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Ben and Erin Napier have made careers out of finding the beauty in older homes and transforming them into modern creations full of old-school charm. It is, after all, what they do on each and every episode of Home Town. After getting to know these spouses and hosts a little better, here are a few tips we've learned from them on how to renovate an older home to make it fully functional, but without compromising any of that gorgeous original charm.
Renovations
14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its Charm
July 27, 2019
Ben and Erin Napier have made careers out of finding the beauty in older homes and transforming them into modern creations full of old-school charm. It is, after all, what they do on each and every episode of Home Town. After getting to know these spouses and hosts a little better, here are a few tips we've learned from them on how to renovate an older home to make it fully functional, but without compromising any of that gorgeous original charm.
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Keep Original Brickwork
1/14Keep Original Brickwork
1/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
This veranda boasts old-school charm thanks to the updated, painted <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/suburban-bungalow-renovation-1920379/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bricks</a> on these pillars. The colour ties into the rest of the house and feels fresh and new, but a closer look and the textured finish adds tons of extra appeal and design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/20-renovations-that-wont-add-value-to-your-home-1894750/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Renovations That Won't Add Value to Your Home</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep Original Brickwork
PHOTO 1 of 14READ LESS -This veranda boasts old-school charm thanks to the updated, painted <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/suburban-bungalow-renovation-1920379/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bricks</a> on these pillars. The colour ties into the rest of the house and feels fresh and new, but a closer look and the textured finish adds tons of extra appeal and design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/20-renovations-that-wont-add-value-to-your-home-1894750/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Renovations That Won't Add Value to Your Home</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Add a Touch of Wood
2/14Add a Touch of Wood
2/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
Who said <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tips-and-tricks/blog/mike-holmes-how-to-remove-popcorn-ceiling-1923535/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ceilings</a> had to be painted anyhow? Exposing or adding sleek boards automatically gives a room a warm and rustic vibe. And in the right space, it can also highlight some of the home's original character and charm. To keep the look unexpected and open, the ceiling is balanced with pretty white tiling below. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/signs-fixer-upper-not-worth-saving-1916588/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Whopping 81% of HGTV Viewers Said They'd Buy a Fixer-Upper: 10 Signs That It's Not Worth Saving</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmAdd a Touch of Wood
PHOTO 2 of 14READ LESS -Who said <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/tips-and-tricks/blog/mike-holmes-how-to-remove-popcorn-ceiling-1923535/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ceilings</a> had to be painted anyhow? Exposing or adding sleek boards automatically gives a room a warm and rustic vibe. And in the right space, it can also highlight some of the home's original character and charm. To keep the look unexpected and open, the ceiling is balanced with pretty white tiling below. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/signs-fixer-upper-not-worth-saving-1916588/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Whopping 81% of HGTV Viewers Said They'd Buy a Fixer-Upper: 10 Signs That It's Not Worth Saving</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Go for a Retro Colour
3/14Go for a Retro Colour
3/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
This forest green may not be a modern or even a contemporary colour choice, but it certainly is a classic country one. The rich tone plays beautifully off the natural woods in this kitchen and really highlights the gorgeous <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/timeless-kitchen-cabinet-ideas-1910941/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cabinetry</a> above. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/these-drool-worthy-kitchens-make-a-case-for-colourful-cabinets-1900534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Drool-Worthy Kitchens Make a Case for Colourful Cabinets</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmGo for a Retro Colour
PHOTO 3 of 14READ LESS -This forest green may not be a modern or even a contemporary colour choice, but it certainly is a classic country one. The rich tone plays beautifully off the natural woods in this kitchen and really highlights the gorgeous <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/timeless-kitchen-cabinet-ideas-1910941/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cabinetry</a> above. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/these-drool-worthy-kitchens-make-a-case-for-colourful-cabinets-1900534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Drool-Worthy Kitchens Make a Case for Colourful Cabinets</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep Some Original Backsplash
4/14Keep Some Original Backsplash
4/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
An entire kitchen of this retro <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">backsplash</a>? No thanks. But an artful addition to create a gorgeous feature wall? We're into that. Here the mix of old and new really features the home's personality.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep Some Original Backsplash
PHOTO 4 of 14READ LESS -An entire kitchen of this retro <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/25-kitchen-backsplash-ideas-for-your-next-reno-1050210/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">backsplash</a>? No thanks. But an artful addition to create a gorgeous feature wall? We're into that. Here the mix of old and new really features the home's personality.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Opt for Exposed Beams
5/14Opt for Exposed Beams
5/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
In that same <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, the home's structural beauty is showcased by the updated and exposed the beams overhead. The rich look feels purposeful and polished, but also adds to the overall room's inherent history. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/victorian-era-still-alive-106-year-old-carriage-house-montreal-1927853/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Victorian Era is Still Alive in This 106-Year-Old Carriage House in Montreal</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmOpt for Exposed Beams
PHOTO 5 of 14READ LESS -In that same <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, the home's structural beauty is showcased by the updated and exposed the beams overhead. The rich look feels purposeful and polished, but also adds to the overall room's inherent history. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/victorian-era-still-alive-106-year-old-carriage-house-montreal-1927853/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Victorian Era is Still Alive in This 106-Year-Old Carriage House in Montreal</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep Original Trim
6/14Keep Original Trim
6/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
They just don't make intricate trim with those pretty details the way they used to, which is why it's entirely worth saving if that's an option. Even if it's an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/downsides-open-concept-living-1911919/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">open-concept</a> look you crave, keeping some of the trim from the frames intact can go a long way in helping to define and personalize an older space, as showcased in this particular look.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep Original Trim
PHOTO 6 of 14READ LESS -They just don't make intricate trim with those pretty details the way they used to, which is why it's entirely worth saving if that's an option. Even if it's an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/downsides-open-concept-living-1911919/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">open-concept</a> look you crave, keeping some of the trim from the frames intact can go a long way in helping to define and personalize an older space, as showcased in this particular look.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep an Older Door Frame
7/14Keep an Older Door Frame
7/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
If an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/smart-stylish-ways-divide-open-concept-living-space-1929076/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">open-concept</a> look isn't your style, highlight a room's original beauty with pre-existing door frames if they're sturdy and solid. Same goes for any intricate details or panelling on the walls.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep an Older Door Frame
PHOTO 7 of 14READ LESS -If an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/smart-stylish-ways-divide-open-concept-living-space-1929076/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">open-concept</a> look isn't your style, highlight a room's original beauty with pre-existing door frames if they're sturdy and solid. Same goes for any intricate details or panelling on the walls.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep Those Window Frames
8/14Keep Those Window Frames
8/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
Speaking of study originals, original window frames are just as worthy of keeping in a new reno as pre-existing door frames. The beauty of this home's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/signs-time-to-replace-windows-in-home-1917902/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">windows</a> is highlighted by going for a darker stain that continues on the trim throughout. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/how-to-create-your-own-budget-friendly-home-reno-without-a-contractor-1923427/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Create Your Own Budget-Friendly Home Reno — Without a Contractor</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep Those Window Frames
PHOTO 8 of 14READ LESS -Speaking of study originals, original window frames are just as worthy of keeping in a new reno as pre-existing door frames. The beauty of this home's <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/signs-time-to-replace-windows-in-home-1917902/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">windows</a> is highlighted by going for a darker stain that continues on the trim throughout. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/how-to-create-your-own-budget-friendly-home-reno-without-a-contractor-1923427/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Create Your Own Budget-Friendly Home Reno — Without a Contractor</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep an Unexpected Finish
9/14Keep an Unexpected Finish
9/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
This room feels unique and whimsical thanks to the siding featured on the indoor walls. It's a look that you don't often come across, but it's striking enough to update and keep if you want the room to retain some of its original <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers-buying-and-selling/photos/how-a-dated-home-went-glam-while-keeping-its-original-charm-intact-1906721/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">charm</a>. In this particular case, the siding helps set the tone for a games room that feels outdoorsy, yet cozy.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep an Unexpected Finish
PHOTO 9 of 14READ LESS -This room feels unique and whimsical thanks to the siding featured on the indoor walls. It's a look that you don't often come across, but it's striking enough to update and keep if you want the room to retain some of its original <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers-buying-and-selling/photos/how-a-dated-home-went-glam-while-keeping-its-original-charm-intact-1906721/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">charm</a>. In this particular case, the siding helps set the tone for a games room that feels outdoorsy, yet cozy.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Keep an Original Fireplace
10/14Keep an Original Fireplace
10/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
We love the look of this vintage fireplace in an updated space. The pretty white bricks automatically draw the eye, while a screen adds instant contrast and definition. As for the fireplace itself? It may not work, but that's where candles come in handy.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmKeep an Original Fireplace
PHOTO 10 of 14READ LESS -We love the look of this vintage fireplace in an updated space. The pretty white bricks automatically draw the eye, while a screen adds instant contrast and definition. As for the fireplace itself? It may not work, but that's where candles come in handy.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Build out an Existing Fireplace
11/14Build out an Existing Fireplace
11/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
In this instance, an entire brick wall of the original <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a> wasn't in line with the room's overall reno. However, the update was still able to showcase the piece's charm by keeping those bricks on the interior. Meanwhile, a small wood-burning stove insert makes the finished look functional and fun.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmBuild out an Existing Fireplace
PHOTO 11 of 14READ LESS -In this instance, an entire brick wall of the original <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/fireplace-mantel-decor-ideas-1921954/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fireplace</a> wasn't in line with the room's overall reno. However, the update was still able to showcase the piece's charm by keeping those bricks on the interior. Meanwhile, a small wood-burning stove insert makes the finished look functional and fun.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Frame out a Fireplace
12/14Frame out a Fireplace
12/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
Another great option when it comes to keeping an original fireplace's charm is to simply frame it out with a new mantel and trim. In this instance the soft colours play beautifully off the bricks and create a cozy and comfortable nook.Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmFrame out a Fireplace
PHOTO 12 of 14READ LESS -Another great option when it comes to keeping an original fireplace's charm is to simply frame it out with a new mantel and trim. In this instance the soft colours play beautifully off the bricks and create a cozy and comfortable nook.Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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Restructure Those Stairs
13/14Restructure Those Stairs
13/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
Original stairs are another beautiful feature in an older home that, when finished correctly, can add depth and old-school charm to any open-concept space. The dark stain of these particular risers and footers pops against the creamy whites of the trim and walls, really helping to create definition and rich design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/anna-church-toronto-artist-124-year-old-house-1915086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Do You Do With a 124-Year-Old House? Not Much, According to This Toronto Artist</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmRestructure Those Stairs
PHOTO 13 of 14READ LESS -Original stairs are another beautiful feature in an older home that, when finished correctly, can add depth and old-school charm to any open-concept space. The dark stain of these particular risers and footers pops against the creamy whites of the trim and walls, really helping to create definition and rich design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/anna-church-toronto-artist-124-year-old-house-1915086/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Do You Do With a 124-Year-Old House? Not Much, According to This Toronto Artist</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
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When in Doubt, Add Antique Furniture
14/14When in Doubt, Add Antique Furniture
14/14Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
If all else fails and you're unable to keep part of an original structure that you really loved, a great way to add some of that charm back in is to select <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/toronto-rental-transformed-retro-pad-1916711/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vintage</a> furniture that speaks to the era your home was created. It's a tried and true trick and a surefire way to creating a lasting and impressive look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/vintage-appeal-to-basic-bathroom-1908358/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Ways to Bring Vintage Appeal to Your Basic Bathroom</a>Renovations14 Ways to Modernize an Older Home Without Losing Its CharmWhen in Doubt, Add Antique Furniture
PHOTO 14 of 14READ LESS -If all else fails and you're unable to keep part of an original structure that you really loved, a great way to add some of that charm back in is to select <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/toronto-rental-transformed-retro-pad-1916711/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vintage</a> furniture that speaks to the era your home was created. It's a tried and true trick and a surefire way to creating a lasting and impressive look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/vintage-appeal-to-basic-bathroom-1908358/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10 Ways to Bring Vintage Appeal to Your Basic Bathroom</a>Photo Credit: HGTV.comSource: www.hgtv.com
