Natchez-raised interior designer Yancey Seibert Shearouse's renovation of an 1891 home in Augusta is featured in Southern Living's September issue, per the Natchez Democrat. The coverage puts a spotlight on how a designer approaches a period property.
The details of her design choices aren't something we can walk you through here, since we haven't seen the full feature. What we can do is use the project as a prompt: if you own an older home, or you're eyeing one, how do you update it without stripping out the very thing that made you love it? Here's a practical approach, in the order that tends to save the most money and regret.
Start by Listing What Makes the House Feel Old (in a Good Way)
Before you pick paint or open a single cabinet, walk through with a notepad. Write down every feature that gives the house its age and personality. In a house built in the 1890s, that might mean:
- Original wood floors, even scratched ones
- Tall windows and deep sills
- Trim, mantels, and door hardware
- Plaster walls with a little wave in them
- Staircase details
This is your keep list. Anything on it gets repaired before it gets replaced. That single rule does more to protect a home's character than any decorating trick.
Repair First, Replace Last
Repair is usually the cheaper path, too. A few affordable moves:
- Floors: Refinishing existing boards often costs less than new flooring and keeps the aged look. Even a thorough clean and fresh coat of finish can help.
- Windows: Reglazing, fixing sash cords, and adding weatherstripping can improve older windows without losing their proportions. Storm windows add efficiency on top.
- Hardware: Soak old hinges and knobs in warm soapy water and scrub gently before deciding they're beyond saving. Solid vintage hardware often cleans up well.
If something truly can't be saved, look for salvage yards and architectural reclamation shops. Matching old trim with reclaimed pieces usually looks better than a stock modern profile.
Let the Bones Lead the Color and Furniture Choices
A historic house gives you strong clues. High ceilings can handle deeper colors. Generous trim can be highlighted with a contrasting or glossier finish. Big rooms can hold substantial furniture.
To keep things approachable, mix instead of matching:
- Pick one or two anchor antiques or secondhand pieces per room.
- Fill in with simpler, modern or budget finds.
- Repeat a color or material across rooms so the house feels connected.
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces are good hunting grounds for the anchor pieces. Plenty of period homes look their best when the furnishings feel collected over time.
Update the Rooms That Work Hardest
Kitchens and bathrooms are where old houses most often need real change. You can modernize them while still respecting the rest of the house.
- Keep finishes timeless: simple cabinet profiles, classic tile shapes, and warm metals tend to sit comfortably in older spaces.
- Hide modern conveniences where you can, such as panel-front appliances or a dishwasher tucked into cabinetry.
- Match the new work to the old in scale. A tiny, low-profile fixture can look odd under a tall ceiling.
Spend your budget here, and let the living areas stay simpler.
Smaller Homes and Smaller Budgets
You don't need a grand 19th-century house for this to apply. Any older home, from a 1920s bungalow to a mid-century ranch, has features worth protecting. On a tight budget:
- Paint is the highest-impact, lowest-cost change. Try one room at a time.
- Swap light fixtures for style, not just brightness. It's an easy weekend job for many people, though turn off power at the breaker first, or hire an electrician if you're unsure.
- Edit before you buy. Removing clutter often shows off architecture you forgot you had.
Know When to Call a Pro
Older homes can hide surprises: outdated wiring, aging plumbing, and lead paint in houses built before the late 1970s. If you plan to sand, scrape, or open walls, get the paint tested first and follow safe-work guidelines. A structural or electrical issue is not a DIY experiment.
The Takeaway
When the Southern Living spotlight lands on a renovated 1891 home, it's a reminder that old houses reward patience. Make your keep list this weekend, and let it guide every decision after.