Owning a historic home in Newburyport, MA is an exciting opportunity to embrace both the charm of the past and the conveniences of modern living. With its well-preserved Federal-style homes and other architectural gems, Newburyport offers homeowners a chance to step back in time while making the space their own. However, decorating a historic house can feel like walking a fine line—how do you maintain the historic character of your home while ensuring it meets today’s standards of comfort and style?
The good news is that when decorating a historic house, there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. Some homeowners choose to highlight the period elements of their home, while others prefer a juxtaposition of old and new, using modern furnishings to create a fresh, livable space. In this post, we’ll explore how to decorate your historic Newburyport home, offering tips and suggestions to strike the perfect balance between honoring the past and embracing the present.
Embrace the History of Your Home
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a historic home is the opportunity to celebrate its unique character and architectural details. Whether your home was built in the 18th century or during Newburyport’s Federalist era, research its history and design.
Begin by looking at the architectural style and period in which your home was built. Federal-style homes, for example, are known for their symmetry, clean lines, and decorative elements like fanlights and moldings. Understanding these design cues will help you make informed choices regarding decorating.
Look at designs from the period for inspiration. You don’t need to create a replica of a bygone era, but incorporating a few key pieces inspired by the original period—whether furniture, artwork, or lighting fixtures—can help ground your design in history.
Begin by looking at the architectural style and period in which your home was built. Federal-style homes, for example, are known for their symmetry, clean lines, and decorative elements like fanlights and moldings. Understanding these design cues will help you make informed choices regarding decorating.
Look at designs from the period for inspiration. You don’t need to create a replica of a bygone era, but incorporating a few key pieces inspired by the original period—whether furniture, artwork, or lighting fixtures—can help ground your design in history.
Juxtapose Old and New
One popular and highly effective approach to decorating a historic home is to juxtapose contemporary furnishings with the old-world charm of the house. This creates an intriguing contrast and keeps your home from feeling like a museum. For example, you might pair modern, minimalist furniture with original architectural details like ornate moldings, wooden beams, or exposed brick.
The contrast between sleek, contemporary pieces and historic elements allows each to stand out while also making your space feel more dynamic and fresh. When using this method, consider starting with a few antiques or period-inspired pieces that reflect the home’s era and then completing the room with modern furniture, lighting, and accessories.
The contrast between sleek, contemporary pieces and historic elements allows each to stand out while also making your space feel more dynamic and fresh. When using this method, consider starting with a few antiques or period-inspired pieces that reflect the home’s era and then completing the room with modern furniture, lighting, and accessories.
Use Recessed Lighting Sparingly
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any home, but it requires extra care in a historic house. Overuse of recessed lighting can detract from the character of a period home, disrupting its historic ambiance. Instead, consider using recessed lighting sparingly, focusing on areas where it’s absolutely necessary for functionality.
To complement your home’s character, opt for more traditional lighting sources in other areas of the home. Chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps can add a warm, inviting glow while staying true to the historical style of the house. Look for vintage-inspired lighting fixtures that work with the era of your home, or modern pieces that still convey a sense of timeless elegance.
To complement your home’s character, opt for more traditional lighting sources in other areas of the home. Chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps can add a warm, inviting glow while staying true to the historical style of the house. Look for vintage-inspired lighting fixtures that work with the era of your home, or modern pieces that still convey a sense of timeless elegance.
Reupholster Antiques
If your home is filled with inherited or antique furniture, one great way to maintain the period charm while updating the look is by reupholstering these pieces. Reupholstering gives you the opportunity to refresh old furniture and ensure it fits with the overall aesthetic of your home. Choose fabrics that are both comfortable and stylish, balancing modern prints or colors with the more traditional shapes of antique furniture.
Reupholstering also allows you to keep the charm and craftsmanship of older pieces without sacrificing comfort. For example, a classic wingback chair can be given new life with a contemporary fabric, seamlessly blending old-world charm with today’s design preferences.
Reupholstering also allows you to keep the charm and craftsmanship of older pieces without sacrificing comfort. For example, a classic wingback chair can be given new life with a contemporary fabric, seamlessly blending old-world charm with today’s design preferences.
Focus on Comfort and Livability
While it’s important to respect the historic nature of your home, it’s equally important to make sure your space is livable and comfortable. After all, you’re going to spend a lot of time in your home, and it should feel inviting and functional.
When decorating your historic Newburyport home, prioritize comfort. This means selecting furniture that not only fits with the aesthetic but also meets your daily living needs. You don’t need to shy away from modern conveniences like comfortable seating, durable fabrics, and state-of-the-art appliances. The key is to integrate these elements in a way that complements your home’s history.
For example, a cozy, overstuffed sofa might look out of place in a formal parlor, but with the right fabric and styling, it can become a perfect blend of comfort and historic charm. Similarly, modern kitchen appliances can coexist with period-style cabinetry, preserving the character of the home while providing the practicality of a contemporary kitchen.
When decorating your historic Newburyport home, prioritize comfort. This means selecting furniture that not only fits with the aesthetic but also meets your daily living needs. You don’t need to shy away from modern conveniences like comfortable seating, durable fabrics, and state-of-the-art appliances. The key is to integrate these elements in a way that complements your home’s history.
For example, a cozy, overstuffed sofa might look out of place in a formal parlor, but with the right fabric and styling, it can become a perfect blend of comfort and historic charm. Similarly, modern kitchen appliances can coexist with period-style cabinetry, preserving the character of the home while providing the practicality of a contemporary kitchen.
Preserve Architectural Details
One of the defining features of historic homes is their unique architectural details—whether it’s original hardwood floors, detailed moldings, or period fireplaces. When decorating, make sure to highlight these elements rather than covering them up.
For instance, if your home has beautiful hardwood floors, avoid carpeting over them. Instead, opt for rugs that complement the wood while still allowing it to shine. Similarly, if you have intricate moldings or paneling, consider using paint colors that highlight these features. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the craftsmanship that makes your home special—these details are what set a historic house apart from a modern one.
For instance, if your home has beautiful hardwood floors, avoid carpeting over them. Instead, opt for rugs that complement the wood while still allowing it to shine. Similarly, if you have intricate moldings or paneling, consider using paint colors that highlight these features. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the craftsmanship that makes your home special—these details are what set a historic house apart from a modern one.
Create a Cohesive Color Palette
When decorating a historic home, a cohesive color palette is essential to bring together old and new design elements. The colors you choose can either reflect the home’s original period or provide a contemporary contrast.
Neutral tones such as creams, whites, and soft grays work well in many historic homes, allowing architectural details to take center stage. You can also incorporate deeper, richer tones inspired by the home’s era, such as deep blues, greens, and burgundies. If you prefer a more modern look, consider using a monochromatic palette to create a streamlined, sophisticated feel.
Decorating a historic home in Newburyport, MA, offers a chance to blend the charm of the past with the comforts of modern living. Whether you’re preserving the home’s original details, adding contemporary furnishings, or striking a balance between old and new, the key is to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, but by keeping the home’s history in mind and choosing elements that reflect your personal style, you can create a living space that’s truly unique.
Ready to take your historic Newburyport home to the next level? The Zaniboni Luxury Group is here to help you find and transform the perfect property. Contact us today to explore our collection of historic homes and receive expert advice on making your dream home a reality.
Neutral tones such as creams, whites, and soft grays work well in many historic homes, allowing architectural details to take center stage. You can also incorporate deeper, richer tones inspired by the home’s era, such as deep blues, greens, and burgundies. If you prefer a more modern look, consider using a monochromatic palette to create a streamlined, sophisticated feel.
Decorating a historic home in Newburyport, MA, offers a chance to blend the charm of the past with the comforts of modern living. Whether you’re preserving the home’s original details, adding contemporary furnishings, or striking a balance between old and new, the key is to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it, but by keeping the home’s history in mind and choosing elements that reflect your personal style, you can create a living space that’s truly unique.
Ready to take your historic Newburyport home to the next level? The Zaniboni Luxury Group is here to help you find and transform the perfect property. Contact us today to explore our collection of historic homes and receive expert advice on making your dream home a reality.
