DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What do our homes say about us? What stories are they telling? Are they declarations of integrity, beauty and heritage? Or do they suggest we have lost our sense of value, craft and harmony?
Brent Hull, owner and president of Hull Historical, a nationally recognized authority on historic design, architecturally correct moldings, and millwork addresses these questions in his new book "Building a Timeless House in an Instant Age" (Brown Books Publishing Group). Reflecting on a bygone era, he provides readers with a profound insight into the art of building homes in an age that is obsessed with what's next.
Trained in the art of museum quality preservation at the prestigious North Bennett Street School in Boston, Hull believes that what we build defines us. Hull, also the exclusive licensee for the architectural interiors of the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in Wilmington, Delaware, currently hosting the "Costumes of Downton Abby" exhibit says, "Over the last 60 years, we have become so fixated with building homes as cheaply and fast as possible that we no longer remember how to build a beautiful home that lasts."
New homes today are often showy, gaudy and downright ugly. They are built without much care or consideration and have no design philosophy or lasting appeal to them.
In an age of instant homes, Hull dares us to slow down and ask ourselves: What happened to craft? What happened to the art of building? What are we communicating to our children by the homes we choose? How can we find a way to build something timeless that still weaves a tale of character, values, history and heart?
Christine G.H. Franck, director of Contemporary Traditional Architecture Initiatives at the College of Architecture and Planning, University of Colorado says, "Master builder Brent Hull brings to life the complex story of the rise and fall of craft and posits a better future grounded in timeless ways of building," While Virginia Savage McAlester, author of "A Field Guide to American Houses" adds, "'Building a Timeless House' is an engrossing history of house design and construction that prepares you to create your own home."
"We have come to see houses as a tradable commodity," says Hull. "We need to be careful of fooling ourselves into thinking that a bottom-line mentality is the best way to approach building a home. In fact, the contrast between the way we build today and how structures used to be built has become increasingly more vivid. Our values and what we believe about life have also changed."
For Hull, the main goal in writing this book is to help people understand that the house they build defines them and in turn defines our society. He teaches valuable lessons that might otherwise be lost in the technology obsessed and materialistic world we live in today.
Inspiring, informative and motivating, "Building a Timeless House in an Instant Age" provides readers with the tools to begin their own journey of discovery. A journey that starts by building a great team, specifically choosing the right architect and builder to bring your vision to life.
"Now is the time to examine ourselves, our motives and our hearts," Hull implores. "May your home tell the story you want to tell. May your house be timeless."
To learn more, visit: www.TheTimelessHouse.com
Books are available online and in bookstores.
About the Author
Brent Hull is also the author of two books, "Traditional American Rooms celebrating style, craftmanship, and historic woodwork with a foreword by Barbara Streisand and "Historic Millwork, a guide to restoring and recreating doors, windows, and moldings from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. He is the recipient of four John Staub Awards for classical architecture in craftsmanship and historic restoration.
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