Traditional homes have a certain character that should be preserved, says Chelsea Smith, founder and principal designer of Chelsea Design Company.
“You don’t want to have a traditional cottage on the outside and, then, when you walk in the decor doesn’t reference that,” she says. It’s important, Smith adds, to mind the age and origins of a home in order to maintain its integrity.
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Therefore, when renovating an older home, think about referencing its era. You can start by selecting appropriate materials and finishes, such as natural stones and antique and unlacquered brass details. At the same time, blend in a bit of modern flair, says Smith.
Restoring existing furniture is one way to do that. “This is a great example of ‘I want this to look good 100 years ago or 100 years from now.’” In Smith’s Sunnyside Farms project, she restored existing furniture in a 1940s farmhouse designed to encapsulate the history of one family. In doing so, Smith retained the timelessness of the interior while also giving it a fresh look.
Tim Glastetter is no stranger to transformations. At River House, his workspace and family-getaway in Washington, Missouri, he slowly turned a dumping ground into a private—and inviting—sanctuary. Glastetter, a decorative painter and design fabricator, finds endless possibilities in everyday items that otherwise would be tossed to the curb. Now, that’s modern.
Homeowners can learn from him by staying open to the hidden potential found in existing pieces. Furniture that’s made from solid wood is often a sign of sturdy, quality furniture, he says. With a durable base, it’s a matter of making small changes to the finishes and hardware to elevate a dated design. Switching up the intended use of an item can also bring new life to an old piece of furniture. Consider using a dresser as a buffet, says Glastetter. He recently turned bedside table lamps into unique, suspended light fixtures.
Updating a home can feel like a daunting task—but not every project has to start with tearing up floors and buying brand new furniture. “It doesn’t have to be that way,” says Glastetter. Oftentimes, working on a small project with a pre-existing item can help homeowners envision the desired new look of a home.
