Old homes are timeless investments. While other homeowners quickly sell off their old family homes in the real state, some refuse to leave them because of their sentimental value. These old homes have their own unique histories with an aesthetic appeal that belonged to a certain time period.
Unfortunately, not all people recognize the value of old houses. The real estate industry has become more competitive, and homebuyers are looking for modern and aesthetically appealing homes. But what they don’t know is that all it takes is the right improvement to make an old home look new.
Interior design is not only about making a home look current and modern. It has the ability to preserve the past and respect the character of an old property. If you’re living in a house with a quirky and classic charm, consider yourself lucky. They are different ways to bring the best out of your old home by doing a few design tricks.
Home construction companies help prevent the aging of old homes by offering a moisture mitigation system (ASTM F3010) for advanced coating, flooring, and waterproofing. This helps homeowners prevent the damaging effects of aging, water leaks, and other natural factors and ensure durability and the long life cycle of the home’s overall foundation.
Turning an old home into something new is a rewarding activity. This gives your property a much-needed upgrade while allowing it to increase its value. It also reduces the risk of accidents and further deterioration. In this article, we’ll discuss the fresh takes on upgrading an old home without losing its charm.
Maintain old features
Most people assume that upgrading an older home means turning it into something new. But old homes come with a historical value that you cannot find in almost any modern home. Its interior houses a wealth of information about its previous owners and tells much about the culture from a certain period. Thus, homeowners should treat this as an opportunity to maintain this essential part of history.
Old homes have unique features that make them historical. These include their original fixtures, such as handles, knobs, brackets, doors, and window trims. If you think they’re still in good condition and won’t harm occupants, leave the evidence behind. Maintaining these quirks is a great way to showcase the building’s age and changes. This will let you preserve the features that reveal how the house has gradually aged over the years.
As long as minor fixtures are in better condition, it’s best to leave them out to preserve the home’s old charm. Replacing them with modern fixtures will likely ruin their character.
Keep repairs and replacements at a minimum
Historic trims found on windows, doors, rooflines, and cornice may require replacements to prevent infestation or rotting. Instead of removing them, you may replace only the damaged wooden part. But if you can still save an old fixture, attend to them immediately before the damage gets bigger or someone at home gets hurt. You don’t need to fully replace them if repairs can solve the problem.
In cases replacements are actually needed, make sure to capture detailed photographs of the element before removing it to get the sample molding shape or profile for duplication. For minor fixtures, consider using modern imitations to retain the charm.
Antique shops are great places to look for replacements. Look for vintage items and fixtures that share the same features as your old house. You may also consider home décor stores that sell modern fixtures in old-fashioned styles. They may not look exactly the original, but it’s a good way to re-introduce a fresh look without removing anything.
Take care of old wood floors
Flooring is one of the noticeable features among old homes, but it doesn’t survive long enough. Most people prefer to preserve historic wood floors, but not all of them are doing it the right way. Over-sanding an old floor reduces its antique character and also its lifespan. Old floors made of wood were hand-planed, so hand-sanding is the right way to preserve their character. Waxing and basic cleaning are also helpful to maintain their old patina.
If the wood floors are badly damaged, use modern imitations of hardwood floors and mosaic tiles for a convincing look.
Before applying these upgrades to your old house, it’s important to plan ahead. Aside from the suggestions, there are plenty of ways to upgrade old homes to make them look new. Keep an eye on which features give your home an extra appeal and look for ways to add them to your renovations. Old homes have their own unique charms themselves, so there’s no need to apply big and expensive improvements.
