Old House Decorating Ideas – 8 Ways to Infuse Your Interiors With Character and Charm

Whether you are looking for old house decorating ideas because you are rescuing or remodeling a period home, or because you are building a new home to mimic the look and feel of a traditional property, you will want to instill a feeling of authenticity into your project.

This is where traditional decorating ideas from LA-based interior designer Jen Dallas are useful and really adaptable for all house styles.

‘Living in an old house holds layers of time passing. The way houses were constructed years ago was very different than how a new house is constructed today,’ says Jen. ‘The examples of the different layers are the way an old wood floor is worn in one place over the other; the use of molding and the wear of the small nicks and cracks; the rubbed-off finish on the door knobs. All of these examples tell a story. A story of the people who previously lived here and the passing of time. People call it charm. People call it personality. I call it the “perfectly imperfect” interior.‘

OLD HOUSE DECORATING IDEAS

From traditional living room ideas to inspiration for traditional kitchens, Jen offers her top tips and hard-won advice.

1. CHOOSE BOLD PAINT COLORS

Sideboard, Fiona McDonald. Lamp, Porta Romana. Ottoman in Nobilis fabric. 

Considering paint ideas? Be bold, says Jen.

‘There are many historic paint color palettes. Most are bold and bright. If your home is not historic, I would stay away from bold colors. Keep the paint colors muted and serene. 

‘Bold colors work on old architecture but if your house doesn’t have many architectural elements keep it soft and let the paint highlight the space rather than consume it.‘

Paint colors, Paint & Paper Library

A true statement-maker. Our versatile mid-century modern-inspired credenzas are great for use as TV stands, armoires, bars, office cabinets, or the perfect complement to your bedroom set. The vibrant art printed on the doors will make your piece pop in any setting. Available in a warm, natural birch or a premium walnut finish.

2. LAY LIGHTER WOOD FLOORS

Sofa, Love Your Home. Glass Coffee Table, Fiona McDonald. Flatweave Rug, Amy Kent

For flooring ideas, Jen recommends lighter colors. ‘There are so many trends and directions for flooring. If you wish to keep it looking like an older house I would keep the floors on a lighter shade. They are classic and will test the passing of time. In 10 years they will still look good. We don’t want to date your house with flooring trends,’ she says

Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux-down insert. Keeping an assortment of throw pillow designs on hand is the easiest way to give any space an instant refresh. Available in four sizes.

3. REINSTATE MOULDING

Rug, Floor Story, Bed throw The Conran Shop, Side Table Galvin Brothers, pendant Original BTC

Has the old house you’ve bought been stripped back to the bare bones? Consider reinstating them for an authentic look, says Jen.

‘Older homes use molding to frame ceilings (crown), windows (casing), and molding at the floors (base) and doors (casing). The modern look of today eliminates the need for it. The molding is a layer to an older home you can’t go without as it adds the craftsman layer to a room that shows details of the past.‘

It’s easy to get lost in sleep in our warm yet lightweight comforters. Colors pop on this bedding staple and they will surely be the focal point of your bedroom’s decor. Choose from either synthetic microfiber or our unbleached, long-staple 100% cotton. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes.

4. CREATE SMALLER ROOM SIZES AND NOT OPEN ROOM PLANS

(Image credit: Sims Hildtich)

While open-plan kitchen ideas that incorporate a living space and dining area, too, are very popular in modern homes, Jen suggests rethinking this approach for older homes or considering broken-plan living rooms.

‘If you are looking to remodel or build a custom home, you may wish to consider not going full-on open floor plans. Older homes had a room for each function. The rooms were not all open to one another. The rooms were smaller more intimate spaces. This allowed spaces to stay warm in the winter and helped the sound from carrying out to the rest of the home. 

‘A modern home floor plan that has an open kitchen to its family room is nice for entertaining and feeling the spaciousness. But if a more traditional, older home feeling is desired, you may want to reconsider the open floor plan.‘

Express your style all over your home with a feature-worthy rug. They’re made from a woven, polyester chenille for a soft and textured look. Plus, by choosing from our wide array of designs, you’re sure to find just the rug to match your decor. Rugs are one of the best, attention-grabbing pieces to design a room around. Use the colors within the rug to help choose art prints, furniture fabric, and accent pillows.

5. CONSIDER THE STYLE OF CABINET AND DOOR HARDWARE

(Image credit: Paint and Paper Library)

‘There are so many options when it comes to cabinet and door hardware now. Choosing an aesthetic that flows through your home is key. Choose one look and let it flow from there. 

‘Choose a statement for the front door that can be special and all to its own. From there, address your kitchen cabinet hardware and then follow with the main bath of the house and other areas. Cabinet hardware is an easy switch and can greatly impact a house giving it a whole new layer of character.’

Our welcome mats are constructed from looped vinyl which makes them easy to clean and durable enough to stand up to the elements. Whether you want to showcase your refined decor style or get funny with it—they’re a must-have for your home and make a great first impression.

6. THE USE OF WINDOW TREATMENTS

(Image credit: Warner House)

Considering living room drape ideas? Think: traditional. 

‘The window treatments of today have become much more shade driven than that of an older home which was drapery driven,’ says Jen. ‘In an older home panel draperies are what was used. They were required to provide warmth in the winter and keep things cooler in the summer. By adding drapery the room feels more intimate and smaller than an older home would. The use of shades is a much more modern-day choice.’

Invite the sun inside on your terms. Our blackout window curtains are a denser alternative to your standard window curtain, blocking out most light and proudly featuring your favorite designs. Whether you live in a busy apartment or a peaceful neighborhood, it’s always nice to have the option to shut out the sun and relax inside by candlelight. Available in either single or double-panel options. A double panel features the same design on both panels. The bottom edge of the curtain includes a 2″ pocket that can be used as a hanging pocket, but beware that the artwork will be upside down for any non-patterned designs.

7. ADD AN ANTIQUE OR A VINTAGE PIECE OF FURNITURE

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

Decorating with antiques is a must for adding character and narrative to an interior, says Jen.

‘There is nothing like finding a vintage piece of furniture that can be put to a new use. The look of an older piece of furniture in a newer home automatically brings the age and story of the piece into the modern home. 

‘The furniture of today is not made with the same quality and character as it was in the past. The addition of an antique piece will give you a “crust” aged layer that a newer piece of furniture could never provide.’

Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper and faux-down insert. Keeping an assortment of throw pillow designs on hand is the easiest way to give any space an instant refresh. Available in four sizes.

8. CHOOSE ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE LIGHTING OVER NEW

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

‘In my interior design practice, I often introduce an antique light fixture. I find lighting at flea markets, Etsy, garage sales, and vintage shops across the country. I enjoy the hunt. 

‘You can easily have your find rewired to accommodate codes and requirements for the homes of today. The old French lantern will be such a great mix to the exterior of your home. The alabaster or milk glass bowl will give such character to that hallway by the backstairs. See what you find and how it can greatly add a needed old house charm to your new renovated powder room.‘

Our outdoor floor cushions are super comfy and style-forward options for outdoor seating. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.

HOW DO YOU MAKE AN OLD HOUSE LOOK NICE?

The key to making an old house look nice is to pick colors, flooring, lighting, and fixtures that are authentic to its period. ‘Critical to the success of a new/old home is how we chose to tell the new interior story,’ says interior designer Jen Dallas. ‘Material relationships flow into one another, effortlessly leading the eye from one room to the next. Whether it is the reclaimed, wide plank floors, antique tiles, or adding a new Dutch exterior door, all of the meticulously poured-over selections and details combine to offer the modern home of today tranquillity and old-day elegance that feel composed over time and also like a breath of fresh air.’

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