Old House Renovation: How to Make an Old House Look Modern

Posted On March 25, 2024

An old house renovation is an exciting but daunting task. After all, you can modernize your space to fit your style and preferences. Wanting to make significant changes can be frustrating, especially when all signs point to heavy renovations and expensive installations.

Many homeowners find themselves at a crossroads, torn between the desire to revamp their space and the daunting prospect of undertaking major construction projects. However, there are different old house decorating ideas that don’t necessarily break the bank or require extensive installation.

Discover various methods on how to make an old house look modern. Whether you’re aiming to revitalize your living space, improve functionality, or refresh your decor, this blog offers insightful tips and explores creative solutions to guide you through the process of achieving your desired transformation.

How to Make an Old House Look Modern

Apply paint or wallpapers

Updating your old home can easily be done by applying a fresh coat of paint or some eye-catching wallpaper. After all, your walls make up a huge part of what your eyes can see. You’ll be surprised at the wonders of this old house decorating idea and how it can change the feel of your space. It may not structurally renovate a room but has a transformative effect.

Your walls may have little dings, scratches, and smudges that draw attention and make your space feel dirty. Painting will make all the difference in making your home feel fresh and new, even if it’s the same color that’s already on your walls.

Consider also creating an accent wall in a room. It is an excellent way to add a focal point and establish a dominant color. The accent wall may be of a different ​​color, shade, design, or material to stand out.

In applying paint or wallpapers, select a color or pattern that reflects your style and complements your existing decor to update your space’s look instantly. Similarly, you can revamp a room by basing your furniture and other decorations on your wall designs.

Update light fixtures

Like your walls, lighting plays a big part in your decor as it sets the mood and tone and establishes zones in a room. Another tip on how to modernize an old house is by replacing your light fixtures and chandeliers. Changing these unsung heroes can bring a room to life instantly. You can maximize natural light to get amazing results.

Many options are available in the market, making selecting one that suits your style and preferences easy. They come in different designs and light hues to set the mood of a room. Otherwise, you may contact a designer to bring your ideas to life. 

Browse the different rooms in your home and consider how you can layer in light, such as through wall sconces, floor and table lamps, and chandeliers. Light can bring energy to a dark corner or set a cozy vibe in your bedroom.

Take this tip further by replacing dated light fixtures in updating an old house. Doing so will modernize your space instantly. While some tasks may require an expert electrician, replacing a ceiling light fixture or an old vanity light doesn’t require technical knowledge.

Introduce area rugs

Adding an area rug to your room will make your old house renovation task easier. These versatile pieces are a straightforward way to add warmth, texture, and visual interest to any room without heavy renovations.

Whether you have hardwood floors, tiles, or carpeting, a well-chosen handmade rug can tie the entire space together, anchor your furniture arrangement, and create sections in the room. There’s an area rug to suit every style and budget, from bold patterns to subtle neutrals.

What’s great about using area rugs in updating an old house is they’re easily interchangeable, allowing you to switch up your decor and refresh your space whenever the mood strikes.

Rearrange your furniture

Sometimes, all it takes in updating an old home is to do a bit of furniture rearranging. Experiment with different layouts to maximize space and flow. For instance, try moving your sofa to a different wall, swapping your armchairs with your side tables, or repositioning your bed to create a more cohesive and functional arrangement.

A new layout gives your living space a fresh look. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference a simple furniture shuffle can make in your room’s aesthetics and functionality. You can also move a piece of furniture from one room to another. For instance, if your living room accent chair isn’t getting much use, you may consider placing it in your bedroom. This old house decorating idea is cost-effective as you don’t need to buy new furniture.

Moreover, rearranging your furniture allows you to clean those hidden spaces. After all, removing dust can also brighten up your room.

Invest in multi-functional furniture

Another old house renovation tip is to invest in multi-functional furniture. For instance, storage ottomans, convertible sofa beds, or coffee tables with built-in storage compartments save space and add practicality to your home.

Choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes allows you to maximize functionality without sacrificing style and comfort. In fact, they are particularly beneficial in smaller spaces where every square inch counts, helping you make the most of your home’s layout without extensive remodeling.

Add greenery

Incorporating plants and flowers into your home decor is an effective way to revamp your space without renovation. These elements bring a touch of nature and freshness to your interiors. They also bring numerous health benefits, such as purifying the air and reducing stress.

A variety of indoor plants are available to choose from, such as low-maintenance succulents and leafy palms. Place them strategically in your home to add color and life to every room. Whether you prefer small potted plants on shelves or a statement floor plant in decorative pots, adding greenery instantly enhances the ambiance, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Refresh Your Space Without Renovation

Updating an old home doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can revamp your space and give it a fresh look without major renovations. With creativity and resourcefulness, you can transform your space into a home that reflects your style and personality.

Learn more about home decor and change your home into the haven you’ve always dreamed of. Get more interior design tips by visiting the Cyrus Artisan Rugs blog.