Owning a heritage home comes with certain considerations – for example, how can you maintain its original charm while ensuring it’s fit for modern life?
By working with restoration experts like the team at SECON Constructions, you can retain all the nostalgic elements of your period property while updating it to support your lifestyle.
From sustainability upgrades to multi-purpose living, here are the key heritage home renovation trends to look out for in 2021.
Indoor-outdoor space
With many of us spending more time at home than ever, creating a functional outdoor space has become a key requirement when it comes to home renovations. Even without huge amounts of space to play with, there are plenty of ways you can update your heritage home to include indoor-outdoor living.
If you’re frequently hosting family get-togethers, consider prioritising modern decking that flows from the indoors into your backyard. Add bi-fold doors to create a sociable indoor-outdoor space that easily allows guests to transition between the two.
Modern outdoor furniture also helps to easily transform a dated outdoor space, creating an inviting place to relax or dine with friends and family.
Home offices
Similarly, many of us transitioned to working from home in 2020. If your traditional home does not currently feature a study or home office, it could be worth considering whether you would benefit from including a dedicated workspace in your renovation.
An outhouse in the garden can be the perfect solution for those with larger families, who may need a more secluded place to work. If you lack outdoor space or envisage sharing your time between your house and the office, a traditional study room or desk nook in the lounge could be the answer.
Sustainability upgrades
Poor insulation and old heating systems often mean heritage houses are not the most environmentally friendly. With green living a bigger topic than ever, sustainability updates are a great way to bring your home into the 21st century.
Start with updating your insulation, an essential for any eco-renovation. Don’t forget the windows – as much as 10 percent of a home’s energy can be lost due to poor glazing. Once your home is well-insulated, you can introduce further eco-conscious initiatives such as solar panels and smart appliances like energy-saving thermostats and smart power strips.
Open-plan living
Older homes can often feel a little cramped and dark. Transform your heritage home by removing unnecessary walls and creating modern, open-plan living spaces.
SECON Constructions recently overhauled a beautiful Edwardian property by combining the living and dining spaces and adding a skylight in the kitchen to allow more natural light. The result is a home that maintains its heritage charm while providing its owners with a practical, contemporary floorplan.
Heritage restoration over renovation
Heritage homes carry great sentimental value and often have beautiful nostalgic features owners are keen to keep intact. While modernising the overall design is desirable, current heritage home trends are also highlighting the importance of maintaining original features.
Careful restorations with an experienced heritage home expert can allow period features to shine, from old fireplaces to intricate ceiling roses.
Ready to discuss your heritage home renovation project? Get in touch with the expert team at SECON Constructions today.
