If you follow us on Instagram you probably caught my recent rant about a certain ‘flip house’.The photos were sent to me by an ART Box subscriber and the absolute horror I felt could not be contained. I also quickly discovered, through the unbelievable amount of similar responses, that I wasn’t alone. So many of you, even many that I know live in very modern homes, agreed that this approach being ‘what the buyers want’ is a false narrative that we have been taught for far too long.

The overwhelming majority I find them to mainly be real estate developers and not as often home owners themselves believe that 

1. You buy a Cheap Old House

2. You tear down every wall you can because of course open concept is supreme

3. You paint every piece of trim white

This approach couldn’t be further from the truth, and does little to retain the limited amount of older homes we have. And surprise, is often quite a bit more expensive than to simply leave well enough alone.

So, what do you do? Our firm was established to answer this question precisely. There are so many Do No Harm modern updates that homeowners can and should do to live their best, modern life, in harmony with their 100+ year old work of art they get to call home.

I would like to preface this entire post with expressing that no matter your aesthetic, or chosen home I do not intend this to be shaming of any decisions you make for your home. If you're a developer, house flipper, land lord? Pay attention! If you start from a place of love when you begin making design decisions you will always win. Your home, your choice, and I will always respect that. I only ask that you consider these points, there may be some that surprise you!

What do you want?

The first question you must consider is what do you ultimately want in a home. Location matters of course but what does your dream home look like? If you long for a wide open floor plan with simple molding use these to guide your home search. By choosing a mid century home instead of the old victorian you would be closer to the finish line from the very beginning. 

Taking into consideration your true desires and looking for a home that is in alignment with it is the very best first step.

Support what you have.

So you may have already pulled the trigger and bought the home. If you have, regardless of the reason (location, architectural aesthetic, price?) you must put up your blinders and start exploring what your home has to offer. In this modern era we are pummeled with ‘what is right’ we, as consumers, very rarely are we able to consume specifically targeted guidance. What is good for some is not for others and when we are painted with a broad stroke so many of us fall short.  Seek out what your home, your home’s era, architectural treasures, and even your home’s specific history will guide decisions. 

Leave Walls Up

This one is very simple. Give up the notion that you should walk in the front door and immediately see through to the kitchen. It is not necessary (trust me, I have a two year old and make it work all the time). Think of your home as a beautiful jewel box, complete with layers that you and your guest can uncover and savor one at a time. Walls are canvases that provide visual interest that actually make your home safer in the event of a fire (this is a real thing). Embrace those walls, you’ll be fine… trust me.

It’s Only Paint

Now, I have a general rule for my home. I wouldn't paint it if it wasn’t painted. You may notice that much of our home’s trim is painted. This was done before we moved in and I personally did not make the decision to strip the paint. We did strip one built in and I was content with the warmth that the exposed wood brought in.

If you're truly invested in our home’s journey though you may recall the saga that I had with our ‘dining room’ turned ‘music room’. The only spot in the entire house that retained its exposed wood paneling. I battled for years with the appropriate solution because throwing paint on it haphazardly was not an option. Check out the mind blowing solution here.

Now, many of my old home loving enthusiasts may disagree with this statement but… it is only paint. While I’d prefer you leave beautiful wood work alone, I will always plead that it is much better to retain the woodwork, even if it's painted, then to rip it out.  

And everywhere else… it truly is just paint. So paint your ceiling green, throw up a crazy wallpaper and have fun. It is important to explore creativity in your space and through paint, you ensure that it can always be undone if needed.

Light it Up

Another favorite mode to inject your personal style is in lighting. Hands down most impact change you can make is adding a sleek, modern chandelier in a century old home. Or vice versa perhaps. The juxtaposition of the two make both sing just a bit louder. Making friends with a good electrician, one that isn’t afraid to go fishing (in your walls that is) is priceless. 

We added spotlighting throughout our second floor, added USB ports next to the bed, and even heated floors. All without taking away an ounce of our home’s historical context. Win win.

It’s Already Gone.

While I’d love to pretend that every old house has been left alone, the fact is much of the old house community has been picked apart over the years. The rooms most often void of these changes are the kitchen and bathrooms. If you're lucky enough to inherit anything original in these spaces, hold on tight. There are so many artisans that can reglaze tubs, regrout and repair original tile, and companies that provide quality fixtures that you can incorporate seamlessly.

If there is absolutely nothing to retain  you can embrace the freedom to explore an aesthetic that is entirely different from the rest of the house, or you can build a room with details that are similar to elsewhere in the home. Either way if fair game but good craftsmanship is paramount, don’t ever compromise on that.

Turn off the TV and Seek out Real Life Help

Whether it’s talking to the neighbor, calling up your pops, or even booking a consultation with our firm. The fact is, our homes, like our home owners, are not a one size fits all. True home building is specific and unique. If you are making decisions for your home based on a one sided conversation that millions of others were fed you have to ask yourself “Would that really work for me?” 

Ultimately, building your home should be a personal, and unique journey. Embracing your home and loving every wrinkle it has will return to you tenfold. Honoring your voice but also understanding that it is one in a beautiful tapestry that your home will have keeps your decisions in line and ensures you will…

...do no harm!