Do you love the modern, neutral look but want your home to feel like it has soul?
Are you drawn to architectural beauty but also want a fresh, updated vibe?
If so, renovating an older house might be the perfect project for you. With the right design choices, you can honor your home’s charm while creating a clean, modern space that suits your lifestyle.
When we first saw our home, we instantly knew it was the one. It had such a happy energy!
Project GreenRidge was our journey to modernize, mix old and new. And here I wrote all about it in my previous posts. And even dig deeper into the kitchen plans
Even though it needed some love, it had “good bones” and unique architectural features. In just 10 weeks, we transformed the main floor, including a full kitchen remodel, and learned so much along the way.
Many of our clients come to us with similar goals—to refresh and modernize their homes while preserving their character.
At Design & Curations, we believe in starting with respect for the existing features and then updating them to meet your current lifestyle.
Here are my top 10 design ideas for renovating your older home to create a bright, calm, and modern space that still feels lived-in and full of character.
1. Start with a Fresh Coat of White Paint
Painting all your walls a soft, warm white instantly brightens and modernizes any space. For homes with lots of natural light, I recommend Sherwin Williams High Reflective White for a crisp look, while Snowbound SW offers a softer touch. After setting a neutral base, consider adding depth with feature walls, patterned floors, or a pop of color in a powder room or moody library. Think of these as small but intentional surprises!
2. Two-Toned Kitchens for Interest
A bi-color kitchen adds dimension to neutral spaces. Pair an oak or walnut island with ivory white cabinets for a balanced, organic feel. Mix in gold or bronze hardware to complement the neutral tones, giving you a perfect foundation for accessories and personal touches.
3. Paint Window Frames Black
For an instant refresh, paint your window frames black (but leave the trim white). This simple change makes your windows pop, especially if you have grid windows, which add character. If your space feels small or dark, consider opting for picture windows without grids to allow more natural light.
4. Refinish the Floors
Floors are one of the largest grounding elements in your home. Refinish or restain your hardwood floors to a lighter tone, such as white oak, to create a serene, calming atmosphere. We did this by sanding down our dark red oak floors and transforming them into a soft, welcoming base for the rest of the design.
5. Upgrade the Lighting
Clayered lighting is key to creating a welcoming, functional space. Make sure your renovation includes at least three layers: recessed lights for general illumination, task lighting like pendants, and ambient lighting such as sconces or table lamps. The combination will make your space adaptable for every mood and occasion
6. Keep Architectural Features Intact
While modernizing your home, it’s important to honor and preserve architectural features that make your house unique. For example, we painted our traditional wainscoting white to update it, while still keeping its classic charm.
7. Furnish with Earthy Tones
When it comes to furnishing, I love working with a neutral color palette of creams, deep olive greens, beiges, and camel tones, accented with black for contrast. This timeless combination keeps your space looking serene without overwhelming the eye. Add in a few small pops of pattern—through accent pillows, a chair, or a rug—to keep things interesting without cluttering the room.
8. Choose Performance Fabrics
For a lived-in feel that still looks polished, opt for performance fabrics like textured tweed in neutral tones for your larger pieces, like a sofa. These fabrics are durable yet stylish, perfect for a home that’s both functional and elegant.
9. Mix Materials for Depth
Don’t be afraid to mix materials! Incorporate natural stone, rattan, marble, and limestone into your design to add texture and depth. Aim for at least three different finishes to create a layered, elevated look that never feels flat
10. Add Personal, Vintage Touches
Bringing personal and vintage elements into your home adds warmth and soul. Look for opportunities to blend old with new, whether it's a unique piece of vintage art, a family heirloom, or architectural features you’ve preserved. These thoughtful touches will give your home character and make it feel truly yours.
Renovating an older home is about finding the balance between modern design and preserving its soul. Whether it’s a full-scale remodel or smaller updates, these ideas will help you create a space that feels fresh, functional, and full of life.
We’re currently working on a few projects that embrace this old-meets-new philosophy, and I can’t wait to share them with you! If you have renovation plans, reach out.
We’d love to help you bring your vision to life and make your home feel as beautiful as it is functional.
Do you want to read more on the Green Ridge - Transforming our Dream Home; Check these previous blog posts:
Join us on a design journey like no other.
Let us guide you in creating a home that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a true reflection of your unique personality and style.
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And as always, thank you for being here, in my little corner!
Love,
Burcu
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