Why I Want to Build a New “Old” House
Small disclaimer: this post is catered to my personal preferences in houses and decorating. If you enjoy the newer types of architecture, that’s fine! Everyone has different tastes.
I’ve always had an interest in older architecture since I was a kid. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a (very) old soul. Now that I’m growing older and starting to look at the real estate market and my options, I’m starting to consider a new build. Not just a new build though, a new old build. Here’s why I want to go back in time while moving forward:
I Personally Believe New Houses Have Lost the Element of Charm
I don’t want to walk into my home and feel like I’ve walked into a home decor magazine where everything is generic and “too perfect”. I need nooks and crannies. The types of things that give you the nostalgia of being “home”. New houses in my experience, lack character.
I won’t say the above picture isn’t nice. It is, definitely. But I don’t feel like I’m at home. I feel like I’m in a trendy museum or an art gallery. Everything is so…symmetrical. It’s just missing a receptionist's desk at the entrance. Home is where you are allowed to be human and humans are inherently imperfect. Not like this photo.
Also, why is every room white or grey these days? Honest question. Make it personal; add colour. Or if white is your colour, ground it with something that’s not a shade, not more grey. Even bigger honest question, how do you own a completely white home interior while having small children (and keep it that way)?
It Avoids Having to Deal with Old Structural Issues
One great thing about a new build is that you’re building the plumbing and electric from scratch and can get it done right the first time with up-to-date materials. When purchasing an old home and (I’m sure many who have can attest to this) you may need to do a lot of renovations due to the house needing to be up to code. This can get costly very fast.
Also, old homes can be known for having a draft which costs you more in heating. By building a new home with old charm, you can remedy this with modern building and heating methods.
I Want It to Feel Like Home
I don’t need a huge home but I don’t want a teeny, tiny home. I grew up in one and it can get crowded when the kids get older. I need a workable home. I suppose cozy would be the word I’m looking for. When I walk through that door, I want to feel instant relief to know I’m in my sanctuary.
I want the nooks and crannies. I want to be able to sit in my window seat with a book and some tea when it's raining; to curl up in a blanket. I could do that in a modern house, but personally, it’s just not the same.
Old Houses Hold Stories
I know, I know. I said I’d build a new house with old charm. How can a new house hold stories when I’m the first one living in it? I’ll tell you. I’m a sentimentalist whose sensitive to atmosphere and feeling. Even though it is new, I’ll still get a similar feeling like I’m in a historical home and the stories are mine to make.
I’ll Leave You with This Thought
Why don’t we build for charm like we used to? I honestly don’t have an answer, personally. Does it cost less money for the same quality? If so, I could understand the reasoning behind it.
There is nothing saying that we can’t blend modern design with up keeping and re-creating historical architecture. Maybe even if we combine the two it could open up new doors for blended designs. Who is to say you can’t have the best of both worlds? Check out this house, where a couple used 19th-century floor plans but tweaked it a little for 21st-century living when they built it in 2002. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. Build the home that you want.
