No matter where you live round the world, historical and traditional homes are often a huge part of this architectural landscape. Some folks love them some prefer more contemporary architectural styles. Many traditional homes are often protected by historic preservation laws and guidelines, so in the event that you own one, you may be stuck on the way you can bring the space into modern times yet still keep it true to its original charm.
There is lots you can do to the interiors and subsurface, such as bring the bases, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems to the current century, for instance. It is possible to get rid of the outdated interior elements painted with poisonous lead paint (or mix them in fresh paint) and clear any debris or alternative toxins. But when you’re keeping the original facade of a historical home, what can you do to make it feel more fresh and contemporary about the outside?
Sometimes just a few gallons of paint can make all the difference.
Todd Davis Architecture
This stylish update of a traditional Italianate Victorian in San Francisco’s Mission district is a great example of taking a totally original facade (aside, perhaps from the garage, that was probably added at a later date) and making it feel contemporary and stylish.
The historic detailing stays, but the contemporary house numbers subtly reinforce the modern design statement made by the option of paints.
Going even farther into the contemporary realm, this San Francisco Queen Anne cabin in the Noe Valley neighborhood obtained a modern do-over by Envelope A+D.
With the edgy black colour scheme and fresh concrete foundation for the rebuilt stairs (using an embedded Space Invader, no less), nobody would confuse this home as being “original.” While all the Victorian detailing has been kept, the black paint cries contemporary.
Eco+Historic, Inc..
Opposite of dark is this Stick Victorian, a job I worked on — also in San Francisco. Supplying a wonderful comparison with the neighbors and retaining all the Victorian details, this colour scheme makes the home pop and feel fresh and contemporary while still acknowledging and valuing the house’s 19th-century provenance.
Structures Building Company
This brand new construction certainly pays homage to a different time in all the traditional detailing of this tiles, siding, eaves and railings. Yet the all-white motif and extensive use of French and 3/4-sidelight doors on the main level are somewhat more modern touches that actually add to the property’s usability and its own fresh and light feel.
The more contemporary tower on the right adds to and complements the home without changing the primary kind of the home. With the two eaves on the left forming a bulk of their own, the principal structure of the home feels as though it’s the right traditional proportions yet appreciates the much-needed space inside from the tower and perpendicular mass at the rear.
Moore Architects, PC
All white seems fresh and clean and isn’t really exactly what they did back in the day, so it seems bright and adds a hint of modernity for this very traditional colonial farmhouse.
Helios Design Group
Fun door colours may give a traditional exterior a bit of modern zing, for just the cost of a quart of paint.
Paint picks: 5 Bright Palettes for Front Doors
CK Architects
LDa Architecture & Interiors
A bright entrance door color can be a sign that a traditional home has a little more character than you might imagine from its easy form and body colour. Try a bright orange or canary yellow.
Deer Creek Studio
This door is a traditional colour for French bistros, a subtle celadon, although maybe not at the setting of a shingle-style home. This mixing and matching really works here and gives a pop of color to this hot grey home while still being soft and inviting. The eclectic mix of colors feels modern even though none of the elements actually is.
Color guides: How to Select an exterior paint colour