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Easy tricks to make your old house feel bigger

By: Shannon Lee , Contributing Writer
In: Home Improvement Tips

There are so many gorgeous features of an old house that it would be impossible to list them all (though over the years I have certainly tried!). But there are also the downsides, as anyone who loves old houses will reluctantly admit. One of those downsides is the simple issue of space. While some old houses are expansive, with more than enough space for everyone and everything, it's more common to find old houses that rival tiny houses -- a very limited amount of space but boatloads of charm.

Many homeowners choose to expand their old houses in order to keep up with modern life, but that compromises the history of the place. For those who want to keep their old house as original as possible, borrow a few tricks from tiny house lovers to make it work.

Look for light-colored wallpaper

Though a great deal of historic wallpaper is dark and opulent, there are some options out there with a lighter feel. Cole & Son is an example of a company that has been creating wallpaper for over a century, and includes original historic designs that can lighten up a wall instead of darkening a room.

Go white on the ceiling

Most ceilings are ignored, and over time they become dingy and definitely off-white. When you roll on that first strip of bright white paint, you will be absolutely amazed at just how gray that ceiling was. The white color above you makes the room feel more open and fresh.

Go vertical

Many old houses do not have closets; if they do, they were added as an afterthought, and they take up precious space. Rather than go with traditional storage options, go vertical with tall armoires or chests that store everything but don't encroach on too much of the room.

Choose a simple mirror

The reflection of light from a mirror can open up a room and make it look entirely different. Just beware of the heavy, opulent mirrors that are so common in Victorian decor! Go with something much lighter, with more mirror than frame.

Leave windows unadorned

Those big old windows deserve to be showcased. Do that by letting them speak for themselves -- get rid of the window treatments! If you must cover a particular window for privacy, go with a somewhat sheer panel that provides that privacy but lets the light shine through.

Downsize your furniture

Large sofas, overstuffed chairs, buffet tables, and dressers that take up half the hallway -- those have to go. Stay true to your home's overall theme but do so with more compact furniture that will give you more room to move.

Pare down like crazy

All those knick-knacks on those shelves? Pack them away. And actually, do you really need the shelves themselves? Though old house decor often includes little touches, those small things can add up to one big mess of clutter. Pare down room by room.

If you're feeling a little cramped in your small space, now is the time to make changes. Remember to always stay true to your home's history, but find little ways around it that can give you a more open, light, and clean space. You are living in the midst of history, but you aren't living in a museum -- your old house should always be comfortable for you.

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