Many homeowners desire the character and charm of an older home but also want the convenience and efficiency of new construction. The good news is that with careful planning and design, you can build a brand new home that has the look and feel of a historic property. Here are some tips on how to build a new house and make it look old.
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Choose an Old-Fashioned Exterior Design
The exterior design is key to making a new home look aged. Steer clear of modern box-shaped designs and opt for an old-fashioned style such as a Cape Cod, Craftsman bungalow, Victorian, or farmhouse. Study period-appropriate architecture and ensure the new build incorporates details like a pitched roof, prominent front porch, symmetrical windows, dormers, exposed rafter tails, a chimney, and other embellishments. Clapboard, stone, brick, shingles and other traditional siding materials also lend an aged vibe.
Incorporate Imperfections
Brand new construction often looks just that – too perfect and polished. So embrace imperfections in your design! Add a crooked porch step, rough-hewn beams or natural stone with irregular surfaces. Distress and stain brand new wood to give it a timeworn look. Choose exterior paint colors that are faded and slightly mismatched. Aged brass door hardware also imparts an antiqued feel. The more small flaws and blemishes you can build in, the older the home will seem.
Use Reclaimed Materials
Using reclaimed or salvaged building materials is an excellent way to make new construction appear aged. Incorporate antique bricks, well-worn hardwood flooring, vintage doors and windows, or reclaimed boards and beams into the design. Visit architectural salvage yards to hunt for old house parts and unique pieces with lots of patina. Let existing dents, nail holes and natural wear and tear add character. Mixing old and new materials helps downplay the “newness”.
Aged Landscaping
The outdoor environment also factors hugely into making a new home seem old. A brand new lawn and sparse landscaping will make the home look freshly built. Instead, opt for mature trees, bushes, garden beds and lawns to enclose the home. Adding curved stone or brick pathways, an old wagon wheel, wrought iron benches, and other vintage touches brings instant age. Choosing old-fashioned flowers, plants and shrubs common to the regional landscape also helps sell the mature look.
Interior Details
Attention to interior details ensures the new but old charm extends inside your home as well. Here are some ideas:
– Distress and antique any new woodwork and trim
– Choose old-fashioned light fixtures and door hardware
– Use aged and naturally variegated hardwood floors
– Incorporate antique furnishings and decor items
– Add thick crown molding, wainscoting, chair rails and picture rails
– Use vintage wallpaper, linoleum or tile to accent
– Paint walls in historical colors with a matte finish
– Display antique photos, maps and artwork for a sense of history
Craftsman style homes, for example, often have an aged look courtesy of exposed wood beams, built-in benches and shelves, arched doorways, and artisan tilework. A Victorian interior might incorporate ornate plaster medallions, detailed trimwork, floral wallpaper and chandeliers for an authentic vibe. Include as many period-appropriate details as possible.
Smart Construction Techniques
There are also construction techniques that can make a new home seem old:
– Add a few uneven floors for an aged, settled feel
– Vary ceiling heights and room sizes for a less cookie-cutter layout
– Incorporate some sloped floors where appropriate
– Use aged wide plank floors with varying widths and lengths
– Add special touches like arched doorways and ceilings
– Include a creaky floorboard here and there
– Vary wall textures and imperfections
– Add “phantom” beams and boards that look structural but aren’t
Working creatively with your builder to alter conventions of new construction is key. Focus on both big picture elements like layout and small details like floor creaks that lend believable age.
Conclusion
Building a brand new home but making it look decades or even centuries old is challenging but achievable. The right exterior design, aged materials, vintage landscaping, period-perfect interior details and smart construction all play into the illusion. Take inspiration from actual historic homes in your area to create an authentic vibe. With meticulous planning and design, you can build a new construction home that legitimately looks and feels aged. Embrace imperfections and aim to fool even the most discerning eye with your new but antique abode!