Decorating a historic home in New York City is a unique blend of honoring the past while adding modern-day comforts and personal style. Whether it's a classic brownstone, a pre-war apartment, or a converted loft with architectural charm, the essence of these spaces lies in their storied history.
Decorating such spaces requires thoughtful choices to preserve the historical character while making the space livable and contemporary. Here’s how to approach the art of decorating a historic home in NYC and make the most of every beautiful detail.
Embrace the Architectural Details
Historic homes in New York often come with architectural details that define their character, from intricate crown moldings and coffered ceilings to vintage fireplaces and parquet flooring. Highlighting these details can instantly add elegance and visual interest to the space. You can emphasize these unique elements by choosing contrasting paint colors for the walls and moldings or by spotlighting these features with subtle lighting.
If your historic home has exposed brick walls, for example, consider using natural or warm tones in the surrounding decor to create a cozy ambiance. Architectural elements should feel like the centerpiece of the room, not a background, so avoid over-furnishing or cluttering these areas.
If your historic home has exposed brick walls, for example, consider using natural or warm tones in the surrounding decor to create a cozy ambiance. Architectural elements should feel like the centerpiece of the room, not a background, so avoid over-furnishing or cluttering these areas.
Mix Modern and Antique Furniture
One of the most effective ways to decorate a historic home is to balance the old with the new. Mixing contemporary furniture with antique pieces creates a unique and balanced look that respects the home’s heritage while ensuring functionality. For example, a modern velvet sofa can pair beautifully with an antique coffee table, creating an eclectic and sophisticated ambiance.
When blending furniture styles, stick to a cohesive color palette to create a seamless look. Neutral shades often work best to let the architectural details and furniture stand out without overwhelming the room. For example, warm whites, soft grays, and shades of beige offer a classic backdrop that won’t detract from the beauty of the space.
When blending furniture styles, stick to a cohesive color palette to create a seamless look. Neutral shades often work best to let the architectural details and furniture stand out without overwhelming the room. For example, warm whites, soft grays, and shades of beige offer a classic backdrop that won’t detract from the beauty of the space.
Enhance with Appropriate Lighting
In historic homes, lighting can dramatically impact the ambiance. Given that older homes may not always have ample natural light, focus on layered lighting options. Start with ambient lighting, such as chandeliers or ceiling lights, and layer with task lighting (table and floor lamps) and accent lighting to showcase architectural details.
Opt for vintage-inspired lighting fixtures to maintain the historic charm. Crystal chandeliers, art deco sconces, or Edison bulb pendant lights can add a nostalgic touch. While it’s essential to preserve the authenticity of the space, installing dimmers can give you control over the mood and allow you to balance the light depending on the time of day.
Opt for vintage-inspired lighting fixtures to maintain the historic charm. Crystal chandeliers, art deco sconces, or Edison bulb pendant lights can add a nostalgic touch. While it’s essential to preserve the authenticity of the space, installing dimmers can give you control over the mood and allow you to balance the light depending on the time of day.
Use Historic Color Palettes
Color plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic of a historic home. Many historic NYC homes originally featured deep, rich hues such as forest green, navy blue, and even burgundy. For an updated look, consider selecting muted shades inspired by these traditional palettes.
Soft pastels, such as dusty pink, sage green, or a muted blue-gray, can create an inviting and timeless feel. If you’re drawn to bolder colors, apply them selectively as accent walls or within smaller spaces, like a powder room or reading nook, to keep the overall decor balanced.
Soft pastels, such as dusty pink, sage green, or a muted blue-gray, can create an inviting and timeless feel. If you’re drawn to bolder colors, apply them selectively as accent walls or within smaller spaces, like a powder room or reading nook, to keep the overall decor balanced.
Choose Period-Inspired Textiles
Textiles are another avenue for adding character to your historic home decor. Consider velvet curtains, Persian rugs, and rich, textured upholstery. For window treatments, look to options like Roman shades or floor-length drapery with tassels or vintage-inspired prints. If you prefer a lighter, more modern look, select sheer fabrics that let in more light while keeping the space airy and elegant.
Mixing textures—like pairing leather furniture with silk cushions or wool throws—will add a layered feel to the decor. Look for heritage patterns such as damasks, florals, or even houndstooth that work well with the historical context of your home.
Mixing textures—like pairing leather furniture with silk cushions or wool throws—will add a layered feel to the decor. Look for heritage patterns such as damasks, florals, or even houndstooth that work well with the historical context of your home.
Incorporate Art and Personal Collections
Artwork and collections can make a historic home feel personal and lived-in. Consider investing in period-inspired art pieces that reflect the era of your home, or mix in modern works for a balanced look. Historic homes often have grand walls and high ceilings, so larger artwork can be a fantastic way to utilize the space and draw attention to the room's scale.
When arranging collections, such as vintage mirrors or ceramic plates, group them together to make a statement wall. These items act as visual anchors, helping to tie together other elements in the room. Avoid overcrowding walls, though; instead, create focal points in key areas to maintain the historic home’s airy, open feel.
When arranging collections, such as vintage mirrors or ceramic plates, group them together to make a statement wall. These items act as visual anchors, helping to tie together other elements in the room. Avoid overcrowding walls, though; instead, create focal points in key areas to maintain the historic home’s airy, open feel.
Showcase the Floors
Many NYC historic homes boast beautiful hardwood floors, often with intricate designs like herringbone or parquet patterns. If you’re fortunate enough to have original hardwood, consider refinishing it to highlight its natural beauty. Avoid covering it up entirely with rugs, especially in entryways and living areas.
Select rugs that complement the flooring rather than hide it. For example, antique or vintage rugs can enhance the character of the space without clashing with the floors. Persian or Turkish rugs, known for their durability and intricate patterns, work wonderfully with older homes and add a cozy, elegant touch.
Select rugs that complement the flooring rather than hide it. For example, antique or vintage rugs can enhance the character of the space without clashing with the floors. Persian or Turkish rugs, known for their durability and intricate patterns, work wonderfully with older homes and add a cozy, elegant touch.
Preserve and Restore, Don’t Replace
Restoring a historic home is about bringing out its character rather than remodeling it to be something entirely new. Whenever possible, preserve original features like doors, windows, or fixtures. A professional polish or refinish on wood trims, staircases, or cabinets can often bring these elements back to life.
In some cases, replacement is unavoidable—like with outdated or damaged wiring. When that happens, seek out historically accurate replicas or modern substitutes that complement the original design. This approach allows you to keep the home’s authentic charm while ensuring it meets modern standards for safety and comfort.
In some cases, replacement is unavoidable—like with outdated or damaged wiring. When that happens, seek out historically accurate replicas or modern substitutes that complement the original design. This approach allows you to keep the home’s authentic charm while ensuring it meets modern standards for safety and comfort.
Be Selective with Modern Conveniences
While it’s essential to keep a historic home functional, be selective when incorporating modern technology. Conceal smart home devices or entertainment systems within cabinets or blend them seamlessly into the decor. For example, if you want a large television in the living room, consider a mirror that conceals it when not in use.
Likewise, avoid modern fixtures that clash with the home's aesthetic. Smart lighting and thermostats come in styles that can blend with a vintage look, so do a bit of research to find options that suit the home’s ambiance without feeling out of place.
Likewise, avoid modern fixtures that clash with the home's aesthetic. Smart lighting and thermostats come in styles that can blend with a vintage look, so do a bit of research to find options that suit the home’s ambiance without feeling out of place.
Consult with a Professional Designer
Designing a historic home has its challenges, from handling delicate structures to selecting materials that respect the home’s period. If you’re feeling unsure, a professional interior designer with experience in historic homes can guide you in preserving its character while making it livable. A knowledgeable designer will also be able to source materials, finishes, and furniture that align with your vision while respecting the home’s legacy.
Partner with Luxury NYC Living
Decorating a historic home in NYC is a rewarding process that lets you bring new life into a piece of the city’s history. Whether you envision a classic restoration or a harmonious blend of old and new, the journey to creating your dream space begins with finding the perfect home.
That’s where Smitha Ramchandani of Luxury NYC Living can help. As a real estate expert in New York City, Smitha and her team specialize in locating unique historic properties that match your style and needs. With their guidance, you’ll find the ideal space to bring your decorating vision to life in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
To explore your options and start your journey, contact Smitha Ramchandani to connect with the team today and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
