There is no denying that older properties are charming and can be stunning to look at with period features and high ceilings. However, for those who are lucky enough to own one of these delights, they will know only too well how troublesome they can be when fitting modern furnishings, fittings and technology. Not to mention the upkeep and expense of retaining and replacing original features.

There are a few tips and tricks that you can apply to retain the rustic charm of your home and still benefit from modern upgrades.

Exposed brickwork

While that may seem like the opposite of modernising your home, some fashions do go full circle and come back around, exposing brick work is now one of those. If you are concerned about losing some the insulating qualities by exposing the brick work, start with one wall. A popular choice is to expose the surrounding chimney breast, to make a true feature of the fire place.

LVT rustic effect flooring

You can create a natural looking floor with the use of luxury vinyl tiles, enjoying the benefits that modern vinyl has to offer. For example, LVT is available in a vast selection of colours and textures, is naturally warmer than stone or hardwood thanks to its insulating qualities and you can maintain a consistent look throughout a room, which is often hard to do with natural materials.

Think about lighting

Older properties have a tendency to be quite dark so it’s important to think about your source of lighting very carefully. Darker décor can make rooms look smaller, but it isn’t necessary to overlook as it can add a rather cosy feel to right rooms, such as living rooms and snugs.

For kitchens, lighter, reflective surfaces not only add a modern touch without compromising on features, but also allow light to flood into a room. Flooring and worktops are a good place to start, while many luxury wallpaper and fabric manufactures have ranges that incorporate reflective materials for this exact purpose.

Warm up natural wood flooring with a luxurious rug

If you are lucky enough to live in a property that has natural, exposed floorboards you can still dress the room up with a modern, and luxurious rug. As well as making your home look a little more modern, it will add a touch of warmth during the colder months.