Modernizing While Still Keeping the Vintage Feel to an Older Home

I am so honored to have guest writer, Katherine Oaks from over at Modernize.com joining us with this amazing post!

Modernizing While Still Keeping the Vintage Feel to an Older Home

By Katherine Oakes

Let’s be honest. You can’t always outfit an old home with all of today’s modern comforts without sacrificing a few things. Sometimes making it livable means replacing old with new and losing some of the romance that comes with buying an old house.

However, it isn’t all bad news. At Modernize, we believe that updating a home isn’t synonymous with sacrificing all the charm and character that made you fall in love it in the first place. There are plenty of ways to have the best of both (new and old) worlds—it just takes a little bit of strategy to make vintage feel new again.

via This Old House

Exteriors

A great way to maintain the character of an old home is to keep a classic looking exterior. Even if you are replacing a dilapidated roof or crumblings shingles, your home’s upgrade can still make the new, uh, old again by implementing timeless styles and designs. Choose a color palette that evokes memories of the time and place when your home was first built to keep its authenticity as best as you can.

Antique Glass Windows

If you are lucky enough to have antique glass window panes in your old home, then keep them! According to Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, “Your home’s old wooden windows are some of the most valuable yet misunderstood elements of a historic house.” He argues that they are easily repairable and built to last for years to come. Do some research on the pieces you’ll need to salvage these unique and gorgeous features of your home and consider the fact that a paint job might be all you need for an easy upgrade. If you happen to be short on antique glass window panes or they simply cannot be saved, replace some cabinet doors in your kitchen with glass window panes instead.

via The Cottage Market

Classy Hardware

Just like the glass windows give your old home an undeniable vintage feel, so too do other small design elements like glass knobs and decorative hinges and pulls on cabinets or drawers. Take a close look around the places in your home where you can incorporate these small and subtle touches that will ultimately make a big impact in the end. Antique hooks in the hallway or an old-fashioned knocker on your front door will give the impression that this house has history and is proud of it.

via Country Living

Small Details

Even if you had to replace some of your home’s best vintage features, it doesn’t mean you can’t use someone else’s to bring it back to life! Reintroduce the character and charm back into your upgraded house by decorating with antiquated pieces like a trio of hand turned pedestal candlesticks (we’ll take the paint chipped, please) and wrought-iron light fixtures, or even a chandelier. These small or big details will speak volumes for you no matter if the windows or new or not. Besides, if you love an old house we’re willing to bet you love scouring an antique shop or two for décor to fill your house with, too.

Thank you, Katherine, for the wonderful article!  If you enjoyed this post, head over to Modernize and give them a comment!