Vintage houses have a certain type of charm with their original wood paneling and exposed brick. They also tell a story of many years ago, when the earth tone palette was very popular and included a lot of texture. However, this story does not need to be lost on you if it is no longer representative of your modern taste. There are a variety of options for updating these surfaces to give them a fresh look without taking away from their nostalgic appeal.
Some of the most basic design changes that can make an immediate difference in how a surface looks are:
Via Unsplash
Paint: The Equalizer
Paint is one of the best and most cost-effective methods to update any feature of a home. For example, a vintage house with orangey oak paneling will instantly become a bright, clean space when painted white or soft gray; whereas painting a brick wall in a matte black finish will add a sophisticated level of elegance. Paint is a versatile tool that can be used to change the entire aesthetic of a room simply by choosing a different color scheme.
The Power of Contrast: Texture and Contrast
While using paint is a great way to update a surface, there may be some cases where you do not want to paint over every inch of a surface. In those situations, adding some contrasting textures to the space can help to balance out the older surfaces and provide a sense of layering to the space. For example, combining smooth plaster or drywall with textured wood or brick creates a sense of contrast between the two surfaces. Additionally, introducing other materials such as polished concrete or metal into a space through nearby features provides another opportunity to add layers to the space. The goal should always be to find a balance between the two textures (or materials) rather than creating a chaotic environment.
While using paint is a great way to update a surface, there may be some cases where you do not want to paint over every inch of a surface. In those situations, adding some contrasting textures to the space can help to balance out the older surfaces and provide a sense of layering to the space. For example, combining smooth plaster or drywall with textured wood or brick creates a sense of contrast between the two surfaces. Additionally, introducing other materials such as polished concrete or metal into a space through nearby features provides another opportunity to add layers to the space. The goal should always be to find a balance between the two textures (or materials) rather than creating a chaotic environment.
Built-ins: Making a Room Feel More Open
In addition to being able to create a beautiful contrast between the texture of the walls and the texture of the furniture, you can also create the illusion of making a small space feel larger by adding built-ins to the space. By building a bookshelf or fireplace surround around the dated paneling, you immediately begin to turn what would normally be a "boxed-in" feeling into a space that has a clear purpose. When you combine built-ins with a combination of modern furnishings and vintage items, you create a space that is clearly designed, and therefore, not dated. What would have otherwise been considered a negative feature of the space now becomes a positive one.
In addition to being able to create a beautiful contrast between the texture of the walls and the texture of the furniture, you can also create the illusion of making a small space feel larger by adding built-ins to the space. By building a bookshelf or fireplace surround around the dated paneling, you immediately begin to turn what would normally be a "boxed-in" feeling into a space that has a clear purpose. When you combine built-ins with a combination of modern furnishings and vintage items, you create a space that is clearly designed, and therefore, not dated. What would have otherwise been considered a negative feature of the space now becomes a positive one.
Lighting Sets the Mood
Lighting has the power to completely redefine a space, especially when it plays well with existing materials. Wood paneling can glow under warm, indirect lighting, while brick gets new life under wall washers or sconces. Swap harsh overheads for layered lighting: think floor lamps, pendants, and LED strips. Highlighting textures with light brings them into the present without removing their past. It’s a subtle but powerful update.
Lighting has the power to completely redefine a space, especially when it plays well with existing materials. Wood paneling can glow under warm, indirect lighting, while brick gets new life under wall washers or sconces. Swap harsh overheads for layered lighting: think floor lamps, pendants, and LED strips. Highlighting textures with light brings them into the present without removing their past. It’s a subtle but powerful update.
Accessorize with Intention
Accessories bridge the gap between retro and refreshed. Choose textiles and furniture that echo the tones of the paneling or brick but update the form; boucle instead of plaid, or sleek mid-century lines over bulky traditional styles. Rugs and curtains can soften strong surfaces, while artwork modernizes them. Even just decluttering and styling shelves intentionally can shift the vibe. When the room feels curated, the materials feel deliberate.
Accessories bridge the gap between retro and refreshed. Choose textiles and furniture that echo the tones of the paneling or brick but update the form; boucle instead of plaid, or sleek mid-century lines over bulky traditional styles. Rugs and curtains can soften strong surfaces, while artwork modernizes them. Even just decluttering and styling shelves intentionally can shift the vibe. When the room feels curated, the materials feel deliberate.
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