1920 Home Renovation: A Comprehensive Guide

Renovating a 1920 home can be a thrilling project, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. The era's architectural style is characterized by ornate details and a focus on craftsmanship.

The average cost of renovating a 1920 home can range from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope of the project. This estimate includes updating electrical and plumbing systems, as well as restoring original features like woodwork and plaster ceilings.

Many 1920 homes feature hardwood floors, which can be refinished to their original glory. In fact, the original hardwood floors in a 1920 home can be a major selling point for potential buyers.

Restoring a 1920 home's original windows can be a challenging task, but it's worth the effort to preserve the home's historic charm.

Renovating a 1920 home can be a thrilling project, but it's essential to recognize its potential.

A house with a great layout, like the one we worked with, is a perfect example of this. The open first floor with nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings and perfect flow is a great starting point.

The original character of these homes is what makes them so charming, but it can also be a challenge to update. We've seen it time and time again - a beautiful staircase, like the one in this house, can be a real showstopper.

By preserving the '20s spirit and incorporating modern amenities, you can create a unique and functional space.

With a little creativity and vision, you can turn a 40-year-old decor into a beautiful, modern home.

It's not just about tearing down walls, but about finding ways to reuse and repurpose existing features.

You can refresh a 1920s home by mixing modern and traditional design styles. This aesthetic is all about pulling from the original character of the home while adding modern amenities.

The key is to look beyond the challenges, like outdated decor, electrical systems, and stained floors. The Riverwood Place project is a great example of this, where the designers saw potential in a house that needed renovation.

A home's layout can be a major selling point, like the open first floor with nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings and perfect flow in the Riverwood Place project. This kind of layout can be preserved while still incorporating modern elements.

With a little creativity, you can make a space with wood paneling and limited lighting feel modern and updated. The Riverwood Place project shows that it's possible to make a 1920s home feel fresh and new again.

Renovating a 1920 home can be a daunting task, but it's essential to plan carefully to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

We learned from a homeowner who used many subcontractors, including electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, hardwood flooring installers, and plaster experts, to complete their extensive renovation.

The ideal order for tasks and a reasonable schedule are crucial in completing a renovation on time. We can see this from the homeowner who asked a lot of questions about the best processes and completed tasks on a reasonable schedule.

Renovation projects can be overwhelming, but they're also a great opportunity to learn and improve your process. We used many subcontractors, including electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, hardwood flooring installers, and plaster experts.

The key to a successful renovation is asking the right questions. We asked a lot of questions about the best processes, the ideal order for tasks, and how to complete them on a reasonable schedule.

A dramatic transformation can be achieved without gutting the house. We didn't gut the house, but we came close, and the difference is still dramatic.

Seeing the "after" months later is a great reward for all the hard work. We are absolutely thrilled with the results of our renovation.

Using the right materials can make a big difference. We used paint for walls, ceilings, and trim in Super White, and French doors in Onyx from Benjamin Moore.

A well-planned renovation can be completed on a reasonable schedule. We asked a lot of questions about the best processes and the ideal order for tasks to ensure a smooth renovation.

Consider reading: Home Renovation Order of Work

A concealed addition can be a great way to expand your living space without sacrificing the character of your home. This style of addition is set back and deeper than it is wide, which helps it blend in with the rest of the house.

The addition's new windows were matched to the originals in front, which is a great way to maintain the home's historic look and feel. This attention to detail can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of the remodel.

Tera, the homeowner, was excited about the addition because it allowed her to keep the charm of the older home while still gaining more space.

Renovating a 1920 home requires a thoughtful approach to each room. The kitchen, for example, needs to be updated with modern appliances and fixtures, but the original cabinetry can be refinished to maintain the home's character.

In the bathroom, the old plumbing system may need to be replaced with new P-traps and drain lines. This is a crucial step to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage.

The living room's original hardwood floors can be refinished to restore their original beauty, but the walls may need to be repainted with a coat of primer to cover up old wallpaper.

A fresh viewpoint: Old Home Renovation before and after

Removing asbestos from stucco siding can be a daunting task, requiring a detailed process that involves tenting, ventilating, and treating the house with a licensed abatement company.

The process can alter the historic exterior of the house, so it's essential to consider the impact on the home's character. In some cases, it may be more practical to leave the asbestos in place, especially if it's not causing any harm.

A seamless bond between the old and new parts of the house is crucial, which is why tearing off the rear exterior wall can be a necessary step. This process requires careful planning and execution to achieve the desired result.

Custom vanities can be a great way to add a personal touch to a room, like the one in the new first-floor bath that features a roomy custom vanity and a trio of library lights.

Suggestion: Home Renovation Plans

A primary suite must have a well-designed vanity, like the one in our example, with clean lines and interesting details such as ball cabinet knobs.

The mosaic marble floor adds a touch of elegance and interest to the space.

A primary suite should also have a balance of modern and traditional elements, like the arched mirrors paired with cross-handle faucets.

These design elements work together to create a harmonious and functional space.

The Islip Sconces in our example add a decorative touch and can be matched with the vanity knobs for a cohesive look.

Incorporating these details into your primary suite design can make a big impact on the overall feel and functionality of the space.

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Built-ins are a great way to keep your master bath serene and clutter-free, like in the project Thompson worked on. The old structure took a lot of work to level and square walls, making it a challenging task.

Fitting ceilings and new structures together requires patience and attention to detail, as Thompson recalls. The result is a smooth and cohesive look that ties everything together.

A well-designed bath can make a big difference in the overall feel of the room. By incorporating built-ins, you can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

When designing a mudroom and powder room addition, it's essential to consider the flow of traffic and create a sense of separation from the kitchen for privacy.

The Benjamin Moore Heather Grey mudroom cabinets with floral cutouts are a great choice for a neutral palette with traditional interest.

A mudroom and powder room addition can be a great way to add functionality and style to your home. By incorporating faux brick tile and wood accents, you can create a unique and inviting space.

The powder room features the William Morris Pimpernel wallpaper, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

Traditional wallpaper with matching trim can be used to add a pop of color and pattern to the powder room, creating a cohesive look.

By paying attention to the details, such as the baseboard and crown details, you can add color and interest to your home without overwhelming the space.

A neutral palette in the mudroom and powder room addition provides a clean and calming backdrop for architectural details and decorative elements.

The original 1920s house had a layout that was perfect for renovation, with an open first floor and nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings.

A butler's pantry was absorbed into the kitchen, which was bumped out on two sides.

The laundry was moved upstairs, where a bedroom and bath became a closet and bath for the main suite.

Two bedrooms and a bath on the third floor were left untouched.

The addition of a deck where a balcony had been greatly improved the outdoor living space.

The kitchen and dining area of this 1920 home renovation is a real showstopper. The expansive kitchen is a hub of activity, with a beautiful island that's perfect for food prep and casual dining.

The kitchen features a custom steel vent hood over a pro-style range, which adds a touch of sophistication to the space. A vintage door with leaded and stained glass closes off the pantry, adding a unique decorative element.

Intriguing read: Home Depot Kitchen Renovation

Benjamin Moore's Smoke Embers paint on the walls creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the Sherwin-Williams' Pure White cabinets provide a clean and crisp contrast. The tumbled Calacatta Gold marble tile backsplash in five sizes adds a beautiful touch of elegance.

The kitchen is also equipped with a Wolf range, an Iron Accents vent hood, a Kohler sink, and a Blanco faucet. The result is a kitchen that's both functional and visually stunning.