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Tag: Seattle dream home

FAQ: How can I update my older Seattle home while preserving its character?

How to modernize a vintage house without losing its original charm

There’s just something about older Seattle homes. From classic craftsmans and charming Victorians to midcentury moderns and Hollywood bungalows, the wealth of architectural styles in the Seattle area is a vintage-lover’s dream.

While we love older homes, we recognize that sometimes they need updating. Gorgeous, 100-year-old leaded glass windows can buckle and fail. Plumbing and wiring from the 1950s isn’t always safe or functional. Some pre-war homes had “unfortunate” things done to them in the 1970s and 80s and need restoration to their original style.

Whatever the issue, the key to a successful historic home remodel is to focus on preservation, reuse and restoration.

Budget more for reuse in your vintage home remodel

If reuse is a priority and you have the budget for the extra labor involved, you can ask your contractor to try to save special woodwork, built-ins or cast-iron bathtubs. You can also find period-appropriate replacement pieces from reuse stores like Ballard Reuse, Earthwise Architectural Salvage and Second Use Building Materials.

Vintage-inspired fixtures for period homes

When reuse is impossible, unsafe or just not cost-effective, look for new, vintage-inspired pieces from retailers like Schoolhouse or Rejuvenation. Whether you’re working with an in-house design team at a firm like Axiom or DIY-ing it, aim for a blend of old and new when you’re picking your fixtures and design elements.

Some general tips for maintaining your home’s character:

  • Try to find period-appropriate fixtures for kitchens and baths, including sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Even big box retailers often have vintage-inspired fixtures that will look at home in your older house.
  • Reproduction and vintage-inspired appliances do exist, and if you have the budget for them, they can add color and style to your kitchen update.
  • Incorporate vintage-inspired design elements, like subway tile, classic cabinetry, chandeliers and sconce lighting.
  • Choose period-appropriate paint colors or opt for wallpaper. For the commitment-phobic, there are countless peel-and-stick wallpaper options these days.
  • If you’re planning on altering the layout and creating more open spaces, consider adding French doors or large pocket doors to maintain the aesthetic and possibility of divided rooms while getting the open feeling you’re after.
  • Use wireless smart home technology to avoid having to go into original plaster walls.
  • Visit second-hand stores and antique shops to find unique vintage décor, furnishings and design elements.

Finally, work with designers and contractors who understand older homes and preservation techniques. Explore their portfolio of past projects or ask to see examples of what they’ve done with older homes.

To explore some of Axiom’s vintage home remodels, go here

If you’d like to start planning your own Seattle remodel, reach out!

FAQ: How do I begin my remodeling project?

Tips on starting your Seattle remodel from Axiom Design Build

It might have started when you saw your neighbors’ gorgeous new kitchen. Maybe you binge-watched some home improvement shows. Or maybe you’ve wanted a change for years and are finally ready to take the plunge. Whatever the cause, you’ve got remodeling on the brain. But where should the remodeling-curious Seattleite begin?

Get your dream home

Your first order of business is to spend some time thinking about your dreams for your house. What would it look like? What would it feel like? Would it have more space? Another bathroom? A chef’s kitchen?

Ask yourself what you love about your house and what you’d like to change. Are the changes you’d like to make simply design upgrades? Or do you have functional needs and concerns you’d like to address? Make a list of everything you need and everything you want in your Seattle remodel.

Find inspiration for your remodel

The best way to nail down your vision is to explore other projects. Browse through home magazines, check out home improvement shows, attend open houses and look through websites like Pinterest and Architectural Digest or inspiration. Take note of everything you’re drawn to, from layouts and flow to design finishes, fixtures and cabinets. It’s also important to identify what you don’t want, as that will help any designer you work with steer clear of those elements.

This phase of your exploration is a great time to make sure you’re on the same page with other members of your household. It’s best to get any surprises into the open before you start working with your Seattle remodeling firm.

Set a budget for your remodel

Now that you’ve got your dream, it’s time to bring in an element of reality. Sit down with your finances and determine the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend for your remodeling project. It’s important to have 15-20% set aside to cover any unexpected expenses, so remove 20% from your maximum spend to determine your project budget.

It can be helpful to research rough cost estimates for your project type in your area. If your budget lines up with the scope of your project, you’re in luck! If there’s a huge discrepancy, consider scaling back on the size of the project. When in doubt, reach out to Axiom Design Build, or a trusted remodeler in your area to answer your questions and help you determine what’s possible with your budget. A professional building firm should know the ins and outs of local regulations, the permitting process, environmental considerations and the latest costs for materials and labor.

Are you considering updating your home and need a top Seattle remodeling contractor or Design Build firm? Let’s talk