How to Update an Old House on a Budget

Pre-loved homes are becoming increasingly popular, what with soaring real estate prices and not-so-soaring economies.

We show you how to bring your aging home into the next century without extensive renovations.

A hallmark in old homes is elaborate wood or plaster crown moulding, often painted in contrasting colours for definition. Unfortunately, it can make your home look dated and cramped.

To update, paint your entire space – ceiling, walls, and furnishings – in similar pastel or neutral colours. The seamless blending of shades create an unbroken line that makes your room appear larger and airier. It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can instantly modernise your space.

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Archways mean that you can make a dramatic entrance every time you step into a room. Separate your spaces with sheer or modern fringe curtains (not to be mistaken for your grandmother’s beaded tassels) that are hung from loops on curtain knobs to keep the shape of your arch visible.

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Add pops of colour along the inside of the arch to add to a modern interior.

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Boy, did our ancestors have a thing for bordering and defining spaces; it’s a far cry from our contemporary open concept homes. If you’ve got columns, low walls, or strangely placed partitions – make it a focal point! Paint your blockade in a darker accent colour such as black or red, and hang framed paintings and photos for a bold artistic statement.

SOURCE: inspiringhomeideas.net

You can also cover the wall in a floor to ceiling mirror to create the illusion of an open space.

Por que, parquet? Give a new lease of life to orangey parquet flooring by stripping and staining them in a rich, dark colour with a satin finish. A light honey coloured shade also looks great with white walls. Top it off with a fluffy rug or carpet in a complementary colour to pull your entire room’s look together.

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Forget the stainless steel paint! The same goes for tired, stained wooden banisters. Window frames, gate grills, and staircase banisters in classic black, dark green, or white fade seamlessly into the background. Alternatively, opt for bright pops of colours that are repeated in the rest of your room.

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Once upon a tile, someone thought this was a good idea. Our solution: paint those tiles to blend into the background! Talk to your constructor or paint guy about paints and primers that work with your tile material. You can also frame the area with plaster moulding in the same colour as the rest of your wall.

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We also really love vinyl stickers. Look for stickers that mimic Spanish or mosaic tiles, modern lettering, or customisable prints for both your kitchen and bathroom.

Ah, these delightful remnants of the 80s. Here’s a quick DIY job:

• Replace all your drawer knobs with sleek modern handles
• Make good paint choices. Light coloured paint will make your kitchen look bigger, while glossy black can slim down bulky cabinets. Wipe your doors clean off dirt and grease before you start.
• Crown moulding on the tops of your cabinets add an instant touch of class.
• Attach peel-and-stick LED lights (you can get them for cheap at most hardware stores) to the insides of your cabinets. Tada, contemporary cabinets!

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Update old furniture with – yes! – a fresh coat of paint. A refurbished table or set of drawers can be further accentuated with stencil designs, washi tape, or dry erase paint.

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Get rid of the panels and doors. Then, transform the space left behind into a cosy study or reading nook. We also love the idea of a mock wardrobe with built-in shelves and a dresser, hidden behind curtains.

SOURCE: home-designing.com