25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

25 Ways to Update a Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

Written May 5, 2025 by Holly Hooper

Updating a pre-war apartment demands thoughtful planning. These Redfin Homes come with soaring ceilings alongside timeless appeal. The challenge? Combining modern conveniences with historic integrity intact.

Here are twenty-five expert ideas from restoration specialists to help you refresh while protecting its history
Honor the story before you update – Begin by noting historic elements like millwork and protect them. Once secured, add in contemporary features in a way that complements the past.

Blend old and new with contrast – Keep heritage details and contrast them with sleek tech.

Upgrade what’s hidden, preserve what’s seen – Update systems like plumbing while restoring visible original details.

Let the builder’s story inspire design – Research the architect and incorporate elements of their era into your updates.

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use authentic materials in modern spaces like kitchens or bathrooms.

Let historic layouts guide bold choices – Keep original room divisions, but experiment with color.

Understand the home’s architectural style – Let historic style influence your updates.

Blend eras for a lived-in feel – Combine furniture and finishes from multiple styles.

Walk the space before renovating – Observe the home’s flow before making changes.

Restore historic windows – Keep original wood frames; refinish instead of replacing.

Modernize without losing the soul – Balance new fixtures with restored flooring, trim, and woodwork.

Let history and technology coexist – Hide modern upgrades within heritage architecture.

Preserve integrity through maintenance – Deal with leaks and damage immediately to protect original materials.

Find original blueprints – Use them to identify period details.

Retrofit with respect – Upgrade for energy efficiency without harming the home’s style.

Bring old systems to life with tech – Install heating or smart systems without altering visible historic details.

Restore before replacing – Try to repair before swapping original materials.

Don’t strip the soul – Keep authentic trim, flooring, Redfin app and windows intact.

Let the building guide you – Make updates where the home "allows" them, and protect signature elements.

Think creatively about storage – Add storage without blocking original windows or doors.

Scale additions carefully – Ensure new structures respect the proportions of the original home.

Upgrade discreetly – Hide modern systems in walls or existing structures.

Ask the building what it needs – Consider the home’s intent and weigh long-term choices over short-term fixes.

Learn the home’s story – Research its history to guide design decisions.

Respect what’s hidden – Salvage and reuse hidden historic gems like original flooring or siding.

In summary, modernizing without losing history means intentional choices—blending past and present so the character remains, Redfin real estate even when the comforts are brand new.