Hey, xantippe. I feel your pain! Not only did I miss Hinckley's Heronswood, I turned down an offer to go in-house for Microsoft back in the early 80's 'cause I thought it would be boring and not as lucrative as private practice! Doh. If were born earlier, probably would've missed out on buying shares of Xerox, too. ABTC (Always Behind The Curve), Rain

Historic residential architectural styles were not based on a "look" but a collection of specific cultural, experiential and architectural influences that were adapted and modified by architects and builders often but not always retaining much of the original intent. American Colonialists brought the Post Medieval style from England but substituted local materials (lap siding and wood roofing shingles instead of stucco, half timber and thatch). As the colonies prospered they adapted and modified the more fashionable English styles that were based on Classical (Greek & Roman) designs from the Italian Renaissance. We know these styles generally as Colonial and specifically as Georgian, Adam, etc. They were later used as inspirations for the Colonial Revival styles. In the case of the Craftsman Style, it was originally developed in southern California by the Greene Brothers. They were architects influenced by the English Arts & Crafts movement, oriental wooden structures and formal training in wood & metal working and designed intricately detailed handcrafted houses of natural materials that joined the interior with the exterior. These designs and much simpler variations were published in many American magazines like The Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and The Craftsman and were quickly adopted by pre-cut material supply companies that sold mail order kits. This resulted in the rapid spread of a watered-down version of the Craftsman Style bungalow across the country. This is why it is difficult to find a Craftsman Style house that retains much of the inspiration or detailing of the Greene brothers. A similar thing happened when a vernacular version was developed of the Prairie Style. When a historical architectural style is reduced to a "look", it usually only retains the name for advertising purposes. When I see the term Craftsman it tells me virtually nothing except that the house is unlikely to have classical detailing but you can never be sure without a photo or drawing.

Thanks Mtnrdredux, I appreciate the compliment! The problem is, the other rooms just immediately came to me based on their features and the pieces I had with which to work. I might have struggled over the exact wall hue or which accent fabric, but I knew what direction I wanted. This study is in pretty bad shape, and it's mostly for my husband, and we're reworking some big elements in the room, so I have too many choices! As far as the floor covering, that is up in the air also. The current rug is a nice old wool Wilton I really like with black and soft blue and salmon, but I could use it in two other rooms as well. I would love to pick the rug first and use that as the jumping off point, but nothing has spoken to me yet! I'm constantly searching CL and eBay, though, so maybe soon. Yayagal, do you mean mineral spirits, or did you really use mineral oil? I tested the finish with denatured alcohol to see if it's shellac, and I'm still uncertain. But a thorough cleaning is a good idea. The ceiling and windows were filthy from years of nicotine, so that could certainly be a factor with the original trim. I've been searching for some inspiration pics of wood mantels and white trim, but I can't find many. Here are two from Houzz: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/living-room-eclectic-living-room-chicago-phvw-vp~371189) [Eclectic Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2104) by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Rebekah Zaveloff [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/this-old-house-family-room-traditional-living-room-boston-phvw-vp~35004) [Traditional Family Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2107) by Cambridge Architect LDa Architecture & Interiors I like that they are both vintage mantels in a more transitional decor. My mantel actually looks a lot like the second photo. It feels somehow appropriate that the mantel stand out from the trimwork in these cases. But neither one has bookcases or built ins surrounding it. Would that change the balance somehow? And they both feature light color walls which helps the trim blend away a bit. How would the overall look change if I did a deeper wall color, white bookcases, and my oak mantel? Too busy?

Ah! I’m from North County originally, actually, so I do know what you’re talking about (half my siblings grew up working at the Safari Park when it was still called the Wild Animal Park ;) ). I still think you’d want to consider a shape that handled wind better, was a bit more efficient to cool, and there are seismic considerations as well. There are lots of ways to make a square or rectangle work and I actually prefer them too, and like stripped down, modern architecture in the right setting. That one just has problems. But you could definitely use it as inspiration and have someone make you a specific, bespoke design that played up some of the shapes and finish you really love while being more practical/economic to live in :) And yes, I love that gabled roof! I’m a big shed roof fan as well.