25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

25 Ways to Update a Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

May 5, 2025 by Holly Hooper

Renovating a pre-war apartment requires thoughtful planning. Historic houses are known for original millwork and architectural character. The challenge? Blending 21st-century living while keeping the property’s story intact.

Here are 25 tips from preservation experts to make it easier to modernize while protecting its history
Honor the story before you update – Start by identifying historic elements like old glass and preserve them. Once secured, add in modern elements in a way that complements the past.

Blend old and new with contrast – Preserve heritage details and pair them with sleek tech.

Upgrade what’s hidden, preserve what’s seen – Modernize systems like plumbing while keeping visible original details.

Let the builder’s story inspire design – Research the architect and incorporate elements of their era into your updates.

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use heritage-inspired materials in modern spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

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

Understand the home’s architectural style – Let historic style influence your updates.

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

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

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

Modernize without losing the soul – Balance 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 period details.

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 revive 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 match 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 Redfin homes 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 Redfin realtor reuse hidden historic gems like original flooring or siding.

In short, modernizing without losing history means careful planning—merging past and Redfin properties present so the character remains, especially when the comforts are brand new.