Last week I broke down the four primary approaches to the treatment of historical property. I have found that the majority of modern homeowners' treatment of their period home falls into the category of rehabilitation.

[Rehabilitation] “Values preserving the features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values this approach allows for modern use through repair, alterations and additions.”

I had so many of you reach out to me and ask “Ok, so now what?” It was easy to understand in theory, preserving features that are historical but we can repair, alter, and add to it. But how? In what ways should I execute these repairs, alterations, and additions so as to do so with respect and thoughtfulness to those elements that I’ll be preserving? Frankly that is the most loaded question in the home industry today, and one that sparked LTD unique services. How should the modern steward approach their 100 year old home today?

Don’t worry, I got you. These are my top 3 ways to execute a…

Historically Sympathetic Rehabilitation

Keep The Shell

It is my sincere belief that fixated original features should be retained in any historically sympathetic rehabilitation. Working with much of the original floor plan and retaining elements such as windows, plaster walls, doors, millwork, railings, sinks, tile, and flooring preserves the architectural integrity and markers of the style of home. If replacement is necessary I urge that the selections are considered for their similarity in material of what would have been. A 100 year old Tudor Revival would not have had faux wood ceramic tiles in the dining room. Hardwoods should be replaced with hardwoods. In this example an opportunity to express one’s own taste would be to have fun with the stain, but keeping the material as authentic to the original should always be the goal.

• Bathroom and Kitchens Rehabilitation

Two areas that I’d like to point out and are most often updated throughout the life of the home are bathrooms and kitchens. While the spectrum is quite wide regarding appropriate rehabilitation I would argue these are the rooms that the most freedom is expressed. I personally don’t believe there should be stringent ‘rules’ on what is done in these rooms because

1. This space has more than likely been renovated over the years.

2. It more than likely will change again no matter how amazing you make it simply due to technological advancements (appliances, electrical, etc.) 

There are some stewards that want a space that would be representative of what would have been in the home. And of course, these spaces are magical. But if you wanted to explore another aesthetic entirely on anything permanent to the home, I’d say keeping it confined to these spaces is a safe bet.

I’ve had clients ask for an update while preserving all of the original tile of their mid century home, and I have also assisted clients who are starting with a bathroom updated in the 80’s to work better with their turn of the century Victorian. I’ve also worked with clients who want to merge some very modern and sleek elements into their very stately Georgian. I don’t believe that any of the approaches are incorrect if done with intention and respect. As a steward of the home at this time you are writing your chapter in your home story as well. When executed with authenticity and thoughtful consideration I would argue the bathroom and kitchen are the best rooms to have a little fun.

Keep it with the house

(not your brother in laws shed two counties over)

One of my most favorite ways of bringing in my client’s personality is lighting fixtures. The elements are much more easily changed out should you choose to and can yield high impact when selected correctly. I would caution, however, if you are so blessed to come across an original lighting fixture in your home and you choose to replace it with something more in keeping with your desired aesthetic please store away in safe keeping in the house. There are old homeowners all around the world thanking their lucky stars that the original door, sink, chandelier was found in the attic. Labeling would be a cherry on top!

Run wild with the Rest

Beyond the ‘shell’ of the home I let my imagination run wild with everything else. Paint, wall coverings, lighting, furnishings. These are the elements that are easily reversed, moved, and exchanged if so desired. Much like the homes themselves I have found a symphony of aesthetic preferences and I believe that if they represent you they can’t be wrong.

Ultimately your time in your home should be reflected. As I advocate for stewards to ‘keep the original’ seemingly at every juncture I equally strive to embrace my client’s identity and weave it beautifully into that of the home.

“THE INTERIORS IN WHICH WE RESIDE, SHOULD BE THE PUREST REPRESENTATION OF ART”