Although they may come with their own difficulties at times, older homes are full of charming character that you simply don’t get from new builds. Whether you want to emphasise more of the property’s period features, or give the place a more modern feel, there are so many possibilities for making an old home look incredible. Whatever your vision, the following tips should get you started with all the inspiration you need for turning your old home into your dream home.
Mix traditional with modern
It’s completely possible to bring your home into the modern day without destroying any of its unique character. Introducing some simple contemporary furnishings into the home is a great way to create a more modern atmosphere.This will also make modern electronics such as the TV and computers look less out of place.
Create zones in unusual room layouts
Old homes are renowned for having unusual room layouts, particularly long and narrow spaces that it can be hard to do a lot with. Breaking rooms like this up into zones will make the area a lot more functional, as well as making it feel less cramped. You can use rugs to define zones and use open sided furniture such as benches to blend the separate seating areas together.
Repaint
A lick of paint always solves everything, and this is particularly true when it comes to decorating older homes. Repainting will make the property feel a lot fresher and you can choose a colour that defines how modern/ vintage you’d like the decor scheme to be for the rest of the house. If you’re hoping to modernise the property, choosing a bright colour will help set the tone for this. Don’t forget to pay attention to door trims and skirting boards as these are prominent features in older homes.
Restore period features
If you’re lucky enough to live in a house with original period features then it’s definitely worth making the most of them. Windows, doors and fireplaces in period properties are all likely to be packed full of decorative character. Draught-proof sash windows, repair doors and floors and reinstate that beautiful log burner. Even if you’re aiming towards a more modern decor scheme, period features still look fantastic when incorporated into the general decor scheme.
Use open and airy shelving units
Large bookcases and built in shelving units can overwhelm the space and hide original architecture. Open and airy shelving units on the other hand, provide practical storage for your belongings without blocking any of the original architecture. Shelving units like this are also incredibly versatile and well suited to both modern and vintage decor schemes.
Introduce greenery
A few touches of greenery always breathes life into any property, particularly old homes. Placing a few plants and florals (real or fake!) around the home will lift the living space, getting rid of any of the stuffiness you can sometimes experience with old houses as well as introducing some natural beauty into your home.
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