Giving an old house a modern look while respecting its original charm can be a rewarding design journey. The goal is to create a balance between old and new, mixing antique and modern elements seamlessly. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Preserve Architectural Details: One of the most charming aspects of old homes is their unique architectural features, such as crown molding, wainscoting, or exposed beams. Preserve these elements wherever possible as they add character and historical context to your home.
Update the Color Palette: While keeping the architectural elements, one of the easiest ways to modernize an old house is by updating its color palette. Neutral shades like whites, greys, and beiges, often used in modern designs, can instantly refresh the look and feel of the home.
Modern Furnishings: Invest in contemporary furniture to contrast with the old-world charm of the house. However, try to maintain a balance. A completely modern setup may look out of place in an old house. The key is to mix and match vintage and modern pieces.
Lighting: Replace outdated lighting fixtures with modern ones. Consider pendant lights, contemporary chandeliers, and sleek recessed lighting to give the house a modern glow.
Open Floor Plan: If it’s possible and doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the building, consider opening up some of the spaces. Old homes often have smaller, segmented rooms, while modern homes tend to have open floor plans. This can create a more spacious and airy feel.
Modern Art and Decor: Use modern artwork and decor pieces as accents throughout the house. This can introduce a contemporary vibe without altering the structural elements of the house.
Upgrade the Kitchen and Bathrooms: These spaces significantly impact the overall feel of a home. Modern amenities combined with vintage elements can create a stunning and functional space.
Use Contemporary Textiles: Update window treatments, upholstery, and rugs with modern fabrics and patterns to add freshness and a contemporary edge to the rooms.
Remember, the objective is to create a balance between preserving the old charm and introducing modern elements. Each old house has its unique features. Embrace them and add your own touch to create a home that’s uniquely you.
Interior design of an old house inside – how to give the mansion a modern look?
original house interior design
The interior design of the house inside, located in Cornwall on the Cornish coast in the UK, is striking in its elegance. The family, which had owned the mansion for several generations, decided to give it a major overhaul and hired designer Charlie Wickenden. The main goal of the project was to create a comfortable atmosphere for both older generations and children.
Although the facade of the building has remained almost intact, its interior design has been completely reorganized. It was important for Wickenden, as the author of the project, to expand the kitchen and dining space, as well as to equip cozy bedrooms for all family members.
“The house is in need of a major makeover. It should become not only convenient for housekeeping, but also provide comfortable living in the winter season. At the same time, one must not forget about family roots,” says the designer.
The beginning was laid in the living room: it was decided to decorate the space in a beach style. Light, light colors create a relaxing atmosphere. At the same time, dark accents on the walls look interesting and draw attention to the things placed on the shelves.
Living room in beach style
All four rooms at the front of the house, including the living room, have seating built into the window sills – a feature that comes in handy when it comes to parties with a large number of guests.
Comfortable window seating
The living room also has an old fireplace with a new stone frame. Some details, such as a vintage suitcase, are reminiscent of the past.
A suitcase bought in an antique shop doubles as a coffee table
The kitchen space is very bright and equipped with ceiling chandeliers, as it is intended for family breakfasts. For him, a traditional set of cabinets with a universal design was purchased.
The kitchen was made by a local manufacturer according to the designer’s layout.
The designer took into account the fact that the beach is nearby, so it was decided to include a small entrance hall in the ground floor plan, where guests can leave dirty and wet clothes. Wear-resistant tiles were used as flooring.
The dining room has a hard oak floor and simple but sturdy chairs.
The hallway is an essential element in a large house.
The limited space in the master bedroom was used wisely, with wardrobes on either side of the bed that also doubled as a sconce base.
master bedroom
The rooms located at the back of the mansion and reserved for guests were designed in such a way that they would have enough light. It used snow-white paint on the walls and light materials for curtains and bedding. One of the rooms has a very wide headboard; it provides the opportunity to rearrange and turn the double bed into two single beds.
Guest rooms
The new house has room for everyone!
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