Courtesy of wickerfurniture, source
* Guest Author: Leslie Mason is a homemaker and garden expert. Leslie enjoys writing, gardening, do-it-yourself projects, and fixing up the house. She is currently renovating her home on her own and her garage with the help of Door Surgeon.
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It can be difficult to look past the rusted plumbing and creaky floors of your antique home, but chances are it has unique design elements that most people would pay money to replicate. Instead of counting down the days until you can rip everything out and start anew, embrace the quirky details that give your older home personality. After a quick touch up, those less-than favorable details can become downright swoon-worthy.
Exposed Brick Walls
Exposed, or “face brick” walls add a sense of maturity and industrialism that many new homeowners often spend large amounts of money to achieve. (Have you noticed the faux-brick wall coverings available in hardware stores?) I walked into a model home recently and was completely stunned by the beautiful brick accent wall complete with a fireplace. Not many new homebuilders have that as an option, but they certainly should!
The only downside to a brick wall is that it darkens the room. But instead of covering up all that antique charm, paint the walls around it a crisp white or a light shade of beige. Hang a large golden mirror over a brick fireplace to reflect light and make the room appear brighter. Another option is to white wash the brick with watered down paint. White washing will brighten the room and still show off the beautiful details in the brick.
Courtesy of Reconstructionist, source
Wood Flooring
Wood floors make the heart sing, don’t they? Antique wood floors may be uneven in parts, but they show more about your home’s personality than any other element. Before men from the hardware store could come and install wood floors in a day, skilled workers used to spend weeks building sturdy floors that lasted.
Instead of replacing your wood floors, touch them up with an inexpensive wood treatment or wood stain to make the floors look as good as new. However, if you see any signs of mold or decay, however, get them professionally looked at and consider replacing them!
The Floor Plan
While the floor plan in your antique home may have some oddly shaped rooms, it’s likely that the overall layout is relaxed and comfortable. In the 70’s, homebuilders began to experiment by taking out dining rooms and other “extra” rooms. Today, however, large dining rooms are a luxurious and sought-after commodity. Anything pre-1970’s, then, is often similar to the layouts that new homeowners pay big bucks for minus a few quirks, but consider those quaint little sun porches and round-shaped rooms conversation pieces.
Moulding and Woodwork
Homebuilders in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s made moulding and woodwork a priority. The interior details that went into homes were often as important as the construction itself. Houses were not complete without crown moulding lining the tops of the walls and framing the doors. Homebuilders today are more about mass production and usually only include moulding for a hefty price. Revive the moulding in your home with a good scrubbing and a new coat of paint, or if it is bare wood, a finishing-stain.
Wood Doors
Even though they do not always fit perfectly in the doorframe, antique doors have charm unlike any other. Those little details like tiny key locks, textured windows, and wooden panels set old-fashioned doors apart from the standard four-panel door. Embrace your old-fashioned door by painting it in a bright color. If you decide to purchase new doors, turn the old ones into a headboard or décor piece, or use freecycle.org. I have freecycled a pair of old doors in Edmonton and I recommend it.
courtesy of ekkiPics, source
Hardware
The beauty in an old doorknob or cabinet fixture is often hidden under layers of grime and brassiness. Make your vintage hardware stand out by soaking them in a solution with a vinegar and water base. To get rid of a dull brass finish, add baking soda. For copper knobs, add lemon to the vinegar and water.
Windows
Nothing says “farmhouse in the country” like a white house with black framed windowpanes. The unique window sizes and shapes make both the inside and outside of a home eye-catching, but years of dirt can leave them looking poorly. Spray windows down with a hose to loosen the dirt, then scrub each window down with cleaning solution.
With these tips, giving your home a makeover is easy and affordable. Your home will be sparkling and new in no time! What do you love about your antique home? Share below!
