July 10, 2013

Help me find old-house decorating ideas


I haven't moved in yet, but I've been searching the web for inspirational photos of old homes with dark woodwork paired with modern furnishings. I'd love our house to be eclectic— a mix of modern / industrial paired with the traditional elements that are already part of the 1899 house.

Trouble is, on most of the decorating sites I've looked at, all the trim has been painted white. It's actually sort of challenging to find examples of dark wood plus modern style.

CB2's little Mix in Modern slideshow is a great example. Check it out! An image is above.

Have you guys seen inspiring photos online? I started a Pinterest board for old house ideas, and I wish I could open it so everyone could add pins. That's not possible as far as I can tell; I'd have to invite you all one by one using your email addresses. Besides not having them, it would take a gazillion years to enter them all.

So if you come across any nice photos, could you share them? Either:
1) Paste the link in a comment here. I'll pin them to the Old House Ideas board.
Or,
2) Tag your finds on Pinterest with hashtag #oldhouseideas in the image description.

Maybe other folks have the same type of home and can benefit from some inspiration, too. Thanks!

47 comments:

  1. Grandma GJuly 10, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    You have great readers... you'll probably have more pin potential than you'll know what to do with! ;) Can't wait to see!

    Mum

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  2. annJuly 10, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    I live in an old home, built in 1924, so I know how dark they can be. And we don't even have dark trim. Ran across this with a few pics that are pretty good. Hopefully a bit inspirational!

    http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/06/theres-no-reason-to-let-dark-trim-impede-on-your-mad-decorating-prowess-skillz/

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  3. CélocheJuly 10, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    Hi,

    Sorry for my english...
    On this web site, there are a plenty of ideas :
    http://inspirationsdeco.blogspot.fr/
    http://www.designsponge.com/
    http://benita-le-blog-deco.blogspot.fr/
    I like very much the first one!
    The front of your new house is very great!

    Céline

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  4. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    You could try using a hashtag on Pinterest specific to this...and encourage your readers to do the same on their own boards!

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  5. SamJuly 10, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    I'll be on the lookout! I love the idea of mixing dark woods with whites/light grays and bright colors, so I can't wait to see how you do it.

    After looking at the pictures in your last post, I think starting with some white or super light gray walls - as opposed to the gold and orange that's currently there - will make an enormous difference towards light & bright! In the end, I think you'll be happy if you leave the trim dark.

    This home has its fair share of wood floors/trim: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/jen-omars-inspired-apartment-h-128034

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  6. AnnaJuly 10, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/color/2011

    and here is a whole idea book http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12237013/thumbs/Interior-Paint-with-Dark-Wood-Trim

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  7. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    I have a very similar problem in our midcentury rambler! Here's one good link: http://www.designsponge.com/2011/05/sneak-peek-meghan-mcewen-of-designtripper.html

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  8. NinaJuly 10, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    Jess, your new house is AMAZING! No specific links for you, but you might try looking towards Europe. It's not an unusually old house by our standards, lots of us live in older places than that. The dark wood has a kind of William Morris-type look to me, not sure if that's accurate though. Also, I'm thinking of the stylish Danes and all their teak. Should be some ideas there. Good luck with the move and the decorating!

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  9. Dog MomJuly 10, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    Bless you! I really love the link that Ann attached - what beautiful decorating! This is not a great pic, but I'm at work and it was the only one on my phone. We are attempting the mix of modern and old in our house with the dark trim. The blue you see is an Ikea sectional. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201051469002584&l=0e3c9a5d83

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  10. MeganJuly 10, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    Hey Jessica, here are some links. It can be daunting when undertaking an old house....but oh so worth it.
    http://pinterest.com/pin/189291990561042778/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/189291990561042769/

    http://www.houzz.com/projects/4295/Sheridan-Rd--Highland-Park-home-renovation

    http://www.houzz.com/projects/27269/Pemberley

    http://pinterest.com/pin/189291990561042800/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/189291990561042808/

    These are just a few...hope it helps. Best of luck with everything

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  11. Jessica JonesJuly 10, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    Guys, thank you!! I'm on a 5 minute break from packing boxes, and I can't wait to look through all these! I'd better wait until I make more packing progress. It will be my reward later today.

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  12. KimJuly 10, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    I was going to mention the Houzz site too, but looks like others beat me to it!

    I'm not sure if you've seen this blog, but it is one my favorites that I follow. It's actually right next to yours in my Feedly reader: http://www.younghouselove.com/ One thing I like about their blog is they do reader redesigns so you can see what other people/bloggers are doing for renovations too.

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  13. Crazy Mom!July 10, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/old-house-renovation-paint-or-stain.shtml
    http://www.decoradventures.com/2012/09/why-ill-never-paint-our-wood-trim.html
    http://www.ehow.com/about_5208179_early-1900-house-colors.html

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  14. Jessica JonesJuly 10, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    Awesome!

    Anonymous, a Pinterest hashtag is a great idea. I've updated the post to propose #oldhouseideas as a tag.

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  15. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    Check out the house tour on the makingitlovely blog:
    http://makingitlovely.com/house-tour/


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  16. TaniaJuly 10, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    As always DesignSponge has some awesome examples. This house is one of my favourites. Although probably small compared to yours, it also started out pretty dark, but love how light and airy it is now.

    http://www.designsponge.com/2012/08/before-after-small-home-redo.html

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  17. ValentinaJuly 10, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    This selection of pins maybe will do:
    http://pinterest.com/pin/106467978663967837/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/160722280424030498/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/40250990389995795/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/238550111481795980/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/95771929546150029/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/10555380346132733/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/220676450464118815/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/68719540905/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/76420524900093741/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/311029917985940462/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/313703930263942404/

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  18. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 4:02 PM

    I don't know any good websites, but I have an idea with the dark trim. Maybe you could paint small, simple designs like stylized branches (kind of like on the curtain in your old office) with orange or other colorful paint.

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  19. LorenJuly 10, 2013 at 4:03 PM

    You probably already read her but Anna Dorfman does some really cool modern things with her brownstone house. Also she has a new apartment with dark trim.
    http://www.doorsixteen.com/category/apartment-brooklyn/

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  20. Walla Walla MamaJuly 10, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    Although this project added some very modern elements to a traditional victorian, the thing I like is that some of the woodwork was painted and some was left dark. It made for a fresh, unique look. http://www.remodelista.com/posts/victorian-revamped

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  21. SarahJuly 10, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    http://www.donovanhill.com.au/

    these architects work mainly on new buildings but they have a lot of dark timber in their designs.

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  22. Caitlin at Salty OatJuly 10, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    This house came to mind: http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/everything-i-love-home-tour.html, as did this one: http://smileandwave.typepad.com/blog/2013/06/my-entry-1.html Congrats on the new house!

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  23. Sara BJuly 10, 2013 at 9:27 PM

    Lets see if I can dig anything up!
    http://pinterest.com/pin/171770173260092025/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/171770173257183059/
    http://pinterest.com/pin/171770173257156691/
    Hmm...not quite, but maybe something will strike a creative chord!

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  24. Kirsty @ Bonjour QuiltsJuly 11, 2013 at 3:04 AM

    This could have a few ideas for you:

    http://www.houzz.com/dark-stained-wood-trim

    Good luck with it all - the place looks fantastic!

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  25. ChristinaJuly 11, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Check out this house that was used in Charmed: http://www.mrkate.com/2013/02/04/design-inspo-authentic-victorian-house/

    They keep things very original but maybe there are things you see which you could do with a modern twist?

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  26. BekyJuly 11, 2013 at 5:13 AM

    Try these boards http://pinterest.com/kirstieshome/

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  27. PattyJuly 11, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    I'm wondering if some of the trim could be covered with fabric - like you did the door in your apartment, though maybe solids instead of prints.

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  28. Jessica JonesJuly 11, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Or maybe curtain panels that just hide the edges of the window casings...

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  29. Jessica JonesJuly 11, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Guys, all your links are awesome! I've been pinning my faves. Wonderful, thank you for all the help! You're the best!!!

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  30. cHim-printsJuly 11, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Houzz is the best place for any decorating needs. Just name your decor dilemma in the search box. They will provide you with (usually) hundreds of photos with so many ideas your head will spin! Inside... outside... they have it all.

    I love Houzz. I once searched for "corrugated metal" and saw amazing ideas.

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  31. UnknownJuly 11, 2013 at 2:51 PM

    Maybe you also like the Dutch design Pastoe. This is the website: 100year.pastoe.com. You can read the book which contains lots of Dutch design classics from the 60s and 50s.

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  32. UnknownJuly 11, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    soo...this house has some WILD colors/decor, but it's old (in a Historic District in Dayton OH) and has dark wood...and I walked thru it with my bro when he was house hunting: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/121-James-St-Dayton-OH-45410/35079795_zpid/

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  33. Jessica JonesJuly 11, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    Wow! I LOVE that they put their own stamp on that place. Not what I would I would pick, but it's inspiring in its own way. Wheels are turning.... And I think their red kitchen cabinets are cool.

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  34. Jessica JonesJuly 11, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Unknown, I'm having trouble getting that link to work, but you've made me curious. I will google Pastoe.

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  35. ErinJuly 11, 2013 at 7:32 PM

    hope my pins give you some inspiration!

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  36. UnknownJuly 11, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    here's another historic house with the original wood trim...it's for sale so doesn't have the best pics, but there are a few that might be inspiring! :)
    http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/3-bed-Single-Family-home-for-sale-by-owner-233-Morton-Avenue-45410/23942083?provider_id=28079

    TIP: you may be able to find some pics of home interiors on some of the historic neighborhood websites, too. Here are a few in Dayton:
    http://mcphersontown.com/homes/
    http://www.stanneshill.org/

    and there's this that I pinned with uber dramatic black trim!
    http://pinterest.com/pin/217369119484564412/

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  37. Karin CorbinJuly 12, 2013 at 8:58 PM

    try searching with the keywords
    "industrial chic"

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  38. Jessica JonesJuly 13, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Karin, PERFECT. Thank you!

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  39. AnonymousJuly 14, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    It's interesting because houses this old are just pretty standard here in the UK and most people wouldn't give it a second thought to painting the trim white. History is as history does. Or something. Anyway, paint those suckers white! Rachel

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  40. AnonymousJuly 15, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    Hi Jessica,
    Here's another Canadian decorating magazine. You may find something on this site.
    http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/refresh-your-home-in-30-days/a/34454/18

    Laura

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  41. Jessica JonesJuly 16, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Thanks, Laura!

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  42. JasminaJuly 16, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    Hi!

    Library Desk: http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/jill-brinson-rustic-design#slide-13

    Wall Art on the stairs: http://artdata.net/comfortable-living-room-interior-decorating-ideas-with-amazing-wall-art/amazing-wall-art-pictures-decoration-near-stairs-in-living-room-interior-decorating-designs-ideas

    some ideas from sneak peek: zoe johns & max catalano via design&sponge: http://www.designsponge.com/2012/05/sneak-peek-zoe-johns-max-catalano.html

    mismatch dining room (original source design&sponge): http://pinterest.com/pin/12033123974492850/


    living/dining room (p.s. can't find the source, just my pin): http://pinterest.com/pin/12033123974770957/

    Happy searching :-)

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  43. Jessica JonesJuly 16, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Jasmina, I'm excited to look at these. Thank you!

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  44. Laura KathleenJuly 17, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    I don't have an older house, but I do have dark walnut bedroom furniture. We painted the bedroom in Behr's "Drowsy Lavender" a sort of greyish purply color, and it is beautiful with the dark woods, and very restful. It looks different in different light--sometimes more grey, sometimes more lavender. It goes well with white furniture accents and a cloud-like white comforter on the bed.

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  45. Jessica JonesJuly 17, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    Sounds beautiful for a bedroom! I love cool colors with warm brown trim.

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  46. UtaAugust 10, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    So excited to read and see what is becoming of your new home.
    I live in Germany. Modern architecture here is still very much influenced by the Bauhaus-design - clear form, functional, not much a variety in materials. Still there are obviously lots of older houses, some modernised in a classy way. Here's an example http://www.schoener-wohnen.de/bauen/umbauen-renovieren/villa/205232-jugendstilvilla-modern-saniert-3.html unfortunately written in German. There are some before (Vorher) and after (Nachher) shots. The text says it used to be very dark inside. The new owners are an American architect and his Dutch partner btw (o=
    If asked personally I would go for white walls (German houses don't have coloured walls, don't ask me why), leave the wood as it is, it's great. Maybe allow more light in with more glass if possible in any way, no dark curtains, no dark furniture, carpets etc.
    Use light-coloured furniture in clear forms - make the space you have not too crowded...

    I hope this is understandable (o=

    Uta

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  47. Jessica JonesAugust 13, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Uta, great suggestions! And I love the link!

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