Interior design isn’t all about creating a home that is new and current. Instead, it’s about preserving the past while also retaining the character of your property. If you are lucky enough to have a home that has plenty of older features, then it’s more than possible for you to overhaul your design while still retaining that quirky charm.

Paint the Walls

If you want your home to look bigger, or less dated then always paint the ceiling in white. If you have an older property then there is a high chance that the ceiling has discoloured over time, so now is the time for you to really bring it back. Vintage trim is really common in older properties too, and although you may be tempted to pull it off, you really shouldn’t. Instead, you should paint it in a white gloss. When painting the walls, you may think that cream is the best way to go but if you want to retain the charm of your property then it may help to go for a darker colour instead. This could include navy blue or even forest green. This will give your home that country look, and it will also help you to keep it quirky to some extent. When you have decided on your colour palette, you can tie in the doors with a similar colour.

Stained Glass

Stained glass is a wonderful feature, so if you have one then you should try and keep it. Simple white walls will really bring out the colour and it will make it into a statement piece too. Try and keep the walls around the stained glass as clutter-free as possible, because you want it to speak for itself and you also want to keep it as a focal point too. If your stained glass could do with a little TLC then it may be possible for you to hire an expert service to clean it up for you. This isn’t difficult to do, and it could easily transform your home.

Window Shades

Window shades are a fantastic way for you to try and preserve vintage trim. A lot of people try and go for hanging drapes, but this can cover up your unique design and it can also make it more difficult for you to maintain the true architecture of your home. Window shades on the other hand help to add that modern touch without removing the integrity of the space overall.

Drapery

If you have awkward windows, or windows that just don’t quite fit in with the flow of the home then drapery is your best friend here. It will clean up the room without hiding the window too much. The best thing about window drapes is that they can soften the edges of the room and it can also make it feel much more polished too. You can opt for something classical and elegant with fringes, or you can look at curtains or blinds that can help insulate your old home, especially since it may not retain the heat as sufficiently as new properties. The likes of halfpriceblinds.com.au have a huge selection to choose from and add something unique to your home. 

Shelving Units

Open and airy shelving units are a fantastic way for you to add stylish storage space. They give you the chance to store your collectables and you won’t have to worry about disturbing or even hiding the original architecture either. They are a much better option when compared to bookcases or even baskets. Shelving units have a gallery-like charm and this can fit in with an older home, even though they have a modern touch.

Go with Contemporary

Clean and contemporary accessories or furnishings are a great tool if you want to add a sense of life to your home. If you want to help yourself here, then you need to try and look out for rich textures that have nice soft colour. This will stop you from going too overboard with the modern look and you’ll also find that it fits in well with your home too.

Traditional Touches

If you are concerned about your home looking too modern, then try and include items that feel as though they fit in with the period of your home. For example, if you have a Victorian-style home then you may want to try and opt for pieces that look like they are from this era. By doing this, you don’t have to go too traditional because you can easily accessorise your home with modern pieces, as mentioned above to keep with the balance.

Weathered Items

Seek out pieces that look as though they have been weathered outdoors. You might also want to use pieces and accents that have been inspired by the garden too. This could include woven baskets, wood, linen or even vintage-style house numbers. Believe it or not, it’s little things like this that add a modern but rustic vibe and they really are the ideal choice if your home is somewhat well-worn.

Zoning

A lot of older homes come with an odd or unusual layout. This can be hard to work with, but there are a few things that you can do to try and help yourself here. If you have a long or narrow space for example, then you may want to try and break it up a little. This will really help with functionality and it will also give you some defined zones too. If you aren’t sure if you can do this then open-sided furniture such as benches can be added. To add more functionality, consider adding shoe storage as this will serve a practical purpose too. If you have a long corridor with adjoining rooms then bifold doors can also be a great option, as they split up the space without you having to worry too much about the general appearance of your home.

Of course, transforming an older room doesn’t need to be difficult and if you put the effort in then you’ll soon find that you can easily get the look you need without having to worry about a thing. If you want to make structural changes to your home then you need to make sure that you get a survey done, so you can check to see if your home’s foundation is stable enough to withstand any invasive work.