Older homes have character. You may love the history behind your property and its personality, but updating some interior aspects can make it last longer. Give your house a decorative renovation by modernising it with simple steps.
You don’t need an expansive budget to remodel your home and make it match your current design preferences. So, where should you start?
1. Paint Household Fixtures
When homeowners think about painting, they often envision painting specific rooms. Such a big project may take a significant amount of time and can cost more than expected. However, painting fixtures instead of walls can achieve the same aesthetic results without the costly fees.
Try applying a new coat of paint to your cabinets or window trimming. A different hue on your coving or skirting boards can also make any outdated architecture look fresh. The updated style may even catch the attention of potential buyers.
2. Convert Your Wood Fireplace
Historic houses often feature wood fireplaces because it was the primary way to keep warm until functional heating units became available. Consider switching to a gas fireplace if you want to modernise your older home. They turn on and off with a switch and may heat your household faster than depending on wood-burning flames.
Gas fireplaces can also be safer. They often have safety shut-off features to prevent harmful gasses from filling your home if you leave the fire running while you sleep. If you already use a carbon monoxide detector next to your current fireplace, you’re one step ahead of other homeowners interested in this modernisation project.
3. Replace Exterior Doors
Weather and age change the quality of exterior doors. Warping can ruin the doorframe seal that assists in regulating your home’s indoor temperature. Swapping it with a new door can fix the problem in a single afternoon.
Remove the door’s pins, align the hinge knuckles with your new door, and tap the pins back into place. Having a second person hold the door straight while you work on the hinges can make this project more manageable. If a loved one lives nearby, consider asking them to donate some of their free time.
4. Apply Removable Wallpaper
You don’t need to prepare for an extensive paint job if your walls look dated. Consider removable wallpaper instead. The material adheres with gentle, built-in glue that doesn’t rip your drywall apart if you need to remove it. Nearly endless designs are available online and in local stores, so find a pattern that matches your interior design dreams.
Adding removable wallpaper is also a great reason to fill in any cracks in your older walls. Let the putty dry and cover it with wallpaper to never notice the crack again. Remember to smooth solidified putty and eliminate any flaking paint with abrasive paper before applying your selected pattern, as the rough texture prevents it from adhering correctly.
5. Swap Light Fittings
Historic properties often feature weakened or flickering lights. The original owners of your home may have installed your current fittings decades ago, but replacing them with new models is easy. Use a ladder and follow installation instructions carefully to swap older chandeliers or sconces without hiring a costly contractor.
If you’re still experiencing pulsing lights, there’s likely a wiring issue that needs the attention of an experienced electrician. You should also contact a professional if the switches and outlets shock your fingers while you’re using old or new lights. Faulty wiring can pose a safety risk whether your property has new or outdated fittings.
Modernise Your Home Without Extra Stress
Bringing your house into the 21st century doesn’t have to involve extensive remodelling projects. Use simple and effective strategies to give your living space a new feel. Whether you update your cabinets, install a new kind of fireplace or explore the world of removable wallpaper, you’ll make your living space more modern and authentic to your interior design preferences.
