Renovating An Older House? Here Are 10 Ways To Make It Look More Modern

Want to modernize a house but don’t know where to start? These ten tips will help you transform your outdated home into a modern masterpiece.

Renovation projects are so exciting. They allow you to turn your vision into reality, creating the ideal home for you and your family. Unlike building a house from the ground up or buying a new-build property, buying an older house to renovate could give you more for your money and a property with plenty of character.

Modernize a House on a Budget: Simple DIY Tips

1. Create more modern floor plans

One of the simplest ways to make an older home more modern is to transform the floor plan. Older homes may comprise several rooms, including a lounge, dining room, and kitchen, but more modern spaces tend to be open-plan, enlarging the living area to suit different needs. This can open up your home and help you design your ideal space.

2. Bring in more natural light

A dark home can feel a little dated, but the transformation to a more modern-looking home can be achieved easily with the help of some more natural light. This is your opportunity to add in some more windows and glass doors that will help bring in the light while also bringing additional benefits such as better insulation. If adding in more windows isn’t possible, you could consider adding glass doors between rooms to help light flow a little better in the home.

3. Transform your kitchen

Most kitchens only last for a certain amount of time. As technology moves on and appliances become more sophisticated (and energy efficient), upgrading your kitchen is almost inevitable. Designing your kitchen from scratch will help ensure it has everything you and your family need, with plenty of storage space too.

Learn how to unlock your kitchen’s potential to help you get the most out of your new kitchen.

4. Modernize your bathrooms

Your bathrooms are next on the list for making your older home feel more modern. A bathroom renovation can add some value to your home while giving you a space that meets all of your needs. It’s also a good way of resolving any problems, such as damp and poor water use, which could cause significant damage over time. This is your chance to create your dream bathroom, so take a look at some modern bathroom ideas and choose the right design for your modern renovation.

5. Install new roofing

Your roof is another element of your home that will need replacing at some stage. Changing the roof of your home can make a significant difference to how your home looks, allowing you to choose some more modern finishes that are durable, too.

Changing your roofing is a big job, and you’ll need to work with a roofing company that can provide you with advice about the most appropriate materials for your home that will modernize it, while giving your home the protection that it needs.

6. Transform your outdoor space

While most of your initial renovation work will focus on the inside of your home, don’t forget about the outside! Adding some modern landscaping will transform your home’s exterior, giving you an additional space to relax and unwind. 

They say you should think of your outdoor space as an additional living area, so take a look at some ideas for bringing indoor living outdoors in this video:

@hansloreidesign

7. Change up your flooring

Changing your flooring is another way to modernize an older home. Unless you’re dealing with hardwood floors (see below), then changing up any dated flooring will make a big difference. Wooden or laminate floors are ideal for modern homes, especially in living areas, and are easy to maintain and keep clean. Upstairs, plush carpets in light fabrics make a space look larger and lighter, moving your home on from the darker colors that were popular in previous decades.

8. Decorate in contemporary colors

If you haven’t got the budget to make drastic changes, changing up the color scheme of your home can instantly transform it. The paint you choose can add light or set the mood for your space, completely making it your own. You can explore the latest paint trends to help you decide on the colors that you prefer and have a painting party in your new home!

9. Add some smart technology

Not all modern home renovations are aesthetic. Adding smart technology to your home can bring modern functionality and help you save on your energy costs. There are so many amazing smart home devices out there that are designed to make your life easier. A smart speaker is the first thing you should get, becoming your personal assistant at home. There are also smart fridges, robot vacuums, and even smart blinds that will all bring modern touches to your home without having to change your home’s appearance.

10. Decorate with modern furnishings

You don’t have to always decide between classic and modern. Sometimes, the two styles can work together to create a stylish and attractive space. You can use modern furnishings against classic features, such as molding and paneling, making your space look grander and more luxurious. Another option is to mix modern and antique furniture, giving you more flexibility with how you choose to furnish your rooms. Mixing up your furnishings will help your home look more unique and timeless, letting you choose the exact style you want for your home. 

What should you keep when you modernize a house?

Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are an expensive type of flooring to install brand new. So, if you have them in your home already, it’s worth treating them and reviving them to help them look good as new once again. This could be a fun DIY project to try yourself, or you can work with a professional who can bring your floors back to life. 

Original doors

If your home is equipped with its original doors, they could be another feature worth holding on to. Doors, particularly wooden doors, can be pricey, and there’s something wonderful about more traditional doors. You may need to refresh their appearance or change any glass panels within them, but it will be worth it to hold onto this original feature that will help make your home more unique.

Fireplaces

A fireplace is a wonderful addition to your home. Not only will it keep your home warm and bring some cozy vibes, but it will also bring some stylish decor that can be hard to replicate in a more modern home. Fireplaces in classic homes usually feature beautiful ornate details that make them look elegant in your space. You can spruce up your fireplace with fresh paint and add your own decor to the mantle and surround, helping you make the most of this original feature while giving it your own twist.

Molding and paneling 

Molding and paneling are becoming a popular feature in homes once again, with homeowners looking to add character into new properties. If you have some existing molding and paneling, then it’s something to consider holding onto, helping you retain some of that original character, but making it modern through paint choices and the rest of your decor. It’s even possible to fix damaged molding if you look in the right places for parts, helping you restore it to its former glory and look brand new again.

When you choose to renovate a property, you’re taking on a huge project (and a lot of smaller ones) that will eventually transform into your perfect home. Adding modern features can help you create a home that is fit for you and your family while retaining some of its existing features will honor its past and give your home some unique elements that won’t be found anywhere else.

While it can take a long time to reach the end result, your home renovation will be worth it. Enjoy making choices and planning your ultimate home renovation, and get ready to create your dream home.

Outdated Home? 10 Ways to Modernize Your House

Modernizing a house is a journey of blending classic charm with contemporary living. By incorporating these tips, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional, perfectly tailored to your modern lifestyle. Ready to embark on your modernization project? Start with one of these ideas and watch your vision unfold.