Love the charm of a traditional home yet still would like to feel like you’re living in the Twenty-first century? Here are 3 ways to incorporate a contemporary vibe to a home with history. We’re defenseless against the charm that older homes exude. From quirky design details and the elegance of original fixtures and flooring, there’s just nothing quite like finding a home with a little bit of history.
While the sophistication of a traditional home is hard to pass up, it may present obstacles, which include updating it to suit your modern lifestyle. Though its bones may be beautiful, sometimes the home’s interior and exterior can use a face lift – or two.
Here are three great tips on how to modernize a traditional charmer.
Use a clean, neutral palette
Traditional homes have a tendency to lack a light, airy feel. Historically, classically designed homes featured dark, moody elements like banisters, exposed beams, as well as fixtures or appliances. One simple technique to brighten a room while maintaining the home’s original design is to give a few coats of white paint. A clean color scheme enables the room to feel more light and bright.
For the exterior, a fresh coat of boldly colored paint, like red or blue, on the doorway is a fashion-forward approach to boost your home’s curb appeal without altering the home’s original features.
Opt for natural light
If your home has small windows or lacks natural light, think about adding more or larger windows, or installing skylights. If you have the space and budget, you may also put in a sun-room where natural light pours in from all sides.
Skylights are particularly useful for areas like the bathroom or kitchen for natural overhead lighting. Large picture windows are perfect for a front room or living room to give a better view of the outside while also having a visual anchor.
Another bonus of having a lot of natural light: you’ll have less need for electric lights, which is particularly important if your home is ill-equipped for installing new fixtures.
Add contrast for an instant boost
One of our favorite ways to modernize traditionally styled spaces is through unexpected contrasts. Consider mixing metals in the kitchen and bathrooms: Go with a polished nickel faucet and pair it with chrome drawer pulls for a contemporary vibe. In the kitchen, opt for a copper faucet and sink, but go with iron or dark metal for cabinet and drawer hardware.
You can also add contrast by mixing matte and glossy materials. Of course, good ol’ black-and-white is another technique to get instant oomph. The stark contrast between different metals, materials, and colors helps bolster your home’s contemporary style without altering its classic construction.
If you do not wish to undergo the renovations, Nick & Cindy Davis can assist you in finding your new home that has everything already done for you. We are always available by calling us at 813-300-7116 or simply click here and we will be back in touch with you.
