Open things up
Naturally finished woodwork, a closed floor plan and highly divided rooms can make older homes feel dark and crowded. Updated lighting fixtures, French doors that let light flow from one room to the next, and mirrors that reflect the light you do have makes a house brighter and more open without having to undergo major demolition.
Brighten up
Light colours add instant airiness and space to a room. They’re also a great way to unite old and new elements on a cohesive background and highlight decorative elements like darker, natural woodwork. Use eggshell white or a brighter cream on walls and furniture to let more colourful accessories speak boldly.
Add some art
A simple way to modernise an older home’s interior is to add eclectic, contemporary accessories. Found Art, created from pieces of random cast-away object, is the epitome of eclecticism. Or try clear, custom-made blown glass to add shine to a room filled with woodwork.
Twist the traditional
If you love your home’s history, embrace and expand on it. Many modern interior décor pieces run parallel to traditional styles. Research popular designs associated with your home’s architecture, then hunt for pieces that either mirror the elements you want or offer a fresh interpretation on the ones you don’t.
Make the transformation
If you love your home’s history, embrace and expand on it. Many modern interior décor pieces run parallel to traditional styles. Research popular designs associated with your home’s architecture, then hunt for pieces that either mirror the elements you want or offer a fresh interpretation on the ones you don’t.
1. Perfect finishing touch. Plumbing fixtures, door hardware and accessories in dark finishes like Aged Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Matt Black complement the natural woodwork of your traditional home. If you’ve incorporated white walls and furniture, glass, light countertops and other bright elements in the room, you’ll avoid feeling bogged down by too many dark hues.
2. Perfectly handled. Schlage offers a variety of doorknob and lever styles that work wonderfully with traditional and modern homes. To keep your hardware looking classic, try the Schlage F Series Camelot or Century Gripset, Georgian knob, or Flair lever. To bring your classical home’s style more up to date, consider the Plymouth knob or Accent lever.
3. Safe and strong. When securing your traditional home, consider measures beyond exterior deadbolts. Your lock is only as strong as the door and its frame, so make sure your entryway is still structurally sound. Cracked or warped wood, no matter how much character it has, can leave you open to security risks.
