styling historic homes: WHERE TO PRESERVE & WHERE TO REVAMP

STORY BY WHITNEY BANG

PHOTOS BY THIRTEEN SIXTY PHOTOGRAPHY

Being a fourth generation resident of Ellis County, the adoration and appreciation of historical homes runs deep – but styling a historic home can pose some unique difficulties. How do you incorporate antique pieces without going overboard? Where should you preserve...and where can you revamp? Read along for tips to help you navigate and successfully master the styling of a historic home.

Historical architecture is worth celebrating –When styling historic homes, embrace their timeless aesthetic. Unique features such as custom millwork, pocket doors adorned with intricate hardware, and antique fireplaces are worth celebrating. Let these features be the focal point of each room and allow their character to dictate the floor plan of the space as well as the direction. Arrange area rugs so custom details in the hardwoods are not covered. Keep the pocket doors slightly open to show off ornate hardware. Remove heavy draperies to reveal original trim work. The character of an older home cannot be replicated, so be certain they are the center of attention and foundation for styling.

Foundational pieces – For the furniture pieces in each space, opt for traditional and timeless, with one or two ornate pieces. Incorporate a sofa with angled arms and tapered legs for casual elegance. Use armchairs and ottomans to increase seating and allow areas to congregate. Source a coffee table with curvy legs and carved wood details to break up straight lines. Historic homes (because of their age and delicate details) can feel stuffy and unwelcome – use soft furnishings and textiles to create a warm inviting space.

Lighting – Switching out lighting is an easy and cost effective way to bring personality to a space. In a historic home, I’d recommend selecting fixtures that are transitional in style with an aged patina. An aged finish gives a vintage feel with an updated look. If budget does not allow a lighting update, switching out the bulbs alone can work wonders. Remove warm, often yellow-casting halogen or incandescent bulbs and switch them out for fresher LED bulbs. That alone can make a tremendous difference!

Whitney Bang is the owner and lead designer of Remedy Home Design, a full sevice Interior Design firm based out of Waxahachie. As a fourthgeneration Ellis County native, she’s passionate about the restoration and revival of local residential and commercial properties alike. From renovations to interior styling, pouring her talents into the homes of her community is an honor. She prides herself in connecting with her clients and their families and helping them discover the joy of home.

Insta: @remedyhomedesign remedyhomedesign.com

Accessories – When styling historic homes, antique pieces and heirlooms are pivotal. Source from antique stores locally that are filled with treasures. Frequent Round Top or Antique Alley to score pieces with individuality. A space that is only accessorized with contemporary items will feel out of place in a historic home. Source vintage rugs with natural wear and “lived in” aesthetic. Reframe art in vintage frames. Preserve original cabinetry but update with new hardware. Be careful not to go overboard with the number of accessories...stay simple and minimal. Let the surfaces breathe. Doing so will allow the beautiful historical architecture to shine.

BY KRISSY MIRELES PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE REYNA

Navigating through Valentine’s Day after the loss of a significant loved one, your life partner, can be extremely devastating. The feelings of being all alone and the question of, how are you going to go on, can be unbearable. My journey was excruciating at times after losing my significant partner of 18 years. I was determined to live my best life and not let this destroy me! I leaned heavily on the Lord to help me through this valley that I was placed in.

I started attending a grief group which enabled me to learn the process of grief while being surrounded by people that were experiencing the same thing that I was. This helped me to HEAL, to understand and to grow, to allow me to be victorious in living my life to the fullest.

I found the tools I needed to fast track me to living fully and presently through utilizing the 12 steps of recovery, journaling, praying and meditating. I encourage you to find the tools you need to cope and manage grief so that you do not get stuck in grief. I have seen many people that are not able to move on with their lives. I feel that God has given me a mission to help those that grieve by helping them move forward by taking steps that they may not even know they need or know how to.

Please go to my Divine Design Podcast to listen to Episode 2, “Grief Sucks!” and other episodes as I talk about my journey and the other tools that have helped me live my best life! If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe and like my channel.

Please feel free to reach out to me at krissy@krissym.com or divinedesignpodcast@gmail.com if you need to talk, have questions, need to find a grief group or have any real estate needs. I’m committed to helping you on your healing journey as long as you are willing to make the first effort by reaching out! Don’t get stuck! Start making the best of each day!

Psalm 34:18