Ever walked into an old house and felt that you’ve stepped back in time — but not in a nostalgic way.
In Franklin, Tennessee, this is the case in many old homes. The historic feel of the town is lovely, with oodles of character-filled homes that need some TLC. And at a time when housing prices seem to go nowhere but up, more and more people are realizing that renovating their homes makes much more sense than moving elsewhere.
So if you’re sitting there pondering ways to breathe some new life into your old home, you have come to the right place. Here, we’re sharing some tips to refresh every inch of your space and make it feel brand new.
Begin with the Bones, Not Just the Beauty
It’s tempting to cut directly to the fun. Who among us does not long for new countertops, pretty backsplashes, or trendy light fixtures? But here’s the thing: If the bones of your home aren’t solid, the rest of the fancy stuff might not work. You don’t want to put frosting on a cracked cake, right?
So start with the essentials:
- Roof: Your roof provides the first line of defense against rain, heat, storms, and so on. If it’s old, sagging or deteriorating, everything below it may be at risk.
- Foundation: Look for cracks and movement. For a sturdy home, it really does start from the ground up.
- Insulation: Good insulation isn’t glamorous, but it can have a powerful impact on your energy bills.
It’s not optional to do these basics in Franklin, a city where summers are steamy and storms are frequent. That’s one of the reasons so many smart homeowners work with a local Franklin roofing company to handle upgrades the right way. They understand the weather and the local codes, and to tell you the truth, they just get it right the first time.
And you know what’s cool? A new roof won’t just protect your house — it can completely change its appearance. It’s the equivalent of giving your home a fresh haircut! The difference is hard to believe until you see it.
Windows, Doors and the Road to a Better Life
Old doors and windows sneakily waste your energy. They often have drafts, allowing your valuable hot or cool air to sneak out and can also impact the way your house looks.
Here’s the kind of difference swapping them out can make:
- Reduce your utility bills — often dramatically.
- Upgrade your safety, because the locks on old frames are often weak.
- Fill up your rooms with natural light — which will make your space seem brighter and more spacious.
And the design possibilities are endless.
- Want a modern vibe? Sleek, black frames could be your new BFF.
- Longing to preserve your home’s old-world charm? Opt for timeless wood frames.
For real, don’t discount the enormous value that new windows and doors can deliver.
Kitchens and Bathrooms: A Place Where Function Really Meets Feel
If there are only two areas that you can update in your old home, make changes to your kitchen and the bathrooms. These are high-traffic areas so even the smallest gains feel like big victories.
How to tell if your kitchen or bathroom needs some love:
- Worn-out laminate counters
- Dated, squeaky fixtures
- Energy-eating old appliances
- Cracked tiles or stained grout
And even if your budget is more modest, don’t fret. You can accomplish so much without a full renovation:
- Paint your cabinets a fresh, cheerful color.
- Replace drawer pulls and knobs with something more modern.
- Incorporate smart, cozy lighting, such as under-cabinet LEDs.
- Or invest in a high-efficiency faucet or a gorgeous, spacious sink.
And if you can go bigger, putting money into a full remodel here can pay off well when it comes time to sell.
Similarly, bathrooms deserve a lot of attention too. After all, that’s where you begin and end your day. That space really ought to be tranquil, and clean.
Features That Set the Scene: Floors and Walls
You may not even notice them, but floors and walls are doing their best work behind the scenes to establish the vibe in your house. When they are outdated, everything else feels worn.
Let’s talk floors first:
- Refinish hardwood instead of replacing it — it’s often less expensive and very rewarding.
- Opt for modern materials such as bamboo or luxury vinyl plank for a durable refresh.
- Lose those fraying carpets and instead opt for something sleek and easy to clean.
Now, for the walls:
- Fresh paint is your BFF. Opt for modern neutral colors to create the illusion of a bigger space.
- And don’t be afraid of texture — beadboard, paneling or even a cool decorated accent wall can change a room’s vibe at very little cost.
Light and Design: The Game Changers
Why do some rooms feel weirdly off? It’s typically due to poor lighting or some awkward arrangement.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Replace harsh overhead lighting with layered lighting solutions like floor lamps, wall sconces, and warmer bulbs.
- Open up the space by rearranging furniture, knocking down unnecessary walls (if you can) or shifting a doorway.
- Use natural light more wisely. Put in larger windows, lighter curtains, or — if it’s feasible — maybe skylights.
Actually, sometimes a room doesn’t have to be renovated; it just has to be rethought, and given better lighting. With a few strategic moves, you can completely transform how you feel about a room.
Your home is much more than the place you live — it’s your safe space, your retreat and, in some cases, your office and your gym.
Breathing new life into an old home has a purpose that is greater than just drawing admiration from neighbors (though, let’s face it, that matters, too). It’s about:
- Spending less while being more energy efficient.
- Designing a comfortable space.
- Paying homage to history while helping it keep up with the changing times.
When you’re straightening out the bones, refreshing the surfaces and reimagining the spaces, you’re not renovating at all — you’re actually renewing your relationship with home.
And you know what? That’s because it’s a smart thing to do — and not just for your property value, but for your satisfaction too.