The floor joists would hold the weight bearing walls from spreading, so these were often the solution for the non-load bearing walls.

Design idea: Collect a bunch of these stars in different sizes. You can find them at just about any salvage shop. Find some large nails, and nail through the hole in the center to hang on a wall - hang several. If you are using tiny stars, you could even use a thin piece of rope, twine, or ribbon to hang frames, with/out photos in them. ...Or simply just prop up on a mantel or shelf.

(images via flickr)

Washington, DC rowhouse details...

Found some beautiful shots via Flickr for anyone needing color or architectural inspiration for their exterior. How awesome are these places??

(images via Flickr)