Older homes are prized for their charm and character. Exposed brick, original woodwork, intricate crown molding, and custom stonework are just a few elements that make older homes unique. However, not everything in an older home can stand the test of time. Inevitably, you’ll need to modernize areas of your older home to make living in it practical, particularly regarding electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
However, modernizing an old home doesn’t have to mean erasing its historic charm—it’s all about striking a careful balance between preserving character and implementing modern conveniences.
We spoke to San Francisco-based interior designer Kanika B. Khurana to learn how to turn your home into a modern space while preserving its character. Here are her top tips for making an older space feel fresh and functional while keeping its soul intact.
Preserve Architectural Details
Wherever possible, Khurana recommends preserving your home’s unique architectural details. These elements give a home its personality, whether exposed brick, an original fireplace, arched doorways, or elegant crown molding.
“Rather than covering them up, I highlight them by painting them in complementary tones or even giving them a refreshed, modern finish,” Khurana says.
These original architectural details are irreplaceable, so if you’re looking to modernize aesthetically, it’s better to focus on other areas of the home (like the furniture). Khurana says they keep the history alive, grounding the modern touches you add throughout your space.
Upgrade With Purpose
When planning a renovation, it can be tempting to overhaul the entire space in an effort to start fresh. However, Khurana recommends approaching renovations with a conservative eye—only updating what needs to be replaced and keeping original details where possible.
“When I update kitchens and bathrooms, I avoid doing a full overhaul unless necessary,” she says. “Instead, I’ll keep charming elements like vintage tiles or classic cabinetry and mix them with modern countertops, faucets, or appliances.”
Not only will this help preserve some of the home’s original character, but it will also save you time and money that you can reinvest into the space elsewhere.
Modern Furniture, Classic Foundation
One of the simplest ways to modernize an older home is to fill it with modern furniture. We aren’t talking about super contemporary furniture here—simply clean-lined, minimalist pieces that don’t overpower the home’s original character. The goal is modern furniture with a classic foundation.
“Clean-lined sofas, minimalist chairs, and functional storage pieces can work wonders alongside vintage hardwood floors or large bay windows,” Khurana says. “The idea is to make the space livable and stylish, but not at the cost of the home’s history.”
Accent Walls With Original Textures
Exposed brick, plaster walls, or original wood paneling are just a few classic textures found in old homes. While it may not be practical to keep all of these textures visible, Khurana recommends keeping a few around your home where possible. They make fantastic accent walls that glimpse the home’s original history and makeup and help anchor more modern decor choices.
So, how do you style these original accent walls in your home? Khurana says it’s all about creating a balance and playing old and new off one another.
“I love pairing textured, timeworn surfaces with crisp, modern art or sleek furniture to create a beautifully balanced look,” she says.
Integrate Smart Tech Seamlessly
Smart technology is part of many homes today, but you don’t want it to dominate the space visually in older homes. Luckily, it doesn’t have to—the trick is to blend smart tech into your home seamlessly so it doesn’t draw focus away from the home’s original details and aesthetic.
“My go-to move is to integrate tech subtly, like using smart switches that look like traditional ones or speakers that blend into bookshelves,” Khurana says. “You get all the benefits of modern living, automated lights, security, and music without distracting from the home’s original aesthetic.”
Statement Lighting With a Vintage Twist
Lighting is one element of an old home that you will likely need to upgrade at some point. As charming as vintage light fixtures are, they simply aren’t practical (or eco-friendly) today. However, when done right, updated lighting can enhance the home’s character rather than diminish it.
“You can introduce modern fixtures like sleek pendants or sculptural chandeliers that draw the eye, but I love choosing designs that feel timeless, maybe something with brass or an Edison bulb vibe,” Khurana says. “It gives that contemporary edge without feeling out of place.”
And don’t forget to layer your lighting. Adding a few different light sources to each room (like sconces, table lamps, overhead lighting, and pendants) helps to add depth and illuminate the home’s original features in all its glory.
