Design Vogue

As someone currently in the throes of a historic home renovation, I know firsthand that some details should be saved, protected, and, if necessary, refurbished.

But how do you know which decorative accents are stunning and storied and which are dated and drab? It can be hard to decide, and even harder to picture how these elements might look in your finished home.

With this in mind, we turned to a few experts to ask their opinions on which details are actually worth saving in a reno.

Original Materials 

According to brownstone renovation expert Sarah Jefferys of Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors, original materials are often worth salvaging. They hold the home’s natural wear and innate character, which tells a unique part of the home’s story.

“Not to mention, the quality of historic materials is often superior to many current options,” Jefferys says. 

These materials include original wood, brick, and marble detailing, which Jefferys says adds charm, vitality, and contrast.

“These materials contribute to the home's historic identity and, with modern advancements, can be maintained to improve energy efficiency,” she says.

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Decorative Trim, Like Crown Moldings and Baseboards

As Jodi Peterman, the CEO and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs, points out, decorative trim should always be preserved. Elements like crown moldings and baseboards will only highlight your home’s historic craftsmanship.

Similarly, Peterman says original staircases can have the same effect because of their detailing.

“The original staircase should be kept, including railings, newel posts, and handrails, often showcasing intricate woodwork,” she says. 

Stained Glass Windows

If your home comes with stained glass windows, James Marino, the CEO of Pinnacle Home Improvements, says these are something worth saving.

“These are works of art and tell a story,” Marino says. “Restoring them is worth the investment for the character they add.” 

Architectural Features

If your home has archways, decorative plasterwork, marble mantles, old wooden beams, or exposed brick walls, Jefferys says these are all beautiful elements not only worth keeping—they’re worth celebrating and highlighting.

“These features add rich texture to a space, and juxtaposed with modern designs, create additional soul, warmth, and charm,” Jefferys says.

Built-In Shelving and Cabinets

While a fresh design might call for scrapping existing built-ins, Marino suggests thinking carefully. Often, these can be refinished or repainted. 

“They’re functional and maintain the historical integrity of your home,” he says.

In refinishing, Marino also advises taking a look at any unique architectural details or features within the shelves and preserving their integrity, too.

“When updating, use materials that would have been available when the house was built to keep updates from feeling out of place,” he says.

Fireplace Surrounds

While Jefferys singles out marble mantles, Peterman suggests keeping any ornate fireplace surrounds, as they serve as stunning focal points in historic homes. Original chimneys can also be restored for aesthetic purposes even if they are no longer functional, she says.

Original Windows

While you might think your historic windows definitely need to be replaced, Jefferys suggests doing this with care and consideration. Original windows can be particularly indicative of a period or place, she says. 

To keep this element, Jefferys says to look at preserving the unique shapes and styles and then replacing the glass. 

You can replace the glass with double-pane, low-E argon windows, or even better, triple-pane glass, Jefferys notes, who notes these options help with both energy savings and reduced costs.

“With these upgrades, you can keep the historic charm with the benefits of modern advancements,” she says. 

Flooring

Sometimes, original floors are unsalvageable—but if there’s a chance at keeping them, Peterman says you absolutely should. 

“I have seen contractors tear into beautiful, loved, and used wood flooring and toss it into the dumpster,” she says.

Even if flooring can’t function as its original purpose, Peterman says it should never be tossed. She loves to reuse floors unexpectedly, like on the ceiling of a powder room, to create an accent wall or wainscotting.

Exterior Elements

While your focus might stay sharpened on your interiors, Niki O'Brien of Custom Exteriors says historic homes often have exterior details that are worth preserving, too.

She specifically suggests looking at cornices, along porch railings, and sometimes surrounding windows and doors. 

“You can't replace or replicate them—they add great character to your home,” O’Brien says. “Those details are part of the first impression your home makes.”

Instead, O’Brien says you can update these elements with intricate painting, and highlight them rather than demolish or hide them.