What’s Old Is New Again
Character is not something with which every home is born. Newer construction often sacrifices some of the charm or detail of older home styles that can be incorporated strategically using materials and furnishings. Imagination is the limit for homeowners, but here is a sampling of what can be done.
Build from the ground up
Install new flooring that’s inspired by the charm of vintage floors. Retailers sell various flooring styles that mimic the look and feel of vintage woodwork – wide planks that echo farmhouse floors, distressed finishes, and much more. By replicating techniques such as wire brushing and hand scraping, distressed flooring achieves the look of vintage craftsmanship.
The rustic charm of wall accents
Adding a wood accent wall can create the feel of a farmhouse or even an industrial loft. Wood can add an artistic element or focal point to backsplashes and ceilings. Whatever your goal, accent wood makes a statement.
Small touches: Fixtures and surfaces
Don’t forget the little details: a glass doorknob, an oil-rubbed light fixture, or a stained glass panel in the window. These touches go a long way to convey the look of another era in a newer home.
Mixing eras with furniture
Antiques and classic period pieces mix well with more contemporary furnishings to create an eclectic style in a newer home. Mid-century modern elements – from architecture to furniture – weave into home décor again this season, proving their staying power.
If homeowners want to imbue a newer home with the timeless details of tradition, there’s a project of every scale. New materials designed to look old will not only perform better, but they’ll also last for years to come. And “timeless” is always on trend.
