Many aspiring homeowners get caught up trying to decide between older homes with character or newer homes that are far more functional and reliable. You don't have to do this, however, if you are building your own home. There are things you need to build an old-style home, however, that lets you do both at the same time.
Change Up the Lighting
If you drive through a modern neighborhood and look at the exterior lighting, you'll usually see the same sterile pieces time and again. An old-style home is more likely to have lanterns or even chandeliers. Find custom pieces to get the truly distinct charm and individuality on display.
A Compatible Property
Depending on the location of the lot you own, you might be able to build whatever kind of home you want. Then again, there might be homeowner's association rules or even zoning regulations about the style of house you build. If you want the exterior to be an old-style home, then make sure you're actually allowed to do that by any applicable authorities.
Older Materials
When building an old-style home, you need to do that both inside and out. For interior decor, that can mean using reclaimed wood for flooring, shelves, mantel, trim, and much more. You can find a place like the Old World Lumber Company or have supplies shipped directly to your home for the build.
Mix and Match the Furniture
Don't walk into a department store and order a unified room ensemble ready to go. An old-style home is going to have a variety of furniture pieces that look eclectic yet charming and lived-in yet loved. Hit boutique and vintage stores, check out consignment shops and even look online for one-of-a-kind wonders.
Crown Molding
One thing common to many older homes that you rarely find in newer construction is crown molding. This visual embellishment was once standard to formal dining rooms, but you can put it in any room that you want for a classic aesthetic.
New Homes Can Have Old-Style Charm
Even if the home you build is technically new, it can be done in an older style. Pulling this off is no small feat, but if you do, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Enjoy the reliability of new construction that features old-school charm at the same time.
