A 100-year-old home with modern interiors – here's how to get it right

The article discusses six dated home decor pieces that interior designers recommend replacing to update a living space. One of the first items mentioned is overly distressed or shabby chic furniture, which has fallen out of favor in modern design. Designers suggest opting for clean lines and more contemporary finishes that offer a fresh and timeless aesthetic. The focus has shifted from worn-out looks to pieces that appear well-maintained and stylish. Another decor element that is considered outdated is a profusion of fake plants and flowers. While once popular for adding greenery without maintenance, artificial botanicals often look unrealistic and can detract from the overall sophistication of a room. Experts advise investing in real plants, which bring life and natural beauty, or choosing high-quality, realistic-looking artificial options if real plants are not feasible. This change reflects a broader trend toward more authentic and organic elements in home design. Heavy, ornate window treatments, such as valances and elaborate drapes, are also identified as dated. These styles can make a room feel smaller and block natural light, which is highly valued in contemporary interiors. Instead, designers suggest light and airy window coverings like simple linen curtains, Roman shades, or even no window treatments at all to maximize natural light and create a more open atmosphere. This preference leans towards minimalism and functionality. Matching furniture sets, particularly those for bedrooms or living rooms, are another item on the list. The traditional approach of buying an entire suite of furniture that matches perfectly can make a room feel impersonal and static. Modern interior design encourages a more eclectic approach, where furniture pieces are thoughtfully curated to reflect personal style and create visual interest through a mix of textures, styles, and periods. This allows for a more dynamic and personalized space. Excessive use of word art and overly sentimental wall decor is also cited as something to remove. While a few well-chosen pieces can add character, a large quantity of generic phrases or sentimental sayings can make a home feel cluttered and less sophisticated. Designers recommend replacing these with curated artwork, photographs, or mirrors that contribute to the room's aesthetic in a more artistic and meaningful way. This shift emphasizes quality over quantity and personal expression. Finally, the article addresses the trend of visible electrical cords and cables. In today's tech-heavy homes, untidy wires can quickly make a space look disorganized and messy. Designers emphasize the importance of cable management solutions, such as cord covers, cable ties, or built-in media cabinets, to conceal unsightly wires and maintain a clean, streamlined look. This small detail can significantly enhance the perceived neatness and modernity of a room, aligning with a desire for polished and uncluttered environments.

The article details a home interior redesign project, transforming four key spaces in a house built in the 1930s with a grandmillennial style. The homeowner, Carly, engaged interior designer Jennifer Muirhead, whom she had met at a creative conference, to execute the vision. The decision to invest in a comprehensive redesign was influenced by the current real estate market, leading the homeowner to anticipate a longer stay in their residence than initially planned. This extended timeline justified the investment in a personalized and long-term design. Prior to the redesign, the homeowner evaluated how spaces were actually used versus theoretical assumptions, leading to a focus on the dining room, living room, primary bedroom, and a guest/Jack’s bathroom. The dining room was previously a blank slate, serving as a primary family eating area, a space for dinner parties, and an auxiliary workspace. Its layout also functioned as a significant thoroughfare on the first floor. The living room presented challenges due to its narrow and long dimensions and lack of natural light, resulting in infrequent use despite its size. The primary bedroom, characterized by its unusual layout stemming from the 1930s construction, offered limited furniture placement options, making it difficult to create a sense of sanctuary. The guest/Jack’s bathroom was a high priority for renovation due to the homeowner's strong dislike for its original matte tile floor, which became a daily issue after the arrival of their child, Jack. Each renovated space received a distinct grandmillennial transformation. The dining room, painted in a bold Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball and featuring Dianthus Chintz Soane wallpaper, became a vibrant focal point. It harmoniously connects the sunroom, living room, and kitchen, while the new color scheme enhances the existing grandmillennial decor in the built-ins. Although the current table and chairs are functional for daily family use, there is a future aspiration to upgrade them once the children are older. The living room underwent a significant change with Calamine paint by Farrow & Ball, a color that, despite initial apprehension about its pink hue, brightened and opened up the space. Custom banquette seating was incorporated to elongate the room, increasing its functionality and making it a more inviting family area, particularly in the mornings. The guest/Jack’s bathroom, while not strictly necessary, was transformed into a classic and charming space, addressing the homeowner's long-standing dislike for the original flooring. The renovation of the primary bedroom created a grandmillennial haven, making the room feel more spacious and special, even with the upgrade from a queen to a king-sized bed. The bedroom features Lewis & Wood “Adam’s Eden” wallpaper, Matouk linens, and Visual Comfort sconces. The article provides specific details on the materials and products used in each room, including paint colors, wallpaper, chandeliers, rugs, and custom furniture. The homeowner highly recommends Jennifer Muirhead Interiors for her ability to integrate the home's character with the family's style, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and designed for long-term enjoyment. #GrandmillennialStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DiningRoomDesign #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomRemodel #JenniferMuirheadInteriors

Older homes are often cherished for their distinctive charm and inherent character, featuring elements such as exposed brick, original woodwork, intricate crown molding, and custom stonework. However, the practicalities of modern living necessitate updates to various areas, particularly electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The challenge lies in modernizing an older home without sacrificing its historical essence. This article, part of the "Old House New Issue," provides insights from interior designer Kanika B. Khurana on how to achieve a balance between contemporary functionality and preserved character. Khurana emphasizes the importance of preserving the home's unique architectural details wherever possible. Instead of concealing features like exposed brick, original fireplaces, arched doorways, or crown molding, she suggests highlighting them through complementary paint tones or refreshed finishes. These original details are considered irreplaceable and vital for maintaining the home's historical narrative, making them a foundational element for integrating modern aesthetics. When undertaking renovations, a conservative approach is recommended. Khurana advises against complete overhauls unless absolutely necessary, instead focusing on updating only what requires replacement while retaining original elements. For instance, in kitchens and bathrooms, vintage tiles or classic cabinetry can be paired with modern countertops, faucets, or appliances. This selective modernization not only preserves character but also offers cost and time efficiencies that can be redirected to other aspects of the renovation. One effective method for modernizing an older home is through the strategic selection of furniture. The recommendation is to opt for clean-lined, minimalist pieces that complement rather than overwhelm the home's original character. This involves choosing modern furniture that rests on a classic foundation, such as contemporary sofas and chairs alongside vintage hardwood floors or large bay windows, ensuring the space is both livable and stylish without compromising its history. The article also suggests utilizing original textures, such as exposed brick, plaster walls, or wood paneling, as accent walls. These textures provide a glimpse into the home's history and serve as a backdrop for modern decor. Khurana recommends creating balance by pairing these textured, timeworn surfaces with crisp, modern art or sleek furniture to achieve a harmonious blend of old and new. Integrating smart technology seamlessly is another key recommendation. To prevent modern gadgets from visually dominating older spaces, it's crucial to blend them discreetly. Examples include using smart switches that mimic traditional designs or speakers that integrate into bookshelves. This approach allows residents to benefit from automated lighting, security, and music without detracting from the home's original aesthetic. Finally, upgrading lighting is often necessary due to the impracticality or inefficiency of vintage fixtures. Modern lighting, such as sleek pendants or sculptural chandeliers, can enhance character if chosen carefully, ideally with timeless designs featuring materials like brass or Edison bulbs. Layering different light sources, including sconces, table lamps, and overhead lighting, can add depth and accentuate the home’s original features. #HomeRenovation #Modernization #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #SmartHomeTech #FurnitureSelection #LightingDesign

Updating an older home presents a unique opportunity to blend modern comforts with historical charm, preserving the character that new constructions cannot replicate. Interior designers, carpenters, architects, and real estate brokers emphasize the importance of thoughtful renovations that respect the home's past while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal for contemporary living. The key lies in strategic updates that address modern needs without erasing the inherent historical details, materials, and stories that define these unique properties. One fundamental aspect of updating an older home is prioritizing the restoration of original features over outright replacement. Historic homes often boast distinctive elements such as crown moldings, corbels, unique tiles, original light fixtures, hardware, flooring, and built-in carpentry, along with fireplaces. These features contribute significantly to the home's character and are difficult to replicate authentically. Expert advice suggests salvaging and restoring these elements whenever possible. Even if extensive demolition is necessary, retaining and reincorporating salvaged pieces can help maintain the home's historical integrity and charm. This approach ensures that the unique identity of the older home is preserved for future generations. Another crucial upgrade involves installing energy-efficient windows. Older homes frequently suffer from inefficient or difficult-to-operate windows, leading to higher heating and cooling costs and reduced comfort. Replacing these with modern, energy-efficient options not only improves the home's insulation and environmental footprint but also enhances living comfort, all while maintaining the structural integrity of the property. When selecting new windows, it is advisable to choose styles that complement the architectural period of the home to ensure a cohesive look. To further honor the home's historical roots, selecting period-appropriate color schemes for paint and wallpaper is essential. Researching popular colors and patterns from the home's original era or architectural style can guide aesthetic decisions. This can involve consulting local colorists for historical accuracy, as demonstrated by the renovation of a Painted Lady home in San Francisco, where a colorist was employed to achieve an authentic facade. Such careful consideration of color helps in maintaining the historical ambiance while offering a refreshed look. Modernizing kitchens and bathrooms often involves replacing outdated appliances and fixtures that may be inefficient or visually unappealing. The goal is to integrate modern conveniences without compromising the home's historic aesthetics. This can be achieved by selecting appliances with finishes and hardware that harmonize with the original style. Similarly, updating cabinetry is vital for both functionality and visual appeal. Depending on their condition, existing cabinets can be refinished, or new ones can be installed. Two design approaches can be considered: either matching the new cabinetry with the home’s original style or introducing a contrasting, minimalist contemporary design that still complements the architectural context. Decorating an older home also benefits from incorporating historic and reclaimed decor. Vintage furniture, textiles, and knickknacks naturally fit into an older home's setting, creating a seamless and authentic feel. Researching the home's history and possibly sourcing old photographs can provide inspiration for suitable decor choices. Even newly purchased items like light fixtures or hardware can be chosen for their vintage flair to maintain consistency. Finally, addressing structural and safety issues is a paramount concern in older home renovations. This includes ensuring proper water infiltration management through the roof, gutters, downspouts, and foundation. Critical safety upgrades involve replacing old lead plumbing, safely removing asbestos, and resolving any electrical or mechanical problems. These foundational improvements are essential for the home's long-term safety, functionality, and habitability, safeguarding both the property and its occupants while paving the way for aesthetic enhancements. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #PeriodAppropriateDecor #EnergyEfficiency #StructuralIntegrity #VintageStyle

Renovating an older home presents a delicate balance between modernizing the space and preserving its inherent character. Interior designers emphasize the importance of retaining a home's original charm while implementing necessary updates. The core philosophy suggests restoring existing elements rather than completely replacing them, and then thoughtfully integrating modern finishes for any new additions. This approach allows the historical aspects to shine while still achieving a contemporary feel. A crucial element in achieving this harmony is the careful selection of a color palette. Designers advise using soft colors that allow vintage features to remain the focal point and encourage natural light. It's important to consider the undertones of existing materials, such as traditional warm wood, when choosing new colors to ensure a cohesive blend rather than a stark contrast. For instance, an all-gray modern palette might clash with a home rich in traditional wooden details. When renovations involve building an addition to a historic home, the challenge of blending old and new persists. Architects often set new volumes back from the original structure and use distinct, modern materials to visually differentiate between the historic and contemporary sections. This method, exemplified by projects like Clayton Korte’s Ridgecrest Residence, focuses on both expansion and preservation. The same principle applies to interior design, where significant historic details are respected and new elements are introduced in a way that highlights, rather than overshadows, the original character of the space. This strategic distinction prevents the new additions from detracting from the historical integrity of the home. Designers strongly recommend preserving specific original elements whenever possible due to their significance in defining a home's history and elegance. These include fireplaces, intricate millwork, staircases, hardwood floors, and interior brickwork. These features are considered the 'heartbeats' of a home's past. While some of these elements might require refinishing or even replacement due to structural issues, the goal is to choose new components that align with the existing architectural style. For example, if old, scratched hardwood floors need restoration, the refinishing process should aim to bring out their natural beauty. If a staircase must be replaced, selecting a design that complements the home's original aesthetic is key. Ultimately, the goal is to update a home to meet contemporary standards and lifestyle needs without stripping away its 'soul.' The advice from experts is to focus on changes that improve functionality and comfort while actively working to retain the unique character that makes the house special. By consciously preserving original details and thoughtfully integrating modern updates, homeowners can achieve a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a blend of historical charm and modern convenience. This careful consideration ensures that the magic of the home's original character is not only maintained but enhanced, creating a truly unique and elegant living environment. #HomeRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalPreservation #ColorPalette #ModernDesign #TraditionalElements #HomeImprovement