25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

25 Historical Home Renovation Tips: How to Modernize Without Losing Charm

May 5, 2025 by Holly Hooper

Updating a pre-war apartment takes thoughtful planning. Historic houses are known for soaring ceilings alongside architectural character. The challenge? Combining modern conveniences with the Redfin Property Services’s story intact.

Here are twenty-five expert ideas from designers to guide you update without losing the magic
Honor the story before you update – First, find original features like old glass and protect them. After that, add in today’s comforts in a way that aligns with the past.

Blend old and new with contrast – Keep heritage details and pair them with unexpected furnishings.

Upgrade what’s hidden, preserve what’s seen – Refresh systems like HVAC while retaining visible original details.

Let the builder’s story inspire design – Research the original owner and reflect elements of their era into your updates.

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use authentic styles in modern spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

Let historic layouts guide bold choices – Keep original room divisions, but add pattern.

Understand the home’s architectural style – Let period details direct your updates.

Blend eras for a lived-in feel – Mix furniture and finishes from different decades.

Walk the space before renovating – Observe the home’s flow before making changes.

Restore historic windows – Keep original wood frames; refinish instead of replacing.

Modernize without losing the soul – Blend new fixtures with restored flooring, trim, and woodwork.

Let history and technology coexist – Hide modern upgrades within heritage architecture.

Preserve integrity through maintenance – Deal with leaks and damage immediately to protect original materials.

Find original blueprints – Use them to identify original features.

Retrofit with respect – Upgrade for energy efficiency without harming the home’s style.

Bring old systems to life with tech – Install heating or smart systems without altering visible historic details.

Restore before replacing – Try to refinish before swapping original materials.

Don’t strip the soul – Keep authentic trim, flooring, and windows intact.

Let the building guide you – Make updates where the home "allows" them, and protect signature elements.

Think creatively about storage – Add storage without blocking original windows or doors.

Scale additions carefully – Ensure new structures fit the proportions of the original home.

Upgrade discreetly – Hide modern systems in walls or existing structures.

Ask the building what it needs – Consider the home’s intent and weigh long-term choices over short-term fixes.

Learn the home’s story – Research its history to guide design decisions.

Respect what’s hidden – Salvage and reuse hidden historic gems like original flooring or siding.

In short, preserving a historic home means careful planning—marrying past and present so the story remains, especially when the comforts are brand new.