If you have a generic, plain, and boring new home, you may want to add some character to it. Making a new house look old is one way to add interest and charm. You can even build a new home using elements that make it feel old. Here are a few ways to make a new house appear older. ResearchDo some research to figure out what period of time and what style you want your home to look like. Homes in different parts of the country have different architectural elements and styles. Try to pick one time period and style that you want your home to mimic. Photo by Christopher A Young – HouseSmith LLC – Look for kitchen design inspiration Vintage Materials100 years ago, people did not typically have wall to wall carpet, cultured marble, stainless steel, laminate, quartz, or other man made materials. They used quality materials that were readily available, such as wood floors, butcher block or soapstone countertops, and subway tile. Figure out what materials were available in the time period you are trying to mimic and use only those. Photo by Dreamy Whites – Search living room design ideas MoldingsOlder homes had many moldings, many of which are not commonly found today. Moldings used in the past tended to be bigger and simpler. Homes had baseboards, crown molding, plate rail, chair rail, real wood paneling, wainscotting, and bead board. Remove your new looking moldings and install period appropriate ones. Photo by cinnamonpost – Discover entryway design inspiration Solid Wood DoorsOlder homes did not have cheap hollow core doors. They had solid wood doors. Ditch the cheap doors and install either new solid wood doors or reclaimed wood doors. Photo by Sightline Art Consulting – More bedroom photos Vintage and Antique FurnitureTo go with your new old house, you should have appropriate furniture. You can have new furniture in an old style, vintage furniture, reproduction antiques, or real antiques. You can even build your own furniture out of wood that you distress and make look old. Photo by Flik by design – More kids’ room ideas Reclaimed BricksWhether bricking the exterior of your home or making a walkway or patio, reclaimed bricks are the way to go. Old bricks have charm, character, and age to them that is hard to duplicate. Photo by Chris Snook – More living room ideas AppliancesWhen shopping for appliances, look for replicas of old appliances, refurbished old appliances, and/or built in appliances that have cabinet fronts. Photo by Grace – Browse kitchen ideas PlumbingMany plumbing manufacturers offer vintage replica fixtures, so finding plumbing to make your new house look old should not be too difficult. You can even replace your standard bathtub with a claw foot tub and your standard sink with a vintage looking pedestal sink. Photo by Lovette Construction – More bathroom ideas HardwareDoor and cabinet hardware has changed a lot over the years. It used to be hand made and heavy. These days hardware has become lighter and mass produced. Replace your doorknobs and cabinet hardware with vintage pieces or vintage inspired pieces that are made to look old. Photo by Tanya Capaldo Designs – Look for bedroom design inspiration Light FixturesRecessed can lights are a new building material, so don’t use them. Use vintage, vintage inspired, antique, or antique inspired light fixtures instead. You might need to have an older light fixture rewired to meet modern electrical standards. Photo by – Look for dining room pictures Architectural SalvageThere are architectural salvage stores in most major cities that will have period appropriate items for your home. Even if you can’t afford to buy anything there, consider shopping there for inspiration. You may not be able to afford a large salvage chandelier, but you might be able to afford a new vintage looking chandelier and add salvage glass shades. There are also architectural salvage dealers online and architectural salvage is available from individual sellers (probably a lot cheaper) on websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Photo by Smith & Vansant Architects PC – Browse kitchen photos Mature LandscapingMost new homes start with an empty lot without grass, shrubs, or any trees. Adding larger landscaping will make your new home look older. You can also add fast growing vines to fill in the empty spots until the rest of your landscaping has a chance to grow. You can also add charming features to your landscape, such as a white picket fence, decorative planters, and window planter boxes. Photo by Harmony Design Group – Search landscape pictures PatinaAnything with patina seems older. You can add moss to terracotta pots. You can distress new wood furniture. You can use patina paint on metal items. Photo by Rene Wheaton – Browse home design ideas WallsSelect paint colors and wallpaper that is appropriate for the era of home you wish to mimic. Also consider whether the wall texture is appropriate for the time period.
How to Paint a Scalloped Door Frame
how to paint a scalloped door frame. This tutorial will also show how to paint scallops on the wall without a stencil. DIY scallop doorway trim.
Paint Colors that Work with Honey Oak
Finding a paint color to go with honey oak trim, cabinets or flooring can be a bit intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. By using a few simple tips can trick you can easily find the best paint color to work with them.
A “Sentimental Maximalist” Australian Home Has Disco Balls in the Bathroom
Name: Gaylene and Johnny Krajewski Location: Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District), Australia Size: Around 800 square feet Years lived in: 13 years, owned Gaylene and Johnny’s apartment is situated smack bang in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD, located in one of the city’s first tall buildings built in 1924—as an office building in the Palazzo style. It’s even classified by the National Trust as a notable building.
The best bedroom decorating hacks.
I will show you exactly how to decorate the easy way just like Joanna Gaines designs her Fixer Upper Bedrooms. Look like a pro designer with this 1 tip...
Master Bathroom Progress: Heights House – Jenna Sue Design
From one bathroom to the next! As in love as I am with our recent guest bathroom makeover, I have to say… I’m even more excited about this one! A couple months ago I shared my vision and detailed plans for this room (along with all the Before photos) but here’s a quick refresh… The […]
Wood Platform Bed
Construction Masterfully crafted with kiln-dried solid mahogany wood, MDF, laminated veneer lumber and sungkai veneers. Finished using a multistep process that highlights the wood’s natural grain in Seadrift. Headboard features attractive cutout. Slat roll support system. Bed is designed for use without a box spring. Adjustable levelers for stability on uneven floors. Complete your bed. Shop our favorite mattresses . Imported. Care Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. To protect finish, avoid the use of household cleaners or abrasives. Hardware may loosen over time, periodically check connections and re-tighten if necessary. Assembly White Glove Service: Items are delivered to your…
Making Craftsmanship Great Again: The Willing House (Part 3, Historic Trim) – WindsorONE
(Part 3 of 4) What’s a great way to show off your craftsmanship? Historically accurate moldings that are properly proportioned. The team at Hull Historical restored the moldings throughout the Willing House with the help of WindsorONE S4SSE Trim Boards and The Classic American Molding Collection, designed by Brent Hull. Too often we see builders […]
