Honoring the Past, Designing for the Future: Thoughtful Restorations of Historic Homes
Historic homes are physical, delightful embodiments of the past, carrying the spirit and craftsmanship of the eras in which they were built. For homeowners, the opportunity to remodel a historic home offers a unique chance to create a space that harmoniously blends character and history with modern comfort.
Over the past week, we’ve highlighted successful historic renovations on our Instagram (see them here). At Lindy, working on historic homes is one of our deepest passions. We believe that preserving the essence of a historic property while introducing contemporary elements requires thoughtful design, a respect for the home’s original vernacular, and a deep understanding of its architectural lineage. In this blog, we’ll explore three recent case studies of remodeled historic homes that exemplify this philosophy, showcasing how design can seamlessly bridge the gap between old and new.
Maple Avenue Project, Lindy Design Build
1. 1920s Craftsman Revival (Pasadena, California)
Source: Architectural Digest
The Project
This 1920s Craftsman bungalow was revitalized with a design approach that celebrated its period-specific features while ensuring it met the demands of modern life. Original wood beams, built-ins, and leaded glass windows were carefully restored, while the kitchen and bathrooms received functional updates that seamlessly blended with the home’s historic character. Soft tones and natural materials kept the space grounded in its Craftsman roots, while thoughtful additions like updated lighting added a contemporary touch.
Featured Design Details
Handmade Subway Tile in the Bathroom
Details: Soft sage green tiles line the bathroom, nodding to classic Craftsman aesthetics.
Similar Product: Heath Ceramics – Classic Field Tile
Custom Built-In Cabinetry
Details: Rich, classic cabinetry features integrated lighting for added functionality.
Similar Product: Tedd Wood Fine Cabinetry
Vintage Lighting Reproductions
Details: Period-appropriate pendant lights bring warm, authentic character.
Similar Product: Rejuvenation – Hood Classic Pendant Light
2. Timeless Elegance: A Historic Upper West Side Brownstone Brought Back to Life
Source: Bespoke Only – Upper West Side
The Project
This stunning renovation of an Upper West Side brownstone in New York City is a masterclass in honoring historic charm while seamlessly integrating modern refinement. Designed by Bespoke Only, the project strikes a perfect balance between preserving intricate architectural details and introducing a sense of understated luxury. The goal was to maintain the home’s timeless appeal while adapting it for contemporary living, ensuring that each space felt both elegant and welcoming.
Every design decision was made with reverence for the home's storied past. From the intricate millwork and restored fireplaces to the soft, neutral palette that enhances natural light, this renovation is a testament to how thoughtful design can breathe new life into historic architecture.
Featured Design Details
Restored Original Millwork and Paneling
Details: The brownstone’s intricate wood paneling was carefully stripped, refinished, and restored to its original grandeur, adding depth and warmth to the interiors.
Soothing Neutral Palette with Timeless Materials
Details: A restrained, earthy color palette with soft whites, warm beiges, and muted grays enhances the home’s natural elegance while maintaining a bright, airy atmosphere.
Antique-Inspired Lighting and Fixtures
Details: Carefully curated light fixtures, including vintage sconces and a striking chandelier, bring a refined old-world ambiance to the home.
Custom Kitchen with a Seamless Blend of Old and New
Details: The kitchen maintains its classic charm with inset cabinetry and honed marble countertops, while high-end appliances and modern conveniences ensure it functions beautifully for today’s needs.
Similar Product: Tedd Wood Fine Cabinetry
Reclaimed Wide-Plank Wood Flooring
Details: The original hardwood floors were refinished, with additional reclaimed wood seamlessly integrated where needed, preserving the home’s authentic character.
Similar Product: Carlisle Wide Plank Floors – Reclaimed Heart Pine
3. Reviving a 1920s Washington, D.C. Home with Thoughtful Design
Source: Dezeen – Washington D.C. Home Renovation by Colleen Healey Architecture
The Project
This stunning 1920s home in Washington, D.C. underwent a sensitive yet transformative renovation led by Colleen Healey Architecture. The project aimed to balance the home’s historic elegance with a more open, livable, and light-filled environment suited for modern living. The design retained and restored many of the home’s original features, including its charming brick façade and traditional millwork, while reimagining the interior layout to enhance natural light, spatial flow, and everyday functionality.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary minimalism, the renovation successfully honors the home’s historic roots while making it more adaptable for a new generation of homeowners.
Featured Design Details
1. Custom Oak Millwork & Built-Ins
Details: The renovation introduced custom oak cabinetry and built-ins that echo the warmth and detailing of the home’s original woodwork while optimizing storage and function.
Similar Product: The Joinery – Solid White Oak Custom Furniture
2. Restored Brick Fireplace with Contemporary Surround
Details: A classic brick fireplace was preserved and updated with a sleek, modern surround, blending historic texture with contemporary refinement.
Similar Product: Chesneys – Period Style Mantels
3. Reclaimed White Oak Flooring
Details: Wide-plank white oak floors were used to complement the home’s natural materials and introduce a more seamless connection between historic and modern elements.
Similar Product: Carlisle Wide Plank Floors – Reclaimed Oak
4. Floor-to-Ceiling Steel-Framed Windows & Doors
Details: A striking addition to the rear of the home introduced floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows and doors, enhancing natural light and creating a dramatic contrast with the home’s traditional architecture.
5. Soft, Muted Interior Color Palette
Details: The renovation embraced a refined, understated color palette, with soft neutral walls that highlight the home’s craftsmanship while maintaining a bright and airy feel.
Similar Product: Farrow & Ball – “Skimming Stone”
Why Preserve Historic Character?
Preserving historic elements brings authenticity, value, and unparalleled character to remodeled homes. It’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about telling the story of the home while ensuring it meets the needs of modern living. By integrating timeless features with contemporary functionality, you create spaces that honor the past while embracing the future.
Considering a historic remodel of your own?
At Lindy Design Build, we specialize in honoring the unique history of your property while crafting a space that feels timeless, functional, and undeniably yours. If you have a historic home and are looking for expert guidance on how to preserve its character while introducing modern conveniences, our team is here to help.
Contact us here to start a conversation about your historic home renovation project. We would be honored to work with you!
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