Original details: Some houses have them while others don’t. Homeowners with new homes or old estates that have undergone extensive remodeling may pine after the charming, authentic feel that untouched 18th, 19th and early 20th century houses possess. With a little sweat equity, however, you can add antique elements to your residence and give your modern home some old house charm.
Learn About Old House Charm
The best way to brainstorm ideas for your home is to spend some time researching old homes and what they entail before making a plan. Consulting your local historical society may help as well, as they can explain what makes older homes notable and provide some key features. Visiting historical homes near you and consulting magazines and online sources will also help boost your creativity.
Incorporate Antique Pieces Into Your Decor
A simple and relatively inexpensive way to make your home seem older is to add antique pieces. Estate and local yard sales often sell a variety of pieces at low prices. You can also look at home furnishing stores for new items that appear old.
Add aged tables, antique utensils and vintage bedspreads and rugs around your home to give it an old-world feel. Embossed window latches, glass doorknobs and dated hat and coat racks are other small accessories that can make a big impact on your space.
Take On Small DIY Projects
If you’re something of a handy person or an arts and crafts enthusiast, you can take on small tasks around the house to personalize it and add vintage flair. Always be sure to follow safety protocols and wear protective equipment when undertaking any project that poses a physical danger.
Add Baseboards and Crown Molding
Many old homes have baseboards and crown molding. It can be easy to install these pieces to accentuate the top and bottom of your walls. Ornate older homes often had elaborate molding to match their opulent rooms, while cottages and farmhouses used simple baseboards and sometimes skipped crown molding altogether.
Add Radiators
Even if you don’t have the heating system for radiators, you can add a radiator as a decorative piece in a large room or foyer. Some people prefer to keep a radiator hidden and barely noticeable, while others emphasize it with tables and elegant covers. Some modern radiators can even be mounted onto walls.
Larger DIY Projects For A Professional
If you’re invested in making your space more vintage and antique, hiring a professional for large renovations can dramatically alter your home’s appearance. Some of the best ways to give your home old-house charm are by residing the exterior, changing your flooring, and adding a fireplace.
Consider Giving Your Home a Wood Siding Look
Wood siding certainly requires upkeep. However, the unique old-house charm that cedar shakes or wood clapboard can give your home is worth it. Many old homes used wood shingles because this was all that was available when homes were built.
Vinyl siding that imitates shakes or clapboard is widely available now, but homeowners looking for a truly antique feel will adore the quaint look of wooden siding. Vinyl siding that looks like wood will give you the charm you’re looking for, while virtually eliminating maintenance.
Change Your Flooring
When touring an old home, one of the first things you may notice is the flooring. Both softwoods and hardwoods are commonly used in older homes, but a few trees are seen more often than others. Pine and aged oak are two of the most common choices. The oak in older homes is usually aged naturally and gradually, but aged oak can also be purchased if you’re re-flooring.
Add a Fireplace
Direct vent fireplaces can be an elegant addition if you’re dedicated to creating a modern home with a historic feel. If you don’t have the time to devote to a real fireplace or find that it’s out of your budget, a faux fireplace or a built-in mantle can add the same aesthetic feel.
Stone, brick and iron fireplaces are staples in older homes. Make sure to decorate your mantle and use vintage-inspired designs to keep your decor in line with your theme.
Making Your Dream Home a Reality
If you’ve fallen in love with older homes but don’t live in one, there’s still hope. If you’re extremely dedicated, hiring a professional to take on larger projects will help you make your dream home a reality.
When you’re ready to start a new home improvement project, Thompson Creek’s professional team is the best place to turn. Contact us today for information on our services or to get an estimate.