Old Home Renovation Ideas to Update Your Exterior and Interior

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Exterior of shop with shiny neon inscriptions and vintage TV sets on street in late evening
Credit: pexels.com, Exterior of shop with shiny neon inscriptions and vintage TV sets on street in late evening

Updating an old home can be a daunting task, but with the right ideas, you can transform your space into a beautiful and functional living area. One of the most effective ways to do this is by paying attention to the exterior of your home.

A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your home. For example, a bold color on the front door can add a pop of personality to your home's exterior. You can also update your shutters to give your home a more modern look.

Updating the exterior of your home can also have a significant impact on its value. According to the article, replacing the siding can increase your home's value by up to 10%. This is especially true if you're using high-quality materials that are resistant to the elements.

Credit: youtube.com, 8 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO UPDATE A DATED HOME WITHOUT REMODELING

By updating the exterior of your home, you can also create a cohesive look that flows into the interior. This is especially important when it comes to choosing a color scheme for your home. For instance, if you choose a bold color for the exterior, you may want to stick to more neutral tones on the interior to avoid overwhelming the senses.

Exterior Renovations

Updating your home's exterior can make a huge difference in its curb appeal and overall look. Replace your shutters with stylish options that complement your home's architecture, such as country or mid-century modern styles.

Consider replacing your garage doors with something more decorative, like carriage style doors or carved doors, to give your home a fresh look. This can also help you diagnose and fix issues with your garage door.

Your roof plays a big role in how your home looks and functions, so updating it with architectural shingles or a standing seam metal roof can be a great idea. For older style homes, a tile roof made of concrete is a durable and stylish option.

A well-maintained driveway is essential for curb appeal, so consider adding permeable driveway pavers or creating a decorative option with stamped concrete ground pavers or bricks.

Install Fiber Cement Siding

Credit: youtube.com, James Hardie Siding Details! How To Install It By Yourself! DIY

Installing fiber cement siding is a great way to improve your home's appearance and durability. It's available in multiple styles and colors, so you can choose the one that fits your home's unique look.

Fiber cement siding is exceptionally durable and low maintenance, which means you can go longer without worrying about repairs or replacements. This material won't peel or crack like wood or vinyl, and it's not susceptible to moisture or insect activity.

You can expect to go longer without maintenance or worry with fiber cement siding. It's a great choice for homeowners who want a hassle-free exterior renovation experience.

Replace Shutters

Replacing your shutters is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal. Many homes have generic-style shutters that are fixed and non-functional, but there are stylish alternatives available.

Consider country or mid-century modern styles that can complement your home's exterior architecture. A bold color can really make them stand out.

Credit: youtube.com, Remove Shutter Spikes & Replace Vinyl Shutters

Look for shutter styles that fit your home's unique character. You can also choose from a variety of materials, such as wood or vinyl, to suit your needs.

Replacing your shutters can be a relatively simple and cost-effective way to give your home a fresh new look. It's a great place to start if you're looking to renovate your exterior.

Enlarge Your Windows

Enlarging your windows can add dimension to your home's exterior and let in more natural light. Windows are often considered the eyes of the home, and having too few or too small windows can detract from its style.

Consider adding a bay or picture window to your home's front to create a more inviting look. This can also help to bring the outdoors in and make your home feel more spacious.

Changing the size and shape of your existing windows can also make a big impact. Enlarging your windows can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting and make your home feel more connected to the outdoors.

Adding a bay or picture window can also create a sense of depth and visual interest on your home's exterior. By enlarging your windows, you can create a more dynamic and inviting facade that draws people in.

Adjust Your Landscaping

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Adjusting your landscaping can completely transform the look and feel of your home's exterior. Adding well-placed shrubs and plants can hide a multitude of sins.

You can use landscaping to bring color and life to the area. Just be sure to take care not to cover windows or light sources as you plant.

Make sure to widen the walkway leading up to your front door to create a welcoming and attractive entrance. Invest in new material such as stamped concrete pavers to create a more intricate and detailed path.

Built-in seating or conversation areas can increase the versatility of your landscaping and add interest to the area. Include some additional lighting in this area, possibly by including lights low to the ground that can unobtrusively light the path without taking away from its style at night.

Exterior lighting can make your home's façade visible at night, making it easier to navigate for guests approaching after dark. Sconces, over the door lights, and accent lights can all help illuminate your exterior.

Update Your Driveway

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Updating your driveway can greatly impact your home's curb appeal. Your driveway is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at your home, so it's worth paying attention to.

Adding stability to your driveway with permeable driveway pavers is a great option. Permeable driveway pavers allow water to seep through, reducing the risk of puddles and erosion.

Consider creating a more decorative option with stamped concrete ground pavers or bricks to add a finishing touch to your façade.

Enlarge the Entryway

Enlarging the entryway is a simple yet effective way to boost your home's curb appeal. For ranch-style homes, which often have small, undefined entry areas, creating a larger, more welcoming front door area is a great idea.

A "tower" can be built to add a touch of elegance, reminiscent of Colonial-style homes. This can be a beautiful addition to your home's façade.

Widening the front steps and adding glass inserts on either side of the door can also make a big impact. This can help draw more attention to the entryway and make it feel more inviting.

By enlarging the entryway, you can create a warm and welcoming space that sets the tone for the rest of your home.

Enhance Your Walkway

Credit: youtube.com, 70 Walkway Ideas

A welcoming walkway can make a huge difference in the overall curb appeal of your home. Consider widening the walkway itself to create a more inviting entrance.

Adding new material such as stamped concrete pavers is a great way to create a more intricate and detailed path. This can be a simple yet effective upgrade to your exterior.

Built-in seating or conversation areas can increase the versatility of your landscaping and add interest to the area. This can be a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Including additional lighting in this area can help guide visitors to your front door, especially at night. Consider installing lights low to the ground that can unobtrusively light the path without taking away from its style.

Top Your Chimney

A decorative chimney cap can add a lot of interest to your roofline.

Consider using a decorative cap made of stone or wrought iron to dress up your roof, while also adding function and protection at the same time.

Chimney caps are an important addition to protect your home from the elements and small animals.

A well-designed chimney cap can be a beautiful focal point on your roof.

Fence Your Property

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Simple Curb Appeal Ideas for Your Home's Exterior

Fencing can help define your property, while adding style and interest.

A decorative wood fence with horizontal slats can give your property a fresh new look.

Vinyl fences are a low-maintenance option that will keep your property looking great for many years to come.

Fences can keep kids and pets safe, which is especially important for families with young children or pets that like to roam.

Deck or Patio

Adding a deck or patio can greatly enhance your outdoor living space, transforming it into a versatile area for relaxation and entertainment.

Consider extending your space outdoors with a deck or patio, as it's a functional exterior home improvement that you can actually use.

You can use materials that complement your home's exterior, such as decking that matches your house's wood tone or patio pavers that match your home's stone façade.

Adding features like an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or pergola can add functionality and style to your deck or patio, making it a luxurious retreat.

A deck or patio can also be a great way to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, making it perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Upgrade Your Mailbox

Credit: youtube.com, 35 Fantastic Mailbox Ideas and Designs That Will Leave Your Guests Really Impressed

Upgrading your mailbox can add a charming touch to your home's curb appeal, especially if you choose a design that matches your home's style.

Mailboxes never get the attention they deserve, so consider giving yours a makeover. Your mailbox doesn't need to be simple or boring, the design possibilities are almost endless.

You can choose a design that's handmade or completely unique, giving your home a personalized touch.

Here's an interesting read: Home Renovation Interior Design

Before and After

Before and After transformations can be truly remarkable. A mudroom was reconfigured to feature plenty of storage.

One of the key elements that made this transformation possible was the installation of a pantry behind a barn door. The barn door opens to reveal the pantry.

A specific lighting fixture, the Savoy House Flush Mount, was used to illuminate the mudroom. This type of lighting is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Matte black hardware from Berenson was also used in the renovation. This choice of hardware adds a sleek and modern touch to the space.

Staircase

Credit: youtube.com, HOW TO BUILD STAIRS // EXTERIOR STEPS

The staircase is a crucial element in any home renovation project. It's amazing how a simple upgrade can completely transform the look and feel of a space.

A custom metal staircase with beam treads in a clear finish is a popular choice for exterior renovations. These beams are called "Parallam", which is an engineered laminate lumber, often used as structural beams and posts.

A clear finish on the staircase allows the natural beauty of the Parallam beams to shine through, adding a touch of elegance to the space. It also makes the staircase easier to clean and maintain.

The Parallam beams used in the staircase are incredibly durable and can withstand the elements, making them perfect for exterior renovations. They can even be used in areas with high humidity or moisture.

Mudroom

The mudroom is a crucial part of any home, and it's often the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. I've seen it myself, and it's amazing how a little bit of organization and style can make a big difference.

Credit: youtube.com, Farmhouse Mudroom Renovation | Mudroom Makeover

Sherwin Williams Cayenne SW 6881 is a great paint color for a mudroom barn door, as seen in one of our examples. It's a bold and eye-catching choice that adds a lot of personality to the space.

The textured melamine in grigio pine used for the mudroom cabinets is a practical and stylish choice. It's easy to clean and maintain, and it adds a touch of warmth to the space.

Having a mudroom can make a big difference in keeping your home tidy and organized. It's a great place to stash your shoes, coats, and other items that tend to clutter up the rest of the house.

Start with the Basics

Before starting any exterior renovation, it's essential to inspect your home's existing systems and structures first. This will help you identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before making any changes.

It's a lot easier to switch out old pipes, window frames, and fittings before putting on new exterior finishes. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Credit: youtube.com, My 20 Steps To A Perfect Renovation

A thorough inspection will also help you determine what needs to be replaced or repaired, and what can be left as is. This will help you prioritize your renovation and make the most of your budget.

Inspecting your home's existing systems and structures can also help you identify any potential safety hazards, such as damaged or rotten wood. This is especially important if you're planning to make any changes to your home's exterior, such as adding a deck or patio.

By taking the time to inspect your home's existing systems and structures, you'll be able to create a solid foundation for your exterior renovation. This will ensure that your renovation is successful and that your home looks great for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth renovating an old house?

Renovating an old house can be a cost-effective option, potentially saving thousands of dollars in the long run. With careful planning and DIY efforts, an old house can become a great investment and a unique living space.

How to renovate an old house to a new?

Renovate an old house by updating its design style and color palette, replacing outdated features, and incorporating modern elements, such as peel-and-stick tiles and temporary wallpaper, to give it a fresh new look

Roger Molenaar

Senior Writer

Roger Molenaar is a writer who loves to explore the world and write about his experiences. He has been traveling for years, having visited over 50 countries around the globe. His passion for learning about different cultures and meeting new people is evident in his writing, which often features insights into local customs and traditions.

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