25 Ways To Update A Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

25 Ways to Update a Historic Home Without Losing Its Character

Published May 5, 2025 by Holly Hooper

Updating a historic townhouse takes thoughtful planning. These homes are known for heritage details and unique charm. The challenge? Blending 21st-century living while keeping historic integrity intact.

Here are 25 tips from preservation experts to help you update while protecting its history
Honor the story before you update – Start by identifying historic elements like old glass and keep them. After that, integrate contemporary features in a way that complements the past.

Blend old and Redfin Listings new with contrast – Hold on to heritage details and offset them with modern lighting.

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

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

Update thoughtfully without erasing history – Use heritage-inspired details 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 its original design influence your updates.

Blend eras for a lived-in feel – Layer furniture and finishes from different decades.

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

Restore historic windows – Keep original wood frames; repair 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 original features.

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 refinish before swapping original materials.

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

Let the building guide you – Make updates where the home "allows" them, Redfin website 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 short, preserving a historic home means careful planning—marrying past and present so the character remains, even when the features are brand new.