5 Vintage Home Features That Are Too Charming To Get Rid Of
Owning an older home can come with a variety of perks, and these abodes usually have an abundance of character that cannot be replicated by quick revamps. If you own an old house, it might need some updates or renovations, especially if the fixtures or elements are outdated. When you begin planning out what should be replaced, make sure to leave some things alone, especially if they actually bring more charm than harm.
Certain items and fixtures could help increase the value of your property, all while introducing a historical and lived-in vibe. Getting rid of laminate surfaces or units that need an upgrade is beneficial to your home, but other vintage additions will always be in demand, especially classic elements that modern homes don't offer. According to Rethinking the Future, interior design doesn't just revolve around modernizing or revamping a space. In fact, if your home boasts character and nostalgic charm, you should focus on bringing that to the forefront instead of replacing them.
Built-in shelving
If you have a house or apartment which features built-in shelving, they can be a huge asset in more ways than one. More often than not, bungalow-style homes have these features, but a lot of places don't come with pre-built shelving or bookcases. Finding a home with bookcases, or if yours already has them, can make life much easier because they provide even more space for storage. Thanks to the fact you don't have to rely on a standalone unit that will take up square footage, your home will feel bigger and less cluttered, especially in smaller dwellings.
Whether you have a tiny living area to work with or prefer a minimalist layout, built-in shelves ensure you can display books and ornaments without blocking out too much of the room. According to Royal Palm Closet Design & Fine Cabinetry, these types of storage create a more functional space in kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas.
Hardwood floors
If you've ever tuned into a home renovation show or listened to professionals discuss timeless home additions, you've likely heard hardwood floors mentioned. That is because these are an asset to any home and usually look classic and elegant, even if they've been covered up for years. If your home boasts original hardwood flooring, it is definitely worth keeping, even if there is some disrepair.
Refinishing old hardwood floors can be easier than replacing them completely or putting in new materials. According to District Floor Depot, though the project might take a little longer and require more patience, cost-wise, it is better to refinish than replace. If the floors have distinct patterns, this can make them even more coveted and might just become the crowning feature of your abode. Hardwood is one of the biggest wins of an old home, so don't trade them in before considering all their possibilities and perks.
Covered porch
Having a porch attached to your house is a great way to spend warm days outside, but if you have a covered unit, it can completely change the game. Protected porches are ideal for many homes and allow people to gather together no matter the weather and take advantage of the coverage. Not all spaces are created the same, and the awning or top of your porch might be made of metal, wood, or acrylic. It can also be attached directly to the house, or it can be a piece that was purchased separately.
If your older home already includes a covered porch, make sure to keep it rather than removing the protection. It might seem like a good idea to have an open-air anteroom, but according to DG Builders, the awning increases your living area and doesn't require extra renovations or building additions. Friends and family can have extra seating, a place to enjoy meals or social time, and packages will also be protected from the elements if the porch is in front of your home. A fresh coat of paint or a good pressure wash (depending on the material) can help make a cover look new and add a classic charm to the house you'll want to keep.
Stained glass windows
It can be difficult to find homes with stained-glass windows these days, especially in more modern neighborhoods and builds. Grassmoor Glass LTD notes that while this trend found popularity during the Medieval Age (around the 12th century), the 20th century brought developments that allowed people to install stained glass in their homes. The designs shifted from more religious depictions to simple geometric shapes or artsy pictures that could fit into a smaller window space, making this trend desirable.
While it may take some hunting, you can still find homes that feature stained-glass windows. If your abode is one of these, keeping the windows that hold embellishments or designs is worth it. One of the main reasons homeowners replace their stained-glass windows is because they can be drafty or let in the elements, but there are ways to protect against that. According to Next Step Theater, caulking can be applied to cracks and edges to keep the wind out, and heavy curtains are good for holding warmth in and cold air out. Stained glass can also be double-glazed, though this does require it to be removed from the frame, cleaned, then reset between two glass sheets.
Crown molding & wainscotting
A unique vintage asset of older homes is wainscotting or crown molding. Both of these create depth and dimension in a room while also producing a timeless air that is loved by many. The vogue style it offers can make something as simple as a reading nook or small bathroom look chic and detailed, even if the walls don't boast a lot of décor or color.
Crown molding is used to border columns and cabinets along the ceiling, but it can also sit along the top of interior walls. Decorative Ceiling Tiles notes that when crown molding is done professionally, it transforms a space and makes the entire room look higher, larger, and more engaging. Wainscotting can also create dimension within a room or space, giving it character and detail that is both eye-catching and charming. These additions look fantastic in living spaces, dining rooms, and hallways, so if your home already has some, feature them with paint and minimal blockages from furniture.