The focus of renovating a historic home should be on increasing functionality and livability without removing its character and charm, says Housing Design Matters. To avoid design faux pas in older homes, builders can prioritize continuity when selecting home exteriors, and they should also maximize porch space without cutting into the actual square footage of the home.
The craftsman style home is the perfect example of historic architecture with simple but eye-catching curb appeal, but when remodeled incorrectly, an attempt to create extra square footage can instead create a less than welcoming entry.
We have all seen them – alterations made by homeowners that make you scratch your head. Or, if you’re an architect, make you want to pull your hair out – especially when those aberrations (as I like to call them) ruin an otherwise adorable home. Oh yes, this week is going to be a design critique blog!
But even adorable houses need to be altered as time goes by. Often, those alterations are to capture additional interior square footage. That may mean closing in a front porch. One of our recent renovations in downtown Charleston had obviously been altered over time. During our renovation, we attempted to right the architectural wrongs – but chose to keep the additional square footage.
Related Stories
Design
Attainable Housing Options: Rethinking the Starter Home
Three rapidly emerging design and development trends are helping to make housing more attainable without sacrificing style or convenience
Awards
Asheville Habitat for Humanity Wins Award for Aging-in-Place Design
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is the recipient of the 2023 Best in Accessibility Award in Habitat for Humanity International’s nationwide design contest
Outdoor Living
How to Transform a Non-View Lot Into an Eye-Catching Home Site
Not everyone can afford to pay a premium for sought-after view lots, but following these design tips can turn any basic yard into a charming outdoor living space