How to Blend Modern Upgrades with Historic Home Charm
How do granite countertops fit in a vintage kitchen? Will the new sofa look out of place in front of the 19th-century crown molding?
There are many conflicting points of view on how to remodel a historic property for modern living. Truthfully, it’s all just theory. The style, practicality, significance, and condition of your golden oldie’s features are completely unique. So-called rules, like decking out a room in the style of its period, aren’t going to apply everywhere. Some could even lead to costly design mistakes. Plus, your home’s location and status can also impact what’s possible.
So today, we’re sharing some general advice on elements you may want to consider preserving, as well as how to incorporate new design details. Keep reading and learn how to blend modern upgrades with historic home charm.
First things first: Check with local authorities
Is your home on the National Register of Historic Places? Does a local historic preservation society oversee your property? Visit municipal offices to confirm if any third party has a vested interest in the architectural or culturally significant features of the home.
In many cases, historic preservation won’t dissuade you from many standard modern upgrades. These regulations typically influence or avoid major exterior or structural alterations (like additions). Components like windows and doors may be impacted as well.
Ultimately, collaborating with historic preservation societies and architects is a benefit. You’ll be protecting the historic significance of your investment while getting expert guidance on maintaining a special property.
What to consider keeping: Preserving historic home charm
With historic preservation in mind, here are some details you may want to consider retaining. You’ll find a lot of them blend well with modern upgrades.
Note that you should always have these elements inspected for safety. If restoring, hire specialists where possible.
Architectural
Fireplaces, staircases, molding, and trim. These architectural details are among the biggest hallmarks of the period the home comes from or was inspired by.
Custom tilework, posts, and railings on antique staircases can have incredible value.
The same applies to the masonry of older fireplaces and the fine detail of molding and trim.
Wood (especially floors)
Wood paneling, original hardwood floors, exposed beams, and more can be the largest contributors to a historic home’s charm and warmth. Refinishing and even repurposing wood is a great way to honor the history of your home.
Windows and doors
There’s a good reason many historic preservation societies keep an eye on these. The detailing, size, material, and fabrication methods of antique windows and doors can make them very remarkable. Many can also be successfully restored to great condition and even made more energy efficient.
Other special details
There may be other design features present that signify the era and make your historic home as special as it is. Stained glass, archways, particular ceiling materials and styles, and built-in cabinets can be a large part of what gives the home its character. It’s always worth doing what you can to blend current function and tastes with historic craftsmanship and style.
Tips for blending modern upgrades into a historic home
Consider the following food for thought. Here’s how happy historic homeowners have brought history into the 21st century without making much of a sacrifice.
Clean, modern contrast
Keeping all of that glorious old hardwood, bespoke windows, and original staircase? Wise choice. Add edge to a clean, classical palette with a little bit of contrast or accent color. In the above example, a black post and banister pop without seeming remotely out of place.
Work natural materials into contemporary or minimalist design
Exposed brick and reclaimed wood can in fact live harmoniously in a brand-new contemporary kitchen with all of the modern bells and whistles.
The historic patina of natural materials can complement sleeker design elements. Above, we have minimalist-inspired slab-front cabinets and gold hardware paired with a refinished wood panel as a backsplash. A coordinating hardwood countertop helps strike an exceptional balance.
Un-fuss it with a neutral palette
If you’re a collector of standout modern décor and furniture, but find yourself procuring a home from a wholly different era, this may be the simplest solution. Ornate molding and inlays cohabitate with cleaner lines when they share a color palette. Add a timeless light fixture for a look that’s one of a kind.
What about digital and electric systems?
We have no choice but to include televisions, digital thermostats, and other sure signs of the times in our historic homes. In many cases, these things aren’t the eyesore you imagine they’ll be.
However, there are custom solutions to minimize the appearance of digital and electronic components.
- Antique cabinets, hutches, and other furniture can be refinished and altered to host televisions, routers, and other digital works.
- Decorative thermostat covers and the latest cable management solutions can also help keep modern devices from becoming unsightly among a home’s rich history.
- Customizing closets and other nooks characteristic of old homes helps keep your tech, media, and utility noise firmly behind the scenes.
Planning and scheduling these customizations alongside any essential upgrades like electrical wiring and plumbing can make it less of a hassle.
A design professional is always the way to go
Mindfully adding modern upgrades to a historic home is very time-consuming for homeowners with busy lives. The Designery has all of the necessary resources in one place: experience, planning, customization, access to materials, and quality installation.
If you’ve confirmed your home’s status, are interested in the preservation of historic elements of your home, or need custom solutions that complement its style, book a free consultation with us today.
