Easy Ways to Update an Older Home While Respecting Its Past

We get lots of inquiries about easy ways to update an older home while respecting its history. To preserve the charm and integrity of an historic home while incorporating thoughtful, modern updates, we asked our founder and owner, Gretchen Rivera, for her thoughts. Here’s what she had to say:

Why do you think it's important to respect the past of an older home?

Gretchen: For me, the uniqueness of a historic home is something worth preserving. Old homes carry a distinct character and craftsmanship that is irreplaceable. Emphasizing and enhancing these inherent qualities is far more sustainable than replacing these homes with new structures, which often contribute to sprawl and require significant resources and energy.

What are scenarios when you should definitely update or renovate parts of an older home?

Gretchen: When renovating an older home, kitchens and bathrooms should always be addressed. Upgrading these spaces with modern, energy-efficient appliances and functional cabinetry enhances the practicality of the home. Two design approaches can be considered: either harmonizing the new elements with the home's original style or introducing a contrast by incorporating minimalist, contemporary cabinetry that complements any architectural context.

If the vintage bathrooms are functional, there's no need for a full demo. I prefer to conserve vintage tiles and tubs. Old plumbing fixtures can be restored, and bathtubs can be refinished. If the bathroom is non-functional, a complete demo can be done to recreate the original style with efficient plumbing and fixtures, such as water-saving toilets and low-flow showerheads, and more functional cabinetry.

What are some of your best approaches for updating an older home without losing that historic charm?

Gretchen: I advocate for preserving original floors whenever possible as they are crafted with superior quality and carry the history of the home. Old floors, including hardwood, stone, vintage ceramic or cement tile, possess a luxurious charm and are often handmade. Refurbishing and polishing these floors can bring out their innate potential, creating a unique and characterful home.

Removing walls to create larger spaces within smaller historic homes may be desirable, but it's not always the case. For instance, having an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area might not be functional for everyone, as some prefer the privacy of separate areas.

Updating electrical and heating should be done without compromising the original architectural features of a home. Small Duct High-Velocity HVAC systems can be used to retrofit older homes with minimal ductwork. Unobtrusive outlets blend seamlessly into any architectural style.