Have a traditional home but love modern? No problem! There are plenty of options for creating that modern house vibe in an older home. Check out the best DIY ways to bring your home into the 21st century.
Melina Gillies
Brighten-Up
The modern style uses color sparingly—but the color chosen to highlight a space is often bright—resulting in a fresh feel that pops against its surroundings. And because the background furniture and walls are neutral, you can change styles with no more than a few accessory switches, making modern-style affordable to boot.
Upgrade Hardware and Faucets
Dated cabinet hardware and faucets are a great place to start when updating your home. Easy to accomplish on your own, yet bold enough to make a difference. This is a one-weekend project with a big payoff. Look for sleek designs and modern finishes—and if you’re looking for extra gusto, consider painting cabinets and adding a backsplash.
Switch Your Plates
One of the easiest ways to spot an older home, no matter how many renovations have been done, is yellowed, cracked, or otherwise dated light switch and outlet covers. This is a simple, inexpensive fix and it makes a huge impact in an older house.
Replace Carpet
While carpet is still a great floor covering choice, if it’s dated, in the bathroom, or wall-to-wall shag, it’s likely got to go. For a modern look, stick with easy-to-lay pre-finished flooring, oblong or plank tile.
Paint
New paint is an instant face lift. Simply by covering marks, dings, and scratches in your walls you’ll make your home look and feel fresh. It will also allow you to cover any dark or dated colors with a light, monochromatic palette that will breathe new life into your home. For the ultimate in modern style, pair light, barely-there color with natural wood accents.
New Doors
If you’re looking to make a modern statement consider replacing traditional paneled doors with sleek designs, or vertical panes with frosted glass. While you’re at it, upgrade hinges and handles for maximum impact.
Remove the Clutter
A hallmark of the modern house is a lack of clutter. This is achieved by better utilizing your storage space and getting rid of unwanted items. Knickknacks and other small items tend to create chaos and can make rooms look cramped. To master minimalist style, look for clean, modern lines and open designs to replace large upholstered or wooden pieces.
Open-Plan Living
Over the last few decades, the way we use our homes has changed. Long gone is the desire for formal, separated living spaces, with a drastic shift to open-plan living. While more expensive than some of the items on this list, removing a non-load bearing wall can be a DIY project—and will make a massive difference in the value of your home.
Low-Flush Toilets
Another money-saving modernization is to replace any water-wasting toilets with high-efficiency models. Low-flush toilets use significantly less water than traditional commodes and in some cases replacing them will garner you a cash rebate.
Keyless Entry
Smart locks provide keyless entry options and remote operation, which ensure safety and control for your family.
Replace Dated Light Fixtures
Another DIY fix, replacing old, dated light fixtures with sleek new models is a very effective way to go modern while adding value to your home.
Remove the Popcorn
Once the envy of homeowners everywhere, the dreaded popcorn ceiling has outlived its glory days by about 30 or 40 years. Luckily it’s a lot easier to remove than you might think.
