Matching Your Home's Architectural & Historic Style

Many of my clients own homes with a unique architectural or historic style ... and they want their new fence, arbor, gate or deck to harmonize with or reflect it. Luckily, this is one of the things that makes my job fun and interesting. I get to put my design and innovation skills, along with my love of history, to good use creating a design that will echo your home's architectural style.

I specialize in building exact replacements, matching your existing garden architecture, repeating architectural details, and working from old photos to create historic period replacements.

Here is a quick look at what I have done for some of my clients ...

Exact & Improved Replacements

Some homeowners adore their old deck or arbor ... and just want me to build an exact replacement. In these cases, I take photographs and exact measurements so I can recreate it. However, I also take a careful look at where the structure is failing and why the it needs to be replaced, so I can understand how to build it better or make it more perfect for you.

That way, I can build you a replacement that you not only love, but that lasts longer and makes you happy you replaced it.

Old Craftsman Wood Two Story Deck This deck had seen better days and, as the sagging beams indicate, needed to be replaced. More information: A Deck Story
New Replacement Deck The newly installed two story redwood deck with arbor and porch swing offers an improved, but almost identical design. The new framing offers construction enhancements to increase the life span of the deck. Enlarge photo and more info

Old Decked Walkway This decked entranceway has reached the end of its life due to rot and needed to be replaced. As you can see, the number of stairs varies. Enlarge photo
New Replacement Deck The newly installed and stained decked walkway offers an improved, but almost identical design. The new stairs offer a standard riser height and length. Enlarge photo and more info

Matching Existing Structures

To match an existing structure, or extend it, I study the piece to understand its construction and design details. Then I work to design and create a structure that incorporates the latest techniques and materials so it will last a long time as well as blend in.

Existing Wood Trellis This older trellis was used as the template for creating a new trellis a few yards away. Enlarge photo
New Trellis The new Mission Style wood trellis echoes the design of the existing trellis while taking advantage of modern fasteners and adhesives. Enlarge photo and more info Recently Featured In ...

Matching Existing Garden Architecture

By using similar materials and construction methods, I can also create a new wood fence, deck, arbor or gate that harmonizes with and compliments your existing garden architecture.

Matching Existing Bench This new pool enclosure was designed to match the existing wood bench I had built earlier in the year. Enlarge photo and more info
New Entry Gate And later on I built an entry gate in the same style. Enlarge photo and more info

Repeating Architectural Details

One of the ways to create a structure that blends with your home is to echo its distinctive architectural details. These include reproducing the look and proportion of decorative beam end cuts, porch railings, and mouldings.

Existing House Rafters   Here is an example of using the existing house rafters as a template for the new arbor (pictured below) so that the designs matched.
Matching Pergola Rafters Repeating the architectural details made this new pergola fit right in. Enlarge photo and more info

Historic Period Replacements

Some homeowners want to maintain the integrity of their historic homes and add to or replace a wood fence, trellis, or other exterior wood project. If you have old photos of your home, I can work to create an exact replacement using materials that are close to the size, scale, texture, and color of the original. Or we can tour the neighborhood and develop a design consistent with the time period and surrounding area. And then locate the fence so it harmonizes with the historic character of your home and landscaping.

If old historic photos and the surrounding neighborhood are not enough, there are back copies of home and garden magazines, such as ... The Craftsman, American Homes and Gardens, Country Life in America, House and Garden, and House Beautiful (links may earn a commission).

Permission is granted to anyone who wants to
use my work for inspiration outside of the LA area.