Disclaimer: ♡ As an affiliate, I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. I only recommend products or services that I use and trust and that will be valuable to you. ♡ :
For many old houses, there’s immediately this effortless sophistication. Specifically, when a house is old, it just has this charm that modern-day houses seriously can’t even begin to replicate! But like all old houses, they get so old that they need some renovations.
Overall, renovating an old house is a delicate balance between preserving its unique charm and making it comfortable for modern living. It’s an exciting journey where you can let the character of your home shine while adding your personal touch. But how can you create this balance? Well, here’s how you can do it with style and respect for the history embedded in its walls.
Respect the Original Architecture
One of the first steps in letting your old house’s character shine is to respect its original architecture. By all means, this is really the only way to go about it! So, it’s best to just go ahead and take time to understand the design principles that guided its construction. Whether it’s Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, or any other style, each has distinctive features worth preserving (because in the UK alone there are plenty).
So, just go ahead and pay attention to elements like mouldings, trims, and cornices. These features often define the architectural style and bring a sense of history and craftsmanship to the space. Plus, they’re so beautiful and deserve to be preserved.
Highlight Original Features
If you’re lucky enough to have original features like fireplaces, wooden beams, or stained glass windows, make them the stars of your home. Yes! You read that right! They need to be highlighted because they’re so beautiful! Just think about it: these features are often what give an old house its soul. These are what make it not boring (let’s face it, modern houses are boring).
So, even if they’re a bit worn or damaged, consider restoring them rather than replacing them. Sometimes, a little polish and repair can bring these pieces back to life, adding a touch of authenticity and charm that new materials can’t replicate.
Use Authentic Materials
When making repairs or updates, try to use materials that match or complement the originals. For example, if your home has brick walls, consider using bricks that match the existing ones for any new construction. This is just merely an example, but depending on the material that your house is made of, you might need to find original materials that would only work for that age and style of home, or even the material.
For example, you might need to use screws for concrete if you have brick or natural stone, especially if you’re trying to install new doors or windows (but you should make sure that complements the age of the house).
Honour the Home’s History
Sometimes, it’s easy to find; sometimes, not so much. But overall, just try to take some time to learn about the history of your house. Who lived there before? What changes have been made over the years?
Overall, just understanding its past can give you insights into the best ways to honour its character. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a story that inspires your décor choices or find old photographs that guide your restoration efforts.
Leave a Reply