How to Update an Older Home While Honoring Its History

Whether several decades or multi-centuries old, owning a historic home gives you a VIP, front-row ticket to a truly special show. Those old bones have witnessed decades of life before your family ever stepped foot into the space, and now you have an opportunity to make it your very own. Updating an older home makes sense—you want to enjoy today’s modern comforts, after all—but it’s still  important to honor the home’s history in the process.

“Older homes are rich in history and the memories of the people who have given them their character over the years—all of which you can’t recreate with new builds,” says interior designer Bree Steele. “Their details, the materials, and their stories give them their charm, and preserving them will honor the home and give future generations the chance to experience a piece of history.”

Here are some ways you can update an older home while still staying true to its past.

Restore Original Features Instead of Replacing Them

One of the best things about historic homes is their original features. It’s what gives them their character. These details include crown moldings, corbels, tiles, light fixtures, hardware, flooring, quirky built-ins, and fireplaces. It’s tricky to replicate these features without losing that inherent charm, so your best bet is to salvage what you can through restoration, says Bree Steele, an interior designer and founder of Styling by Bree. If you do end up needing to demo a large portion of a room, hold onto salvageable pieces and reincorporate them into the space.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows  

Often, a historic home’s original or older windows aren’t energy efficient or easy to use. Upgrading your windows is a highly effective update that improves your standard of living while still keeping the home’s structural integrity intact. 

“If the house isn’t properly insulated, you might be spending more money on heating and cooling, which is when you might need to think about insulating and replacing windows,” Steele says. “This can make the house more comfortable to live in, and generally more environmentally friendly.”

Use Period-Appropriate Color Schemes

A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can go a long way when updating any home. To stay true to your home’s historic roots, consider researching color schemes and patterns that were popular for its architectural style and original era. For example, when carpenter Jordan Guthrie recently renovated a Painted Lady home in San Francisco, his team hired a local colorist to paint the home’s facade in a true Painted Lady style.

Swap in New Appliances and Fixtures

From the kitchen to the bathroom, historic homes often have outdated appliances and fixtures that are more of an eyesore and nuisance versus a benefit to the home. Some are also not very efficient, sucking up more water or energy than necessary. 

“If you want modern conveniences without modern aesthetics, think about creative ways you can add them without disrupting the historic aesthetic of the house,” Steele says. “For example, if you really want a modern kitchen, update the appliances, but try to pick finishes and hardware that complement the original style of the home.” 

Update the Cabinetry

Along with modern, energy-efficient appliances, old homes often benefit from updated cabinetry. If the cabinets have good bones, you can refinish them. Otherwise, it may make the most sense to replace them entirely, notes interior designer Gretchen Rivera. That's exactly what the Brownstone Boys did in the kitchen of the Real Simple Home 2024, pictured above.

“Upgrading bathrooms and kitchens with functional cabinetry not only enhances the practicality, but also the visual appeal of the home,” Rivera says. “Two design approaches can be considered: either harmonizing the new elements with the home's original style, or introducing a contrast by incorporating minimalist, contemporary cabinetry that complements any architectural context.”

Incorporate Historic and Reclaimed Decor

Lean into your home’s history when decorating. From larger pieces of furniture to tiny knickknacks, incorporating reclaimed and vintage items often feels more seamless in an older home compared to ultra-modern details, says real estate broker Anthony D’Argenzio. 

Research your home’s history—and possibly try to get your hands on some old photos—so you can weave in textiles, furniture, and decor that feel like a natural fit. D’Argenzio says you can also buy new items (like light fixtures or hardware) that have vintage flair.

Take Care of Structural and Safety Issues

Updating infrastructure details is a top priority when renovating an older home. “It’s important to make sure that your home is in working order as it relates to water infiltration—including roof, gutters and downspouts, foundation and basement water,” says architect Diana Melichar. Also consider ways you can make the home more safe by replacing old lead plumbing, removing asbestos, and tending to any electrical or mechanical issues.