Renovating a historic home is a labor of love. The charm, character, and stories that come with an older property are unparalleled, but so are the challenges in historic home renovations. As an interior designer who specializes in historic home renovations, I’ve encountered and overcome these hurdles many times. If you’re considering renovating a historic home, it’s essential to be aware of the potential obstacles you might face and how to navigate them successfully. Let’s dive into the top five challenges and I've noticed come up time and time again when renovating a historic property.

#1 The Challenge:

Preserving the Integrity of the Original Design

The original features that likely drew you to your historic home—such as intricate woodwork, grand fireplaces, or vintage moldings—often come with their own set of challenges. Over time, these elements likely have been damaged, covered with layers of paint (potentially with lead), or poorly refurbished by previous owners, making it difficult and prohibitively expensive to restore them to their former glory.

How to Overcome It:

The first step is to carefully evaluate which features are crucial to the historic integrity of the home. At Paige Studio, one of the first things we do on a historic home project is to  assess whether it’s feasible to restore the historic elements that give the home it's charm or if it would make more sense to replace them with high-quality replacements that stays true to the original design.

Unfortunately, restoration isn’t always possible or practical, and that’s where expert judgment comes into play. When deciding a historic feature of your home is worth it to recreate, its important to work with skilled artisans and contractors who specialize in historic homes and understand that it's the quirks and charm that make these houses special (and won't recommend, for example, you replace 1903 Neo-classical moulding with builder-grade materials from a big box store). This ensures that your modern updates enhance your homes value instead of stripping it of its character after your renovation.

#2 The Challenge:

Navigating Outdated Building Codes

Historic homes were often built under outdated or even nonexistent building codes, many of which don’t meet today’s safety requirements. Outdated electrical wiring, plumbing, and structural reinforcements can present significant challenges, particularly since most Dallas-area jurisdictions require homes to be brought up to the most recent codes when undergoing renovations. Beyond legal obligations, ensuring your home is safe for you and your family is paramount during a renovation.

How to Overcome It:

Working with local contractors experienced in historic renovations is essential for navigating this challenge. These professionals are not only familiar with current building codes but also skilled at preserving the integrity of the original structure. At Paige Studio, we collaborate closely with contractors who specialize in historic homes, and trust their ability to balance the demands of modern safety standards with the unique quirks of older properties.

Another crucial step is to check if your home is protected under local historic preservation ordinances, which might require special permits or approvals before any work can begin. Having an interior designer and a contractor familiar with these regulations ensures that your renovation complies with safety standards without compromising the historic value of the property.

#3 The Challenge:

Hidden Structural Issues

Older homes often conceal structural problems behind their walls that only reveal themselves once renovation begins. Common issues include foundation settling, termite damage, or rot in the wooden framework—problems that may not be immediately obvious during the initial walkthrough.

How to Overcome It:

Before starting any renovation, it’s essential to have a thorough inspection of your property. Bring in specialists who understand the quirks of older homes to check for structural integrity, roofing issues, and foundational problems.

It's also always wise to budget extra for unexpected repairs, as these hidden issues are almost inevitable in older homes. We often recommend setting aside 10-20% of the budget to address issues that may be hidden being the walls in these types of projects. As much as we love making our clients’ homes beautiful, it’s important to prioritize structural repairs over cosmetic updates to ensure the longevity and safety of your home.

#4 The Challenge:

Matching Materials and Finishes

Sourcing materials that match or complement the original components of a historic home can be a huge challenge. Older homes often feature building techniques and materials that are no longer available or require specialized skills to replicate, such as custom plasterwork, period-specific tiles, or unique hardware.

How to Overcome It:

To maintain the home’s authenticity, we source materials from architectural salvage yards, antique dealers, or specialty manufacturers that recreate historic elements. Though even with our access to resources and craftsmen, sometimes finding an exact match is impossible. In that case, we focus on finding high-quality modern materials that honor the look and feel of the original design. As interior designer’s that specialize and are experienced in the quirks of historic homes, we can help you make thoughtful decisions, ensuring the renovated parts blend seamlessly with the rest of the house while maintaining its historic charm.

#5 The Challenge:

Balancing Modern Amenities with Historic Charm

As much as we love the charm and character of historic homes, let's be honest—no one actually wants to live with a kitchen or bathroom that's fifty to one hundred (or more) years old. While these homes offer timeless beauty, they often lack modern conveniences like efficient HVAC systems and windows, adequate storage, and updated kitchens and bathrooms. The challenge lies in incorporating these modern amenities that make our lives easier and more comfortable without disrupting the home’s original design.

How to Overcome It:

The key to balancing historic charm with modern functionality is thoughtful design. We work with our clients to integrate modern conveniences in a way that complements the existing architecture rather than detracting from it. Custom cabinetry, built-ins, and hidden storage solutions can provide the necessary upgrades while blending seamlessly with the home's period style. When working with an interior designer that understands and respects your homes’ history, you can create a space that offers the best of both worlds—historic charm and modern comfort.

Renovating a historic home comes with its fair share of challenges, but with the right team and a thoughtful approach, those challenges can become opportunities to create something truly special. Whether it’s preserving original features, upgrading outdated systems, or sourcing the perfect materials, the key to success lies in striking a balance between the past and present. At Paige Studio, we specialize in bringing historic homes back to life while making them functional for modern living.

If you're ready to start your historic home renovation journey, we’d love to help. Book a complimentary discovery call today, and let’s explore how we can transform your home while honoring its unique character.

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