Decorating & Design
How To Make A New House Look Old
Published on October 9, 2024
As much as everyone loves a fresh start, when it comes to homes, some homebuyers still want to create a sense of history. In these newly built homes pulled from our archives, it’s hard to believe that they haven’t been around for decades. Scroll through for the defining elements that set these projects apart and give them some instant heritage.
Checkerboard Floors
Checkerboard flooring has been around for centuries, so it’s no surprise it feels classic and timeless. In the foyer of a newly built house in North Toronto, the marble tiles makes it look like a century home.
Heritage Stoves And Farmhouse Sinks
Rendered in colorful enamel finishes and bedecked with brass knobs, old school stoves from companies like Lacanche, La Cornue and Aga often serve as the focal point of the kitchen for their charm. In this new kitchen, the powder-blue La Cornue range and an apron sink and bridge faucet inject real English-style character.
Statement Chandelier
Nothing dims shine in a space like contractor-grade lighting. Replace generic ceiling fixtures for something more unique like this antique-style chandelier, which looks like a family heirloom. The intricate crystal drops and scale of the chandelier are substantial enough to not be overwhelmed by the chinoiserie wallpaper.
Antiques
In newer homes, it’s important to include pieces that have some provenance. The vintage peacock chair (found at an estate sale) is a major moment in this dining room, and adds instant personality.
Skirted Furniture
Flirty skirts are an old school decorating move that are mounting a comeback: this trend started in the 17th century when homeowners draped chairs, ottomans, sofas, and even bed frames with fabric skirts. The reason? It provides an opportunity to layer in softness. In this new bathroom, instead of hard cabinet doors, the pink skirt trimmed in grosgrain, in combination with the floral wallpaper, Venetian mirror is Bridgerton worthy.
Moldings And Baseboards
In older homes, crown moulding tends to be substantial and detailed. In this entry, a generous baseboard and applied molding adds dimension and a historic feel.
Dark Or Reclaimed Woods
In this newly rebuilt house in Lévis, Quebec, a custom red oak island with tall furniture-like legs and apothecary drawers accented by cup pulls is soulful and unique. The dark wood grounds the space and the island serves as the centrepiece of the kitchen, where the children do homework and play games.
Floral Wallpaper
With its minty background and whimsical birds perched on branches, this floral paper is reminiscent of Gracie-style wallpapers. The scenic effect is gracious and pretty, and it doesn’t have to encompass the whole wall. In this 2023 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Brian Gluckstein applied it sparingly to highlight the chimney breast and give it more impact.
Texture On Walls
In this showhouse, grasscloth wallpaper adds depth to the dining room walls. Designer Brian Gluckstein contrasted that texture with a glossy shrink-wrap treatment on the ceiling, which mimics a glossy lacquer finish to show off a range of textures and create interest.
Built-Ins
Built-in shelves and bookcases are sought after because they turn empty spaces into valuable storage and seating, and give homes a stately, custom look. In this 2018 showhome in Oakville, Ontario, the window seat creates a beautiful breakfast nook that takes advantage of the bay window’s natural light and view, plus it can seat in several family members.
Ceiling Beams
Wood beams add character to both modern and traditional interiors and bring a raw, earthiness to a space. This exposed wood ceiling creates a cozy cocooning feeling in the country den, especially when paired with brown linen drapes, linen upholstery and an earthenware lamp.
Formal Fireplaces
In century homes, fireplaces were necessities but their popularity endures because they provide a striking focal point. In this showhome, the fireplace is accented by artwork and sconces to play up its star status.
Pantries
Pantries date all the way back to medieval times, when they were used to store bread and perform food prep. In this Saint Lazare, Que. kitchen, this pantry isn’t behind closed doors anymore, but framed by a graceful arch to show off the glass uppers that are filled with the owners’ collection of tableware.
Vintage-Look Fixtures
Retro-style fixtures foster an old-house aesthetic. “I love the brass fixtures, hardware and the range. The range top has four burners and there’s a cast-iron French top in the middle. You can either cook multiple items on the French top, or remove it and replace it with a wok,” says the homeowner.
Worn Rugs
In this newly built home, rugs are a super easy way to add instant pedigree, as well as color. This runner brings old soul to a brand new white kitchen.
Ceiling Interest
In new builds, lack of architectural detail can make some homeowners feel like they are living in a drywall box. Layer on some pilasters and ceiling moldings to create a traditional feel, as seen in this dining room.
Traditional Windows
Even in a bathroom with modern elements such as the glassed shower, sticking to classic casement windows with mullions and muntins can suit a variety of decorating styles.