Preserving the Heart of Your Home During Renovation
When I first bought my century-old Craftsman bungalow in Oregon, I was completely enamored with its original stained glass windows, the creaky hardwood floors, and even the odd little nooks that didn’t seem to serve any practical purpose. But it needed work—a lot of it. And I was determined to remodel without stripping it of its unique personality.
Over the years, I've learned a few hard-won lessons about remodeling homes that already have strong character. Here's what I discovered, and what I wish someone had told me before I started swinging a hammer.
1. Understand the History Before You Remodel
Before making any changes, I spent weeks researching the architectural history of my home. I found out that the original blueprints were still available in the town archives. That little detail helped me make informed decisions about which features were original and which were later additions.
If your home was built before the 1970s, there’s a good chance it reflects a specific architectural era—Mid-century Modern, Victorian, Colonial Revival. Understanding these styles can guide you in choosing materials and layouts that enhance rather than erase the home's story.
2. Hire Craftspeople Who Understand Unique Homes
I made the mistake of hiring a general contractor for the initial bathroom renovation. While they were competent, they didn’t quite "get" the vibe of the house. The result? A sleek, modern bathroom that clashed with the rest of the home’s aesthetic. Lesson learned.
Eventually, I found a local woodworker who specialized in restoring old homes. He helped me recreate period-appropriate cabinetry and moldings that felt like they had always been there. Find tradespeople who have experience with older or character-filled homes—they’ll know how to preserve the charm while upgrading functionality.
3. Respect the Bones of the House
One of the most sacred principles I adopted was "don’t fight the house." If a room wants to be small and cozy, don’t try to make it open concept. If the home has original beams or brick, leave them exposed when possible. These details tell the home’s story.
In my case, a narrow hallway seemed like wasted space, but instead of removing it, I turned it into a mini art gallery with vintage family photos and memorabilia. Now, it’s one of the most commented-on features by visitors.
4. Modernize with Care
Yes, we all want modern plumbing, insulation, and lighting. But there’s a right way to do it. When we updated the electrical system, we chose antique-style switch plates and ran wires through existing cavities to avoid cutting into plaster walls.
Technology can blend with tradition. Smart thermostats, underfloor heating, and efficient windows can all be integrated with care so they don’t jar with the visual flow of your home.
5. Salvage and Reuse Materials When Possible
Nothing matches old like old. I spent weekends combing through salvage yards and estate sales for doors, light fixtures, and even floorboards that matched the original style. Not only did it save money, but it also gave the renovation a sense of continuity.
One of my favorite finds was a 1920s glass pendant light that now hangs proudly in our front hallway. It’s not just décor—it’s a conversation starter.
6. Prioritize What Makes the Home Special
Every home has a soul. For mine, it was the built-in bookshelves, the window seat overlooking the garden, and the odd closet under the stairs. I centered my renovation around those features, ensuring they stayed intact or were lovingly restored.
Ask yourself: What did you fall in love with when you first saw the house? Those are the elements that deserve top priority during remodeling.
7. Blend New With Old Thoughtfully
When we added a new kitchen, I was worried it would look like a different house entirely. The solution? Custom cabinets that matched the original wood tone, vintage-look tiles, and open shelving using reclaimed wood.
This blend of old and new created harmony. The space is efficient and fresh, yet it still feels like part of the original structure.
8. Don’t Rush the Process
I’ll be honest—remodeling a character-filled home takes time. You might need to wait for the right materials, or live with quirky issues longer than you'd prefer. But the payoff is a home that feels authentic and lived-in, not manufactured.
It took me over three years to complete my renovation, doing it in stages and learning as I went. The result? A home that feels not just updated, but truly loved.
9. Share Your Journey and Learn From Others
I found a lot of comfort in online forums and local historic home groups. Sharing photos, challenges, and little wins kept me motivated—and introduced me to others who were just as passionate about preserving charm as I was.
Plus, I learned valuable tricks, like how to remove paint from old hardware or where to find discontinued tile patterns.
10. Embrace the Imperfections
The truth is, part of what makes these homes so special is that they aren’t perfect. They creak, they lean, they have quirks. And that’s okay.
Now, when guests come over and notice that the floor slopes slightly or that two doors don’t quite align, I smile. Because that’s character. That’s history. That’s home.
