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Wow 'Em with Wainscoting
Zillow Digs home in Berkeley, CA
The three-dimensional quality of wainscoting adds a finishing touch to plain-Jane painted drywall. This millwork comes in a variety of styles, including raised or flat panel as well as cottage-style beadboard. Wainscoting isn’t just for the indoors, either. Board-and-batten was often used on farmhouse exteriors during the Arts and Crafts era, and today provides textural interest to any interior space.
Trim a Room with Rustic Beams
Zillow Digs home in Washington, CT
Wood beams are a wonderful way to add character to both modern and traditional interiors. Accent the ceiling of a long room by adding evenly spaced beams, or mount a single beam over a doorway for a dramatic take on trim. With real and faux wood beams available at a variety of price points, they’re a great way to create character overhead without going overboard.
Add an Antique Door
Zillow Digs home in Seattle, WA
Yesteryear’s door designs bring architectural interest to otherwise ordinary entryways. These days you can still find vintage styles for sale at flea markets and salvage stores. The Dutch door, which is split into independently operating upper and lower sections, was once a practical fixture in farmhouses, letting fresh air inside while keeping animals out. Today, it’s both practical and charming, delightful for use in entryways, kitchens, and playrooms.
Warm Up with Wood
Zillow Digs home in Denver, CO
An alternative to a painted accent wall, wood paneling offers instant warmth and cabin-like coziness, and creates a one-of-a-kind focal point. For a modern look, position the planks horizontally and leave them natural, or opt for whitewash for an informal beachy feel.
Install an Indoor Slate Floor
Zillow Digs home in Cape Elizabeth, ME
Traditional outdoor flooring options can be brought indoors to stunning effect. Try irregularly shaped slate in the kitchen, mudroom, or bath for a look that complements both vintage and modern interiors. Slate is a time-tested classic for a reason: Its smooth, durable, and moisture-resistant surface makes it ideal for heavy-traffic areas, and it’s impervious to most stains when properly sealed.
Swap Out a Standard Tub
Zillow Digs home on Bainbridge Island, WA
Soak your cares away in luxury with the nostalgic elegance of a freestanding tub. An elegant claw-foot adds drama that a standard bath just can’t match. This classic style, first manufactured in the United States in the late 19th century, is back in fashion—so take advantage of its timeless appeal to add distinction and value to your home’s interior.
You Can't Go Wrong with a Chesterfield
homepolish.com; photography by Claire Esparros
It’s not every day you buy a new sofa. This living room workhorse is one of your costlier investments, so it’s important to choose a model that’s durable enough to live up to daily usage, and stylish enough to stand the test of time. If you had to pick one design that does it all, the tufted Chesterfield is it. This classic piece will always feel current, but never dated.
Say "Oui" to a Louis Philippe Mirror
Zillow Digs home in Tulsa, OK
With its classic shape and curved top, this traditional French mirror is a surprisingly apt complement to modern spaces. If you can’t afford an actual antique or custom version, you’ll find a variety of reproductions available for purchase. Inspired by the 19th-century originals, this hand-carved mirror with beaded detail was designed by Michelle at AM Dolce Vita.
Put Your Powder Room on a Pedestal
Zillow Digs home in San Antonio, TX
You can’t go wrong with a white porcelain pedestal sink. Its vintage charm offers unrivaled character that never goes out of style. As long as you don’t need under-counter storage, it’s worth considering swapping out your builder-grade basin for a sculptural sink like the substantial fixture shown here. The simple lines and stately appeal of a pedestal will set your powder room apart from the rest.
Outshine the Competition with a Crystal Chandelier
Zillow Digs home in Mesa, AZ
Turn a ho-hum room into a sophisticated space with a crystal chandelier that harks back to the elegance of bygone days. With its twinkling prisms, this refined fixture will enhance a room with reflected light. For a daring twist on the traditional dining room placement, add a smaller version to your kitchen or powder room. It’s a chic alternative that’s simply brilliant.
Related: 11 Big Ideas for a Small Dining Room
Install Tin Tiles
Don’t overlook the ceiling’s role in providing visual interest in your home. Pressed-tin panels are available in a variety of patterns and colors, and add a traditional touch to any kitchen. For a lower-cost option, purchase Styrofoam ceiling tiles that offer the same old-fashioned look for less, and still leave a lasting impression.
Related: 9 Simple DIY Ways to Reinvent Your Kitchen Cabinets
As Simple as Black and White
Zillow Digs home in Yonkers, NY
Black-and-white floor tiles are a classic choice for retro yet elegant kitchen and baths. Anything but boring, this color combination works well in both contemporary and traditional interiors. With a long history of popularity dating back to Victorian times, the enduring appeal of this geometric pattern will give your home the distinction it deserves.