Revamping an Old House While Preserving Its Legacy

Owning a historic home—whether it’s a few decades or centuries old—offers you a front-row seat to a fascinating story. The house has experienced decades of life, with memories and events long before your family moved in, and now it’s your chance to make it your own. Renovating an older home is a practical choice—you'll get to enjoy modern conveniences—but it’s equally vital to respect the history embedded in its walls.

"Older homes hold stories and memories from generations of people who have shaped their unique character—something that can’t be replicated with new construction," says interior designer Bree Steele. "The intricate details, materials, and history of these homes contribute to their charm. By preserving them, you're honoring the home and offering future generations a glimpse into the past."

Here are some ideas to refresh an older home while preserving its historical essence.

Preserve Original Features Rather Than Replacing Them

One of the greatest aspects of historic homes is their original features. These unique elements contribute to their charm. Features like crown moldings, corbels, tiles, light fixtures, hardware, flooring, quirky built-ins, and fireplaces give a home character. Replicating these details without losing their authenticity can be challenging, so it's often best to restore them, advises Bree Steele, an interior designer and founder of Styling by Bree. If large portions of a room must be removed, try to save pieces that can be re-incorporated into the design.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Many historic homes feature original or older windows that are neither energy-efficient nor easy to operate. Upgrading these windows is a practical way to enhance your living experience while preserving the home’s original structure.

"If the home isn’t well insulated, you could be paying higher costs for heating and cooling, which is when you should consider adding insulation and updating the windows," says Steele. "This will make the home more comfortable to live in and typically more eco-friendly."

Choose Color Schemes That Fit the Period

A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can work wonders when updating any home. To keep your home aligned with its historical character, research color palettes and designs that were common during its architectural era. For instance, when carpenter Jordan Guthrie renovated a Painted Lady house in San Francisco, his team collaborated with a local colorist to paint the facade in an authentic Painted Lady style.

Replace Outdated Appliances and Fixtures

From kitchens to bathrooms, historic homes often come with dated appliances and fixtures that are more of a hindrance than a help. Many are also inefficient, using up excessive amounts of water or energy.

"If you want modern comforts but don't want to alter the home’s historic vibe, look for inventive ways to integrate them without disrupting the original character of the house," advises Steele. "For instance, if you're craving a modern kitchen, update the appliances, but choose finishes and hardware that enhance the home’s original style."

Refresh Your Cabinetry

In addition to modern, energy-efficient appliances, older homes can benefit greatly from updated cabinetry. If the cabinets are still in good condition, consider refinishing them. If not, replacing them entirely might be the best approach, as noted by interior designer Gretchen Rivera. This was the exact approach taken by the Brownstone Boys in the kitchen of the Mytour Home 2024, shown above.

"Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms with functional cabinetry not only improves their usability but also enhances the home's visual appeal," says Rivera. "There are two main design directions to explore: one is to integrate the new elements with the home’s original style, and the other is to introduce contrast by using minimalist, modern cabinetry that complements any architectural setting."

Add Historic and Reclaimed Decor

Draw inspiration from your home’s history when decorating. Whether it’s large furniture pieces or smaller accessories, adding reclaimed and vintage items often feels more fitting in an older home compared to contemporary, sleek designs, according to real estate broker Anthony D’Argenzio.

Explore your home’s history—and try to get hold of some old photographs—to inspire the selection of textiles, furniture, and decor that seamlessly fit into the space. D’Argenzio also suggests purchasing new items, like light fixtures or hardware, that evoke a vintage charm.

Address Structural and Safety Concerns

One of the top priorities when renovating an older home is to address any infrastructure issues. "Ensuring that your home is in proper working condition, especially regarding water management—roof, gutters, downspouts, foundation, and basement water—is essential," says architect Diana Melichar. Additionally, think about improving safety by replacing outdated lead plumbing, removing asbestos, and fixing any electrical or mechanical problems.