Home / Design / Home Facelift: How to Restore a Youthful Look to Your Home
Older homes have a certain appeal that's hard to define. Whether it's a Craftsman or a Colonial Revival, an old home possesses the kind of character that cookie-cutter suburban homes can't match. However, bringing those old gems into the modern era can be a tall order. Doing so requires forethought and careful execution. Here are a few quick upgrades that'll make a house look younger overnight.
Adopt a New Palette
One of the most obvious signs of an old house is a paint shade that hasn't been popular since the Nixon administration. Choosing fresh colors that complement a house isn't that difficult. Modern color schemes usually include a lot of subtle, muted hues that don't clash with the surrounding environment or overshadow the best features of the home.
Swap out the Trim
Between the wainscoting and molding, a house can often be accurately dated to within a few years based on its trim. You can quickly give your house a more youthful look by upgrading the trim to something more modern. Contemporary crown molding, modern window shutters, and updated siding can radically alter a home's appearance without requiring any structural changes.
Overhaul the Kitchen
Old homes often feature kitchens that are designed for food preparation and little else. Modern homeowners want open floor plans that allow them to entertain and cook simultaneously. Putting in a large, marble-topped island equipped with a sink is one option. Adding an array of storage options such as stacked hanging baskets is another.
Give the Bathroom a Makeover
Bringing the bathrooms of a home into the 21st century is one of the most effective ways to make a house feel younger. Ditching the clawfoot tub in favor of a stall-style shower with glass windows is always a surefire home renovation winner. If your bathroom doesn't have beadboard walls, consider adding them. If it does, try out tile walls instead.
Light Up the Interior
Many older homes don't place an emphasis on natural light due to the heat loss associated with leaky, single-pane windows. Modern energy-efficient windows enable homeowners to add more openings without a commensurate increase in heating costs during the colder months. Install a few south-facing skylights as well as bay or bow windows to enhance natural lighting.
Moving Forwarding While Preserving the Past
Modernizing the look of a home doesn't have to necessitate completely ripping the guts out of it. Many older materials are worth preserving or at the very least repurposing due to their superior quality or their vintage appeal. Take your time when planning modernization upgrades to get the best of both worlds.
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