Update Your Old House While Remaining True to Its Architecture

Older homes have history. Depending on when it was built, your house could have a number of different architectural features that are worth saving when you remodel or redecorate. The house I am currently renting was built in the late 1800s, and has high baseboard mouldings and beautiful hardwood floors that should be preserved. Other things don’t necessarily need to remain the same. How can you update your old home while remaining true to its period style?

Decorate with period style furnishings

Whether your home is Victorian or a Craftsman, you should consider its style when you are choosing furnishings for the living areas. Sleek, modern furniture doesn’t look right inside a Victorian house, while ornate, highly-detailed pieces might not work as well in a Craftsman. Learn the time frame when your house was built and choose decor that fits with it; if there is no particular style to the house, consider how your new furniture will look and fit into its designated room before buying it.

Update the kitchen with new cabinets

Cabinets come in a variety of different styles to fit with any style home. Do you live in an old farmhouse? Keep that farmhouse look by choosing raised panel doors, painted cabinets in white, red, green or whatever color you like. You can even order cabinets that are distressed and antiqued to look like they are old, although they are new and sturdier than before. If you decide against the antique look, stick with traditional style cabinets to remain true to your home’s architecture.

Refinish worn out hardwood flooring

The house where I live has hardwood flooring throughout the dining and living rooms. It looks nice, but is getting scratched and worn out. You can the look of brand new flooring without having to replace it; just strip and refinish it with a new can of stain. Hire a professional if you have never done it before. If your flooring is originally dark, you probably won’t be able to go much lighter, although you can stain dark over light.

Personalize with superficial changes

Maybe your house is still in a good enough condition that you don’t need to remodel or perform a complete overhaul. Are you just ready for a new look while maintaining the original architecture? Make superficial changes to give your home a fresh look. Decide on a theme or color scheme, and replace furniture, window treatments, rugs, wall art and whatever you need to change in order to achieve your goals. Even some new paint can change up the look in your home without making structural changes.

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