Collaborative Post
Some people love the thought of living in a modern home with all its smart meters, large conservatory doors, dimmable lights to set the mood, and angles everywhere you look. Others might consider a home this modern to be their idea of torture. They’d much prefer to live in a house that is drenched in history and character.
However, the problem with old homes is that they are, well, old. Sometimes, they are even ancient, and this poses a challenge from the floorboards up to the (previously) thatched roof. These issues mean the old house will need updating, but you’ve got to make sure you do that without ruining the aesthetic.
Use Sustainable Means
Sustainability is always a welcome method when designing and redesigning houses. With old homes., it is even more essential. You can work with Residential Architects that understand the importance of old homes and their history, and also have the knowhow to work around any issues that crop up along the way.
Not only are these sustainable means better for the environment, but they are also more easily replaceable further down the line. Investing now will ensure the house remains in excellent condition for longer, minimizing the need to update too frequently.
Use Modern Materials That Match the Style
Sometimes sustainable means aren’t possible, though. At least not all the time. Still, if you want to keep the style and aesthetic of your old home, you must explore which modern materials can help you match the current design.
You can purchase fibreglass window frames that will match the existing wooden or metal frames without the risk of corrosion, rot, or warping during warm weather. As for inside the home, new wood floors will retain the traditional style that attracted you to the house in the first place.
Also, consider repainting the walls or replacing light fixtures and painting those to match how everything looked beforehand. While you’ll know the difference, any visitors won’t be able to tell.
Hide Unsightly Utilities
Pipes, toilet tanks, and more are likely to be more ‘on-show’ in an old home, and while it certainly adds to the character, it doesn’t scream class, does it?
You can speak with your architect and renovators how to best hide such utilities to make your home look much more appealing.
However, there is an alternative to this, and things such as old fireplaces can do the opposite. Rather than hide the fireplace, consider opening it up again and making it the centrepiece of your living room. There are few things more classy than a built-in fireplace, and if you can get it to work, you’ll save a lot of money on energy bills.
Leave the History Alone
You moved into the home because you fell in love with how it looks and all the history behind it. While you may need to upgrade things here and there, you also want to maintain the fantastic stories that lurk behind every corner, and by approaching your home update correctly, that’s more than possible.
I must admit that I have never considered using an architect before. Definitely worth thinking about. There are some fabulous composite products available now that look just like the real thing. Investing in those for replacement doors and windows is well worthwhile.