Last week I stood in front of a room full of century-old homeowners at a beautiful century-old barn turned brewery in Franklin (Livingstone Brewing), and I could feel the same energy from everyone there. Excitement mixed with uncertainty. They love their old homes, but they're not quite sure where to start with renovations.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
When we renovated our own 1830s farmhouse, I remember feeling that same pull. We wanted to honor what made the house special. The original floors, the solid doors, the way light came through the windows. But we also needed it to work for our lives. We needed storage. We needed functional spaces. We needed it to feel like home, not a museum.
That tension between preservation and practicality is exactly what I work through with every client. And the good news? Starting doesn't have to feel overwhelming. It starts with asking yourself three questions.
Question 1: What Do We Actually Need to Store?
Here's something that surprises most people about century-old homes: they literally weren't built with closets. Back in the 1800s and early 1900s, people owned less outfits and stuff and used wardrobes and armoires for storage.
But our lives are completely different now. We have coats, boots, sports equipment, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, holiday decorations. The list goes on.
So when I'm working with clients, one of the first things we talk about is: What are the functions of each room, and who's actually using these spaces?
Once we understand your real needs, we can get creative with storage solutions that feel like they were always meant to be there. Built-in cabinetry that matches the home's character while hiding all your stuff. Walk-in closets that make the most of awkward spaces, like under eaves or in former bedrooms. Mudrooms with lockers for families with kids who need a place for backpacks, shoes, and jackets. Custom pantries that make cooking and entertaining so much easier.
The key is thinking through what you actually need to store in every room. When we design custom built-ins, we're not just making them beautiful. We're making them efficient for your life specifically. It can be a very small space, but the way we design it can really make it work for you.
Question 2: What Are Our Modern-Day Priorities?
This is where we get to talk about those dream spaces you've been collecting on Pinterest.
We all want that luxury bathroom with a beautiful walk-in shower. We want kitchens that actually work for how we cook and entertain today. Maybe you want a main-floor laundry room so you're not hauling baskets up and down stairs for the next 20 years. Or an outdoor dining space where you can enjoy summer evenings.
The challenge is figuring out how to fit these modern needs into a house that was built over a century ago.
Here's what I've learned: You have to work with the bones of your house, not against them.
Sometimes that means getting creative with layouts. Combining two small rooms to create that spacious bathroom you've been dreaming of, or opening up walls to make room for a kitchen island. Other times it means extending the footprint of your home to accommodate a growing family or create the spaces you need for this stage of life.
At the event last week, I showed photos of projects where we extended a kitchen to create a functional layout that works for a family, built a back porch dining area that connects indoor and outdoor living, added a pool and outdoor retreat for busy homeowners who wanted a place to unwind at home, and created walk-in pantries that make everyday life easier.
It's about taking those Pinterest dreams and figuring out how to make them work within the character and structure of your specific home.
Because here's the thing: your home should make your life easier, not harder. If you're constantly frustrated by a layout that doesn't work, or dreaming about spaces you don't have, it's worth asking yourself what changes would actually improve your daily life.
Question 3: What Story Do We Want Our Home to Tell?
This is the big one. This is where people get stuck.
You love the character of your home, but you also need it to work for your lifestyle. So how do you make those decisions with confidence? What do you keep? What do you change?
First, we always look at what you already have. What are the original elements that are worth preserving?
Things like original hardwood floors. They don't make them like this anymore. Beautiful moldings and trim. Solid wood doors with unique panel designs. Architectural details like staircases, fireplaces, or built-in cabinetry. Stone walls or original exterior features.
These elements add value and character that you just can't buy today. They're part of what makes your house special.
But then we ask the deeper question: What story do you want your home to tell?
If you're retiring and want to enjoy being home more, maybe that means creating spaces for relaxation and entertaining. A backyard pool, a screened porch, a kitchen designed for hosting friends.
If you're a growing family, maybe it means reconfiguring spaces to accommodate everyone, adding storage where you need it most, or creating a main-floor bedroom suite for aging parents.
The key is being intentional about your choices. We're not preserving things just because they're old. We're keeping the elements that enhance your life and updating the ones that don't serve you anymore.
And when we do make updates, we go for classic, timeless choices that will feel just as right in 20 years as they do today. No trends. Just beautiful designs that complement the soul of your home. Our homes shouldn't just serve us right now. They should grow and change with us.
Bringing It All Together
Here's what I want you to remember: Renovating a century-old home isn't about choosing between character and function. It's about understanding what you really need, what you want your home to feel like, and making intentional choices that honor both the past and your future there.
Take your time with these questions. Write down your answers. Talk about them with your family. Walk through your home and really think about how you use each space.
The clarity you get from this foundation will make every decision that comes after so much easier. From tile choices to layout changes to which contractor to hire.
Because at the end of the day, you're not just updating a house. You're continuing its story. And that's worth taking your time with.
Need Help Working Through These Questions?
If you're ready to start planning your renovation and want guidance on how to make decisions you won't regret, that's exactly what we do.
We work with century-old homeowners who want to preserve the character of their homes while making them work for modern life. From the initial consultation through design and construction, we're with you every step of the way.
Fill out our design inquiry form →
Explore our portfolio of century-old home transformations →