Queen of Home – Opinionated Advice from 1895

I always keep an eye out for books about interior decorating but my prize finds are those published pre 1950. I love reading the advice given to home owners. The social history contained in the pages of such books is so interesting and the decorating tips that are given to the reader often ring as true today as they did back then. “Queen of Home” was written by Emma C. … Continue reading Queen of Home – Opinionated Advice from 1895

This Old Edmonton House Seminars 2014

You know that spring is around the corner when the City of Edmonton Planning Department unveils its seminars designed specifically for owners of old houses. Known as the ‘This Old Edmonton House’ seminars, these sessions cover almost every aspect of owning an old house. This includes talks on windows and doors, mechanical systems, roofs and exteriors, foundations, and plastering walls. I will be doing two … Continue reading This Old Edmonton House Seminars 2014

Preserving Canada's Heritage Homes

Seminar for Heritage-Home Owners

If you own an older house and will be in Calgary on Saturday, February 22nd, you may be interested in a free seminar that will be taking place at the Cliff Bungalow Mission Community Association at 2201 Cliff Street  S.W. Organized by Halyna Skala Tartaryn  of Sotheby Real Estate, the session promises to be worthwhile for anyone who has a heritage home and is considering … Continue reading Seminar for Heritage-Home Owners

Note the pan chandelier in the upper part of this picture. It has glass shades and downward-facing lights which can trap a lot of heat.

Antique Light Fixtures and New Light Bulb Rules – Part 2

There is no doubt that the changes that have taken place with respect to light bulbs will cause problems for owners of antique lamps and ceiling fixtures. Lamps that have cloth shades with wires that clip onto a light bulb may become obsolete and end up in a landfill unless they can be retrofitted to use a harp assembly. I tested a Noma halogen 60watt … Continue reading Antique Light Fixtures and New Light Bulb Rules – Part 2