An Introduction to Historic Style

• What makes a style? What defines a "period look"?

• Fundamental Components of an Exterior Style

• Fundamental Components of an Interior Style

• An Introduction to Ornament, or the "Symbols" of an Era

• Interactive Exercise: "Tuning the Eye" - Learning to spot the key elements in a design scheme that place it historically

Fitting a Style to A Room - Scale and Form

• From wallpaper treatments, to curtains and mantelpiece selection.... all of these are affected by the size and shape of your room. We'll take a tour through decorating history, and discover what styles befit smaller intimate spaces versus larger rooms.

• Cluttered or Open? Decorating styles have cycled from whimsically ornate to airy and open. Learn to pick a style that fits your room and lifestyle.

• Interactive Exercise: Compare representative decorating styles, from Colonial, to Empire, Aesthetic-style, Arts & Craft, Mackintosh, Gothic (and more) and their use of space.

Surface Treatments - What makes up a Wall, Ceiling or Floor?

• It's not just drywall and wallpaper. Learn more about classic wall, floor, and ceiling treatments

• Walls - A discussion of plaster treatments, faux finishing wall treatments, historic and modern paints, the importance of reflectivity, historic wallpapers and embossed papers, stenciling and trompe l'oeil,  Victorian three-part treatments and more

• Floors - Woods, old-floor and stair case installations, wood care and refinishing, painted floor treatments, tiles, and carpets

• Ceilings - Overview of paper and medallion treatments, cornice constructions, and decorative techniques (such as tray and coffered ceilings)

Faux Finishes

• Basic Chemistry behind faux finishes - an overview of paints, pigments, and solvents

• The Tools of the Trade

• Aging Techniques and Distressing Techniques - An Introduction

• Emulating Plaster or Limed Surfaces

• Textural Techniques and Use of Color - Colorwashing, Stippling, and Ragging Techniques

• Luxurious and Fantasy Finishes

• Open Discussion - Question and Answer Period

Woodworking and Historic Trimwork

• Introduction to wood - coloration, grain, hardness, and utility

• Basic wood repair, refinishing, and maintenance. An introduction to stains, pigments, dyes, chemical treatments, Danish and tung oils, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethanes

• Taking advantage of salvage for recreating a historic period

• Wood Ornament - Introduction to historic trimwork. From plinth blocks, to rosettes, appliqués, newel posts, spandrels, running trim, and more...

• Interactive Exercise: Slide Show Tour of Older Homes, with emphasis on Trimwork and construction details

• Overview of historic Trimwork for Stairs and Landings

• Gilding, veneers, carvings, and other wood ornament as historic elements

Furnishings and Textiles

• The importance of furniture in "setting the style"

• Interactive Exercise: Viewing furniture styles, and learning to "see" the key features that distinguish chairs, tables, and other furnishings by era

• Furniture Resources and Useful Supplier Information

• The importance of textiles and fabrics in historic decorating schemes

• Art Tiles and Historic Fireplaces

• Mirrors, Glass, and Windows as helpful in completing your historic room