Modernizing an Old Home: Chic Ideas You Should Check Out
There’s no denying that older homes have their own charm and character. There is something about the architectural features of older homes that reveals the long-gone ways people before us used to live, and all the vintage details you don’t really see these days bring an air of nostalgia. It is because of this reason that many homeowners are starting to like the idea of preserving the character and quirky charm of the older homes, which is why they buy them in the first place. However, since they were built in a different period, these homes lack the features necessary for every modern family, so you might want to take a look at some of the tips we prepared that will make your old home feel like brand new.
Open floor plan
Opening up the floor plan of an old home is an instant way to give it a modern note and make it feel more contemporary. Even though nowadays many of us can’t imagine a kitchen being separated from the living and dining room, compartmentalized homes were a standard back in the day and rooms were treated as separate areas rather than different parts that make a cohesive whole. Bring in the professionals to determine which walls can be knocked down without compromising the integrity of the style of your old home. The open floor plans are becoming a staple in contemporary homes, and three rooms – kitchen, living room, and dining room – are usually merged together, creating a comfortable space that looks and feels much bigger. Consider implementing this idea when renovating an older home – if the structure of the home allows for it, of course.
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
Speaking of remodeling, if there are two rooms that can boost the value of an old home and should be upgraded, they are definitely the kitchen and the bathroom. Older kitchen appliances will probably need to be swapped not only because of the aesthetics but also because they consume a lot of energy, and since it’s an old house, there’s a high chance that the kitchen counters haven’t been updated for a long time either, so you should consider upgrading those too. It’d be best to contact experienced kitchen manufacturers to consult with and talk about the vision you have in mind and let them modernize your kitchen. As for the bathroom, swapping out outdated fixtures and updating amenities goes a long way, but since the piping deteriorates with time, the best solution would be to remodel your bathroom as well.
Updating the flooring
Although this is one of the more costly and ambitious projects you can undertake, it is without a doubt something worth investing in. Other than being an effective way to transform an old home, upgrading your flooring is a project that can really boost the value of your home, should you ever consider selling it. If your old home is decked out in hardwood, you’re in luck, because it can easily be repaired and refinished to fit your vision. Carpeting doesn’t look as appealing as hardwood, but if you have to keep it, the bedroom is one room where it’s acceptable to have it. For high-traffic areas of your home, go with flooring of the same type. Keeping the floors consistent will ensure your rooms look connected and help create a visual flow in your living space.
Decor as a way of connecting the rooms
After tackling bigger and time-consuming projects, it is time to move on to decorating. An old home will, without a doubt, show some signs of wear and tear, so you might want to freshen it up a bit by treating the walls to the fresh coat of paint. It would be best to stick with classic neutral tones and add modern touches through decor. Colorful throw pillows, rugs, and artwork are all effective decor elements that will transform the look of an old home and give it a contemporary feel. Choose decor in on-trend hues such as coral, mustard, or emerald, and only incorporate colors in small doses. Stay consistent with your color scheme and try to use the same or similar hues in each room to create a sense of connectedness and merge all the rooms into a cohesive whole.
Introducing modern lighting fixtures
One of the easiest ways to give a modern touch to your home is to swap out the lighting fixtures. Lighting makes a big impact and when installed strategically, it can really change the feel of the interior and create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your living space. Start by changing the general lighting sources such as ceiling fixtures – these often look dated and will only age your home, so consider swapping them for something fresh and modern. Fixtures with metallic
finishes and geometric shapes will take your old home into the 21st century, while multiple layers of lighting will make for a pleasant ambiance that is characteristic for contemporary spaces. Have in mind that you might need to call the professionals for installation, just to make sure everything’s installed safely.
Although they’re charming in their own way, old homes lack in amenities that are essential for this day and age. However, with a few touch-ups and some interior design know-how, you can modernize your old home while still retaining its time-earned character.
Daily Bulletin
