Modern Vintage?

[Anonymous]

We just purchased a 1920s bungalow-style home that still has some beautiful historic details (claw foot tub! stained glass windows! coffered ceiling! decorative room dividers! crystal doorknobs!). However, the previous owner made many design choices that do not align with the age of the home (horizontal metal railing. cork floors. lots of ikea lighting...). We will be doing a lot of renovation, including an addition with more bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and, a kitchen not too far down the line. I'd like to draw inspiration from the home's original character.

My question is, how do you do a new, modern home that still has the vintage, historic touches? My husband basically said, "why should we redo the house to make it feel old?" I feel like these choices are classic, stand the test of time and make sense with the style of the home. Are there any bloggers or Instagrammers out there you'd recommend who do this well? Any inspo pix you could share? What finishes/items would you add to keep with this modern, vintage vibe?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Start poring over the This Old House website. Many inspiration pictures and a huge amount of useful advice.

[Anonymous]

I'm like you, OP, and I love Country Living magazine for this kind of inspiration.

I... don't live in the country! I live 2 minutes from DC. But it's mostly antique/vintage style-focused.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you’re doing an awesome renovation. I’d go on Instagram and do searches like Victorian house or wainscoting and find cool pictures and people to follow. I’m watching the gilded age on HBO now and their sets are incredible. I also have an old, 1890s house, and am now obsessed with some of the period ideas they’ve included.

[Anonymous]

PP here - check out devol kitchens

[Anonymous]

Check out the Makerista on Instagram. She has some good info & is building a house now.

[Anonymous]

Imo Gil Schafer is the master of new-but-looks-old.

Don’t look at bloggers or Instagram. Look at old print copies of House Beautiful and AD.

Imo you should be looking for modern function as well as proportions you like and more windows, but with finishes and details that are original or could maybe pass as original.

Black and white kitchens are the easiest and best for the era imo.

[Anonymous]

I am so jealous of your house!!!!

[Anonymous]

OP here. How would you do a vintage/historic-inspired modern bathroom and/or hallway? These won't have the clawfoot tubs.

[Anonymous]

I'm a historic home owner. My favorite source for house parts is House of Antique Hardware. They categorize everything by architectural style so you could search "Arts and Crafts" which would include the
bungalow.

This Old House used to focus on quaint historic homes in New England but went more mainstream years ago. I think Old House Journal is better for anyone who truly appreciates vintage homes. I have been a subscriber to both. Old House Journal has a lot of resources to help you find the perfect wooden screen door, corbel, or metal weather stripping. Seriously.

I like to use classic subway tiles in modern colors to give things a fresh twist. Daltile is my favorite for bathrooms. They will even custom make mosaic tile in colors you choose!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. How would you do a vintage/historic-inspired modern bathroom and/or hallway? These won't have the clawfoot tubs.

Pick tile that would have existed in the period. Mini hex is a good choice. Black and white is great.

[Anonymous]

Basically any UK publication (and the designers they feature) is probably up your alley. House and Garden UK to start. William Morris prints are kind of having a moment right now but even though they are currently trendy I think they would last for your style.

[Anonymous]

Try Period Living, a UK magazine. I can access several years worth of back issues via an app from my public library.

I envy you the project — good luck!

[Anonymous]

I wonder about looking through pictures on websites for B&Bs or boutique hotels that capture that era. I feel like a lot of them do.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a perfect contender for transitional style. I have a 1940s cape cod with original touches throughout but took a more contemporary approach to our renovation while still including nods to its history (solid wood two panel doors, base boards, an original archway).We added drywall returns with honed stone window sills, modern chefs kitchen with quartzite waterfall counters, our bathroom tile work is more classic looking with white subway tile but I added Moroccan inspired tile floor, bright blue double vanity in the kids bathroom. Black windows.

Just keep a couple of common threads throughout that are modern/vintage. I think I read somewhere that transitional recommends 3/4 one style and 1/4 another mixed in. Or something similar with the ratios…whatever blends well! We have a lot of vintage furniture with some contemporary pops thrown in.