Are you a home buyer? If so, you’re likely looking to take advantage of the housing market as it continues to strengthen and prices continue to rise. This can be done through purchasing an older home and restoring it—or even adding modern amenities—to make it your own without breaking the bank. To get the most out of your home, consider these five retro home features that are making a comeback, according to experts in the field
1) Art Deco Light Fixtures
These light fixtures were all the rage in the 1920s and 1930s and they are making a comeback in a big way. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home and can really make a statement. If you’re looking to add a bit of retro charm to your home, consider adding an Art Deco light fixture. It’s a simple addition that will liven up your space and make it feel so much more cozy.
In keeping with this trend, we have also seen brass headboards, metal accents, rattan furniture and vintage doors come back into style over the past few years. The key to these trends is finding them in good condition and then updating them with fresh paint or new hardware if necessary. A quick update can turn something old and worn out into something brand new again! Keep this in mind when considering whether or not to keep certain items from the past. Consider giving a coat of paint, replacing some worn hinges on doors, or even installing new handles for door knobs- small updates like these can bring anything old back to life!
2) Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of the most popular features in older homes and for good reason. They’re durable, easy to clean, and they add a touch of elegance to any space. Even though they’re not as trendy as they once were, hardwood floors are still a sought-after feature in many homes. We’re seeing them pop up more often in home remodels, especially if there’s an outdated or unattractive flooring material already installed. A quick refinishing can revive old wood floors, making them look like new again. It’s worth considering if you want to preserve this vintage detail while updating your home with modern amenities.
3) Mid-Century Modern Appliances
Mid-century modern appliances have made a comeback in recent years as homeowners look for ways to add retro touches to their homes. While the style of these appliances may be different from what you’re used to seeing in today’s homes, they can actually add a lot of character and charm. Here are five mid-century modern appliances that experts say are making a comeback: The first is the range hood. These were first introduced in 1956 by Dacor Corporation and offered increased safety by venting hot air away from the cooktop. Range hoods can also help improve air quality because many of them include filters that help remove airborne grease particles before they’re circulated throughout your home. Next up is the dishwasher, which was invented by GE engineer Alice Boughton in 1949 while she was working on her Ph.D. thesis at MIT.
4) Classic Hardware
There’s something about vintage hardware that just looks better than the modern version. It has a weight and quality to it that new hardware lacks. If you’re lucky enough to have original hardware in your retro home, make sure to take good care of it! Remember to give it some TLC by oiling its moving parts regularly, polishing its finish every now and then with carnauba wax or an appropriate product like Howard Feed-N-Wax, and replacing any missing or broken pieces as soon as possible. These small tasks will keep your vintage hardware looking fresh for years to come.
5) Original Staircases
There’s something about an original staircase that just screams retro home. Maybe it’s the way they’re often grand and sweeping, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re such a key part of the home’s architecture. Whatever the reason, original staircases are a big selling point for retro homes. Original wood banisters will be preserved in place, says McManus. People love the old-fashioned look.
