internal architect partake in their top tips for modernizing a distance without recede its magic spell .

To find the right remainder between restoration and restoration , we speak to interior designers who specialise in combiningtraditionalandmodern elements . These are their top tips forupdating a spacewithout deepen the original integrity of a home ’s architectural design .

Nathan Kirkman

Living room with area rug and lounge chairs

Credit: Tria Giovan

Restore, Don’t Replace

" or else of gutting everything , feel ways to make it shine , " pronounce interior designerAudrey Scheck . To come to the right residuum between modern updates and historical charm , she suggests fix the elements you may , and opting for modern finishes on any newfangled detail you want . " Restore , do n’t supplant , and mix in mod touches witholder decorthat is charming and authoritative , " she advise .

Choose the Right Color Palette

Another way to accomplish this visual rest is through thecolor paletteyou choose . " Use soft colors to permit those time of origin feature do the talk and set aside room for natural light to be present , " Scheck suggests . A modern all - grayish color palette likely wo n’t merge well with a home ’s traditional warm wood feature of speech , so it ’s important to consider the undertones of your original chemical element when selecting new items .

Courtesy of Andrea Calo

Embrace New Features

Sometimes a home refurbishment includesbuilding an additionnext to a historic home , which does mean you are starting from scratch , but you still encounter the same old - meets - new design dilemma . “ When we design an addition for a historic residence , we tend to pose these volumes back from the original dwelling house and employ Modern , New fabric to tell the old from the unexampled , " says Paul Clayton , chief ofClayton Korte .

Clayton   Korte’sRidgecrest Residenceis a recent project that   preserved the quality of a midcentury plate while incorporate modernistic blueprint element . For this finical hall ,   elaboration and conservation were the central focus for the homeowners . Clayton ’s house occupy a similar approach to design interiors . " When working on an interior where historic   details   are meaning and fiber - defining in the infinite , we draw near the projection in a similar manner , " ' he says .

Keep Original Elements When You Can

Clayton and Scheck suggest keeping five original elements whenever potential : hearth , millwork , stairway , hardwood trading floor , and interior brick . " These are the heartbeats of your domicile ’s history , and preserving these component will heighten the overall elegance of your   space , " Scheck suppose . Of course , you might involve torefinish old , scrape wood floorsor install a new stairway due to morphologic reason , but you could opt new component in similar architectural styles when possible .

John Granen

Preserve the Character

No matter the size or dash of the home you ’re recreate , find the right balance between what to change and what to keep is cardinal . Update or change the home elements that need to be brought up to current standard and are n’t compatible with your lifestyle , but as Scheck says , " Do n’t disinvest the person out of the home . " Take the designers ' advice and always keep the above original home item for a space that ’s innovative yet unique . " Keep the character — that ’s where the magic is , " Scheck say .

Kirschner dining room

Credit:Nathan Kirkman

midcentury home with wood ceiling

Credit:Courtesy of Andrea Calo

a black pendant light that looks like upside down black bowls over a kitchen and a wooden island

Credit:John Granen