STEP BY STEP: Blending Old and New

Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.

How to Honour a Home’s Heritage While Embracing Modern Comforts

There’s something undeniably special about older homes. Whether it’s the soaring ceilings of a Victorian terrace, the intricate cornices of an Edwardian cottage or the crisp lines and light-filled windows of a mid-century modern gem, these properties have a character that just can’t be replicated. They tell stories. They’ve stood the test of time. And they offer the kind of ‘good bones’ that provide a beautiful canvas for fresh ideas.

But as charming as these homes are, they often come with quirks that don’t always suit the way we live today. They can have awkward layouts, tired finishes or outdated systems – but there’s good news! It’s possible to preserve the soul of a period home while introducing the conveniences of contemporary life. With care, respect and the right expertise, you can create a space that is both timeless and liveable.

In this post, I share some guiding principles and practical tips for anyone considering a sympathetic update to an older property—whether you’re renovating your forever home, furnishing a new acquisition or adapting a classic house to suit a new chapter.

Respect What’s Already There

When approaching any older home, the first step is to observe rather than to demolish. What is beautiful or unique about the space? Original windows with rippled glass, ornate ceiling roses, parquet flooring, picture rails or an elegant archway? These details are often what give a home its personality, and they deserve to be the heroes of the space. Even if they’re not in great condition, they’re the right place to start and you should pat yourself on the back for your excellent judgment in retaining them!

Where possible, I’ll always try to retain and restore rather than remove. There’s a craftsmanship to older buildings that’s increasingly rare, and highlighting those details gives a richness and authenticity to your interiors that no modern imitation can match.

However, working with period details requires a light touch. Overdoing the restoration or mixing too many styles can make your spaces feel more like a museum than a home. The goal is to achieve a balanced dialogue between past and present.

Beautiful parquet flooring and wooden ceilings are worth preserving

Upgrade with Care

Older homes often weren’t built for modern life. Narrow hallways, small kitchens, a lack of storage or limited natural light can make them feel impractical. So how do you improve functionality without compromising charm?

A thoughtful renovation strategy is your key to success. You might open up a cramped back section for indoor-outdoor living, reconfigure spaces to suit a more contemporary lifestyle or introduce skylights to draw in more natural light. But all of this should be done with an eye to proportion, scale and style. Consider hiring an appropriately skilled and experienced architect – there are many who specialise in different architectural periods and styles, and they will bring a practiced eye to the project as well as some great ideas. If you bring on an interior designer at the same time, you’ll have a dream team of specialists to advise and assist, ensuring you’ll get the best outcome.

Materials matter too. When replacing flooring, tiles or cabinetry, I always look for choices that feel sympathetic to the age of the home. That doesn’t mean you have to match like-for-like (although you can, if you wish to) - but selecting finishes with warmth, texture and timeless appeal will ensure your upgrades sit comfortably within the existing framework.

Modern technology can also be cleverly integrated without drawing attention to itself. Underfloor heating, discreet air conditioning, wireless sound systems or security features can all be added subtly, enhancing comfort while preserving aesthetic integrity.

Updating a bathroom can include under-floor heating, heated towel rails and other modern conveniences.

Use Furniture and Styling to Bridge Eras

One of the joys of working with older homes is the opportunity to create contrast. Contemporary furniture in a heritage shell can look incredibly striking, just as an antique statement piece can sing in a sleek, mid-century space.

For some clients who appreciate design history but don’t want their home to feel like a retro set, I’ll curate furniture and accessories that walk the line between eras. Think classic silhouettes in updated fabrics, or custom-made joinery that nods to the home’s history without being overly thematic.

Meanwhile, other downsizing clients have family pieces they’d like to keep, or they are moving into a home with architectural details they’re unsure how to highlight. In both cases, I’ll layer in furnishings that bring coherence, comfort and elegance to the space, honouring the old while making room for the new.

Accessories also make a difference. Beautiful lighting, textured window treatments and carefully chosen artwork can gently bring a period space into the now. And you’d be surprised how much difference choosing the right cushions, throws and bedlinen makes!

Modernist furniture can be a hit whether you live in a period home or not.

Work with People Who Understand Period Homes

Older homes require care, patience and a deep understanding of how to integrate the old with the new. And not all trades are created equal, especially when it comes to older properties. When renovating a period home, I work with professionals who understand the nuances of heritage and mid-century design. Whether it’s a carpenter who can replicate a skirting profile, a painter who knows how to prep horsehair plaster, or a floorboard specialist who respects the original parquet, the difference lies in the detail.

Why It Matters

Upgrading an older home isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about building on it. A successful renovation or refurbishment allows the home’s history to shine while supporting the way you want to live now.

It also adds value, both emotional and financial. Homes that honour their heritage tend to have a timeless appeal, attracting buyers and guests alike. But more importantly, they offer a kind of soulfulness and a sense that the house has grown with you, not in spite of you.

My Approach

At Kate Kerin Interiors, I absolutely love working with the ‘good bones’ of an older home. Every detail—from the shape of a window to the curve of a cornice—can guide the design direction. I bring respect, creativity and a practical eye to each project, ensuring that the home feels updated without losing what made it special in the first place.

Whether you’re renovating a grand Edwardian residence, furnishing a mid-century penthouse or simply breathing new life into a much-loved family home, I’ll help you blend old and new in a way that feels effortless.

And importantly, I’ll make the process easy, especially for clients who may not have the time to oversee a project in detail, or who may be feeling overwhelmed by the decisions involved in adapting an older home to a new lifestyle.

Thinking about updating your older home?

Whether it’s a full renovation, a refresh of the interiors or just advice on how to furnish sensitively, I’d love to help. My in-home consultations are a great place to start – we’ll walk through your space together, identify what’s worth celebrating and uncover the best way to make it work beautifully for you.

Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.

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