Mary Ellen Polson

Mary Ellen Polson is a creative content editor and technical writer with over 20 years experience producing heavily illustrated know how and service journalism articles, full-length books, product copy, tips, Q&As, etc., on home renovation, design, and outdoor spaces.

Tiled with Personality
Handmade architectural tile has unmistakable characteristics that can't be captured by manufactured tile.
Windows Common to the Arts & Crafts Era
“Standard” Arts & Crafts windows are versatile and still beautifully modern.
Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations
In this time of weather extremes and power disruptions, it's important to learn from the past as we think about the future.
Rescuing Old Hardware
Whether it’s already in your house or picked up at a flea market, vintage hardware almost always needs help.
Windows & Doors (On the Inside)
When looking for new windows, it's important to ensure the units don’t clash with interior woodwork and the décor.
Beautiful Replacement Windows for Old Houses
Manufacturers today show a much greater sensitivity to style and custom arrangements.
Installing Wainscots
Wall finishes in wood, beadboard; using salvage; raised-panel repairs.
A Decorated Interior Endures
This house in Hunter, New York, offers a genuine example of high-style wall and ceiling decoration ca.1920.
Beaux Arts Lighting of the Teens and Twenties
Reproduction lighting fixtures for houses 1900-1930s homes.
Restoration Mistakes & Wins
From plumbing failures to environmental near disasters, OHJ staffers dish on our worst and best moments.

Page 1 of 2

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

Follow

Fine Homebuilding

Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X
- LinkedIn
GBA Prime

Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- YouTube
Old House Journal

Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.
Subscribe Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X

Fine Homebuilding

Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X
- LinkedIn
GBA Prime

Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- YouTube
Old House Journal

Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.
Subscribe Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Mary Ellen Polson

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

Fine Homebuilding

Green Building Advisor

Old House Journal

Follow

Fine Homebuilding

GBA Prime

Old House Journal

Membership & Magazine

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.