If you are remodeling a vintage home, it is imperative to keep the old feel in it. Unfortunately, many people disregard the character and charm of these homes when renovating. Here are some ways to keep the antique feel in your home when remodeling.

Flooring

Many vintage homes still have the original wood flooring underneath the current floor. Nothing screams old and beautiful like hardwood floors! Rip up any linoleum or carpet and see what is there. Ignore the condition. Most wood floors can be sanded and stained back to their original glory.

Doors

Old doors have architectural details that are not found on modern doors. They were custom cut for the space and sometimes the hardware is even salvageable. Like the floors, a good sanding with a stain or paint to finish, and your home will boast some of the most unique doors on the block!

Unused Wood

Be sure to check the attic or crawl space for any wood not needed when building the house. This wood can be used to fill in any issues in the flooring. Or, if there is enough, a wonderful cabinet, bookcase, headboard or vanity could be built from scratch!

Bathroom Fixtures

Sometimes, the original fixtures to the sink and bathtub are still in the home. After a good cleaning and a part or two, they can be made new again. The same goes for a porcelain bathtub. If it is there, keep it! Period appropriate bathroom fixtures are a great way to keep your restroom looking vintage.

Stained Glass

Stained glass was very popular at one time. Lots of old houses still have the glass intact. As always, do not let appearances fool you! It may look dirty and dingy now, but that is an easy fix. The appeal that original stained glass will lend both the exterior and interior of your home is timeless.

Or if you don’t like dated look it gives your home there are a lot of different options that can still instill the integrity of the home and gives that old classic look. The glass experts from the Alexander Company say that most glass companies have worked with older homes and can imitate the looks you are trying to convey. Just call for an examination and estimate.

Bathroom Tiles

One style that has changed drastically over the years is bathroom tile work. In years gone by, most tiles were white. Dark grout was also popular. If the original tiles are unavailable or unusable, install “subway” style tiles. This is a modern way to channel that old school look and will seamlessly blend into the feel of your home. You don’t want any one room to stand out and look drastically different then the rest of the home.

In summary, part of the point of purchasing an older home is for the character and architecture. Do not ruin much of its beauty by giving it a modern look. With a lot of work, your old home will feel new, but still look period appropriate.

Author Bio : Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.