How have you managed to maintain the integrity of a home's original design while updating it for modern living, and can you give a specific example?

Question

Striking a balance between preserving the charm of a home's original design and infusing modern functionality is an art. We gathered insights from Founders, CEOs, and Real Estate Investors to share their strategies. From modernizing with respect to the original design to preserving character while adding comfort, explore the thirteen diverse approaches to honoring historical integrity while embracing contemporary living.

Tom Molnar · Answer

Two years ago, my wife and I started working on updating our 1990s kitchen. We kept the original built-in cabinets and updated them with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to give them a modern look while still keeping the retro feel. We also kept the original layout of the kitchen but replaced the outdated appliances with new stainless-steel ones, installed new countertops and backsplash, and upgraded the lighting fixtures. By carefully incorporating modern amenities while preserving the original design elements, we were able to maintain the integrity of our home's original style while creating a space that meets the needs of our modern lifestyle.

Niki OBrien · Answer

My name is Niki O'Brien, with Custom Exteriors, an exterior remodeling company based just north of Denver, Colorado. We have completed many historical exterior remodels, so I am hopeful I can be of assistance. When we complete historical remodels, we practice a few simple things to ensure we maintain the history attached to the home.
First, oftentimes in exterior remodeling, there are very intricate, decorative pieces along the fascia that would be impossible to replicate today. We are very careful in removing them to ensure that we can reinstall them. This keeps that piece of history preserved in spite of the home being updated to meet today's safety and energy advancements.
Another great option is to get synthetic materials that come with all the advantages of modern materials but look like the older materials. I am thinking of materials like synthetic shake shingles, which look like the wood shakes of previous periods; however, they are fire-resistant and energy-efficient!
Lastly, just pay attention to your choices and make sure they reflect the period of your home. For instance, when remodeling a home built in the early 1900s, you are going to want to use wood windows rather than vinyl. With that said, you can get wood windows with new technology that will blend in seamlessly with the period of the home.
I hope this information was of assistance. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Jeff Michael · Answer

We have a 1860 Italianate-style home. One huge issue we had when we moved in over the winter was the windows and doors. We didn't want to replace them as they were original. Instead, we worked with a local company that offered custom solutions specializing in older homes. In many cases, they were actually able to replace some windows and doors with almost identical replicas. When they couldn't, we went with storm windows and higher-quality weather stripping to improve the efficiency of them, but without sacrificing the originals. In the end, no one could tell the difference, and our home is now much more energy-efficient.

Ketie Zhang · Answer

As a florist and interior design enthusiast, I have always been passionate about preserving a home's original charm and character while incorporating modern updates. One example that comes to mind is when I renovated my own Victorian-style home.
Instead of completely overhauling the design, I focused on enhancing its historical elements, such as the intricate crown molding and original hardwood floors. I added contemporary light fixtures and repurposed vintage furniture with bold, modern fabrics to bring in modern living.
Through careful selection and thoughtful placement, I maintained the integrity of the home's original design while seamlessly blending in modern touches. As a result, my home now exudes traditional elegance and contemporary style.
Since I love the challenge of balancing old and new, this has become a signature approach in my home design projects. I believe it adds a unique and timeless touch while respecting the history and character of each home. So, in my opinion, preserving the integrity of a home's original design while updating it for modern living is all about finding harmony between the old and new elements.

Sebastian Jania · Answer

I've managed to maintain the integrity of a home's original design while updating it for modern living by utilizing the original design specifically for accent pieces and spaces. Modern-day homes can look even nicer when they have things like accent walls or accent decor. By utilizing these original designs for accents, I've been able to successfully keep the old charm while giving a home a strong modern look. One specific example of this would be utilizing original design, such as panels on a wall, as an accent piece instead of removing the panels completely throughout the house; retaining these panels on one wall as an accent wall allowed us to keep the old charm in a modern design.

Pavel Khaykin · Answer

When it comes to updating a home for modern living, it is important to strike a balance between incorporating new elements and maintaining the integrity of the original design. This can be achieved through careful planning and execution, as well as respecting the history and style of the home. A prime example is preserving architectural features like moldings, windows, and doors while modernizing the interior layout and functionality. This can be achieved by restoring these elements to their original state or finding creative ways to incorporate them into a more modern design. For instance, adding glass inserts to old wooden doors or using reclaimed wood for new flooring, while keeping the same pattern and style as the original.

John Swann · Answer

One of my biggest challenges is helping homeowners update their homes while still maintaining the integrity of its original design. Many modern homeowners want a space that reflects their personal taste and lifestyle, but they also want to preserve the character and charm of their home. In order to achieve this balance, I always start by understanding the unique features and architectural style of the home. This helps me identify which elements should be preserved and which can be updated. One specific example of this is a Victorian-style home that I recently helped a couple update. They wanted to modernize the interior while still keeping the classic exterior intact. 
After researching the history of the home and consulting with an architect, we decided to keep the original crown molding and ceiling medallions in the living room, while replacing the outdated carpet with hardwood floors and updating the light fixtures. We also kept the original fireplace and mantel in the dining room, but updated the paint color to a more modern shade and added new artwork above it. This helped maintain the charm of the room while giving it a fresh look.

Jonathan Carcone · Answer

Updating a home for modern living can be tricky, especially when you want to keep its original design intact. As an interior designer with years of experience, I've tackled many projects where preserving a home's essence and character was key. One that stands out is a Victorian-era home I recently worked on. The owners wanted to modernize the space for their growing family but still keep the charm and elegance of its classic design. To make this happen, we focused on boosting the functionality of the space without making major structural changes. We kept the original room layout and made subtle tweaks, like adding built-in storage and modern lighting fixtures. We also mixed in contemporary design elements, such as clean lines and a neutral color palette, while sticking to the home's Victorian vibe with ornate details and vintage furniture pieces.

Robin Luo · Answer

Maintaining a home's original design while updating for modern living involves blending classic elements with contemporary features. For instance, during a recent renovation of a 1920s house, we preserved the original woodwork and architectural details while integrating modern amenities like an open-concept kitchen and smart-home technology. This approach honored the home's history while ensuring it met today's functional needs.

Robert Fausette · Answer

I have seen many homes that have undergone renovations or updates to appeal to modern buyers. While these updates can be beneficial in terms of increasing the value and functionality of a home, they can also potentially compromise the original design and character of a home. One way to maintain the integrity of a home's original design while updating it for modern living is by incorporating elements of the original design into the updates. This can be seen in a recent project I worked on, where the homeowners wanted to update their 1920s Craftsman-style home while still preserving its historic charm. To accomplish this, we focused on highlighting and restoring original features such as the fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and molding. These elements were carefully preserved during the renovation process and incorporated into the updated design. For example, we added modern lighting fixtures that complemented the original molding and kept the original fireplace as the focal point of the living room.

Keith Sant · Answer

Updating a home to suit modern living can be a challenging task, especially when trying to preserve its original design and character. However, with careful planning and attention to detail, it is possible to strike the perfect balance between old and new. One effective way of achieving this is by incorporating modern elements in subtle ways that do not compromise the home's original design. For example, you can add modern fixtures and appliances while keeping the overall aesthetic of the home intact. This approach allows for a seamless integration of new and old, creating a cohesive and harmonious space that retains its unique charm. So, it is essential to carefully select and strategically place modern elements to preserve the integrity of a home's original design. This way, you can update the home while honoring its history and character, creating a beautiful blend of past and present.

Mary Sullivan · Answer

It can be challenging to balance the preservation of a home's historical elements while incorporating contemporary features. One example that comes to mind is a Victorian-style home built in the late 1800s. The homeowners wanted to update their kitchen and bathrooms but were hesitant to make any changes that would compromise the historic integrity of the home. After careful consideration and collaboration with an interior designer, we were able to successfully update these areas while still preserving the original design.
First and foremost, we made sure to maintain the overall aesthetic of the home. This included keeping existing architectural details such as crown molding, trim work, and original flooring. We also chose materials and finishes that were in line with the time period of the home, such as marble countertops and vintage-inspired light fixtures.
In terms of functionality, we focused on incorporating modern conveniences while still staying true to the home's original layout. For example, we added a kitchen island for extra storage and counter space but made sure it blended seamlessly with the existing cabinetry and design. We also updated the plumbing and electrical systems to meet current safety standards but made sure to hide any visible modern components behind walls or in inconspicuous areas.

John Jones · Answer

I have had the opportunity to work with many clients who are looking for a home that maintains its original charm and character while also providing modern amenities for comfortable living. It can be a tricky balance to achieve, but there are definitely ways to maintain the integrity of a home's design while updating it for modern living. One way is to carefully select updates and renovations that complement the existing design and features of the home. For example, if a home has beautiful original hardwood floors, it would make sense to update the kitchen with similar wood flooring rather than choosing a modern tile or laminate option. 
This way, the flow and continuity of the home's design are maintained while still providing an updated look. Another approach is to preserve key architectural elements and incorporate them into the updates. For instance, if a home has unique archways or crown molding, these can be preserved and highlighted in the design of a modern open-concept living space. This not only maintains the original design but also adds character and charm to the updated area. I recently worked with a client who purchased an old Victorian-style home that had been built in the early 1900s. The home had beautiful original stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a grand staircase.

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