Ever walk into a house and feel like it hasn’t changed since 1978? You know the type—thick carpet in the bathroom, popcorn ceilings, maybe a floral border running along the walls like it’s proud to still be clinging on. It’s charming, in a “time capsule” sort of way. But if it’s your home, charm wears thin fast when the sink leaks or the outlets spark if you plug in the blender.
Plenty of people in Memphis are having this moment right now. Home prices, even in more affordable cities, have nudged many buyers toward older houses. These homes often have great bones—sturdy layouts, big yards, real wood cabinets—but they also come with quirks. And by quirks, we mean potential safety hazards dressed up in vintage wallpaper.
Refreshing an older home is a balancing act. You want to preserve the character, but you also want working plumbing and a kitchen that doesn’t require an instruction manual.
In this blog, we’ll break down what matters most when updating an older home—so if a renovation is on your horizon, stick around.
Focus First on What You Use Every Day
It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics. We’ve all watched enough home improvement shows to dream of backsplash tile before fixing the draft in the hallway. But function comes first. And in older homes, the bathroom is often the best place to start.
A dated bathroom isn’t just about looks—it’s about usability. Low water pressure, poor drainage, cracked tile, or a rust-stained tub can make your daily routine feel like a chore. That’s why many homeowners begin their updates there, starting with fixtures and surfaces they interact with every morning.
To ensure the job is done right from the start, it’s important to work with a reliable company that specializes in shower replacement in Memphis—especially when you’re dealing with older plumbing and unique layouts. It’s tempting to DIY everything, but waterproofing, plumbing, and tight tile work can go south fast without the right hands. And in this city, where older homes often have unique layouts or outdated plumbing, a local expert makes all the difference.
A new shower isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a shift in how you start your day. It’s easier to commit to those 6 a.m. wake-ups when your bathroom feels clean, modern, and like it was made for actual humans. Not a set piece from a 1950s ad.
Respect the History Without Getting Stuck in It
Refreshing an older house doesn’t mean erasing its story. Original hardwood floors? Keep them. Classic molding? Paint it, don’t rip it out. But not every old feature is worth saving just because it’s old.
That built-in ironing board in the hallway? Cute, but probably not vital. That ancient wall heater in the living room? A fire hazard dressed in metal grating.
Pick your battles. Keep what adds value—whether it’s historical or emotional—but give yourself permission to update things that just don’t work anymore. A home should reflect your life now, not a reenactment of decades past.
And if you’re unsure what to preserve, talk to a contractor who understands older homes. Some things are charming. Others are just out of code.
Check What You Can’t See
Behind every beautiful old home is a mess of old wiring, cracked pipes, and insulation that gave up years ago. Before investing in style, invest in safety.
Get an inspection if you haven’t already. Check the roof. Look at the foundation. Ask about lead pipes and knob-and-tube wiring. These things are not fun to spend money on—but ignoring them can turn your dream reno into a money pit.
And if you’re opening up walls anyway, take advantage of the chance to insulate, rewire, or replace plumbing. It’s cheaper to fix these issues while you’re already in demo mode than to do it after you’ve patched and painted.
Don’t Underestimate Energy Efficiency
Older homes tend to be beautiful and breezy—sometimes a little too breezy. Thin windows, drafty doors, and outdated HVAC systems can cost you hundreds in utility bills every year.
Swap in double-paned windows where possible. Seal the doors. Check your insulation in the attic and crawlspace. And if your HVAC system predates smartphones, it’s probably time for a new one.
Yes, these upgrades can feel expensive. But they pay for themselves in comfort, lower bills, and resale value. Plus, they make your home more livable in a city like Memphis, where summer heat isn’t just real—it’s relentless.
Plan Your Layout for the Life You Actually Live
Many older homes were designed around different habits. Formal dining rooms, tiny kitchens, and separate parlors made sense decades ago. But today’s homeowners often prefer open layouts, big islands, and flow between spaces.
When refreshing a home, think about how you live. Do you actually want a formal dining room—or would that space work better as a home office or playroom? Do you entertain a lot? Then prioritize sightlines and gathering areas.
It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about making sure your home fits your rhythm. Even small changes—like removing a non-structural wall or expanding a doorway—can make a big difference.
Create a Home That Can Age With You
One thing to love about older homes? They’ve stood the test of time. But your updates should help them stand even longer—especially for you.
Think ahead. Are your upgrades making the home easier to live in now and ten years from now? Walk-in showers, wider hallways, and accessible features aren’t just good for resale. They’re good for peace of mind.
You don’t need to go full “age in place” mode. But thoughtful design now prevents expensive changes later. And as more people look to stay in their homes longer, these decisions are getting smarter by the year.
The bottom line? Refreshing an older house is more than a renovation—it’s a relationship. You learn its quirks. Its history. Its limits. Some days it tests you. Other days it surprises you with how solid and beautiful it still is, decades after it was built.
Prioritize what matters most: safety, comfort, and the way you live every day. Keep the charm. Lose the hassle. And when you’re stuck between the past and the future, make choices that give you both.
Because the best home isn’t the one frozen in time. It’s the one that learns to evolve—with you, for you, and long after the last tile is laid.
