The Old-School Home Feature That Is Considered Highly Valuable

Gone are the days of ripping out original elements in favor of pure modern minimalism. While there are plenty of historic elements that are making a major comeback, there is one old-school home feature that is considered highly valuable among top designers and homeowners. Designer Laura Lubin told Southern Living: "We see tremendous value in original millwork: paneled walls, built-in cabinetry, old-growth wood doors, and architectural salvage that reflects true craftsmanship rather than mass production."

There are pros and cons of buying a historic house, and one of the pros is undoubtedly the decorative millwork and built-in wood paneling. Architectural Digest released an article about the millwork trend and how it can set the mood for a designer interior. They highlighted white oak, slender panel moldings, and wood-clad ceilings as a few trending elements in this timeless category. If you're searching for the best tips for renovating a historic home, keep in mind that maintaining your original millwork can have a positive effect on the perceived value of your property.

For those who aren't lucky enough to have original millwork, consider adding decorative elements like architraves above doors and windows. This small change can make a huge difference if your goal is to curate a vintage-inspired space. You can also create a coffered ceiling with sunken panels for a timeless, ornate appearance. If you do have original millwork, but you're unsure whether to keep those elements, Joshua Jones of JJONES Design Co. recently gave this advice: "In the dining room, charming built-in display cabinets are often seen as a luxury and can add value to a home." He adds that removal may be justified in areas where space is at a premium, such as bedrooms or home offices.

If you're still itching to modernize your home, don't immediately remove your millwork altogether. There are several ways to give your decorative woodwork and built-ins a contemporary touch while preserving the original structure. For example, try painting the elements in a shade that complements your surrounding décor. Another effective approach is adding subtle lighting, such as LED strips or recessed fixtures. These updates are often better than removal, as they allow you to preserve the character of your home. When it comes to which vintage home feature people love the most, original millwork consistently tops the list.