25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

25 Ways to Update a Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

Written May 5, 2025 by Holly Hooper

Modernizing a pre-war apartment demands a delicate balance. Older properties often feature heritage details alongside architectural character. The challenge? Combining modern conveniences while keeping historic integrity intact.

Here are 25 tips from designers to guide you refresh without losing the magic
Honor the story before you update – First, find character-defining details like vintage hardware and protect them. After that, integrate today’s comforts in a way that complements the past.

Blend old and redfin.com (Read the Full Content) new with contrast – Hold on to heritage features and offset them with modern lighting.

Upgrade what’s hidden, preserve what’s seen – Refresh systems like HVAC while restoring visible original details.

Let the builder’s story inspire design – Research the architect and incorporate elements of their era into your updates.

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use authentic details in modern spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

Let historic layouts guide bold choices – Keep original room divisions, but play with texture.

Understand the home’s architectural style – Let its original design influence your updates.

Blend eras for a lived-in feel – Combine furniture and finishes from multiple styles.

Walk the space before renovating – Experience the home’s flow before making changes.

Restore historic windows – Keep original wood frames; refurbish instead of replacing.

Modernize without losing the soul – Merge new fixtures with restored flooring, trim, and woodwork.

Let history and technology coexist – Hide modern upgrades within heritage architecture.

Preserve integrity through maintenance – Deal with leaks and damage immediately to protect original materials.

Find original blueprints – Use them to identify authentic layouts.

Retrofit with respect – Upgrade for energy efficiency without harming the home’s style.

Bring old systems to life with tech – Install heating or smart systems without altering visible historic details.

Restore before replacing – Try to repair before swapping original materials.

Don’t strip the soul – Keep authentic trim, flooring, and windows intact.

Let the building guide you – Make updates where the home "allows" them, and protect signature elements.

Think creatively about storage – Add storage without blocking original windows or doors.

Scale additions carefully – Ensure new structures respect the proportions of the original home.

Upgrade discreetly – Hide modern systems in walls or existing structures.

Ask the building what it needs – Consider the home’s intent and weigh long-term choices over short-term fixes.

Learn the home’s story – Research its history to guide design decisions.

Respect what’s hidden – Salvage and reuse hidden historic gems like original flooring or siding.

In short, keeping an old property alive means intentional choices—marrying past and present so the charm remains, especially when the comforts are brand new.