Although our home isn't spanking new (it's 20+ years old), in house years, it is relatively new. It doesn't have any of that "old home" charm that you find in homes 100 years old. Here are some great ways to add old touches to your new home, found on myhomeideas.com (one of my FAVORITE sites):
10 Ways to Make a New House Look Old.
1.) Aged Floors
2.) Reclaimed Bricks
3.) Antique (or Antique-looking) Appliances
4.) Old Doors
5.) Vintage-inspired plumbing
6.) Handy Hardware (check eBay for old hardware, I have seen tons there!)
7.) (Not particularly a fan of this one, but I can't leave out a number on a list of 10)
Natural Wood
8.) Salvage Old Architecture (cool and inexpensive - find old doors and windows at flea markets that you can use as decor in your home).
9.) Antique Lighting (again, eBay is a great source for this)
10.) And All The Trimmings (I love the subtle room number in this picture - what a cute idea!
Sorry I've been MIA in the blogging world lately - life has gotten the best of me, I should be back to my daily posts in no time :)
1 hour ago
I love the chalkboard over the oven in the kitchen - so cozy!
ReplyDeleteFound your blog online and I'm so glad. My husband and I are getting ready to celebrate our 3rd anniversary and we just bought our 1st house. We are definitely in love and under renovation! I'll be checking in for more decorating ideas!!
i love this post! what a great list!
ReplyDeleteCan I add to your list?
ReplyDelete11. Trimwork and moulding in a specific architectural style. The original woodwork in a 1920's craftsman-style home is very different than what you'll find in your average 2008 ranch home in suburbia.
12. Tall baseboards. Going from wimpy 2 inche baseboards to beautiful 5 inch baseboards made a world of difference in our house.
13. Tiny bathroom tiles. Black and white 1-2 inch hexagonal tiles in a bathroom always remind me of homes built between 1900 - 1940.
14. Add built-ins. Bookcases flanking a fireplace, a built-in buffet in a dining room, or medicine cabinets recessed in a bathroom wall are great ways to add character and make your home seem older.
15. Not just distressed hardwoods but distressed WIDE PLANK hardwoods. They're definitely pricier, especially if they're reclaimed wood floors from an older home or a barn, but they're gorgeous!
mcgee- you rock! <3
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that I love your blog! I found it on the nest and I'm so glad I stumbled on it!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I just bought our first house, that needs a little TLC cosmetically. You have such great ideas!
And if you have any suggestions on what colors go with our olive green couch that would be grrreeat!
Look forward to reading.
:)
Brynn, you should pick up a copy of "New Old House" magazine. You'd probably really like it. It's mostly custom-built new homes designed to look old, but there are usually some good things I can take from there and apply to my own non-custom-built non-high end house. :)
ReplyDeleteI have picture number 3 on my blog...just love that kitchen!
ReplyDelete