Revamped Homely Charm: A Vintage Spin on Home Transformations

In a recent lecture on the restoration of damaged clay buildings, Norma Henkel from the GOLEHM initiative shared valuable tips for renovating old houses. Here's a summary of some key points to help you breathe new life into your vintage home.

Evaluating Each Element

Start by evaluating every element in your home. Decide whether to keep, clean, repair, or replace them. This approach will help you focus on what truly matters and save resources.

Improving Aesthetics

For a more authentic look, consider upgrading switch plates and vents from plastic to metal or ceramic. If you're painting, apply the paint after patching, using a damp sponge to feather the filler edges.

Enhancing Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. You can enhance it by using linen shades and warm bulbs (2700K-3000K).

Creating a Vintage Palette

A vintage palette often includes contrast with softness. Consider using colours such as mushroom, museum white, and inky green.

Textiles and Furnishings

Improve your textiles, like curtains, by hemming and adding pleating tape. For a tailor's touch, re-cover cushions with sturdy fabrics like ticking stripe, linen, or wool. Adding piping or contrast buttons can also enhance their appearance.

Layering Rugs

Layering a modest rug over a bigger natural-fibre one can frame seating, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

A Three-Tool Philosophy

Adopting a three-tool philosophy can simplify your renovation process. Essential tools include a needle and strong thread, wood glue, and a screwdriver set.

Vintage Style

Vintage style embraces patina and encourages the use of mild soap for cleaning brass and a test patch of beeswax for wood.

Sourcing Materials

Seeking solid timber doors, old radiators, and odd lots of tile can be done at reuse centers and salvage yards. Searching for items by era rather than item type online can lead to better finds.

Bargain Hunting

Arriving late at estate sales can result in better deals and the discovery of "project pieces" overlooked by others.

Preserving the Quirks

The make-do and mend approach saves resources, reduces waste, and preserves the quirks that make a space unique. Mismatched hinges and knobs can be intentionally kept, creating a charming aesthetic when choosing a consistent metal "family".

Maintaining Doors and Drawers

A smooth close for doors and drawers can be achieved by tightening screws, lubricating slides, and aligning strike plates.

Satin Paint for Trim

Satin paint is suggested for trim to honour old woodwork without making it look plastic.

Prioritising Delight

Prioritising elements based on the delight they generate per minute can be beneficial. Focus on what brings joy and enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.

Restoring Old Hardware

Cleaning decades-old hardware instead of stripping can preserve a beautiful matte finish.

By following these tips, you can transform your old home into a charming and unique space that reflects your personal style. Happy renovating!