Older homes can be found throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, and if yours is one, there are many reasons you may want to remodel while keeping the character of your home intact. Remodeling allows you to blend updated design aesthetics with the unique features that give your home its distinctive pedigree. The challenge lies in deciding how to integrate your design style and preferences without overshadowing the home’s original appeal. Navigating this balance with intention can ensure that the final design is both functional and true to the home’s spirit. Read on for the things to keep in mind as you plan an older home renovation.
Several original carpentry features were retained in the kitchen remodel of this historic Okeana farmhouse.
One of the first steps you’ll want to take is to determine which original features are worth preserving. Assess the existing elements, such as moldings, built-ins, windows, flooring, and architectural details, and decide if they add value to the space and align with your design vision. If you purchased the house due to something special in the home's style or architecture, it’s fair to say this may be a feature you want to keep. Your remodeling team can provide valuable insight here, helping to identify features that enhance the overall aesthetic and are in good enough condition to keep. Your designer may even see inspiration in an existing feature that can serve as a focal point in the design process.
Historic style was returned to this older Indian Hill home through a full kitchen remodel and addition.
For older homes that have undergone previous remodels, reintroducing historical charm can be just as important as preserving existing features. Past renovations may have removed or obscured elements that once defined the home’s character. In such cases, your team can work to restore, replicate or reintroduce appropriate style details, such as adding trim, cabinetry, lighting, and architectural features like transom windows, coffered ceilings, or wainscoting back into the space. These reintroduced elements can be carefully integrated into the modern design, creating a cohesive blend of old and new that enhances the home’s overall charm. When it comes to integrating historic features into a new design, the key is harmony.
It's important to know that not every original feature needs to be preserved. You should feel empowered to make changes where necessary, especially if an existing element no longer serves the space or aligns with your design goals. If a feature requires more maintenance than you wish to keep up with, has damage that is too costly to repair, or is just not your style, it’s okay to decide to remove it. This decision should be made with consideration of the overall vision, ensuring that the home remains cohesive as well as true to your goals.
In this Hyde Park third floor bathroom remodel, the new vanity was designed around an existing leaded window.
In the end, a successful remodel of a historic or older home strikes a balance between honoring its past and embracing its future. With the guidance of a professional remodeling team, it’s possible to create a space that reflects your personal style while still celebrating the unique qualities that make your home special.
No matter the age of your home, if you've started to consider a remodel but aren't sure about your goals or project scope, we recommend trying our 5 Creative Ideas Workbook with suggestions for fun ways to understand what you'd like to see come to life in your home with a remodel.
