How to Decorate an Historic Home

Decorating a historic home offers a unique opportunity to merge old-world charm with modern comfort. These homes, often filled with intricate architectural details and rich history, can be both inspiring and challenging to design. The key to decorating an older home lies in preserving its historic character while adapting it to fit modern living. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to approach decorating a historic home, covering everything from honoring architectural details to incorporating your personal style.

Before making any decisions about decor, take the time to learn about your home’s history. Understanding the period in which it was built, its architectural style, and any significant design influences will guide your decorating choices. Whether it’s a Victorian, Colonial, or Craftsman home, each era has distinct design elements that are worth preserving.

Researching the original features of the home, such as woodwork, flooring, and hardware, can provide insight into how to blend your modern decor choices with the home’s historical essence. Local historical societies, libraries, and even previous owners can offer valuable information about your home’s past.

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a historic home is the opportunity to showcase its architectural details. Features such as crown molding, wainscoting, original hardwood floors, exposed brick, and stained-glass windows give these homes their distinctive character. Instead of covering up or altering these elements, emphasize them in your decor.

For example, if your home has intricate molding or woodwork, keep walls painted in soft, neutral tones to allow these details to stand out. If there’s a stunning fireplace, center your room’s layout around it, making it a focal point. These original features provide the foundation for your decor, grounding your space in the home’s unique history.

To maintain the integrity of your historic home, consider incorporating vintage or antique furniture that complements its period style. Furniture from the same era as your home can reinforce its historical atmosphere and create a cohesive look throughout your space.

You don’t need to fill every room with period pieces, but selecting a few key items, such as an antique dining table or a vintage chandelier, can help tie the space together. For example, a Georgian-style home might benefit from formal, traditional furniture, while a mid-century modern home can incorporate sleek, minimalist designs from the 1950s and 1960s.

Mixing old and new is also a great way to create balance. Pairing modern sofas with antique side tables or combining contemporary art with a traditional settee can add depth and personality to your decor while keeping the space from feeling like a museum.

Color plays a significant role in how a historic home feels. Many homes built in past centuries used specific color palettes that reflected the trends of the time. Research the colors that were popular during the period your home was built, and consider using them as a starting point for your interior design.

For example, Colonial homes often featured earthy tones such as deep reds, mustard yellows, and olive greens, while Victorian homes were known for rich jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and navy. If you want to create a historically accurate look, consider incorporating these colors into your walls, textiles, and accents.

If bold, period-specific colors feel overwhelming, you can always incorporate them as accents while keeping your primary color scheme neutral. This allows you to honor your home’s historical roots without overwhelming your personal style.

One of the hallmarks of a historic home is the high-quality craftsmanship and materials used in its construction. Whenever possible, preserve and restore original materials like hardwood floors, tile work, and plaster walls. These elements are not only valuable but also add character that can’t be replicated in modern construction.

If your home has original flooring, for instance, consider refinishing rather than replacing it. The warmth and patina of old hardwood can give your space an authentic, lived-in feel. Similarly, if your home features unique details like vintage tile or antique hardware, resist the urge to replace them with modern alternatives. Instead, restore or clean these materials to their former glory.

When new materials are needed, aim to use high-quality options that complement the original construction. For example, if you’re updating a kitchen or bathroom, consider using materials like marble, brass, or hand-crafted wood to keep the design in line with the home’s character.

While preserving a home’s history is important, it’s equally essential to make it comfortable and functional for modern living. Introducing contemporary conveniences—such as updated kitchens, bathrooms, and lighting—should be done in a way that respects the home’s original design.

When upgrading kitchens or bathrooms, choose fixtures and finishes that blend with the home’s style. For instance, in a historic farmhouse, a modern kitchen can still feature shaker cabinets, farmhouse sinks, and classic brass hardware. Meanwhile, in a more opulent home, marble countertops and traditional cabinetry can enhance the luxurious feel.

When it comes to lighting, consider incorporating fixtures that mimic the style of the home’s era. You can find many modern reproductions of period lighting that offer both function and historic accuracy. Subtle updates like smart home technology or central heating and air can be integrated without compromising the home’s character.

Textiles are an excellent way to add warmth, color, and authenticity to your historic home. From window treatments to area rugs, the right fabrics can evoke the period in which the home was built while enhancing its cozy, lived-in feel.

For homes with tall windows, consider using period-appropriate curtains or drapes made of materials like velvet, silk, or linen. Area rugs, especially those with vintage or antique patterns, can add a layer of history to your floors while complementing the architectural features of the room.

When selecting upholstery, look for fabrics that mirror the home’s original time period. Rich tapestries or floral patterns work well in Victorian homes, while simple stripes or plaids suit Colonial or Craftsman designs.

The art and decorative elements you choose can play a big role in connecting your decor to the home’s historical roots. For a cohesive look, select pieces that resonate with the style of the home or that reflect its history.

For instance, if your home is from the Arts and Crafts period, look for artwork that reflects the movement’s emphasis on nature and craftsmanship. In a more opulent home, vintage mirrors, ornate frames, and traditional landscapes can add an air of elegance and refinement.

Decorative accessories such as vases, clocks, and light fixtures should be chosen with an eye for both functionality and aesthetics. Mixing modern and vintage pieces can add contrast and keep the space feeling dynamic without straying too far from its historical ambiance.

Historic homes were often designed with specific layouts in mind, and it’s important to respect these original configurations while decorating. For example, formal dining rooms, parlors, and sitting rooms were common in older homes, whereas open-concept living spaces were rare.

Rather than knocking down walls to create a more modern floor plan, embrace the separation of spaces and work with the flow of the original layout. Furnish each room with a purpose that reflects its original use while accommodating modern needs. For example, a formal dining room can double as an office space, and a small parlor can be transformed into a cozy reading nook.

Decorating a historic home requires a thoughtful approach that balances preserving its original charm with incorporating modern-day functionality. By understanding the home’s history, showcasing its architectural features, and incorporating period-appropriate furnishings and decor, you can create a space that honors the past while still feeling fresh and livable. Whether you're restoring a grand estate or a quaint cottage, each design decision can help highlight the character of your home, making it a true reflection of both its rich history and your personal style.

Lee Gray, a lifelong Beaufort resident with extensive knowledge of the Lowcountry, has been a dedicated real estate professional since 1995. His experience includes working with Alcoa of South Carolina and playing a pivotal role in sales for the private community of Dataw Island. Lee’s notable contributions to conservation efforts, notably the ACE Basin Project, highlight his commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Originally from the Northeast, Michelle Bunce relocated to the Lowcountry in 1999. Since then, she has been instrumental in developing several private residential real estate projects on Hilton Head Island and Dataw Island. Michelle holds a degree in Business Administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She began her career as an Operations Manager with Ameriprise Financial in Paramus, New Jersey, and has held client service roles at Wells Fargo Wealth Management, Raymond James, and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Together, Lee and Michelle can help you achieve your loftiest real estate goals. Contact them today to start the conversation.