New House Old Soul
S1E11 From Hand-Hewn Planks to Modern Floors: What Endures
Season 1, Episode 11
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20m
Brent Hull examines flooring as one of the most quietly influential elements in a home’s character, especially when building new houses rooted in traditional design. From hand-hewn planks to early machine-milled boards, the episode traces how materials like Eastern white pine reflect regional history and craftsmanship. Brent explains how shifts in milling and sourcing have changed the physical qualities of wood over time—and why understanding those differences matters. By comparing historic approaches with modern flooring innovations, the episode makes the case for selecting materials that balance durability, maintenance, and authenticity while avoiding trends that quickly date a house.
Up Next in Season 1
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S1E12 Trim That Tells a Story: Why Mo...
Brent Hull explores moldings as both functional elements and quiet storytellers of architectural tradition. Tracing their evolution from classical profiles to modern interpretations, the episode explains how proportion, scale, and placement influence the way a house feels and ages over time. Bren...
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S1E13 Blending Old-World Craft with M...
Brent Hull explores how today’s kitchens can be designed with the same architectural discipline as the rest of the home. Once treated as purely utilitarian spaces, kitchens have evolved into central gathering places where proportion, materials, and detailing matter more than ever. The episode exa...
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S1E14 The Soul of a New Old Home
Brent Hull reflects on what gives a house its soul—and why new construction should begin with an understanding of history, place, and narrative. Drawing from French architectural influence, salvaged materials, and carefully considered details, the episode explores how buildings can feel rooted ra...
