So here’s something you should imagine for just a moment: you walk into a house brimming with character—think crown moldings, hardwood floors that creak just right, and built-in bookshelves that tell stories of a time gone by. But then, the horrors of an overly modern renovation hit. Maybe you did a home renovation to your home, thinking it would be ideal for future home buyers or higher the resale value (something HGTV and real estate influencers often push for).
So, the charm is gone. The soul? Stripped away by a desire for sleek lines and open concepts. It’s a nightmare for anyone who loves a home with history. Maybe you did a renovation that you regret, or maybe you bought a charming house that the previous owners stripped character from. Both are definitely plausible.
But here’s the thing: restoring a home to its former glory is more than possible. It’s all about embracing what made the house special in the first place.
What Needs Undoing?
Before diving headfirst into restoration, take a moment to assess what’s been lost. Did someone rip out the original hardwood floors in favor of laminate? Were the intricate moldings traded for minimalistic trim? Understanding the extent of the changes is the first step. It’s like being a detective, piecing together what the home once was versus what it’s become.
Start By Reclaiming Those Floors
One of the most noticeable elements in any home is the flooring. If the original hardwood was replaced or damaged, consider restoring or replacing it with something that matches the period of the home. So back in the 1990s and early 2000s, everyone was putting carpet on the floors; nowadays, it’s either laminate flooring or peel-and-stick tiles (the two common at least.
So, you might want to look into a trusted hardwood flooring company to help you out with putting some character back into your flooring. But, of course, you might want to see if there’s a layer of original flooring below your current modernized flooring.
Revive the Walls
Walls often bear the brunt of overzealous renovations. While sure, smooth, flat surfaces might look modern, they lack the depth and interest of older plaster or textured walls. If possible, consider restoring the original plasterwork or adding period-appropriate textures to the walls. But for the most part, paint can also play a pivotal role, just add whatever color you want.
Take a Look at Your Windows
If you think about it, windows are the eyes of the home, and they often get sacrificed in the name of energy efficiency. If the original windows were replaced, there’s still hope. For example, you could seek out vintage replacements or have custom ones made that mimic the originals. Alternatively, you could add some stained glass film to your modern windows to give them a bit more character.
Don’t Forget the Details
Finally, ensure the details are all right. So, there’s the molding, trim, and hardware might seem minor, but they’re the elements that tie everything together. So, whether it’s restoring original crown molding or choosing new pieces that reflect the period, these details are what give a home its soul.
Ideally, you should try and scour salvage yards, antique shops, or even custom manufacturers who specialize in period-specific designs and add those to your home. But why? Well, swapping out modern hardware for something with a bit more history can also be an instant elevation to the style of your space (like the kitchen for example).
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