How to Remodel a Historic Home While Maintaining its Character

There’s something truly special about owning a historic home, right? 

Those walls have stories to tell, and the unique architectural details whisper of bygone eras. But the sad thing is that those charming quirks don’t quite fit our modern lifestyles. 

To bring in much-needed updates and functionality, you will have to remodel it. The idea of remodeling a historic home to make it your own sounds exciting. Yet, there is often a nagging worry: how do you do that without erasing the very soul of the house that drew you in? That is totally achievable but requires finesse. 

Here, we’ll share a few tips that will help you remodel your historic home while maintaining its character. 

#1 Live in it to Learn the Space

The biggest mistake people make when renovating an old home? Rushing into it. 

You need to live in the space for a while to understand how you will use it. Martha Stewart suggests staying for at least a month before you begin renovating it. Old homes have quirks, and you won’t fully understand them until you experience daily life there.

While you’re there, pay attention to how you naturally use the different spaces versus how you think you’ll use them. 

You might find that the cozy little nook you imagined as a reading corner ends up being the perfect spot for your morning coffee as the sun streams in. This firsthand experience can lead to much smarter design choices down the road. 

Don’t just focus on the function. Observe the architectural styles and history embedded in the walls. Understanding the home’s past can guide your renovation decisions and help you appreciate which features are truly special and worth preserving. 

#2 Keep the Layout as Intact as Possible

Try to keep the original layout as much as you can. 

Don’t knock down every wall in sight. Think about more subtle changes. Could you widen a doorway to improve flow or repurpose an existing room to suit your needs better? 

Features like pocket doors or strategically placed glass partitions can create a more open feel while still hinting at the original room divisions.

The expertise of a good home remodeling expert can be invaluable here. They will help you figure out what’s possible and what absolutely should not be touched.  

When you’re hiring a home remodeling expert, search for those skilled in remodeling historic homes. 

If the city you live in has a good chunk of historic homes, finding a remodeling expert experienced in refurnishing them won’t be challenging. 

Pasadena is an example. Regal Construction & Remodeling states that many homes in the city date back to the early 20th century. That means local contractors are familiar with the challenges these homes present. 

When tackling a historic home remodeling in Pasadena, these professionals will help you modernize your space while keeping its original charm intact. 

But if your city doesn’t have too many old homes, you might have to spend a bit more time looking for such a contractor. As a piece of advice, ask your neighbors for word-of-mouth referrals. 

#3 Furnish with a Mix of Old and New

One of the best ways to honor your home’s history while keeping it livable is by blending old and new in your decor. 

Fill it with only antique furniture, and it will start to feel like a museum. On the other hand, decking it out in only modern pieces can make it feel like the house and the furnishings are from two different planets.

Aim for a balance because the sweet spot is somewhere in between. Anything goes when it comes to mixing antiques with modern spaces, writes The Spruce. 

Pick antique furniture that speaks to the home’s era. These pieces often have a unique character and craftsmanship that you can’t find in modern furniture. 

But don’t furnish the entire house with them. Juxtapose older finds with sleek, contemporary pieces. That will create a really interesting and stylish look. Maybe pair a modern sofa with an antique wooden coffee table or a vintage armoire with minimalist decor. 

#4 Salvage and Repurpose Old Elements

As you undertake your renovation, keep an eye out for original features and materials that can be given a new lease on life. This will not only help preserve the home’s character, but will also be a sustainable and often cost-effective approach. 

Those beautiful old doors, for instance, could be repurposed as a unique headboard. Have missing elements? No problem. House Beautiful says that they can be fabricated to match based on still-intact clues.

Don’t overlook small details, either. Original door knobs, light fixtures, or interesting trim pieces can often be restored and reused. That way, you will add authentic touches that new reproductions can’t replicate. 

Remodeling a historic home is like giving an old masterpiece a touch-up. You want it to shine but don’t want to paint over the brushstrokes. 

Keep what makes it special, update what truly needs it, and be intentional about every decision. At the end of the day, your home should feel like itself—just refreshed. Do that, and you’ll have the best of both worlds: modern comfort with timeless charm.

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