7 Ways To Make a New (Old) House

1.) Start with a Smart Plan

Kay and Curt built history into their home with a plan that looks as if it has been added onto over time. Throughout the interior, the couple chose inconsistent window styles and varying board widths (on floors and walls) to create a haphazard effect, furthering the idea that the plan was not completed at once.

2.) Maximize the Impact of Wood

“There is not one single sheet of drywall in the entire house,” says Kay. “Every wall and ceiling is wood plank.” To achieve a nostalgic feel, Kay and Curt held off on the gypsum wallboard and opted for natural wood, leaving the beams exposed whenever possible. “Wood brings warmth and character that simply can’t be matched by any other material,” says Kay. Whether it’s board-and-batten, beaded board, or single planks, wood guarantees instant impact, even if the budget only allows placing it on a single wall or ceiling.

3.) Salvage Materials

Throughout the home, heart-pine flooring obtained from a South Carolina textile mill recalls history. “It has the original nail holes,” says Kay. “If you look closely, you can still see oil stains from factory weaving machines.”  Salvaged beam work and reclaimed interior doors also pack a big punch and add character.

4.) Opt for Muted Hues

Earthy tones inspired by the island setting offer a timeless look. “The colors in this house are all meant to blend in, not overshadow,” Kay says. Thinned paint coats walls, ceilings, and cabinetry to create the patina of weathered wood. The subtle, delicate process is barely noticeable from a distance but adds a layer of interest for the discerning eye. “If the paint had been solid, it would have looked too new and stark,” she says.

5.) Choose Authentic Lighting

Composed of electrified gas lanterns, rewired and repurposed antiques, and vintage reproductions, the home’s lighting maintains an authentic period look. Kay and Carolyn called upon Adairsville, Georgia, lighting guru Eloise Pickard to create custom lighting throughout much of the home. “Each of Eloise’s fixtures is absolutely a highlight,” says Kay. To complement the look, Kay selected handcrafted reproduction fixtures, which appear every bit as genuine as their original counterparts.