Decorating a historic home in Rancho Santa Fe is an exciting opportunity to blend timeless elegance with a touch of modern comfort. From ornate woodwork to handcrafted details, historic properties offer a distinct character that deserves thoughtful decoration. Here’s a guide to bringing out the best in your historic home so each unique feature can shine.
1. Highlight Original Architectural Features
Historic homes often come with incredible architectural details that showcase the craftsmanship of the past. When decorating, focus on preserving and emphasizing these original elements.
- Look for ways to frame or spotlight period features, like crown molding, built-in bookcases, or vintage fireplaces. Rather than covering them, allow these details to stand out by keeping walls and furnishings simple nearby.
- For spaces with exposed brick or original stonework, keep adjacent décor neutral to let these features take center stage.
2. Choose Period-Appropriate Color Palettes
While trends change, color can always reflect a specific time period, bringing your home’s history to life. Many historic homes feature distinctive color schemes that can be reimagined for today’s tastes.
To achieve this, consult a color expert familiar with historical palettes or explore samples from companies that specialize in heritage colors. These shades can harmonize the entire space while maintaining a sense of timelessness.
3. Select Classic and Quality Furniture
When decorating a historic home, furniture should feel as enduring as the home itself. Aim for high-quality pieces that echo the era without feeling too formal or stiff.
Opt for classic materials like solid wood, leather, and metal. For larger furniture pieces, select designs inspired by or reminiscent of the home’s original period.
The best part? By choosing quality furniture that complements the home’s design, each room will feel thoughtfully curated, comfortable, and enduring.
4. Incorporate Vintage and Antique Accents
Vintage accents and antiques bring character and authenticity to a historic home without overwhelming its design. Small details make a big impact in tying the décor to the home’s original style.
- Consider adding antique mirrors, vintage light fixtures, or reclaimed wood pieces that match the era.
- Seek out unique finds from local antique shops or estate sales, where you may come across one-of-a-kind items that add a personal touch.
Don’t feel pressured to exclusively use antiques—mixing in newer pieces adds balance and keeps the style fresh. The goal is to create harmony between old and new.
5. Use Patterned Fabrics and Textiles
Textiles like rugs, curtains, and cushions provide an opportunity to add pattern, texture, and warmth without changing the home’s structure. Fabrics used in historic homes were often intricate and detailed, so look for patterns that reflect the home’s period style.
Persian rugs, damask curtains, and tapestry-inspired cushions can add richness to living areas and highlight the home’s old-world elegance. Choose durable, high-quality fabrics that stand up to daily use while bringing in the luxurious feel that’s fitting for a historic home.
6. Enhance Lighting with Style and Subtlety
Lighting is both a practical and aesthetic consideration in historic home decoration. Modern fixtures may feel out of place in an older home, but with the right choice, lighting can bridge old and new seamlessly.
Start by replacing basic fixtures with antique-style lighting, like chandeliers, wall sconces, or pendant lights, that reflect the period’s style. In rooms with high ceilings or architectural features, spotlighting these areas will add dimension and draw attention to the home’s unique details.
A well-chosen light fixture can transform the mood of a room, blending practicality with vintage charm.
7. Frame Art and Decor to Match the Home’s Style
Art and décor play an essential role in creating a cohesive design that ties back to the home’s era. Choose frames and art styles that align with the home’s history.
For example, oil paintings, framed mirrors, or botanical prints may suit a Victorian home, while Art Deco-inspired prints or sculptures complement a mid-century style. Here’s the interesting part: adding artwork with character creates an instant talking point, enhancing the home’s warmth and depth.
8. Stay True to the Home’s Story with Accessories
Finishing touches, like accessories, are a fun way to personalize and complete the space. Choose items that resonate with the home’s past but are meaningful to you as well.
Old books, heirloom trinkets, vintage clocks, and classic ceramics all add a sense of charm that matches the home’s history. Remember to avoid overcrowding spaces—keeping arrangements simple helps each item stand out.
Maintaining a balance of old-world character and present-day comfort makes the home feel both lived-in and inviting.
Reach Out to Leslie Selich
For historic homeowners in Rancho Santa Fe, Leslie Selich offers invaluable expertise in enhancing property value while respecting architectural integrity. Leslie’s approach to luxury real estate includes careful attention to preserving a home’s unique features and creating beautiful spaces that reflect its heritage.
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Leslie Selich for your real estate needs, whether you’re preparing to sell a historic property or looking to invest in one of Rancho Santa Fe’s exquisite homes. Her insight and dedication to real estate in the area make her the ideal partner for your journey.
*Header photo courtesy of Leslie Selich
