FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the vast world of period design.

THIS EDITION IS A DEPARTURE from the usual OHJ lineup of departments and features (to return in the Oct./Nov. issue). Instead, it presents the contents of our annual Sourcebook, which normally has a large distribution to bookstores and newsstands. These sellers recently suffered from closures and reduced traffic. If you found us there anyway, welcome! To our Old-House Journal subscribers, you are receiving this content as part of your subscription.

The companies and products listed in these pages are a mind-blowing compendium of period-inspired design. Goods are timeless and of high quality, offering a true alternative to the short-lived trends of big-box stores and even many showrooms. When you own an old house, trendy remodeling is the first thing the next owners will want to tear out. Better to listen to the house, regardless of whether you plan to take a historical or a contemporary approach in its furniture and decorating.

These sometimes hard-to-find companies, in the opinion of our editors and contributors, offer excellent products and good value. In choosing listings, we favor companies of high reputation, products with authenticity, and materials beautiful and traditional. You’ll find smaller companies and artisans selling direct to the customer. You’ll also find the appropriate specialty lines from larger manufacturers.

Look for editorial highlights throughout the issue: inspirational projects; a focus on timeless items “they still make”; house styles; glossaries; and helpful hints on such topics as metal finishes and ceiling decoration. And by all means let us know if you have a suggestion for a company to include next time!