Modernising period homes: Practical tips on blending old and new

Achieving a layered interior that transcends specific eras or decades involves thoughtfully integrating elements from both modern and antique home design. This approach allows for a unique aesthetic, whether inspired by a home's architecture, family heirlooms, or fortunate thrift store finds. Successfully blending modern and antique furniture creates a timeless and livable space. Key to this integration is understanding the distinction between vintage and antique pieces. An antique is generally defined as a piece over 100 years old, while vintage items are typically between 20 and 100 years old. 'Modern' can refer to midcentury modern design from the 20th century or contemporary pieces that are less than 20 years old, or even brand new. The goal is to combine these elements in a way that feels fresh and cohesive rather than chaotic. Finding the right balance is crucial. Interior designers suggest that almost anything goes when mixing old and new, emphasizing that a home should reflect a collection of loved and meaningful items rather than a curated catalog. It is beneficial to distribute the patina of antique pieces throughout a space, ensuring that the contrast between old and new appears intentional and surprising. Scale plays a significant role; heavy, dark wood pieces often fit best near walls, while lighter, leggier items should be juxtaposed with more substantial furniture to prevent the room from feeling unbalanced or unsettling. A proper balance of proportion allows for more freedom in experimenting with prints, colors, finishes, and styles. Considering both form and function is also essential. Antiques often boast fine craftsmanship, intricate wood carving, marquetry, or decorative flourishes that are rare in mass-produced modern furniture. Successful integration involves balancing streamlined modern lines with the curves and details of antique pieces. Incorporating a mix of metal finishes can add dynamism and prevent the design from looking dated. Repurposing and refinishing antique or vintage items can give them new life. While the natural patina of a quality antique is valuable, not all older pieces need to remain in their original state. Inherited or thrifted furniture with good bones, but a dated finish, can be stripped, refinished, or painted to better suit a modern interior. Fresh upholstery can update antique seating, adding modern comfort while preserving vintage charm. When re-upholstering, the shape of the piece should guide fabric choices, with stripes enhancing curved forms and florals softening straight lines. Updating batting and springs can also improve the comfort of older seating. Unifying elements through color is an effective strategy for blending disparate styles and periods. While mixing wood finishes and metals is a design art, a shared color palette can create cohesion. For example, painting thrift store finds like nightstands, dining chairs, tables, and dressers in a creamy white, and pairing them with white upholstered furniture, can create a cohesive shabby chic aesthetic, allowing the focus to remain on the furniture's form rather than its historical period. For a dramatic impact, introducing a large-scale antique statement piece can serve as a focal point in a modern room. Examples include an antique armoire, a Baroque-style or Art Deco headboard, or a vintage farm or coffee table. This approach works particularly well in neutral spaces that benefit from contrast and juxtaposition. Similarly, large decorative items like gilded mirrors or vintage rugs can anchor a contemporary living room. Alternatively, for those hesitant about large antique furniture, starting with smaller accent pieces is a viable option. Decorative items such as ornate gilded mirrors, unique lighting fixtures, or vintage rugs can introduce antique charm without overwhelming the space. A large antique or vintage rug, for instance, can immediately set a room's tone, providing a foundation for layering other elements. Mixing modern and traditional furniture can result in a layered look that evolves over time. Neutrals can simplify this process, or traditional upholstered pieces can be updated with colorful or patterned modern fabrics for an unexpected twist. Combining modern and rustic furniture, such as a rustic farmhouse table with modern chairs or a modern sofa with a rustic coffee table, can also create a harmonious modern rustic aesthetic. It is generally advised not to cover up the natural patina of antique furniture with paint if it diminishes its charm, and to restore damaged pieces with respect, avoiding alterations that compromise original details or value. Refinishing wood stain on an ordinary antique wood dresser does not typically diminish its value, and updating such pieces can make them more compatible with modern interiors. However, painting over the worn patina of rare antique painted furniture or gilded mirrors should be avoided, as it can detract from their history, appeal, and monetary value. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #AntiqueFurniture #ModernFurniture #MixingStyles #HomeImprovement #RefinishingFurniture #DesignTips

Vintage eclectic style combines elements from various eras, patterns, and colors to create a unique and timeless home aesthetic. This approach celebrates individuality, allowing homeowners to blend furniture and decor from different periods to craft a personalized narrative within their living spaces. Unlike traditional vintage decor that aims to replicate a specific era, vintage eclectic draws from any time period that appeals to the decorator, resulting in a rich, layered look. Experts emphasize that the essence of vintage eclectic design lies in its versatility and emphasis on personal expression. It encourages mixing design periods through careful consideration of pattern, scale, and color, ensuring a harmonious balance between old and new elements. For instance, a contemporary sofa might be paired with a vintage coffee table, or modern art could be framed in antique settings. The key is to avoid restricting selections to a single era, embracing a mix-and-match philosophy that builds visual interest and reflects the homeowner's journey and tastes. To successfully implement this style, several strategies can be employed. Firstly, mixing and matching pieces from different eras is paramount. This can involve combining furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative items that span various timeframes. The goal is to create a dynamic interplay of styles without adhering to rigid rules, allowing for a space that feels curated and authentic. Incorporating diverse patterns and textures, such as layering rugs or combining striped wallpaper with floral upholstery, further enhances the eclectic feel. Secondly, establishing a unifying theme can provide a cohesive framework for disparate elements. This theme could be a specific aesthetic, like coastal decor, where items from different time periods are brought together to evoke the feeling of a long-established family beach house. Alternatively, a color scheme can serve as a powerful unifying element; selecting accessories that share a common hue can create visual harmony even amidst a variety of patterns and styles. This thematic approach helps to ensure that the diverse components of a vintage eclectic space do not appear chaotic but rather thoughtfully assembled. Finally, the process often begins with existing beloved possessions. Homeowners are encouraged to build upon what they already own, allowing cherished items to inspire the broader design. For example, the color of a favorite vintage couch might influence the choice of throw blankets for new chairs or the repaint color of a vintage mirror. Echoing shapes or motifs found in existing pieces, such as matching the curve of a sofa with a light fixture, can create subtle connections that tie the room together. Ultimately, vintage eclectic design is about crafting an environment that is deeply personal, filled with objects that resonate with the individual's story and passions, resulting in a home that is both unique and enduring. #VintageEclectic #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecorStyles #PersonalizedHome #MixingEras #TimelessDesign #EclecticStyle #DesignTips

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

Full Circle Design Works, a St. Louis-based builder, specializes in the renovation and restoration of historic properties, focusing on integrating modern, frameless cabinetry into these century-old structures. The company operates its own modern shop, producing contemporary cabinets, man doors, trim, specialty mouldings, and custom furniture. While 75% of their work involves residential renovations and additions, the remaining 25% is new construction. A key differentiator for Full Circle is its in-house shop facility, allowing them to handle a wide range of custom millwork and cabinet needs, making them a preferred choice for architects seeking highly detailed work. The majority of Full Circle's projects involve extensive gut rehabs, where everything except some original walls is removed and then rebuilt. Some of these rehabs qualify for historic tax credits, necessitating the restoration of interiors to match original millwork details. The company frequently undertakes kitchen and bath renovations within these historic settings. Renovation work is particularly prevalent in various historic areas of St. Louis City, as well as wealthier suburban towns like Clayton and Ladue, where century-old homes are well-maintained. A notable project involved creating a 1¾-inch thick door with distinct designs on each side: a five-panel configuration for the dining room and five equal horizontal panels on the other side, showcasing the company's ability to tackle complex custom fabrication. Despite working with 100-year-old buildings, Full Circle's cabinetry aesthetic is distinctly contemporary and frameless. They construct cabinet boxes using melamine and maple on MDF or particleboard, with custom veneers for doors, drawer fronts, and finished ends. Maple veneer is treated with a post-catalyzed conversion varnish, consistent with the finish on doors and drawer fronts. This contemporary style is Full Circle's niche, standing apart from the traditional five-piece doors and crown mouldings common in St. Louis. The blend of contemporary cabinets with original running trim, base, casing, and doors creates a harmonious and visually appealing contrast. Matching the original look often requires creating new elements, as original casing and baseboards are rarely in good condition after a century. Full Circle specializes in fabricating new pieces that meticulously match original profiles and materials. Their commitment to precision is evident in their 2mm tolerance for cabinet reveals, a tighter standard than many other shops. As a general contractor, Full Circle also supplies its job sites with matching sills and plinths, ensuring consistency and helping to maintain project schedules. Collaborative work with architects allows them to contribute to initial project development, offer samples, and identify potential issues early on. Full Circle employs 10 people, with three dedicated to the shop, which moved to a larger 10,000-square-foot facility (a former dairy) two years prior. They utilize KCD software for design and EnRoute to feed work to their CNC router. The shop's workflow encompasses edgebanding, veneering, cutting, sanding, a spray booth, and assembly. A separate solid wood section handles jambs and other components. Equipment includes a Streibig Compact Plus vertical panel saw, a C.R. Onsrud 145M12 Mate series CNC router, Biesse Artech Levia 220 widebelt sander, and Biesse Polymac Akron 420ER edgebander. They also have two veneer presses, a Felder AD 41 planer-jointer, Felder KF7X combination machines, and a Casadei 24-inch surface planer. Finishing is done in-house using Chem-Craft post-catalyzed conversion varnish in a Col-Met spray booth. The company primarily uses Blum hardware, including the Legrabox metal drawer system, and some Grass hardware. The new facility is largely powered by solar panels, significantly reducing electricity costs. Future plans include acquiring an edgebander with premill capabilities and a widebelt sander with advanced technology to improve veneer sanding. Full Circle also aims to expand its specialty low-volume part production via CNC and custom cabinetwork for other general contractors, fostering collaborations with metal fabricators for wood components. #HistoricRenovation #ModernCabinetry #CustomMillwork #WoodworkingShop #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #CNCManufacturing #SustainablePractices #RenovationProjects

This article details the extensive renovation of a 1939 Colonial Revival home in Wilmington, undertaken by Donielle Larson and Reid Huber, with the guidance of builder Scott Porter of Porter Construction. The couple sought a home that could be modernized to suit their active lifestyle and that of their 7-year-old son, Beckett, while preserving its architectural integrity. The house, admired for its curb appeal, Avondale stone facade, slate roof, plaster walls, arched doorways, and graceful moldings, presented challenges due to its outdated layout, particularly the kitchen, which was deemed non-functional. The renovation strategy focused on creating a more open and contemporary living space. A major component was the demolition of the wall between the kitchen and a butler’s pantry, allowing for an expanded kitchen that seamlessly connects to a new family room addition designed by Period Architecture. The powder room also received a vintage-style makeover, featuring a marble sink, sleek sconces, a marble mosaic floor, and charcoal-gray grass-cloth wallpaper. The new kitchen, benefiting from a southern exposure and large windows, was designed to be bright and cheerful. It features classic white raised-panel cabinets, hutch-like cupboards with glass-fronted doors in the bar area, and polished nickel Waterstone faucets. A central island made from natural walnut includes storage, child-friendly refrigerator drawers, a prep sink, and serves as an informal dining area for six. High-end appliances, such as an eight-burner commercial-style range, a pot-filler faucet, climate-controlled wine storage, a warming drawer, and a plumbed espresso maker, were incorporated. Larson's desire for marble countertops for baking led to a compromise to address Huber's concerns about staining. Porter suggested and demonstrated the durability of brushed and acid-treated marble, which is less susceptible to stains. The pale palette extends to a backsplash of milky, gray-veined Carrara marble, with a decorative mosaic above the range. A significant challenge arose during the excavation for the family room addition, where a large rock ledge was discovered. This necessitated pouring a slab foundation and led to an artistic change in flooring: heated Chicago brick, a pale brick often imprinted with characters from its origin city. The family room itself is a relaxed space featuring a wood-burning fireplace flanked by built-in cabinetry, dual sofas, leather club chairs, and a rustic wood cocktail table. A cupola with clerestory windows and a dramatic lantern-style chandelier enhance the natural light and aesthetic. The exterior renovation preserved the home's blend with the original structure, using Chestertown buff and split iron stone with a seamed metal roof for the addition. Three boulders excavated during construction were repurposed in the garden, alongside vintage curbstones from Wilmington, which were transformed into a sweeping open-air staircase. The garden, already a haven of perennials from a previous owner, was enhanced with new formal plantings to transition between a bluestone patio and the existing landscape. The family also enjoys the garden for bird watching and as a personal 'field of dreams' for playing catch. #HomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #KitchenDesign #FamilyRoomAddition #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #GardenLandscaping #WilmingtonDelaware