Five Architectural Home Improvement Trends For Your Historic Home

Finding that rare gem on the property market can feel like you have struck gold, especially if it is a historic grade listed property. However, some of the décor of these beautiful houses can look dated. From overly patterned rooms to dark oak panelled walls, we can understand why it may feel like an overwhelming task to bring it into the modern era, yet still preserve its original character. With this in mind, we have put together five architectural and decor home improvement trends for your historic home.

Add a glass extension

The fusion of decorative old architecture with the elegantly streamlined modernism of our era is a popular combination for exterior and interior designs. Adding a stunning glass extension on to the outside of your home is a fabulous homage to this. Whether you have plans for a new kitchen, dining area or artistic studio, a glass extension will allow plenty of light into your home.

Paint the walls white

When you move into a historic home, it is most likely that you will be overwhelmed by the clashing colours and patterns that are characteristic of older eras and tastes. A simple gesture of painting all of your walls white will allow the original historic character of your home to breathe through, whilst also bringing it into the modern era. When painting the walls white, you may notice features that were previously hidden, from stained glass windows to feature fireplaces and intricate mouldings.

Knock through walls

Many historic builds will have a mixture of small, large and oddly shaped rooms, which can make the home seem ‘broken up’ and difficult to navigate. Simply knocking through walls creating archways and linking rooms is the perfect way to conjoin spaces, allowing for wider thoroughfares and a more modern feel.

Decorate with old and new

Streamlined Scandinavian furniture may look completely out of place at first in your old home. So, make sure you decorate with a mixture of old and new pieces, mixing different time periods and styles in a tasteful way. Why not update floors, tables and counters with recycled woods and stones for that shabby chic look that won’t age the property overall.

Update with modern lighting

You may find that the wiring of your home is awry, or there is an abundance of dated large chandeliers and wall lights that could find a place in your grandparents’ home. Adding tasteful modern lighting is the ideal way to bring your home into the current era. From sleek art deco style feature lights to LED uplighting and more.

Here at Simon Levy, we have a range of structural engineers and chartered building surveyors who can help you determine what is the best action to take for your home. Whether that’s home renovations that change the structural load, applying for planning permission, or selling your property - our experts can help you. Simply contact us today to find out more.