Historic Design Consulting LLC

Historic Design Consulting LLC Historic Design Consulting, LLC. is dedicated to assisting homeowners, museums and businesses preserve and restore historic architecture.

We offer both consulting and hands-on restoration services. Historic Design Consulting LLC assists home and business owners preserve and restore their historic buildings. HDC offers a variety of consulting services, including developing authentic exterior and interior color schemes, interior decoration, and the selection of millwork, including doors, windows and molding, that are appropriate for t

he age and style of your building. We can also help design period appropriate porches and exterior ornaments as well as develop maintenance plans that will address the special needs of older homes.

05/31/2026

As I wait for some shellac to dry I thought I’d start sharpening the iron on this 1840s cornice plane. The first step is lapping its back dead flat on a diamond stone. I’ve got a ways to go. 🫤

05/30/2026

Our shop warming party is ready to roll!!! Stop by between 1 and 5 and celebrate our new shop with us! 626 Armstrong Ave W in St. Paul. It’s near the old Schmidt Brewery just off West 7th. Don’t miss out, because it’s going to be epic!

Well, here it is. If I were grading, I’d give it a C-. My handy tool for making the medullary rays is in a box somewhere...
05/29/2026

Well, here it is. If I were grading, I’d give it a C-. My handy tool for making the medullary rays is in a box somewhere, so I had to use a rag instead. It needs a coat of varnish, and that’ll be it.

Wood grain is done in layers, and I have the first layer on. I’m disappointed TBH. It’s awful, actually. The cheap, big-...
05/29/2026

Wood grain is done in layers, and I have the first layer on. I’m disappointed TBH. It’s awful, actually. The cheap, big-box paint is a bit too glossy, even after sanding. This means the bottom paint layer won’t grab the glaze and cathedral grainer smeared rather than leaving grain. I will see what I can do.

I’ve been asked about the brushes I use for wood graining and if I use feathers. I do use feathers, but only for creatin...
05/29/2026

I’ve been asked about the brushes I use for wood graining and if I use feathers. I do use feathers, but only for creating marble grain. I use lots of brushes for cresting wood graining, and here are a few. There’s a badger softener, a horse hair flogger, a splatter and a variety of smaller, specialty squirrel and badger hair brushes. Wood graining was very common in 19th and early 20th buildings, and I am called upon on occasion to repair or reproduce these finishes

I thought I would do a quickie demonstration of faux bois or wood graining for our big shop warming party this Saturday....
05/28/2026

I thought I would do a quickie demonstration of faux bois or wood graining for our big shop warming party this Saturday. First step was painting a base color on a piece of plywood. Tomorrow I will mix up my glaze and see what I can come up with.

I think this color match is close enough, so I will call it good. I will add some more spirit varnish and it’ll be ready...
05/25/2026

I think this color match is close enough, so I will call it good. I will add some more spirit varnish and it’ll be ready for installation.

Color and finish match is getting close. The front piece is the original, the rear is a replacement stile. It still need...
05/24/2026

Color and finish match is getting close. The front piece is the original, the rear is a replacement stile. It still needs some toning, but it is almost there.

It’s the holiday weekend, but duty calls and I’m in the shop working on some sashes. This project required the replaceme...
05/24/2026

It’s the holiday weekend, but duty calls and I’m in the shop working on some sashes. This project required the replacement of some stiles and bottoms rails, which usually is easy finishing work if they’re painted. These were varnished, however, which means i get to do some color and finish matching to blend the new with the old. The old finish is typical for late 19th century sashes, and I have my secret recipe for matching new wood. Here’s the first step to set the base color, and next comes the varnish.

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Saint Paul, MN
55101–55175

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