Many people don't know about picture rails these days, and yet they are one of the most practical and useful ways to embellish a house. A standard feature of many homes built in the past, picture rails are all but absent from modern interiors, with the exception of museums and galleries. Most of us hang pictures by nailing a hook into a wall, hanging a picture and finally standing back in the hope that the result is attractive and doesn't have to be adjusted. With a picture rail, much of the guesswork is unnecessary. A standard length of picture hanging cord and a decorative hook will help you achieve a lovely result every time. Moreover, you can change your pictures around easily and without leaving unsightly holes in your walls (especially important if you have plaster walls). So if you're building or renovating your home, consider installing a picture rail. It's surprisingly inexpensive, and it will dress up a home of any style immeasurably. Rejuvenation stocks picture rail hooks and cord in several styles and colors.
Collectors of Arts & Crafts furniture often also collect metalware, like this hammered copper vase given to us by the late Mike Ristau, a collector of everything Arts & Crafts, from furnishings to artwork. His home was a tribute to his passion for collecting and for living. We did not know Mike well, but he had heard of our house building adventure and gave us this vase from his amazing collection. Roycrofters made similar pieces in East Aurora, New York during the heyday of the Roycroft era. One could collect nothing but Roycroft ashtrays and spend a lifetime doing it. We have two Roycroft ashtrays purchased on ebay. Daltons, in Syracuse, New York, carries a good selection of Roycroft and other Arts & Crafts makers, but you can still find a good bargain on ebay.
A family in Arkansas makes stunning Arts & Crafts style furniture. We discovered them on ebay and purchased two twin beds and a side table from them. Dryad Studios provides great service and fine workmanship. Really, they provide old fashioned dedication to their craft and to their customers. That is a rare thing today. Our table and beds arrived on time, in great shape, and look fabulous. This small side table or night table is an example of their excellent work. Visit Dryad Studios to learn more or check out ebay for Dryad's latest auctions or sales. You will be very glad that you did.
We admit that we're antiques junkies. Whenever we find ourselves in a new place, the first thing we look for are interesting antique shops. When others go hunting, we go antiquing. A well-collected interior brings interest and a story to a home, such as is the case with these Japanese paper dolls. Visitors to our house always ask us about them. Although they're small, they never escape notice. All in all, I've never regretted buying an antique that I love. I have, however, regretted walking away from one for one reason or another. Sometimes, the antiques I didn't buy stay with me more than those I did.
If you're thinking about building in the Arts & Crafts or Adirondack style, you cannot underestimate the importance of woodwork. Wood creates depth, presence and texture, even in a small home. It can instantly transform a new house into something that seems to have decades of history behind it. It humanizes any space. When we were picking stain colors for all of our woodwork, we went rather dark, inspired by the Centennial finish that Stickley currently offers. Everyone tried to talk us out of it: our contractor, our cabinetmaker and even our architect. And yet, once all the staining was done, everyone agreed that the finished woodwork lent a presence to our house that no one could have imagined.
This is the balcony in our camp's guest suite, which we call the Hideout. The Hideout balcony is small but it works well for its intended purpose: a place to look out at the bay on Fourth Lake, to have coffee in the morning and read the newspaper. French doors lead to the balcony, so guests can open the doors and have a breeze and enjoy the view. It feels a little like being in a tree house, to sit on the balcony or rest on the bed just next to the doors. The chairs are from the Sundance Catalog, but have been discontinued. The balcony floor is made of fir. Shingles are cedar shakes, stained by hand in Evergreen. The pulley in the corner of this photo was used by our stone mason to haul granite up from the ground as he built our chimney. We try to set up as many opportunities as we can for our guests to appreciate the views, the silence, the air. This is one place they - and we - love to enjoy. 
Old California Lantern Company makes outstanding light fixtures for inside and outside the home. Here is a lamp post at Penwood with a Ginko tree filigree. The lanterns are hand made and are reasonably priced. The company focuses on Arts and Crafts designs but also makes other lines. The lanterns are well made. We like both the interior and exterior fixtures. You can order online at www.oldcalifornia.com.
