Fixing up an old house can be a daunting task, but with a little imagination and some elbow grease, you can turn it into something special. Whether you’re looking to update your home’s look or just want to make it more comfortable and modern, there are plenty of simple solutions that will help bring new life into your property.
Read on for a few of the most helpful tips for making an old house feel new again:
1. Paint the Walls
Old homes often have dark-painted walls. And, depending on when the home was last renovated, each room may have a separate color (giving the house a very choppy and segmented feeling). One of the easiest ways to give an old house like this a fresh look is by painting the walls with one or two consistent neutral colors, such as white, beige, or gray.
A fresh coat of neutral paint will instantly create a brighter atmosphere in any room of the home and make it appear much more modern than before. You could also consider using bolder colors on accent walls if you want something more dramatic or unique! However, proceed sparingly with loud colors.
2. Update Fixtures & Hardware
Outdated fixtures such as door knobs, cabinet pulls, and light switches can easily become dated over time, which makes them stand out from everything else in the room. Replacing these items with newer options is relatively inexpensive yet highly effective when looking for cost-effective changes that quickly spruce up any area of your home. Ensure all fixtures coordinate well together so they harmonize nicely throughout each space. Consistency is a central component of good interior design.
3. Replace Old Flooring
The type of flooring used in older homes often looks outdated compared to what’s currently available. This is especially true if there’s carpet, laminate, or some other type of flooring that deteriorates over time with heavy foot traffic.
Consider replacing carpets with hardwood floors or vinyl. Doing this will instantly transform any living area, making them appear much fresher overall. It’s also worth peeling back some of the flooring if you believe there might be hardwoods underneath.
4 . Revive Central Design Elements
Every room should have one design focal point. In the kitchen, it might be the kitchen island or dining table. In the bathroom, it may be an accent wall. But in the living room, it tends to be the fireplace.
In many older homes, fireplaces have deteriorated and are no longer safe or functional. When remodeling your home, take the time to revive or replace the fireplace so that it can once again be a positive focal point. One easy and cost-effective way to do this is by purchasing and installing a fireplace insert.
According to eFireplaceStore, “A fireplace insert is a closed-combustion firebox that is installed into an existing fireplace to increase efficiency. Inserts are usually designed for existing masonry fireplaces, although some manufactured fireplaces accept inserts. There are several categories to choose from depending on the type of fuel you wish to use.”
You can use a fireplace insert for wood burning, pellet, natural gas, propane gas, and even electric models. Just make sure you do your research and find the right model for your existing fuel type.
5. Brighten Up Your Lighting Scheme
Lighting plays a major role in how rooms are perceived visually, as well as how welcoming and inviting certain areas are. Layered lighting can help make a space feel warmer and cozier. This includes a combination of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
If using overhead lighting, be sure to put all lights on dimmer switches to give yourself the ability to comfortably moderate light levels throughout the day. Lighting that is too bright can be off-putting and harsh, particularly in the evening hours.
6. Preserve Charming Features
Just because you’re ushering your home into the current decade doesn’t mean you have to eliminate every sign that the house existed in a previous one. It’s okay – even encouraged – to preserve some of the most charming elements. This gives your house a fresh blend of old and new (something that’s hard to replicate in a newly built home).
Bring Your House Into 2023
Just because you’re living in an older home doesn’t mean you have to rob yourself of modern luxuries and style. By upgrading and refreshing a few key elements, you can bring your house into 2023. Try these suggestions yourself and enjoy the difference!
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