Top tips on making your older home more modern

Paying respect to the past while adding some modern twists is the right way to modernise an older home. Perhaps you disagree! Maybe you would rather rid your older home of any proof of the past and create an ultra-modern interior that misleads you when taking in the exterior of your property. Your property will have a big say in which original features you celebrate and which you will gladly say goodbye to. But there are also some subtle and inexpensive things you can do and some that require more effort.

Celebrate your home's original features

From your fireplace to the staircase, take a step back to take in the features you love and want to keep, then work in harmony with them.

Think about the original materials

The same goes for the woodwork, natural stone, or brickwork of your home. Maybe these qualities will inspire how you choose to modernise your home.

Knock down some walls

The floorplan of older homes tends to be made up of smaller rooms. By creating a broken-plan floor layout, you will pay respect to the past while adding a sense of modernity to your home

Remove old wallpaper

Some trends can transcend time, so in essence, anything goes. Partly wallpapered walls, for example, can add a new dimension to your bedrooms, but if a fully covered older wall needs to go, get rid of it!

Add some smart technology

Subtle and discreet smart lighting systems, thermostats, and security cameras complemented with voice-activated systems will modernise your home without ruining its aesthetics.

Improve your home’s hardware

USB plugs, new power sockets, and light switches are inexpensive ways to modernise your home. By adding these, you will freshen up your home and make it more technology-friendly.

Add some modern art

Modern art in the form of photography, paintings, or sculpture can timelessly modernise a room. Working in conjunction with the other changes you make to your home, they help fuse classic features with a modern interior.

Install a new bathroom or kitchen

Marble, granite, wood, tiles, or vinyl? There is much to think about when creating these pivotal rooms in your home. Energy-efficient appliances installed near granite or quartz worktops offer modernity and a sense of timelessness in equal spades.

Be creative with your furniture

Paying homage to your home's past can be achieved using weathered furniture or collectable pieces. Rustic furniture that is set in a modern, brightly painted, spacious room will nod to your home's older features.

Restore your original flooring

Take a peek under the carpet or lift your tired laminate. You might find an original, real wood floor underneath. Have you considered sanding it down and treating it?

Create space

Less clutter means bigger rooms. Add light. The choice of lighting goes on forever, so you can blend modern lighting with older designs or even antique shades.

Create a connection with the outdoors

Remove the barriers between the interior of your home and the outdoors and let your living areas become one. Think about creating an outdoor space that can be used even when it’s raining; add a few gadgets and timeless details such as candles.

Add some glass

Bifold doors, glass door walls, glass walls, skylights, glass roofs, and indoor windows—or create your own idea of what a window really should be! By adding light, you usher in a breath of fresh air and larger rooms.

Added value

Feeling inspired? Modernising your older home will most certainly add to its value. How you choose to do it is entirely up to you, but it’s always useful to seek as much inspiration as possible. Viewing properties will inspire you to find the home you want and give you plenty of ideas on how to improve it.

  Make an inspired property choice this year. Contact us