Design Tips: How to Add Life into an Older Home

Share this article

  • Start with a neutral color palette, incorporating pops of color with furnishings and decorations for a vibrant, fresh look.
  • Artwork and decorations, personalized to your taste, balance modern and vintage elements, adding life and uniqueness.
  • Layering and textures, when balanced, create a cozy, inviting space. Mix fabric types, stack items, and use eclectic furniture.
  • Plants enhance texture and atmosphere, offering a natural and inviting feel. Different shapes and sizes offer variety.
  • Lighting is crucial in creating mood and atmosphere. Experiment with different types and consult professionals if needed.

Do you own an older home with a bit of charm that you simply can’t resist? While they may have a lot of character, older houses often need some updating and sprucing up to add some vibrancy and life. If you’re unsure how to design your older residence, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will give you tips on adding a little pizzazz to your vintage home.

Start with a Neutral Color Palette

One thing that can add an instant update to your older home is a fresh coat of paint. A good tip would be to start with a neutral color palette on your walls throughout the house. This will create a blank slate and allow you to add pops of color in other areas, making the entire space feel cohesive and fresh. Work with professional interior house painters to finish the job quickly and correctly. They can also help you choose colors that are best suited for your home.

You can also use neutral colors on furniture and decor elements in the room. Neutral pieces such as a white couch, coffee table, or chairs can blend with any home style and provide a timeless look that won’t quickly go out of fashion. Just remember to add a few touches of color to create some visual interest.

Framed and laminated leaves hanged as wall decor

Artwork and Decorations

To give your home some life, add artwork and decorations. Choose pieces that represent your personality and style. Collections of antiques or classic photographs add a sense of artistry and history that can balance out the modern decor you may have. If you have an affinity for modern art, hang some of your favorite pieces to make a statement.

When it comes to decorations, think outside the box. Add unexpected elements such as vintage lamps or antiqued mirrors to give the space a unique touch. You can also add plants and flowers for a natural element that will bring life to the room.

Layering and Textures

Layering and textured materials help make a space feel comfortable and cozy. Many people fear layering because it will make a space feel cluttered. However, the key is to find a balance between the two extremes. Here are some ideas:

Use different types of fabric

Velvet, linen, and wool are excellent materials for upholstered furniture and curtains. Combining these textures will give a room an inviting feel that can’t be achieved with just one type of fabric.

Stack books, cushions, and rugs

Stacking books can add a lot of character to a space. You can also stack cushions on your couch and layer different types of rugs on the floor. This will help create an exciting dynamic that makes the room feel cozy and inviting.

Choose eclectic furniture

Mixing old and new pieces can give your home a unique look that will make it stand out. Try combining antique chairs with modern tables or vintage cabinets with contemporary couches. If you want to add some color, choose furniture with bright hues or patterns.

Add texture with plants

Plants are a great way to add texture to a room. Choose plants with different shapes and sizes to create a natural and inviting atmosphere. You can also hang some of your favorite plants from the ceiling or place them on shelves, tables, and other home areas.

A stand lamp near a white closet door

Lighting

Lighting is a key element that can add some life to an older home. Opt for bright yet warm lighting to make your space feel inviting and cozy. With strategically placed light fixtures, you can create a romantic and captivating mood that sets your home apart from the usual cluttered feel of vintage houses. You can also use lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Some people use bright LED lighting for a modern feel, while others prefer traditional incandescent bulbs. Experiment with different lightbulbs and fixtures until you find the best combination for your home. If you are unsure what to choose, consider consulting a professional lighting designer.

Updating an older home’s decor can initially seem overwhelming, but with these tips, it can be an enjoyable room-by-room journey. Remember to be creative with your decor choices and not be afraid to mix old and new elements. Have fun with it, and you’ll have a vintage home that looks fresh and modern in no time!


Share this article
Scroll to Top