Decorating a historic home presents unique opportunities and challenges. These properties often come with architectural features, layouts, and materials that reflect a specific time period. While this can offer character and value, it also requires a thoughtful approach to ensure modern needs are met without compromising the integrity of the space. For homeowners and buyers exploring historic home decor, especially those navigating the Evanston, IL real estate market, understanding how to merge preservation with practicality is essential.
Start with a Respectful Assessment
Before making any changes, take inventory of the home’s existing features. Identify what elements are original or architecturally significant. These may include moldings, flooring, windows, fireplaces, or built-ins. Understanding which aspects contribute to the home’s historic value will guide what to retain, restore, or update. When in doubt, consult a preservation expert or local historical society.
This step is particularly important in Evanston, a city with many historic districts, as exterior or structural changes may be subject to specific regulations. Knowing the guidelines helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures compliance with local ordinances.
Maintain Architectural Integrity
Decorating a historic home does not mean freezing it in time, but it does require a commitment to honoring the original design. When updating finishes or furnishings, choose materials and colors that reflect the home's era. For example, a Victorian house may benefit from wood tones and subdued palettes, while a mid-century property might align with cleaner lines and earth tones.
If original materials are no longer available, seek out modern equivalents that offer a similar appearance. Preservation-minded manufacturers can provide items like reproduction light fixtures, tile, or hardware that respect the home's style without compromising durability.
Layer in Modern Comforts
Functionality is important in any home, regardless of its age. Thoughtful design allows for modern upgrades while retaining visual consistency. For instance, central air conditioning can often be added using high-velocity systems designed for older structures with minimal disruption to walls and ceilings. Kitchens and bathrooms can be brought up to modern standards with contemporary appliances or plumbing hidden behind period-style cabinetry and fixtures.
Furniture and technology should blend into the space. Low-profile flat-screen TVs, discrete charging stations, and hidden speakers allow for present-day conveniences without detracting from the historical design.
Use Color to Balance Old and New
Paint is one of the simplest tools for balancing preservation and personalization. Historic homes often featured specific palettes based on the period. Referencing these color schemes—available through many paint manufacturers with historic collections—can help maintain continuity. However, using complementary neutral shades can modernize the feel of a room without disrupting its character.
When considering wallpaper, many brands offer prints based on archival designs. These can be used sparingly to highlight particular rooms, such as dining areas or studies, without overwhelming the home.
Incorporate Period-Appropriate Lighting
Lighting can dramatically impact the atmosphere of a historic home. Original homes often relied on natural light and candlelight or early electrical fixtures. To reflect this ambiance, use lighting that complements the time period. Choose pendant fixtures, wall sconces, and chandeliers that are stylistically appropriate but fitted for today’s electrical systems.
Avoid recessed lighting, which can clash with plaster ceilings or decorative details. Instead, opt for table and floor lamps with shades that reflect the style of the home.
Furnish with Scale and Symmetry in Mind
Historic homes often have room proportions and ceiling heights that differ from modern standards. Furnishings should respect these dimensions. Oversized furniture may overwhelm a narrow parlor or a formal dining room, while smaller pieces may feel lost in tall-ceilinged spaces.
Symmetry was also a common design principle in earlier periods. Arranging furniture and décor in balanced groupings can complement the home’s architectural rhythm. Rugs, artwork, and accent pieces should be scaled appropriately to maintain visual harmony.
Highlight Original Features
Decorating a historic home is as much about showcasing what’s already there as it is about adding new elements. Exposed brick, original beams, antique fireplaces, and hardwood flooring all provide focal points. These elements should be emphasized, not concealed. Avoid placing bulky furniture in front of these features or painting over original woodwork unless it has been previously altered.
Where restoration is needed, work with craftsmen familiar with traditional methods and materials to ensure authenticity.
Blend in Transitional Pieces When Needed
While a purist approach is an option, many homeowners choose to introduce transitional or contemporary pieces to create contrast. This can be successful when done selectively. For instance, a clean-lined modern sofa in a Georgian-era living room can stand out without clashing if it is in a neutral tone and complemented by classic details such as moldings and wood trim.
Mixing eras thoughtfully can make the home feel current while still respecting its origins.
Be Strategic with Storage
Many historic homes lack built-in storage or have layouts that reflect older lifestyles. Adding modern storage solutions that don’t compromise the architecture is key. Freestanding wardrobes, under-stair cabinetry, or custom built-ins designed to match existing trim can increase functionality without looking out of place.
Avoid removing original closets or altering walls without understanding their role in the home's structure and design.
Consult Local Resources and Professionals
Decorating a historic home often requires more planning and oversight than decorating a newer property. In Evanston, IL, several organizations and preservation groups can offer guidance, and working with designers and real estate agents familiar with historic home decor ensures the process is both respectful and efficient.
Real estate professionals with experience in Evanston, IL, real estate understand the value and expectations associated with these homes and can connect you with appropriate vendors, architects, and tradespeople.
About Summerville Partners
With nearly three decades of industry experience, Summerville Partners has successfully guided clients through over 1,700 real estate transactions and has surpassed $650 million in total sales. This proven track record reflects a deep understanding of the market and a strong commitment to service.
Mary Summerville brings over 30 years of expertise in Chicago and North Shore real estate, with a focus on single-family homes, condos, and development opportunities. Her ability to navigate shifting market conditions has earned long-term trust from clients and peers alike.
The Summerville Partners team is grounded in a client-first approach, constantly evolving their practices to better serve buyers and sellers. They leverage advanced tools and up-to-date systems to access the latest listings and negotiate favorable outcomes.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Evanston, IL real estate market, contact Summerville Partners today.
