Repro Style: Bringing the Past into the Present

Lightfoot House, Colonial Williamsburg

For many, living in a historic home—perhaps like the Lightfoot House (pictured above) in Colonial Williamsburg, VA—would be a dream come true. The luxury of grand room proportions, wood-paneled walls, true-divided light windows, hand-blocked wallpapers, ornate plaster ceiling medallions, period chandeliers and wall sconces, and not one, but several fireplaces, are just some of the details that I would want on my “historic-dream-house” wish list.

However, those who live the life of a preservationist might feel differently, since the cost of maintaining a historic home—particularly with authentic products and materials—can sometimes be a costly and heavy burden.

The more affordable and practical way to bring the past into the present for most of us is shopping for salvaged finds or looking to new reproductions.  There are good reasons to consider both, but today’s reproductions deliver great historic style with the added benefits of easy care, low-maintenance, energy efficiency, and ready availability.  Take a look at some of the stylish reproductions that we have included in our 10 Ways to Bring Historic Style Home slide show.

For more ways to bring historic style home, consider these Bob Vila articles and videos:

10 Reasons to Love Architectural Salvage
Governor’s Mansion Tour, Richmond, VA (VIDEO)
Architectural Salvage