Period homes have a distinct recognisable architectural style, one that represents the time in which the house was built. These homes offer a traditional charm that often continues to add value to a property over time. Since historic homes were constructed hundreds of years ago, home renovations to these buildings are often desirable to bring the inside of the home up to modern standards of energy efficiency, technology and modern style.
If you’re considering making refurbishments to a historic home, read on to learn more about the benefits of home renovations and discover our recommendations.
What Are The Benefits of Renovating an Older House?
After living in a home for many years, many of us become accustomed to our surroundings, growing tired of their appearance. At this stage, we may consider moving house, but there are numerous ways to renovate a home that make it feel brand new. Read on to discover the benefits of renovating an old home.
Increased Property Value
Carefully selected and finished refurbishments can improve a home’s market value. Strategic improvements like refurbishing the kitchen, modernising the bathroom or restoring period features can make the property more attractive to potential buyers.
Homes with restored period features often sell at a higher price because they offer historic character with modern convenience. Functional spaces, like loft conversions or extensions, maximise the usable space in a house, making it more valuable.
Reduced Energy Costs
Older homes are often charming but often score lower than new-build homes in terms of energy efficiency. A house renovation gives you the chance to address areas of inefficiency, reducing long-term energy costs.
By installing better insulation, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient heating systems, you can cut your energy bills. Upgrading to modern energy-efficient technology, like smart thermostats and eco-friendly boilers, helps you reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money by making the home more cost-effective.
Improved Usability
Older homes, while full of charm, may not be as functional as modern ones. Home renovations enable you to adapt the home to fit the needs of your current lifestyle. Whether you require an extra bathroom or an open-plan kitchen to accommodate friends and family, house renovations adapt the home to you, making it a versatile space that fits your day-to-day life. You can also update old electrical systems, plumbing and appliances to meet modern standards.
Your Happiness
At the end of the day, your home should be a place that brings you joy. If you plan to stay in your historic house for a long time, you should renovate your home to reflect your personal style and preferences. The emotional and mental benefits of loving your home are significant, making you feel more relaxed, content and comfortable.
Whether you choose to restore period features to their former glory or blend modern and traditional elements, the space you create improves your quality of life. Home renovations extend way beyond functional refurbishments and aesthetics, they're about making sure your home is a place that genuinely makes you happy.
The Top Ways To Renovate A Home
Our homes are our sanctuary and should be renovated to ensure they meet the demands of our lives and our preferences. Let’s take a look at some of the popular ways a house renovation can incorporate modern style for an updated historic home that balances traditional architecture with contemporary elements.
Open-Plan Layout
Opening up the ground floor of a historic home can create a modern and airy space while maintaining its historical charm. Removing non-load-bearing walls allows you to blend living spaces like the kitchen, dining room and lounge together. The open-plan layout allows more natural light to filter into the space, making it feel larger and brighter. Exposed beams or original fireplaces can be maintained or restored as focal points to blend traditional features with a modern style seamlessly.
Update Technology
Upgrading the technology in a historic house is one of the most effective ways to modernise it without compromising its character. Smart home systems and energy-efficient heating solutions can all be integrated discreetly into the home to enhance convenience.
Adding underfloor heating or installing smart thermostats and lighting ensures the home meets modern living standards. Hidden wiring and wireless technology prevent the focus from being taken away from the home’s period features.
Kitchen Remodel
Remodelling the kitchen is a great way to bring a historic house into the 21st century. Kitchen refurbishments can incorporate modern appliances, energy-efficient fittings and modern design, all while respecting the home’s original character.
For example, you could retain elements like exposed brick, timber beams or traditional tiling, pairing them with contemporary cabinets, marble countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. This creates a refreshed kitchen space that fits seamlessly into the rest of the house.
Increase Natural Light
The best way to add light to a home is by removing old windows and replacing them with larger ones that let more sunlight into the property. However, choosing the right window features is crucial. Rather than selecting uPVC casement windows, which can devalue the property, opt for traditional wooden sash windows that match and elevate the home’s style.
For some listed buildings, installing larger windows may not be an option. In this case, there are many ways to boost light from inside the home. Consider painting the walls and ceilings with light tones, hanging more mirrors to catch and reflect light and selecting lighter-coloured furnishings, making the inside of the home brighter.
Loft Conversions
In historic homes where building an extension would be either impractical or undesirable due to space restrictions or preservation concerns, loft conversions are a fantastic way to maximise space within the home. By converting the unused attic into a functional living area, homeowners can maximise space without altering the exterior structure or impacting the home's period features.
This type of house renovation creates a flexible and usable space, ideal for an extra bedroom, office or multipurpose room. Additionally, loft conversions can be designed to blend seamlessly with the home’s existing character, retaining the charm of the original architecture while introducing modern amenities and increased light through skylights.
Bathroom Refurbishments
Renovating the bathroom of a period home can greatly enhance its modern feel while preserving its traditional charm. By updating fixtures and finishes, such as installing stylish, contemporary tiles and energy-efficient lighting, you create a blend of old and new that revitalises the space.
Modern amenities like rainfall showers and underfloor heating not only improve functionality but add a touch of comfort and luxury. Carefully chosen design elements can complement the period features, ensuring the home renovation respects the home's original character while introducing the convenience and style of modern living, creating a refreshed atmosphere suited to today’s tastes.
Painting
Painting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to modernise a home. A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform outdated rooms, making them feel brighter, more spacious and up-to-date. Whether you choose bold accent walls, soft neutrals, or a cohesive colour scheme throughout the home, the right paint can enhance both the atmosphere and style.
Additionally, professional painting services can ensure a smooth, flawless finish and save you time. With expert techniques and high-quality products, they can breathe new life into any space, giving your home a refreshed, contemporary feel while preserving its unique character.
Keep Some Original Features
When renovating the inside of the home, it’s important to maintain some of the home’s historic charm to ensure continuity with its outside appearance. Consider maintaining some of the house’s original features, making them a focal point. These can include decorative fireplaces, mouldings or floorings.
Christie’s Carpentry & Construction
Looking to modernise your historic home while preserving its charm? Christie’s Carpentry & Construction offers expert home renovation and refurbishment services tailored to period properties.
From complete house renovations to bespoke loft conversions, our skilled team brings a fresh yet respectful approach to enhancing your home’s usability and value. Whether you're looking for structural updates or high-quality painting services, our experts can balance modern functionality with historic beauty seamlessly. With the help of Christie’s Carpentry & Construction, you can trust your renovations will add both comfort and style while maintaining your property’s unique character.
Get in touch today to learn more about our home improvement services or to discuss the details of your dream home renovation.
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