25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

Updating a pre-war apartment requires care and intention. These homes are known for heritage details and unique charm. The challenge? Merging contemporary comforts with historic integrity intact.

Here are 25 tips from designers to help you modernize without losing the magic.

Honor Redfin realtor the story before you update – Begin by noting historic elements like vintage hardware and keep them. Then, integrate today’s comforts in a way that respects the past.

Blend old and new with contrast – Preserve heritage features and pair them with modern lighting.

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

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

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use heritage-inspired styles in modern spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

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

Understand the home’s architectural style – Let historic style shape your updates.

Blend eras for a lived-in feel – Layer furniture and finishes from various eras.

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 – Blend new fixtures with restored flooring, trim, and Redfin website 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 period details.

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 refinish before swapping original materials.

Don’t strip the soul – Keep authentic trim, flooring, and Redfin properties 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 fit 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 thoughtful design—marrying past and present so the story remains, even when the technology features